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India reported 16,738 new coronavirus cases and 138 fatalities in the last 24 hours, the health ministry said. Watch: The total number of coronavirus cases in the country has now risen to 1,10,46,914 with the death toll climbing to 1,56,705.

India reported 16,738 new coronavirus cases and 138 fatalities in the last 24 hours, the health ministry said. Watch: The total number of coronavirus cases in the country has now risen to 1,10,46,914 with the death toll climbing to 1,56,705. According to the health ministry, the number of active cases in the country has risen to 1,51,708. Amid the virus cases, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said 21,38,29,658 COVID-19 samples were tested on Wednesday. India's national capital reported 200 coronavirus cases with two deaths. The number of cases in Delhi has now risen to 6,38,373 with the death toll rising to 10,905. The number of active cases in Delhi has now reached 1,137, according to the health ministry. Maharashtra which is the worst-hit state due to the virus reported 8,807 COVID-19 cases along with 80 deaths in the last 24 hours taking the total number of deaths to 51,937. The total number of coronavirus cases in Maharashtra now stands at 21,21,119. Pune in Maharashtra reported 1,479 new coronavirus cases along with four deaths with the total death toll rising to 9,204. Meanwhile, India's health ministry said a total of 1,23,66,633 vaccine doses have been given to healthcare and frontline workers through 2,63,224 sessions. Indian Railways in a statement said slightly higher fares have been introduced to discourage people from avoidable travels. "COVID-19 is still around and worsening in some states. Visitors from many states are being subjected to screening in other areas and discouraged to travel," it said.

India reports over 16,000 COVID-19 cases, 138 fatalities in 24 hours

The Indian Govt plans to vaccinate more than 270 million people in the 2nd phase of the inoculation drive. The nation of more than 1.3 billion is undertaking what may be the world’s largest vaccination push.

India: Govt plans to vaccinate 270 mn people in phase 2

As many as 114 European Union Parliamentarians or MEPs have issued a declaration calling European Commission and the European Council to not block waiver for Covid vaccine intellectual property rights (IPR) at the World Trade Organisation.&nbsp;

The proposal for waiver was given by India and South Africa jointly last year. It, however, faces stiff opposition from western countries, including the EU.

The declaration said, "EU’s open opposition to the TRIPS waiver risks exacerbating a dangerous North-South divide when it comes to affordable access to COVID-19 diagnostics, personal protective equipment, treatments, and vaccines."

Pointing out to the need for an IPR waiver, it said, "WTO decision on a potential waiver offers a crucial and much-needed act of effective solidarity as it is an important step towards increasing local production in partner countries and, ultimately, suppressing this pandemic on a global scale."

The development comes ahead of the European Council meeting on Thursday and the crucial decision to be made by all Member States at the WTO General Council on March 1-2.

The European Parliament is made up of 705 members elected in the 27 member states of the enlarged European Union. The MEPs, who have backed the declaration, include Kathleen Van Brempt, Anna Cavazzini, Benoît Lutgen, Philippe Lamberts, and Marie Arena etc.

Calling for "constructive dialogue" with partner countries, the declaration highlighted that the action will "enable local production capacities (for covid vaccine) and increase their access to COVID-19 treatments."

It reminded COVID-19 medical products are "global public goods" and the statements by the European Commission, which is the executive branch of the European Union have not "translated into actionable realities."

The WTO met on Tuesday to discuss the proposal and with consensus yet to be achieved.

The LDC group (least developed countries) -- consisting of 35 members -- have come out in support of the proposal.

As many as 114 European Union Parliamentarians or MEPs have issued a declaration calling European Commission and the European Council to not block waiver for Covid vaccine intellectual property rights (IPR) at the World Trade Organisation.

As many as 114 European Union Parliamentarians or MEPs have issued a declaration calling European Commission and the European Council to not block waiver for Covid vaccine intellectual property rights (IPR) at the World Trade Organisation. The proposal for waiver was given by India and South Africa jointly last year. It, however, faces stiff opposition from western countries, including the EU. The declaration said, "EU’s open opposition to the TRIPS waiver risks exacerbating a dangerous North-South divide when it comes to affordable access to COVID-19 diagnostics, personal protective equipment, treatments, and vaccines." Pointing out to the need for an IPR waiver, it said, "WTO decision on a potential waiver offers a crucial and much-needed act of effective solidarity as it is an important step towards increasing local production in partner countries and, ultimately, suppressing this pandemic on a global scale." The development comes ahead of the European Council meeting on Thursday and the crucial decision to be made by all Member States at the WTO General Council on March 1-2. The European Parliament is made up of 705 members elected in the 27 member states of the enlarged European Union. The MEPs, who have backed the declaration, include Kathleen Van Brempt, Anna Cavazzini, Benoît Lutgen, Philippe Lamberts, and Marie Arena etc. Calling for "constructive dialogue" with partner countries, the declaration highlighted that the action will "enable local production capacities (for covid vaccine) and increase their access to COVID-19 treatments." It reminded COVID-19 medical products are "global public goods" and the statements by the European Commission, which is the executive branch of the European Union have not "translated into actionable realities." The WTO met on Tuesday to discuss the proposal and with consensus yet to be achieved. The LDC group (least developed countries) -- consisting of 35 members -- have come out in support of the proposal.

More than 100 EU parliamentarians back India-South Africa proposal for Covid vaccine IPR waiver

India has announced sweeping guidelines for its social media in a move to stands up to big tech. WION brings you more.

WION Fineprint: India unveil tougher rules for social media

The dream run of tech giants in India could soon be over as the government has unveiled a new set of guidelines. Content will now be regulated. Dispute resolution will be swift and trouble-makers will not be protected. This is India's playbook to rein in big tech. It's a template that you will probably see more and more countries adopt.&nbsp;

The battles lines have been drawn after more than a decade of unchecked expansion. The walls are closing in on tech giants. The latest blow was dealt by India. New guidelines have been introduced. These tough ones will rein in the likes of Facebook and Twitter. Three months from now, the new digital regime will take effect.&nbsp;

it will make the Indian state, a stakeholder in content regulation. The full draft is yet to be released but a few provisions stand out.&nbsp;

First, the removal of objectionable content and complaints will have to be registered in 24 hours. Following which, there is a 15-day deadline for redressal but if the content is highly provocative or hurtful as it must be taken down in 24 hours.&nbsp;

These complaints will be compiled by a grievance officer, who must reside in India. All social media companies will have to produce a monthly compliance report. How many complaints were registered? In how many cases action was taken?&nbsp;

They can't protect the trouble-makers as well. If an Indian court or the government wants to trace content on social media, the companies will have to take names. Where did the objectionable content emerge? Which accounts amplified it? Information that they have always denied. Big tech does not have a fixed yardstick. In Europe and the US, they often submit to government scrutiny.&nbsp;

Elsewhere, they run riot, stealing private data and fuelling propaganda.&nbsp;

Ravi Shankar Prasad, law minister, India said, "Every social media platforms are welcome in India, but, with utmost respect, I would like to say that there shouldn't be double standards. If an attack is there on Capitol Hill in Congress, then social media supports the police action but if there's an aggressive attack on the Red Fort, the symbol of India's freedom where our Prime Minister hoists the National Flag, you have double standards. this is plainly unacceptable."&nbsp;

There are new rules for streaming services as well. They will be overseen by a self-regulatory body headed by a retired supreme court or high court judge.&nbsp;

The content will no longer be one size fits all. There will be five categories based on age, such as universal, aged 7+, 13+, 16+ and adult. There will be an exhaustive age verification process for adult content. &nbsp;

These guidelines are in a way unprecedented in most parts of the world. Social media is internet's wilderness, a land beyond laws. For years, tech giants have fought against checks but now the movement has gone global. Compliance is the only option. Facebook's reaction to the new guidelines says it all. "We have always been clear as a company that we welcome regulations that set guidelines for addressing today’s toughest challenges on the internet," it said.&nbsp;

India's new guidelines could become a global playbook. One thing's for sure, tech giants are no more the darlings of the internet but the question is can they avoid becoming its scourge?&nbsp;

The dream run of tech giants in India could soon be over as the government has unveiled a new set of guidelines. Content will now be regulated. Dispute resolution will be swift and trouble-makers will not be protected.

The dream run of tech giants in India could soon be over as the government has unveiled a new set of guidelines. Content will now be regulated. Dispute resolution will be swift and trouble-makers will not be protected. This is India's playbook to rein in big tech. It's a template that you will probably see more and more countries adopt. The battles lines have been drawn after more than a decade of unchecked expansion. The walls are closing in on tech giants. The latest blow was dealt by India. New guidelines have been introduced. These tough ones will rein in the likes of Facebook and Twitter. Three months from now, the new digital regime will take effect. it will make the Indian state, a stakeholder in content regulation. The full draft is yet to be released but a few provisions stand out. First, the removal of objectionable content and complaints will have to be registered in 24 hours. Following which, there is a 15-day deadline for redressal but if the content is highly provocative or hurtful as it must be taken down in 24 hours. These complaints will be compiled by a grievance officer, who must reside in India. All social media companies will have to produce a monthly compliance report. How many complaints were registered? In how many cases action was taken? They can't protect the trouble-makers as well. If an Indian court or the government wants to trace content on social media, the companies will have to take names. Where did the objectionable content emerge? Which accounts amplified it? Information that they have always denied. Big tech does not have a fixed yardstick. In Europe and the US, they often submit to government scrutiny. Elsewhere, they run riot, stealing private data and fuelling propaganda. Ravi Shankar Prasad, law minister, India said, "Every social media platforms are welcome in India, but, with utmost respect, I would like to say that there shouldn't be double standards. If an attack is there on Capitol Hill in Congress, then social media supports the police action but if there's an aggressive attack on the Red Fort, the symbol of India's freedom where our Prime Minister hoists the National Flag, you have double standards. this is plainly unacceptable." There are new rules for streaming services as well. They will be overseen by a self-regulatory body headed by a retired supreme court or high court judge. The content will no longer be one size fits all. There will be five categories based on age, such as universal, aged 7+, 13+, 16+ and adult. There will be an exhaustive age verification process for adult content. These guidelines are in a way unprecedented in most parts of the world. Social media is internet's wilderness, a land beyond laws. For years, tech giants have fought against checks but now the movement has gone global. Compliance is the only option. Facebook's reaction to the new guidelines says it all. "We have always been clear as a company that we welcome regulations that set guidelines for addressing today’s toughest challenges on the internet," it said. India's new guidelines could become a global playbook. One thing's for sure, tech giants are no more the darlings of the internet but the question is can they avoid becoming its scourge?

India's new guidelines could become a global playbook 

Those critical of India’s and South Africa’s proposal argue that suspension of patents would not address the production and shortage issues

India-EU push to temporarily ban vaccine patents

India on Thursday requested the Canadian authorities to ensure the safety and security of its citizens following reports that threats have been given by Khalistani groups to the Indian community in Canada after they held a 'tiranga rally' in support of farm laws. &nbsp;

"We have come across threats and intimidation of some members of the Indian community in Canada. These threats have come from certain fringe elements in Canada and we have taken this up with the Canadian authorities both in Ottawa and Delhi," said Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Anurag Srivastava in a weekly briefing after a question on threats from the Khalistani groups to the Indian community. &nbsp;

"We have requested them to take steps to ensure the safety of Indian citizens in Canada. We advise Indian nationals to report any such incidents to the local Canadian police and also bring to the immediate attention of the High Commission of Ottawa and as well as our consulates there," the MEA spokesperson said.&nbsp;

Srivastava further informed that the Indian government has taken this issue with the Canadian authorities as it concerns the safety and security of our missions and consulate and our diplomatic personnel in Canada.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, a group of Indian diaspora conducted a 'Tiranga Yatra rally' in Vancouver from Strawberry Hill in Surrey to the Consulate General of India as a display of the strong bilateral relations between India and Canada.&nbsp;

The rally saw the participation of scores of people holding Indian and Canadian flags. Besides the huge crowd, around 350 cars took part in the yatra. &nbsp;

India on Thursday requested the Canadian authorities to ensure the safety and security of its citizens following reports that threats have been given by Khalistani groups to the Indian community in Canada after they held a 'tiranga rally' in support of farm laws.

India on Thursday requested the Canadian authorities to ensure the safety and security of its citizens following reports that threats have been given by Khalistani groups to the Indian community in Canada after they held a 'tiranga rally' in support of farm laws. "We have come across threats and intimidation of some members of the Indian community in Canada. These threats have come from certain fringe elements in Canada and we have taken this up with the Canadian authorities both in Ottawa and Delhi," said Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Anurag Srivastava in a weekly briefing after a question on threats from the Khalistani groups to the Indian community. "We have requested them to take steps to ensure the safety of Indian citizens in Canada. We advise Indian nationals to report any such incidents to the local Canadian police and also bring to the immediate attention of the High Commission of Ottawa and as well as our consulates there," the MEA spokesperson said. Srivastava further informed that the Indian government has taken this issue with the Canadian authorities as it concerns the safety and security of our missions and consulate and our diplomatic personnel in Canada. Earlier this month, a group of Indian diaspora conducted a 'Tiranga Yatra rally' in Vancouver from Strawberry Hill in Surrey to the Consulate General of India as a display of the strong bilateral relations between India and Canada. The rally saw the participation of scores of people holding Indian and Canadian flags. Besides the huge crowd, around 350 cars took part in the yatra.

After reports of Khalistani threats, MEA asks Canada to ensure Indians’ safety  

After a UK court ruled in favour of fugitive businessman Nirav Modi's extradition to India, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said the government will liaise with authorities in the UK for his early extradition.

The diamantaire, wanted in India on charges of fraud and money laundering in the estimated USD 2-billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam case, lost his legal battle against extradition on all grounds as District Judge Samuel Goozee also concluded that there are no human rights concerns that his medical needs would not be addressed as per several Indian government assurances.

Replying to a query during an online media briefing, MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said that since the Westminster Magistrate''s Court has recommended to the UK Home Secretary for Nirav Modi''s extradition, "the Government of India would liaise with the UK authorities for his early extradition to India."

On the request of the CBI and the ED, Modi''s extradition from the UK was sought in August 2018. He was arrested and produced before the Senior District Judge at Westminster Magistrate''s court on March 20, 2019.

Since then he is facing extradition proceedings while in judicial custody.

The final hearing in this case was held on January 7-8, 2021, while the Westminster Magistrate''s Court in London earlier in the day pronounced that he be extradited to India to stand trial.

"Dismissing the mental health concerns raised by Nirav Modi, the judge observed that Nirav Modi conspired to destroy evidence and intimidate witnesses," Srivastava said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

After a UK court ruled in favour of fugitive businessman Nirav Modi's extradition to India, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said the government will liaise with authorities in the UK for his early extradition.

After a UK court ruled in favour of fugitive businessman Nirav Modi's extradition to India, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said the government will liaise with authorities in the UK for his early extradition. The diamantaire, wanted in India on charges of fraud and money laundering in the estimated USD 2-billion Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam case, lost his legal battle against extradition on all grounds as District Judge Samuel Goozee also concluded that there are no human rights concerns that his medical needs would not be addressed as per several Indian government assurances. Replying to a query during an online media briefing, MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said that since the Westminster Magistrate''s Court has recommended to the UK Home Secretary for Nirav Modi''s extradition, "the Government of India would liaise with the UK authorities for his early extradition to India." On the request of the CBI and the ED, Modi''s extradition from the UK was sought in August 2018. He was arrested and produced before the Senior District Judge at Westminster Magistrate''s court on March 20, 2019. Since then he is facing extradition proceedings while in judicial custody. The final hearing in this case was held on January 7-8, 2021, while the Westminster Magistrate''s Court in London earlier in the day pronounced that he be extradited to India to stand trial. "Dismissing the mental health concerns raised by Nirav Modi, the judge observed that Nirav Modi conspired to destroy evidence and intimidate witnesses," Srivastava said. (With inputs from agencies)

PNB scam case: India will liaise with UK for Nirav Modi's early extradition, says MEA

The air quality in the national capital once again went down to the "very poor" category on Thursday with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) registered at 303.

According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), at 6 am, the concentrations of the particulate matter (PM) with a diameter of 10 and 2.5 microns stood at 277 in poor category and 124 in very poor category) respectively.

An AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor and 401-500 is marked as severe or hazardous.

"The overall Delhi air quality is in the Poor category as forecasted. Surface winds are low and forecasted to improve during the day. AQI is likely to marginally deteriorate tomorrow and likely to stay at the Poor to the lower end of the Very Poor category. An increase in wind speed and boundary layer height is forecasted from 26 February. This is likely to influence AQI positively and Poor AQI is forecasted on 26 and 27 February," SAFAR said in its bulletin.

SAFAR, in its health advisory, stated that people should avoid all physical activity outdoors and move activities indoors. It urged the asthmatics to keep medicines handy. Meanwhile, the air quality in Maharashtra`s Mumbai also deteriorated to the `poor` category from the `moderate` category.

The air quality in the national capital once again went down to the "very poor" category on Thursday with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) registered at 303. According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), at 6 am, the concentrations of the particulate matter (PM) with a diameter of 10 and 2.

The air quality in the national capital once again went down to the "very poor" category on Thursday with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) registered at 303. According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), at 6 am, the concentrations of the particulate matter (PM) with a diameter of 10 and 2.5 microns stood at 277 in poor category and 124 in very poor category) respectively. An AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 is satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor and 401-500 is marked as severe or hazardous. "The overall Delhi air quality is in the Poor category as forecasted. Surface winds are low and forecasted to improve during the day. AQI is likely to marginally deteriorate tomorrow and likely to stay at the Poor to the lower end of the Very Poor category. An increase in wind speed and boundary layer height is forecasted from 26 February. This is likely to influence AQI positively and Poor AQI is forecasted on 26 and 27 February," SAFAR said in its bulletin. SAFAR, in its health advisory, stated that people should avoid all physical activity outdoors and move activities indoors. It urged the asthmatics to keep medicines handy. Meanwhile, the air quality in Maharashtra`s Mumbai also deteriorated to the `poor` category from the `moderate` category.

Delhi's air quality 'very poor', AQI at 303

The impact of global warming across the world is increasingly evident over these passing years. In India's Jammu & Kashmir, Srinagar has witnessed extremes of cold and heat in a span of less than a month time. WION brings you a report.

WION Fineprint: Jammu & Kashmir feel the effects of extreme climate change

President’s rule has been imposed in Puducherry days after Congress-led government lost power in the Union Territory. The Congress-led government lost power on Monday following multiple resignations.

The Ministry of Home Affairs on Thursday notified President's Rule in Puducherry, days after a Congress-led government in the union territory lost power during a vote of confidence.

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Ministry of Home Affairs notifies President's Rule in Puducherry, issues gazette notification <a href="https://t.co/dQKiGSo6Lr">pic.twitter.com/dQKiGSo6Lr</a>
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&nbsp;

Earlier, the Union Cabinet had approved a proposal to impose President's Rule in Puducherry following Congress fall out.

(With inputs from agencies)

President’s rule has been imposed in Puducherry days after Congress-led government lost power in the Union Territory. The Congress-led government lost power on Monday following multiple resignations.

President’s rule has been imposed in Puducherry days after Congress-led government lost power in the Union Territory. The Congress-led government lost power on Monday following multiple resignations. The Ministry of Home Affairs on Thursday notified President's Rule in Puducherry, days after a Congress-led government in the union territory lost power during a vote of confidence. Ministry of Home Affairs notifies President's Rule in Puducherry, issues gazette notification pic.twitter.com/dQKiGSo6Lr — ANI (@ANI) February 25, 2021 × Earlier, the Union Cabinet had approved a proposal to impose President's Rule in Puducherry following Congress fall out. (With inputs from agencies)

President's Rule imposed in Puducherry after Congress government falls ahead of polls

As many as 57 members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) have supported India's proposal for Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) waiver on Covid-19 vaccines, said Union Minister of Railways Piyush Goyal on Thursday.&nbsp;

Speaking at the sixth edition of the International Conference on Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Industry - 'India 2021 and India Medical Devices 2021' via video conferencing, the Union Minister invoked to make next decade, the decade of India.&nbsp;

He further said that India along with South Africa is at the forefront, in a proposal introduced in October 2020, before the WTO in the TRIPS council, for a waiver during Covid-19 to allow more countries to get equitable access to medicines. "We now have 57 WTO members supporting us," he said.&nbsp;

Calling upon the pharmaceutical industry to show a big heart across the world and support the TRIPS waiver that India proposed at WTO, he said that this will help the entire world come out of the pandemic much faster.&nbsp;

The minister said that the proposal has put the developed world under pressure, who are trying to protect the interests of some pharmaceutical companies.&nbsp;

"India has seen golden period for healthcare in last few years. Can we make next decade, the decade of India, where we decide that between 2021 and 2030, entire world should be following Indian standards?," said the Union Minister.&nbsp;

Talking over the achievements of the Indian pharma industry during the Covid-19 pandemic and the speed with which they produced the vaccines, he stated that "The pharmaceutical industry is the class example of the glass half full. You have done wonderful work. The nation and world will always be indebted to the Indian Pharma Industry, often called the 'Pharmacy of the World'. But I could even call it 'Health Capital of World'."&nbsp;

"And more so, the contribution that Indian Pharma companies provided to the world. Also, because I can see, that very soon given collective efforts of the industry, all the stakeholders, the minister and his ministry and the entire Government of India support and the blessings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi put a very very bright future for your industry," he added.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been lauded by the global leaders as India continues to lead in assisting countries with vaccines.&nbsp;

"Can we take it upon ourselves that this is going to be defining decade both for the pharma industry and the country as move forward to truly achieve the rightful place of India in the comity of nations?" asked Goyal.&nbsp;

More than 25 nations across the world have already received Made-in-India vaccines and 49 more countries will be supplied in the coming days, ranging from Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean to Africa, South-East Asia and the Pacific Islands, he announced.&nbsp;

As many as 57 members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) have supported India's proposal for Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) waiver on Covid-19 vaccines, said Union Minister of Railways Piyush Goyal on Thursday.

As many as 57 members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) have supported India's proposal for Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) waiver on Covid-19 vaccines, said Union Minister of Railways Piyush Goyal on Thursday. Speaking at the sixth edition of the International Conference on Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Industry - 'India 2021 and India Medical Devices 2021' via video conferencing, the Union Minister invoked to make next decade, the decade of India. He further said that India along with South Africa is at the forefront, in a proposal introduced in October 2020, before the WTO in the TRIPS council, for a waiver during Covid-19 to allow more countries to get equitable access to medicines. "We now have 57 WTO members supporting us," he said. Calling upon the pharmaceutical industry to show a big heart across the world and support the TRIPS waiver that India proposed at WTO, he said that this will help the entire world come out of the pandemic much faster. The minister said that the proposal has put the developed world under pressure, who are trying to protect the interests of some pharmaceutical companies. "India has seen golden period for healthcare in last few years. Can we make next decade, the decade of India, where we decide that between 2021 and 2030, entire world should be following Indian standards?," said the Union Minister. Talking over the achievements of the Indian pharma industry during the Covid-19 pandemic and the speed with which they produced the vaccines, he stated that "The pharmaceutical industry is the class example of the glass half full. You have done wonderful work. The nation and world will always be indebted to the Indian Pharma Industry, often called the 'Pharmacy of the World'. But I could even call it 'Health Capital of World'." "And more so, the contribution that Indian Pharma companies provided to the world. Also, because I can see, that very soon given collective efforts of the industry, all the stakeholders, the minister and his ministry and the entire Government of India support and the blessings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi put a very very bright future for your industry," he added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been lauded by the global leaders as India continues to lead in assisting countries with vaccines. "Can we take it upon ourselves that this is going to be defining decade both for the pharma industry and the country as move forward to truly achieve the rightful place of India in the comity of nations?" asked Goyal. More than 25 nations across the world have already received Made-in-India vaccines and 49 more countries will be supplied in the coming days, ranging from Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean to Africa, South-East Asia and the Pacific Islands, he announced.

India's TRIPS waiver proposal at WTO gets a boost, secures support of 57 nations

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar met his Uzbekistan counterpart Abdulaziz Kamilov on Thursday and discussed various bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest.&nbsp;

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement that during Kamilov's two-day visit to New Delhi on February 24 and 25, both sides took stock of various aspects of bilateral cooperation between India and Uzbekistan.&nbsp;

"They positively assessed the progress on the outcomes of the India-Uzbekistan Virtual Summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held on December 11, 2020. Both countries have been actively cooperating in the regional and multilateral formats including the UN, Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the India-Central Asia Dialogue," the statement said.&nbsp;

Foreign Minister Kamilov extended an invitation for participation in an international conference on regional connectivity being organised by Uzbekistan in Tashkent on July 15-16, 2021, MEA said.&nbsp;

The MEA also said that both Ministers also discussed the evolving situation in Afghanistan and noted the importance of a stable and peaceful Afghanistan for regional peace, stability and security. &nbsp;

Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was on a two-day visit to Mauritius, where he offered prayers at the holy Ganga Talao. "Offered prayers at the holy Ganga Talao this morning. Grateful to FM Alan Ganoo, Culture Minister Avinash Teeluck and Agriculture Minister Maneesh Gobin for joining me," Jaishankar said in a tweet. &nbsp;

This was the last leg of his two-nation tour. Earlier, he visited the Maldives. India and Mauritius had on Monday signed free trade agreement along with five key pacts. This was the first such agreement with an African country. The agreement was signed during the visit of the External Affairs Minister to the island nation. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Jaishankar, who addressed the media with the Prime Minister of Mauritius, said India is privileged to have entered the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) with Mauritius.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar met his Uzbekistan counterpart Abdulaziz Kamilov on Thursday and discussed various bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest.

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar met his Uzbekistan counterpart Abdulaziz Kamilov on Thursday and discussed various bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement that during Kamilov's two-day visit to New Delhi on February 24 and 25, both sides took stock of various aspects of bilateral cooperation between India and Uzbekistan. "They positively assessed the progress on the outcomes of the India-Uzbekistan Virtual Summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held on December 11, 2020. Both countries have been actively cooperating in the regional and multilateral formats including the UN, Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the India-Central Asia Dialogue," the statement said. Foreign Minister Kamilov extended an invitation for participation in an international conference on regional connectivity being organised by Uzbekistan in Tashkent on July 15-16, 2021, MEA said. The MEA also said that both Ministers also discussed the evolving situation in Afghanistan and noted the importance of a stable and peaceful Afghanistan for regional peace, stability and security. Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was on a two-day visit to Mauritius, where he offered prayers at the holy Ganga Talao. "Offered prayers at the holy Ganga Talao this morning. Grateful to FM Alan Ganoo, Culture Minister Avinash Teeluck and Agriculture Minister Maneesh Gobin for joining me," Jaishankar said in a tweet. This was the last leg of his two-nation tour. Earlier, he visited the Maldives. India and Mauritius had on Monday signed free trade agreement along with five key pacts. This was the first such agreement with an African country. The agreement was signed during the visit of the External Affairs Minister to the island nation. Jaishankar, who addressed the media with the Prime Minister of Mauritius, said India is privileged to have entered the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) with Mauritius.

Jaishankar meets Uzbekistan counterpart, discusses issues of mutual interest

Fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi will be extradited to India to stand trial, UK extradition judge ordered on Thursday.

UK Extradition judge ruled that Nirav Modi has a case to answer for in India.

Nirav Modi was arrested on an extradition warrant on March 19, 2019, and has appeared via videolink from Wandsworth Prison for a series of court hearings in the extradition case. His multiple attempts at seeking bail have been repeatedly turned down, both at the Magistrates' and High Court level, as he was deemed a flight risk.

He is the subject of two sets of criminal proceedings, with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) case relating to a large-scale fraud upon PNB through the fraudulent obtaining of letters of undertaking (LoUs) or loan agreements, and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) case relating to the laundering of the proceeds of that fraud.

He also faces two additional charges of "causing the disappearance of evidence" and intimidating witnesses or "criminal intimidation to cause death, which were added on to the CBI case.

At the heart of the scheme is a conspiracy between Modi and several members of staff at PNB to siphon money out of the bank using `Letters of Undertaking`, a bank guarantee which allows a bank`s customers to raise money from the foreign branches of other Indian banks as a form of short term credit.

(With inputs from agencies)

Fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi will be extradited to India to stand trial, UK extradition judge ordered on Thursday. UK Extradition judge ruled that Nirav Modi has a case to answer for in India.

Fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi will be extradited to India to stand trial, UK extradition judge ordered on Thursday. UK Extradition judge ruled that Nirav Modi has a case to answer for in India. Nirav Modi was arrested on an extradition warrant on March 19, 2019, and has appeared via videolink from Wandsworth Prison for a series of court hearings in the extradition case. His multiple attempts at seeking bail have been repeatedly turned down, both at the Magistrates' and High Court level, as he was deemed a flight risk. He is the subject of two sets of criminal proceedings, with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) case relating to a large-scale fraud upon PNB through the fraudulent obtaining of letters of undertaking (LoUs) or loan agreements, and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) case relating to the laundering of the proceeds of that fraud. He also faces two additional charges of "causing the disappearance of evidence" and intimidating witnesses or "criminal intimidation to cause death, which were added on to the CBI case. At the heart of the scheme is a conspiracy between Modi and several members of staff at PNB to siphon money out of the bank using `Letters of Undertaking`, a bank guarantee which allows a bank`s customers to raise money from the foreign branches of other Indian banks as a form of short term credit. (With inputs from agencies)

PNB scam case: Nirav Modi to be extradited to India, loses case in UK court

Indian government on Thursday announced new guidelines aimed at curbing misuse of social media and covered OTT platforms. The prominent feature of these guidelines was government's direction to platforms to appoint grievance mechanisms and for them to disclose first originator of mischievous information. The rules also asked the platforms to remove content depicting nudity or morphed pictures of women after receiving complaints and following procedures set up by the grievance redressal mechanism.

The rules were laid out in a press conference addressed by Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar and Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.&nbsp;

Both the ministers said that the guidelines were prepared after widespread consultations.

Prasad said that social media intermediaries will be categorised into two categories

1. Intermediaries 
2. Significant social media intermediaries

Prasad said that the classification has been done based on number of users and that the government will soon notify the exact number of users based on which the classification will be done. Significant social media intermediaries will have greater obligations.

As per the new rules, social media intermediaries have to appoint a grievance officer, who shall register complaints in 24 hours. The grievance redressal official must be resident in India, and monthly compliance reports will have to be filed by social media platforms.

Social media platforms on being asked by court or government will be required to disclose the first originator of the mischievous information.

Significant social media intermediaries will have to appoint a chief compliance officer in India. In addition to this, the platform will be required to have nodal contact person-resident in India-for coordination with law enforcement agencies, and have resident grievance officer for grievance redressal

"If there are complaints against dignity of users, particularly women - expose private parts of individuals or nudity or sexual act or impersonation etc - you'll be required to remove that within 24 hrs after complaint made. This is designed to respect dignity of women," said Ravi Shankar Prasad

"The laws made for significant social media will be implemented within 3 months so that they can improve their mechanism. The rest will come into effect from the day the rules are notified," he said.

During his address, Prasad said that every social media platform was "welcome" in India but added that there should not be "double standards"

"...If attack takes place on Capitol Hill, then social media&nbsp;supports police action but if there's aggressive attack on Red Fort, then you've double standards. This is plainly not acceptable," he said.

He also said that social media platforms should have provision for a "voluntary verification mechanism of the users"

'3-stair mechanism for OTT platforms'

I&amp;B Minister Prakash Javadekar spoke about mechanism for OTT platforms.

"We have decided to have a 3-stair mechanism for OTT platforms. OTT and digital news media will have to disclose their details. We are not mandating registration, we are seeking information," he said

"There should be a grievance redressal system in OTT platforms and digital portals. OTT platforms will have to have a self-regulating body, headed by retired Supreme Court or High Court judge or very eminent person in this category"

Javadekar made a case for self-classification of content on OTT platforms

"For OTT, there should be self-classification of content -- 13+, 16+ and A categories. There has to be a mechanism of parental lock and ensuring compliance that children don't see that," he said.

(With inputs from ANI and PTI)

Indian government on Thursday announced new guidelines aimed at curbing misuse of social media and covered OTT platforms. The prominent feature of these guidelines was government's direction to platforms to appoint grievance mechanisms and for them to disclose first originator of mischievous information.

Indian government on Thursday announced new guidelines aimed at curbing misuse of social media and covered OTT platforms. The prominent feature of these guidelines was government's direction to platforms to appoint grievance mechanisms and for them to disclose first originator of mischievous information. The rules also asked the platforms to remove content depicting nudity or morphed pictures of women after receiving complaints and following procedures set up by the grievance redressal mechanism. The rules were laid out in a press conference addressed by Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar and Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad. Both the ministers said that the guidelines were prepared after widespread consultations. Prasad said that social media intermediaries will be categorised into two categories 1. Intermediaries 2. Significant social media intermediaries Prasad said that the classification has been done based on number of users and that the government will soon notify the exact number of users based on which the classification will be done. Significant social media intermediaries will have greater obligations. As per the new rules, social media intermediaries have to appoint a grievance officer, who shall register complaints in 24 hours. The grievance redressal official must be resident in India, and monthly compliance reports will have to be filed by social media platforms. Social media platforms on being asked by court or government will be required to disclose the first originator of the mischievous information. Significant social media intermediaries will have to appoint a chief compliance officer in India. In addition to this, the platform will be required to have nodal contact person-resident in India-for coordination with law enforcement agencies, and have resident grievance officer for grievance redressal "If there are complaints against dignity of users, particularly women - expose private parts of individuals or nudity or sexual act or impersonation etc - you'll be required to remove that within 24 hrs after complaint made. This is designed to respect dignity of women," said Ravi Shankar Prasad "The laws made for significant social media will be implemented within 3 months so that they can improve their mechanism. The rest will come into effect from the day the rules are notified," he said. During his address, Prasad said that every social media platform was "welcome" in India but added that there should not be "double standards" "...If attack takes place on Capitol Hill, then social media supports police action but if there's aggressive attack on Red Fort, then you've double standards. This is plainly not acceptable," he said. He also said that social media platforms should have provision for a "voluntary verification mechanism of the users" '3-stair mechanism for OTT platforms' I&B Minister Prakash Javadekar spoke about mechanism for OTT platforms. "We have decided to have a 3-stair mechanism for OTT platforms. OTT and digital news media will have to disclose their details. We are not mandating registration, we are seeking information," he said "There should be a grievance redressal system in OTT platforms and digital portals. OTT platforms will have to have a self-regulating body, headed by retired Supreme Court or High Court judge or very eminent person in this category" Javadekar made a case for self-classification of content on OTT platforms "For OTT, there should be self-classification of content -- 13+, 16+ and A categories. There has to be a mechanism of parental lock and ensuring compliance that children don't see that," he said. (With inputs from ANI and PTI)

India announces new guidelines for social media, OTT platforms

Those critical of India’s and South Africa’s proposal argue that suspension of patents would not address the production and shortage issues.

'Vaccine patent suspension will help more nations': Piyush Goyal

Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/narendra-modi">Narendra Modi </a>on Thursday inaugurated a slew of completed projects here and laid the foundation stone for others, including in the ports and highways sectors.

Insisting that the Centre has made many efforts to improve rural and coastal connectivity, he said farmers across the country were innovating and that it was the duty of his government to ensure their produce got a good market.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/centre-plans-to-privatise-psus-in-all-sectors-barring-4-strategic-ones-pm-modi-365966">Centre plans to privatise PSUs in all sectors barring 4 strategic ones: PM Modi</a>

"Good roads do exactly that," he said while laying the foundation stone for the four-laning of NH 45 A Sattanathapuram-Nagappattinam stretch covering Karaikal district. 
The four-laning activity will certainly lead to better connectivity while economic activity will pick up pace, he said.

At the same time it will improve access to the holy Shaneeswaran temple at Tirunallar and provide easy interstate connectivity to The Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health and the Nagore Dargah, both located in nearby Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu, he noted.

"The four laning will also draw industry and ensure job opportunities for local youth," Modi said, while assuring all possible help for the development of this union territory.

"The government of India has made many efforts to improve rural and coastal connectivity. The agriculture sector will gain from this (four laning). Across India our farmers are innovating. It is our duty to ensure their produce get good market," he added.

The Prime Minister inaugurated a Blood Centre at state-run JIPMER, a Sports Authority of India (SAI) girls hostel at Lawspet and a reconstructed Heritage Mairie Building. The heritage building will add to the beauty of the beach promenade.

He laid the foundation stone for the Medical College Building at Karaikal New Campus of JIPMER-Phase I and the development of Minor Port at Puducherry under Sagarmala scheme.

Modi also laid the foundation stone of Synthetic Athletic Track at Indira Gandhi Sports Complex in the Union Territory.

The starting of various development works will improve people's life in Puducherry and the works cover diverse sectors, he said.

Observing that prosperity was closely linked to good health, Modi stated that India in the last seven years has made many efforts to improve fitness and wellness.

The SAI hostel is "one more attempt to improve" sporting facilities in India, he said, adding, the 100-bed building will accommodate sportswoman from volleyball, hockey, weightlifting and kabaddi among others.

On healthcare, he said it was one sector that would play a key role in the coming years and noted that "nations that invest in health care will shine."

The inauguration of the Blood Centre in JIPMER at Rs 28 crore was "in line with our objective to provide quality healthcare to all," he said.

Yet again quoting from the Tamil treatise Tirukkural, penned by saint-poet Tiruvalluvar, he said "learning and education are the true wealth while all other things are not stable."

Stressing the need for quality health professionals to promote healthcare, he said, "Phase I of medical college building at (JIPMER) Karaikal new campus is a step in that direction. This new environment-friendly complex will have all modern teaching facilities required."

On the minor ports initiative, the PM said once completed it will help our fishermen. It will provide much-required sea connectivity to Chennai...Will facilitate the cargo movement for Puducherry and ease load of Chennai port. It will open up possibilities of passenger traffic among coastal cities."

Modi said Puducherry has got rich human resources due to various educational institutions, both in government and private sectors.

It has a tourism and industrial potential that will provide a lot of employment opportunities, he added.

Praising the people of Puducherry, Modi called them 'talented.'

"The land is beautiful. I am here to personally assure all possible support from my government for the development of the UT," he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated a slew of completed projects here and laid the foundation stone for others, including in the ports and highways sectors.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated a slew of completed projects here and laid the foundation stone for others, including in the ports and highways sectors. Insisting that the Centre has made many efforts to improve rural and coastal connectivity, he said farmers across the country were innovating and that it was the duty of his government to ensure their produce got a good market. Also read | Centre plans to privatise PSUs in all sectors barring 4 strategic ones: PM Modi "Good roads do exactly that," he said while laying the foundation stone for the four-laning of NH 45 A Sattanathapuram-Nagappattinam stretch covering Karaikal district. The four-laning activity will certainly lead to better connectivity while economic activity will pick up pace, he said. At the same time it will improve access to the holy Shaneeswaran temple at Tirunallar and provide easy interstate connectivity to The Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health and the Nagore Dargah, both located in nearby Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu, he noted. "The four laning will also draw industry and ensure job opportunities for local youth," Modi said, while assuring all possible help for the development of this union territory. "The government of India has made many efforts to improve rural and coastal connectivity. The agriculture sector will gain from this (four laning). Across India our farmers are innovating. It is our duty to ensure their produce get good market," he added. The Prime Minister inaugurated a Blood Centre at state-run JIPMER, a Sports Authority of India (SAI) girls hostel at Lawspet and a reconstructed Heritage Mairie Building. The heritage building will add to the beauty of the beach promenade. He laid the foundation stone for the Medical College Building at Karaikal New Campus of JIPMER-Phase I and the development of Minor Port at Puducherry under Sagarmala scheme. Modi also laid the foundation stone of Synthetic Athletic Track at Indira Gandhi Sports Complex in the Union Territory. The starting of various development works will improve people's life in Puducherry and the works cover diverse sectors, he said. Observing that prosperity was closely linked to good health, Modi stated that India in the last seven years has made many efforts to improve fitness and wellness. The SAI hostel is "one more attempt to improve" sporting facilities in India, he said, adding, the 100-bed building will accommodate sportswoman from volleyball, hockey, weightlifting and kabaddi among others. On healthcare, he said it was one sector that would play a key role in the coming years and noted that "nations that invest in health care will shine." The inauguration of the Blood Centre in JIPMER at Rs 28 crore was "in line with our objective to provide quality healthcare to all," he said. Yet again quoting from the Tamil treatise Tirukkural, penned by saint-poet Tiruvalluvar, he said "learning and education are the true wealth while all other things are not stable." Stressing the need for quality health professionals to promote healthcare, he said, "Phase I of medical college building at (JIPMER) Karaikal new campus is a step in that direction. This new environment-friendly complex will have all modern teaching facilities required." On the minor ports initiative, the PM said once completed it will help our fishermen. It will provide much-required sea connectivity to Chennai...Will facilitate the cargo movement for Puducherry and ease load of Chennai port. It will open up possibilities of passenger traffic among coastal cities." Modi said Puducherry has got rich human resources due to various educational institutions, both in government and private sectors. It has a tourism and industrial potential that will provide a lot of employment opportunities, he added. Praising the people of Puducherry, Modi called them 'talented.' "The land is beautiful. I am here to personally assure all possible support from my government for the development of the UT," he added.

PM launches various projects in Puducherry; assures Centre's support for UT's development 

Notable names at ‘Mission Sustainability – Population v/s Planet’ Thought Leadership Conclave

Both sides agreed for strict observance of all agreements, understandings, and cease firing along the Line of Control ( LoC ).

India-Pakistan to cease all firing along LoC

In a breakthrough development, India and Pakistan have agreed to lower the temperature at the Line of Control(LoC) with "strict observance" of the 2003 ceasefire pact with both the militaries issuing a rare joint statement.

Watch:

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The joint statement issued simultaneously said, "both sides agreed for strict observance of all agreements, understandings and cease firing along the Line of Control and all other sectors with effect from midnight 24/25 Feb 2021"

The statement was issued after the Indian and Pakistani Director Generals of Military Operations(DGMOs) had held "hotline" talks in which both sides "reviewed" the situation along the Line of Control and all other sectors in a "free, frank and cordial atmosphere."

The ceasefire at LoC has been only in name with firing on a daily basis impacting civilians. The development will be beneficial for the region and the civilian population residing in the area. Largely, it is an attempt to bring down violence level along&nbsp;the LoC.

The statement said, "in the interest of achieving mutually beneficial and sustainable peace along the borders" the two DGMOs agreed to address "each other’s core issues and concerns which have the propensity to disturb the peace and lead to violence."&nbsp;

In fact, both have agreed to use the hotline mechanism, and border flag meetings as a mechanism to "resolve any unforeseen situation or misunderstanding."

WION has learnt&nbsp;operation against terrorists and infiltrators will not be stopped by the Indian Army at the LC and in the hinterland.&nbsp;

Interestingly, the Indian Army chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane had on Wednesday at an event said, "with continuous engagement with Pakistan, we will be able to prevail over them and come to an understanding that violence at the border helps no one."

India and Pakistani ties since the 2019 Pulwama terror attack have gone in downhill.&nbsp;

The attack killed over 40 Indian paramilitary men was perpetrated by Pakistan based Jaish-e-Mohammed(JeM).&nbsp;

After India removed special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019, the situation had gone further downhill with people-to-people contact being suspended by Islamabad.

In a breakthrough development, India and Pakistan have agreed to lower the temperature at the Line of Control(LoC) with "strict observance" of the 2003 ceasefire pact with both the militaries issuing a rare joint statement.

In a breakthrough development, India and Pakistan have agreed to lower the temperature at the Line of Control(LoC) with "strict observance" of the 2003 ceasefire pact with both the militaries issuing a rare joint statement. Watch: The joint statement issued simultaneously said, "both sides agreed for strict observance of all agreements, understandings and cease firing along the Line of Control and all other sectors with effect from midnight 24/25 Feb 2021" The statement was issued after the Indian and Pakistani Director Generals of Military Operations(DGMOs) had held "hotline" talks in which both sides "reviewed" the situation along the Line of Control and all other sectors in a "free, frank and cordial atmosphere." The ceasefire at LoC has been only in name with firing on a daily basis impacting civilians. The development will be beneficial for the region and the civilian population residing in the area. Largely, it is an attempt to bring down violence level along the LoC. The statement said, "in the interest of achieving mutually beneficial and sustainable peace along the borders" the two DGMOs agreed to address "each other’s core issues and concerns which have the propensity to disturb the peace and lead to violence." In fact, both have agreed to use the hotline mechanism, and border flag meetings as a mechanism to "resolve any unforeseen situation or misunderstanding." WION has learnt operation against terrorists and infiltrators will not be stopped by the Indian Army at the LC and in the hinterland. Interestingly, the Indian Army chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane had on Wednesday at an event said, "with continuous engagement with Pakistan, we will be able to prevail over them and come to an understanding that violence at the border helps no one." India and Pakistani ties since the 2019 Pulwama terror attack have gone in downhill. The attack killed over 40 Indian paramilitary men was perpetrated by Pakistan based Jaish-e-Mohammed(JeM). After India removed special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019, the situation had gone further downhill with people-to-people contact being suspended by Islamabad.

India, Pakistan agree on 'strict observance' of ceasefire along LoC

Commerce and Industry Minister of India Piyush Goyal said on Thursday that 57 countries across the globe have supported proposal spearheaded by India and South Africa for COVID vaccine Intellectual Property Rights waiver. The proposal was submitted by India and SA last year, at World Trade Organisation (WTO).

57 countries have already joined India's leadership in demanding Intellectual Property Waiver for COVID-19 vaccine. Leaders everywhere are rising up to the challenge and joining PM Narendra Modi ji's call for affordable health for the entire world," he tweeted.

"World cannot continue to engage in endless discussions while millions of lives &amp; livelihoods are lost. Intellectual Property waiver on COVID-19 medicine provides an opportunity to rejuvenate the world. Hope the world leaders join India in that effort," he added.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
57 countries have already joined India's leadership in demanding Intellectual Property Waiver for COVID-19 vaccine. Leaders everywhere are rising up to the challenge and joining PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NarendraModi</a> ji’s call for affordable health for the entire world. <a href="https://t.co/iAajcP9r6B">pic.twitter.com/iAajcP9r6B</a>
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) <a href="https://twitter.com/PiyushGoyal/status/1364832672011362308?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The joint demand put forth by India and South Africa has found stiff opposition from western countries but has also found support from prominent power corridors.

114 European Union Parliamentarians or MEPs have already issued declaration and have called on the bloc to support the proposal of IPR waiver for coronavirus vaccine.

The declaration said, "EU’s open opposition to the TRIPS waiver risks exacerbating a dangerous North-South divide when it comes to affordable access to COVID-19 diagnostics, personal protective equipment, treatments, and vaccines."

Pointing out to the need for an IPR waiver, it said, "WTO decision on a potential waiver offers a crucial and much-needed act of effective solidarity as it is an important step towards increasing local production in partner countries and, ultimately, suppressing this pandemic on a global scale."

European Council is due to meet on Thursday (February 25).

Commerce and Industry Minister of India Piyush Goyal said on Thursday that 57 countries across the globe have supported proposal spearheaded by India and South Africa for COVID vaccine Intellectual Property Rights waiver.

Commerce and Industry Minister of India Piyush Goyal said on Thursday that 57 countries across the globe have supported proposal spearheaded by India and South Africa for COVID vaccine Intellectual Property Rights waiver. The proposal was submitted by India and SA last year, at World Trade Organisation (WTO). 57 countries have already joined India's leadership in demanding Intellectual Property Waiver for COVID-19 vaccine. Leaders everywhere are rising up to the challenge and joining PM Narendra Modi ji's call for affordable health for the entire world," he tweeted. "World cannot continue to engage in endless discussions while millions of lives & livelihoods are lost. Intellectual Property waiver on COVID-19 medicine provides an opportunity to rejuvenate the world. Hope the world leaders join India in that effort," he added. 57 countries have already joined India's leadership in demanding Intellectual Property Waiver for COVID-19 vaccine. Leaders everywhere are rising up to the challenge and joining PM @NarendraModi ji’s call for affordable health for the entire world. pic.twitter.com/iAajcP9r6B — Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) February 25, 2021 × The joint demand put forth by India and South Africa has found stiff opposition from western countries but has also found support from prominent power corridors. 114 European Union Parliamentarians or MEPs have already issued declaration and have called on the bloc to support the proposal of IPR waiver for coronavirus vaccine. The declaration said, "EU’s open opposition to the TRIPS waiver risks exacerbating a dangerous North-South divide when it comes to affordable access to COVID-19 diagnostics, personal protective equipment, treatments, and vaccines." Pointing out to the need for an IPR waiver, it said, "WTO decision on a potential waiver offers a crucial and much-needed act of effective solidarity as it is an important step towards increasing local production in partner countries and, ultimately, suppressing this pandemic on a global scale." European Council is due to meet on Thursday (February 25).

57 countries join India on COVID vaccine IPR waiver: Indian minister

In a strong message to Turkey, India on Wednesday reminded Turkey of United Nations Security Council or UNSC resolutions on Cyprus after the latter raked UNSC resolutions on Kashmir.

India's Second Secretary, Permanent Mission of India to UN, Geneva, Seema Pujani said, "As far as the subject of UN Resolutions is concerned, we would advise Turkey to practise what it preaches by first implementing those UN Resolutions that apply to it."

UNSC resolution on Cyprus has been a cause of embarrassment to Turkey even as it continues to occupy the northern part of the island nation in the Mediterranean Sea. Turkey in the past, especially after India removed special status for the erstwhile state for Jammu and Kashmir has been supporting Pakistani "cause" at various multilateral organizations especially UN.&nbsp;

Pujani, hitting out at Turkey said "we find them completely unacceptable", pointing out, "it is ironical for a country which has trampled upon its own civil society to pass unjustified comments on other’s internal matters."

Pakistan was the key focus of India's right of reply at the council, which out of habit raises Kashmir, irking New Delhi. For the first time, India raised the issue of acquittal of Omar Saeed, key accused in the killing of US Journalist Daniel Pearl and Islamabad's support to "state-sponsored terrorism".

Pujani said,"The recent acquittal of Omar Saeed Sheikh, the al-Qaeda terrorist and murderer" of Daniel Pearl by the Pakistani Supreme Court is a "clear example of the Pakistani establishment’s nexus with such entities and, as the US Secretary of State said, it is "an affront to terrorism victims everywhere.”

The young Indian diplomat listed out the "institutionalized discrimination and persecution" faced by the minorities in the country, along with "instances of repression" of journalists and civil society activists giving the example of Pakistani human rights defender Gulalai Ismail, Idris Khattak.

Gulalai Ismail is right now in the US and as retribution, her father Muhammad Ismail has been arrested under "terror" charges by Pakistan. Idris Khattak, who was doing a report on enforced disappearances in Pakistan’s Federally Administered Tribal Areas has been missing since November 2019.

In a strong message to Turkey, India on Wednesday reminded Turkey of United Nations Security Council or UNSC resolutions on Cyprus after the latter raked UNSC resolutions on Kashmir.

In a strong message to Turkey, India on Wednesday reminded Turkey of United Nations Security Council or UNSC resolutions on Cyprus after the latter raked UNSC resolutions on Kashmir. India's Second Secretary, Permanent Mission of India to UN, Geneva, Seema Pujani said, "As far as the subject of UN Resolutions is concerned, we would advise Turkey to practise what it preaches by first implementing those UN Resolutions that apply to it." UNSC resolution on Cyprus has been a cause of embarrassment to Turkey even as it continues to occupy the northern part of the island nation in the Mediterranean Sea. Turkey in the past, especially after India removed special status for the erstwhile state for Jammu and Kashmir has been supporting Pakistani "cause" at various multilateral organizations especially UN. Pujani, hitting out at Turkey said "we find them completely unacceptable", pointing out, "it is ironical for a country which has trampled upon its own civil society to pass unjustified comments on other’s internal matters." Pakistan was the key focus of India's right of reply at the council, which out of habit raises Kashmir, irking New Delhi. For the first time, India raised the issue of acquittal of Omar Saeed, key accused in the killing of US Journalist Daniel Pearl and Islamabad's support to "state-sponsored terrorism". Pujani said,"The recent acquittal of Omar Saeed Sheikh, the al-Qaeda terrorist and murderer" of Daniel Pearl by the Pakistani Supreme Court is a "clear example of the Pakistani establishment’s nexus with such entities and, as the US Secretary of State said, it is "an affront to terrorism victims everywhere.” The young Indian diplomat listed out the "institutionalized discrimination and persecution" faced by the minorities in the country, along with "instances of repression" of journalists and civil society activists giving the example of Pakistani human rights defender Gulalai Ismail, Idris Khattak. Gulalai Ismail is right now in the US and as retribution, her father Muhammad Ismail has been arrested under "terror" charges by Pakistan. Idris Khattak, who was doing a report on enforced disappearances in Pakistan’s Federally Administered Tribal Areas has been missing since November 2019.

At UNHRC India reminds Turkey of UNSC resolutions on Cyprus, raises Omar Saeed's acquittal

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is on his two-day visit to Mauritius, offered prayers at the holy Ganga Talao on Wednesday morning.&nbsp;

"Offered prayers at the holy Ganga Talao this morning. Grateful to FM Alan Ganoo, Culture Minister Avinash Teeluck and Agriculture Minister Maneesh Gobin for joining me," Jaishankar said in a tweet.&nbsp;

This was the last leg of his two-nation tour. Earlier, he had visited the Maldives. India and Mauritius had on Monday signed free trade agreement along with five key pacts. This is the first such agreement with an African country. The agreement was signed during the visit of the External Affairs Minister to the island nation. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-signs-fta-with-mauritius-extends-100-million-defence-line-of-credit-365504">India signs FTA with Mauritius, extends $100 million defence line of credit</a>

Jaishankar, who addressed the media with the Prime Minister of Mauritius, said India is privileged to have entered the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) with Mauritius.&nbsp;

The CECPA is far-reaching and should unleash new and expanded opportunities in trade, goods and services, said Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth on Monday.&nbsp;

"The Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement is the first of its kind, signed by India with an African country. It is far-reaching and should unleash new and expanded opportunities in trade, goods and services, investment, economic cooperation and technical assistance," said Jugnauth while speaking at the India-Mauritius joint statement along with Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar.&nbsp;

During their meet, the two leaders reiterated the call for peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region and highlighted the 'converging views' of New Delhi and Port Louis on a rules-based international order.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is on his two-day visit to Mauritius, offered prayers at the holy Ganga Talao on Wednesday morning. "Offered prayers at the holy Ganga Talao this morning.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is on his two-day visit to Mauritius, offered prayers at the holy Ganga Talao on Wednesday morning. "Offered prayers at the holy Ganga Talao this morning. Grateful to FM Alan Ganoo, Culture Minister Avinash Teeluck and Agriculture Minister Maneesh Gobin for joining me," Jaishankar said in a tweet. This was the last leg of his two-nation tour. Earlier, he had visited the Maldives. India and Mauritius had on Monday signed free trade agreement along with five key pacts. This is the first such agreement with an African country. The agreement was signed during the visit of the External Affairs Minister to the island nation. Also Read: India signs FTA with Mauritius, extends $100 million defence line of credit Jaishankar, who addressed the media with the Prime Minister of Mauritius, said India is privileged to have entered the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) with Mauritius. The CECPA is far-reaching and should unleash new and expanded opportunities in trade, goods and services, said Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth on Monday. "The Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement is the first of its kind, signed by India with an African country. It is far-reaching and should unleash new and expanded opportunities in trade, goods and services, investment, economic cooperation and technical assistance," said Jugnauth while speaking at the India-Mauritius joint statement along with Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar. During their meet, the two leaders reiterated the call for peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region and highlighted the 'converging views' of New Delhi and Port Louis on a rules-based international order.

Jaishankar offers prayers at holy Ganga Talao in Mauritius

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that the motto of his government is to "monetise and modernise", reiterating the government's commitment towards privatisation of PSUs and asset monetisation.

The government has an ambitious plan to monetise around 100 government-owned assets as part of the monetisation plan, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he spoke about various reforms undertaken in the Union Budget.

"With this the government will be aiming to achieve Rs 2.5 trillion investment, we are going ahead with the mantra of monetise and modernise," Modi said.

Speaking at a webinar on privatisation by the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), Modi said state-owned companies in four strategic sectors will be kept at bare minimum and that the government is committed to privatising PSUs in all sectors barring four strategic ones.

Further, Modi urged for feedback on the privatisation and monetisation initiative for swift implementation.

Outlining the government focus going forward, Modi said that the government is working on Rs 111 trillion national infrastructure pipeline (NIP) fund.

"The government has no business to be in business. When government monetises, that space is filled by private sector of the country. Private sector brings investment and best global practices with them," he said.

Modi said that the public sector enterprises are loss-making and several of them need the support of public money and that they should not be run because they were started many years ago and were someone's pet project.

"The Budget has given a clear roadmap to take India to a high growth trajectory," Modi said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that the motto of his government is to "monetise and modernise", reiterating the government's commitment towards privatisation of PSUs and asset monetisation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that the motto of his government is to "monetise and modernise", reiterating the government's commitment towards privatisation of PSUs and asset monetisation. The government has an ambitious plan to monetise around 100 government-owned assets as part of the monetisation plan, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he spoke about various reforms undertaken in the Union Budget. "With this the government will be aiming to achieve Rs 2.5 trillion investment, we are going ahead with the mantra of monetise and modernise," Modi said. Speaking at a webinar on privatisation by the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), Modi said state-owned companies in four strategic sectors will be kept at bare minimum and that the government is committed to privatising PSUs in all sectors barring four strategic ones. Further, Modi urged for feedback on the privatisation and monetisation initiative for swift implementation. Outlining the government focus going forward, Modi said that the government is working on Rs 111 trillion national infrastructure pipeline (NIP) fund. "The government has no business to be in business. When government monetises, that space is filled by private sector of the country. Private sector brings investment and best global practices with them," he said. Modi said that the public sector enterprises are loss-making and several of them need the support of public money and that they should not be run because they were started many years ago and were someone's pet project. "The Budget has given a clear roadmap to take India to a high growth trajectory," Modi said. (With inputs from agencies)

Centre plans to privatise PSUs in all sectors barring 4 strategic ones: PM Modi

Are you ready to live with the coronavirus for another five years? Answer is surely no. The entire world is desperate for the pandemic to end, but for it, we need herd immunity. The global population is now close to eight billion. Out of this, 75 per cent needs to be vaccinated. Each individual need two doses. So, where do we stand?&nbsp;

Right now, more than six million shots are being administered every day across the world. At this rate, it will take five years to cover 75 per cent of the world's population. We started in 2021 with vaccines but the rollout has been terribly slow. Rich countries are hoarding vaccines and there is a supply shortage.&nbsp;

Countries like Japan might waste millions of shots as they don't have the right needles. Last week, the United Nations said 130 countries still haven't received even a single shot. The global vaccination programme needs a jump start and India can help.&nbsp;

India is running the world's largest vaccination drive right now. It could be the catalyst that the global vaccination drive needs. There are two reasons. &nbsp;

Firstly, India has a population of more than one billion. It is almost 18 per cent of the world's total population. If India vaccinates 75 per cent of its population. Close to a billion people will be immune to the virus. This can encourage more people around the world to take vaccines.&nbsp;

Secondly, India's vaccine manufacturing capabilities. Before the pandemic, India produced 60 per cent of the vaccines for the world and delivering 390 million doses annually for aliments like measles and tuberculosis already.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-india-going-slow-with-wuhan-vaccine-shots-365770">WATCH|</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-india-going-slow-with-wuhan-vaccine-shots-365770/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

India is contributing to the global fight as it is sending vaccines to all corners of the world. Both under commercial contracts as well as gifts. By mid February, India exported more than 1.6 crore shots. 37 per cent of these supplies were gifts to friendly countries and a large shipment of the oxford vaccine was dispatched from India for Covax, the global vaccine alliance, led by the World Health Organization. These shots will be sent to 25 to 30 countries.&nbsp;

What about India's own vaccination drive? How is the world's largest vaccination drive faring?&nbsp;

It depends on which numbers you consider. India was the fastest country to administer six million shots. The second fastest to complete 10 million vaccinations. As of today, more than 1.17 crore shots have been given.&nbsp;

India ranks number five after the United States, China, the European Union, the United Kingdom, when it comes to the sheer number of doses administered. India administered its first shot on the 16th of January.&nbsp;

In less than 40 days, it has administered more than one crore shots. But how close are we to inoculating 75 per cent of our population, the herd immunity mark? India has a long way to go.&nbsp;

As of the Feburary 21, India has administered just 0.8 doses per 100 people. Not even one shot per 100.&nbsp;

Till Monday, less than 0.1 per cent of India had been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus. Not even one per cent of India has got a shot. And India is the pharmacy of the world. But is it doing enough when it comes to inoculating its own people?&nbsp;

Supplying vaccines to the world is great, but is it happening at the cost of people at home? It's important to understand India's current rollout plan.&nbsp;

Right now, the vaccine drive is in the hands of the government. The government procures the vaccines and sends them to vaccination centres around the country.&nbsp;

For the moment, only health workers are being inoculated in India. The govt's targets are ambitious as India set a goal to inoculate 300 million people by August but as of the beginning of February, the Serum Institute of India, the world's largest vaccine maker and the supplier of the oxford shot was sitting on a stockpile of 70 million doses. &nbsp;

India has more than enough doses to share with the world and vaccinate its own. There's a stockpile of millions waiting to be used. What India needs is wider administration of the vaccine and more centres.&nbsp;

This is where the private players come in. If the vaccine is safe and the stock is available. The private sector should be allowed to join the programme. The same happened with testing. Virus testing on a wide scale began once the private sector was made part of it. So why is the govt shy of including the private sector in the vaccination drive?&nbsp;

Remember, these vaccines are still new and most countries in the world have granted restricted permissions to vaccine makers for two reasons. One for shortage in supplies and two to avoid adverse events, in case the vaccines show any major side effects.&nbsp;

India is following global standards with restricted permissions. It granted vaccines an emergency approval first. Reports say no adverse effects have been found so far. So, India needs to evolve its strategy and rollout plan, and consider involving the private sector. In fact, the serum institute has said that the rest of the world will have to wait for its supplies. It has been directed to fulfil the domestic needs first. It's a welcome step as India needs to expand its domestic programme. Else, the 300 million target will be hard to chase. &nbsp;

Are you ready to live with the coronavirus for another five years? Answer is surely no. The entire world is desperate for the pandemic to end, but for it, we need herd immunity.

Are you ready to live with the coronavirus for another five years? Answer is surely no. The entire world is desperate for the pandemic to end, but for it, we need herd immunity. The global population is now close to eight billion. Out of this, 75 per cent needs to be vaccinated. Each individual need two doses. So, where do we stand? Right now, more than six million shots are being administered every day across the world. At this rate, it will take five years to cover 75 per cent of the world's population. We started in 2021 with vaccines but the rollout has been terribly slow. Rich countries are hoarding vaccines and there is a supply shortage. Countries like Japan might waste millions of shots as they don't have the right needles. Last week, the United Nations said 130 countries still haven't received even a single shot. The global vaccination programme needs a jump start and India can help. India is running the world's largest vaccination drive right now. It could be the catalyst that the global vaccination drive needs. There are two reasons. Firstly, India has a population of more than one billion. It is almost 18 per cent of the world's total population. If India vaccinates 75 per cent of its population. Close to a billion people will be immune to the virus. This can encourage more people around the world to take vaccines. Secondly, India's vaccine manufacturing capabilities. Before the pandemic, India produced 60 per cent of the vaccines for the world and delivering 390 million doses annually for aliments like measles and tuberculosis already. WATCH| India is contributing to the global fight as it is sending vaccines to all corners of the world. Both under commercial contracts as well as gifts. By mid February, India exported more than 1.6 crore shots. 37 per cent of these supplies were gifts to friendly countries and a large shipment of the oxford vaccine was dispatched from India for Covax, the global vaccine alliance, led by the World Health Organization. These shots will be sent to 25 to 30 countries. What about India's own vaccination drive? How is the world's largest vaccination drive faring? It depends on which numbers you consider. India was the fastest country to administer six million shots. The second fastest to complete 10 million vaccinations. As of today, more than 1.17 crore shots have been given. India ranks number five after the United States, China, the European Union, the United Kingdom, when it comes to the sheer number of doses administered. India administered its first shot on the 16th of January. In less than 40 days, it has administered more than one crore shots. But how close are we to inoculating 75 per cent of our population, the herd immunity mark? India has a long way to go. As of the Feburary 21, India has administered just 0.8 doses per 100 people. Not even one shot per 100. Till Monday, less than 0.1 per cent of India had been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus. Not even one per cent of India has got a shot. And India is the pharmacy of the world. But is it doing enough when it comes to inoculating its own people? Supplying vaccines to the world is great, but is it happening at the cost of people at home? It's important to understand India's current rollout plan. Right now, the vaccine drive is in the hands of the government. The government procures the vaccines and sends them to vaccination centres around the country. For the moment, only health workers are being inoculated in India. The govt's targets are ambitious as India set a goal to inoculate 300 million people by August but as of the beginning of February, the Serum Institute of India, the world's largest vaccine maker and the supplier of the oxford shot was sitting on a stockpile of 70 million doses. India has more than enough doses to share with the world and vaccinate its own. There's a stockpile of millions waiting to be used. What India needs is wider administration of the vaccine and more centres. This is where the private players come in. If the vaccine is safe and the stock is available. The private sector should be allowed to join the programme. The same happened with testing. Virus testing on a wide scale began once the private sector was made part of it. So why is the govt shy of including the private sector in the vaccination drive? Remember, these vaccines are still new and most countries in the world have granted restricted permissions to vaccine makers for two reasons. One for shortage in supplies and two to avoid adverse events, in case the vaccines show any major side effects. India is following global standards with restricted permissions. It granted vaccines an emergency approval first. Reports say no adverse effects have been found so far. So, India needs to evolve its strategy and rollout plan, and consider involving the private sector. In fact, the serum institute has said that the rest of the world will have to wait for its supplies. It has been directed to fulfil the domestic needs first. It's a welcome step as India needs to expand its domestic programme. Else, the 300 million target will be hard to chase.

What role can India play in coronavirus vaccine inoculation?

With focus on better coordination in&nbsp;Indo-Pacific,&nbsp;India, France, and Australia held a trilateral meet on Wednesday at the senior officials' level. The three sides had held the first Foreign Secretary-level Trilateral Dialogue in September of 2020. All three&nbsp;countries are key supporters of the Indo-Pacific vision.

The Indian side was led by Joint Secretary (Europe West) in MEA,&nbsp;Sandeep Chakravorty&nbsp;while the French side was led by Bertrand Lortholary, Director (Asia and Oceania) and the Australian side was led by Mr. Gary Cowan, First Assistant Secretary (North and South Asia Division) and Mr. John Geering, First Assistant Secretary (Europe and Latin America Division).

Other key focus areas were greater maritime domain awareness of Indo Pacific countries, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, Oil spill management and Disaster Resilience of small island states.

With focus on better coordination in Indo-Pacific, India, France, and Australia held a trilateral meet on Wednesday at the senior officials' level. The three sides had held the first Foreign Secretary-level Trilateral Dialogue in September of 2020.

With focus on better coordination in Indo-Pacific, India, France, and Australia held a trilateral meet on Wednesday at the senior officials' level. The three sides had held the first Foreign Secretary-level Trilateral Dialogue in September of 2020. All three countries are key supporters of the Indo-Pacific vision. The Indian side was led by Joint Secretary (Europe West) in MEA, Sandeep Chakravorty while the French side was led by Bertrand Lortholary, Director (Asia and Oceania) and the Australian side was led by Mr. Gary Cowan, First Assistant Secretary (North and South Asia Division) and Mr. John Geering, First Assistant Secretary (Europe and Latin America Division). Other key focus areas were greater maritime domain awareness of Indo Pacific countries, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, Oil spill management and Disaster Resilience of small island states.

India, Australia, and France hold trilateral dialogue with Indo-Pacific in focus

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Jaishankar offers prayers at holy Ganga Talao in Mauritius