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The 35 member LDC group (Least-developed countries) has come out to support the India-South Africa proposal for waiver on IPR or intellectual property rights for COVID vaccine patents. Tuesday saw a meet on the issue that has seen "rapid" movement and getting support from "top to bottom", one official aware of the development told WION.

The proposal once approved will make access to vaccines easier. No outcome has come from WTO yet, with the discussion still underway. It could take time to create more consensus since the opposition is primarily from Western countries.

Countries like the EU, the US, and others are opposed to the proposal who see a free license regime a loss that can permanently alter the IP landscape. The Indian-South African proposal of last year comes even as the top focus globally has been easy access for covid vaccines.

Intact, 14 European parliamentarians have written a strongly worded letter to EU leadership calling for support for India's South Africa proposal. India-South African proposal is seen as a "nuclear option" and in fact, the Italian Parliament had backed the proposal in December.&nbsp;Global civil society groups are also keen on US President to back the waiver. A group of lawmakers from the Democratic Party are also keen on the wavier.

The 35 member LDC group (Least-developed countries) has come out to support the India-South Africa proposal for waiver on IPR or intellectual property rights for COVID vaccine patents.

The 35 member LDC group (Least-developed countries) has come out to support the India-South Africa proposal for waiver on IPR or intellectual property rights for COVID vaccine patents. Tuesday saw a meet on the issue that has seen "rapid" movement and getting support from "top to bottom", one official aware of the development told WION. The proposal once approved will make access to vaccines easier. No outcome has come from WTO yet, with the discussion still underway. It could take time to create more consensus since the opposition is primarily from Western countries. Countries like the EU, the US, and others are opposed to the proposal who see a free license regime a loss that can permanently alter the IP landscape. The Indian-South African proposal of last year comes even as the top focus globally has been easy access for covid vaccines. Intact, 14 European parliamentarians have written a strongly worded letter to EU leadership calling for support for India's South Africa proposal. India-South African proposal is seen as a "nuclear option" and in fact, the Italian Parliament had backed the proposal in December. Global civil society groups are also keen on US President to back the waiver. A group of lawmakers from the Democratic Party are also keen on the wavier.

At WTO, LDC group backs India-SA proposal for waiver of IP rights on COVID vaccines

Union Minister Prakash Javdekar on Wednesday said that the second phase of the coronavirus vaccination drive will begin on March 1 in the country. Under phase 2, people aged above 60 years and those above 45 years of age with comorbidities will be vaccinated across the country.

Javadekar made the announcement after the Union Cabinet in a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, decided to launch the third phase of the world`s largest vaccination drive, which began in India on January 16.

"People above 60 years of age and those above 45 years of age with comorbidities will be vaccinated at 10,000 government and over 20,000 private vaccination centres from March 1," Javadekar said while addressing a press conference.

"The vaccine will be given free of cost at government centres," the Minister said.

The Minister further said that the private centres will charge for the vaccination and the rate will be decided in the next three or four days.

He said that the Union Health Ministry is engaged in talks with vaccine manufacturers and private hospitals to decide the charge for vaccination to all civilians.

The decision came as India`s cumulative vaccination coverage has crossed 1.14 crore recipients.

The vaccination drive was started on January 16 for the healthcare and frontline workers, and the number was estimated to be around three crores.

India`s drugs regulator on January 3 approved Oxford Covid-19 vaccine Covishield, manufactured by the Pune-based Serum Institute, and the indigenously-developed Covaxin of Bharat Biotech for restricted emergency use in the country.

Over 11 lakh people have been administered two doses of Covid vaccines so far amid reports of an upward trend in cases in the past one week.

The country reported 13,742 new cases in the last 24 hours on Wednesday with the overall tally mounting to 1,10,30,176 as per the Health Ministry`s latest data. With 104 deaths due to the disease, the overall toll has touched 1, 56,567.

(With inputs from agencies)

Union Minister Prakash Javdekar on Wednesday said that the second phase of the coronavirus vaccination drive will begin on March 1 in the country. Under phase 2, people aged above 60 years and those above 45 years of age with comorbidities will be vaccinated across the country.

Union Minister Prakash Javdekar on Wednesday said that the second phase of the coronavirus vaccination drive will begin on March 1 in the country. Under phase 2, people aged above 60 years and those above 45 years of age with comorbidities will be vaccinated across the country. Javadekar made the announcement after the Union Cabinet in a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, decided to launch the third phase of the world`s largest vaccination drive, which began in India on January 16. "People above 60 years of age and those above 45 years of age with comorbidities will be vaccinated at 10,000 government and over 20,000 private vaccination centres from March 1," Javadekar said while addressing a press conference. "The vaccine will be given free of cost at government centres," the Minister said. The Minister further said that the private centres will charge for the vaccination and the rate will be decided in the next three or four days. He said that the Union Health Ministry is engaged in talks with vaccine manufacturers and private hospitals to decide the charge for vaccination to all civilians. The decision came as India`s cumulative vaccination coverage has crossed 1.14 crore recipients. The vaccination drive was started on January 16 for the healthcare and frontline workers, and the number was estimated to be around three crores. India`s drugs regulator on January 3 approved Oxford Covid-19 vaccine Covishield, manufactured by the Pune-based Serum Institute, and the indigenously-developed Covaxin of Bharat Biotech for restricted emergency use in the country. Over 11 lakh people have been administered two doses of Covid vaccines so far amid reports of an upward trend in cases in the past one week. The country reported 13,742 new cases in the last 24 hours on Wednesday with the overall tally mounting to 1,10,30,176 as per the Health Ministry`s latest data. With 104 deaths due to the disease, the overall toll has touched 1, 56,567. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid-19 vaccination for 60+, those over 45 with comorbidities to start from March 1: Government

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India warned on Wednesday that a breach of guidelines on testing and other measures to contain the coronavirus could worsen a recent spurt in infections in many states, particularly after it detected several variants. 
 
Nearly a month after the health minister declared that COVID-19 had been contained, states such as Maharashtra in the west and Kerala in the south have reported a surge in cases, as reluctance grows over mask-wearing and social distancing norms.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-has-ample-medical-supply-for-second-covid-19-wave-says-state-fda-365859" hreflang="en">Maharashtra has ample medical supply for second COVID-19 wave, says state FDA</a> 
 
India`s tally of infections stands at 11.03 million, swelled in the past 24 hours by 13,742, health ministry data shows, while deaths rose by a two-week high of 104 to 156,567. 
 
"Any laxity in implementing stringent measures to curb the spread, especially in view of new strain of virus...could compound the situation," the health ministry said in a statement that singled out nine states and a federal territory. 
 
India has confirmed the long-time presence of two mutant variants - N440K and E484Q - in addition to those first detected in Brazil, Britain and South Africa. 
 
The ministry said that while cases in the states of Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Kerala, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab, as well as the federal territory of Jammu and Kashmir, were rising, the proportion of high-accuracy RT-PCR tests was falling.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-india-going-slow-with-wuhan-vaccine-shots-365770">WATCH|</a>

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The states were advised to boost testing, using a mix of RT-PCR and rapid antigen tests, while making sure all symptomatic negatives from antigen tests then go through PT-PCR tests, the ministry added. 
 
In the past week, a third of India`s 36 states and union territories have reported an average of more than 100 new cases each day, with Kerala and Maharashtra both reporting more than 4,000, in a trend experts link to the reopening of schools and suburban train services. 
 
The government has also asked states to speed vaccinations for healthcare and frontline workers. Just about 11 million people have received one or two doses in a campaign that began on Jan. 16, versus a target of 300 million by August.

India warned on Wednesday that a breach of guidelines on testing and other measures to contain the coronavirus could worsen a recent spurt in infections in many states, particularly after it detected several variants.

India warned on Wednesday that a breach of guidelines on testing and other measures to contain the coronavirus could worsen a recent spurt in infections in many states, particularly after it detected several variants. Nearly a month after the health minister declared that COVID-19 had been contained, states such as Maharashtra in the west and Kerala in the south have reported a surge in cases, as reluctance grows over mask-wearing and social distancing norms. Also read| Maharashtra has ample medical supply for second COVID-19 wave, says state FDA India`s tally of infections stands at 11.03 million, swelled in the past 24 hours by 13,742, health ministry data shows, while deaths rose by a two-week high of 104 to 156,567. "Any laxity in implementing stringent measures to curb the spread, especially in view of new strain of virus...could compound the situation," the health ministry said in a statement that singled out nine states and a federal territory. India has confirmed the long-time presence of two mutant variants - N440K and E484Q - in addition to those first detected in Brazil, Britain and South Africa. The ministry said that while cases in the states of Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Kerala, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab, as well as the federal territory of Jammu and Kashmir, were rising, the proportion of high-accuracy RT-PCR tests was falling. WATCH| × The states were advised to boost testing, using a mix of RT-PCR and rapid antigen tests, while making sure all symptomatic negatives from antigen tests then go through PT-PCR tests, the ministry added. In the past week, a third of India`s 36 states and union territories have reported an average of more than 100 new cases each day, with Kerala and Maharashtra both reporting more than 4,000, in a trend experts link to the reopening of schools and suburban train services. The government has also asked states to speed vaccinations for healthcare and frontline workers. Just about 11 million people have received one or two doses in a campaign that began on Jan. 16, versus a target of 300 million by August.

India warns states of worsening COVID-19 situation if rules ignored

India`s total COVID-19 active caseload currently stands at 1.46 lakh (1,46,907) on Wednesday and accounts for 1.33 per cent of the country`s total coronavirus cases, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).

According to the health ministry, the country registered 13,742 new daily cases in the last 24 hours and 14,037 recoveries which led to a net decline of 399 cases in the total active caseload.

The ministry said that in the last one week, Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Punjab, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Telangana, Delhi and Haryana have reported more than 100 average daily new cases, whereas Kerala and Maharashtra both report more than 4,000 average daily new cases in past one week.

"As on February 24, 2021, the vaccination coverage was 1,21,65,598 through 2,54,356 sessions, as per the provisional report till 7 am today. These include 64,98,300 HCWs (first dose), 13,98,400 HCWs (second dose) and 42,68,898 FLWs (first dose)," it said.

Also watch|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-india-going-slow-with-wuhan-vaccine-shots-365770" hreflang="en">Is India going slow with Wuhan vaccine shots?</a>

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On day-39 of the vaccination drive, 4,20,046 vaccine doses were given. Out of which, 2,79,823 beneficiaries were vaccinated across 9,479 sessions for 1st dose (HCWs and FLWs) and 1,40,223 HCWs received 2nd dose of vaccine.

Out of total 1,21,65,598 vaccine doses, 1,07,67,198 (HCWs and FLWs) have received 1st dose of vaccine and total 13,98,400 HCWs have received the 2nd dose of vaccine.

Meanwhile, 12 states and UTs have administered more than 75 per cent of the registered HCWs. These are Bihar, Tripura, Odisha, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, UP and Rajasthan.

"10 States/UTs have vaccinated more than 60 per cent of registered FLWs. These are Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Rajasthan, Lakshadweep, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tripura, Odisha, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh," it said.

India`s cumulative recoveries stand at 1,07,26,702 today. The recovery rate is 97.25 per cent. The gap between total recovered cases and the active cases are constantly rising and stands at 10,579,795 today.86.26 per cent of the new recovered cases are observed to be concentrated in six states.

Maharashtra has reported the maximum number of single-day recoveries with 5,869 newly recovered cases.4,823 people recovered in Kerala in the past 24 hours followed by 453 in Tamil Nadu.

Maharashtra continues to report the highest daily new cases at 6,218. It is followed by Kerala with4,034 while Tamil Nadu reported 442 new cases.

Five states account for 81.73 per cent of the new deaths. Maharashtra saw the maximum casualties (51). Kerala reported 14 deaths and Punjab reported 10 deaths."19 states and UTs have not reported any COVID19 deaths in last 24 hours. These are Gujarat, Haryana, Rajasthan, Odisha, Jharkhand, Chandigarh, Assam, Lakshadweep, Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Meghalaya, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Sikkim, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli," it added.

Thirteen states have reported 1 to 5 deaths; 2 states have reported 6 to 10 deaths; one state has reported 10 to 20 deaths and one state has reported more than 20 deaths.

India`s total COVID-19 active caseload currently stands at 1.46 lakh (1,46,907) on Wednesday and accounts for 1.33 per cent of the country`s total coronavirus cases, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).

India`s total COVID-19 active caseload currently stands at 1.46 lakh (1,46,907) on Wednesday and accounts for 1.33 per cent of the country`s total coronavirus cases, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). According to the health ministry, the country registered 13,742 new daily cases in the last 24 hours and 14,037 recoveries which led to a net decline of 399 cases in the total active caseload. The ministry said that in the last one week, Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Punjab, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Telangana, Delhi and Haryana have reported more than 100 average daily new cases, whereas Kerala and Maharashtra both report more than 4,000 average daily new cases in past one week. "As on February 24, 2021, the vaccination coverage was 1,21,65,598 through 2,54,356 sessions, as per the provisional report till 7 am today. These include 64,98,300 HCWs (first dose), 13,98,400 HCWs (second dose) and 42,68,898 FLWs (first dose)," it said. Also watch| Is India going slow with Wuhan vaccine shots? On day-39 of the vaccination drive, 4,20,046 vaccine doses were given. Out of which, 2,79,823 beneficiaries were vaccinated across 9,479 sessions for 1st dose (HCWs and FLWs) and 1,40,223 HCWs received 2nd dose of vaccine. Out of total 1,21,65,598 vaccine doses, 1,07,67,198 (HCWs and FLWs) have received 1st dose of vaccine and total 13,98,400 HCWs have received the 2nd dose of vaccine. Meanwhile, 12 states and UTs have administered more than 75 per cent of the registered HCWs. These are Bihar, Tripura, Odisha, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, UP and Rajasthan. "10 States/UTs have vaccinated more than 60 per cent of registered FLWs. These are Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Rajasthan, Lakshadweep, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tripura, Odisha, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh," it said. India`s cumulative recoveries stand at 1,07,26,702 today. The recovery rate is 97.25 per cent. The gap between total recovered cases and the active cases are constantly rising and stands at 10,579,795 today.86.26 per cent of the new recovered cases are observed to be concentrated in six states. Maharashtra has reported the maximum number of single-day recoveries with 5,869 newly recovered cases.4,823 people recovered in Kerala in the past 24 hours followed by 453 in Tamil Nadu. Maharashtra continues to report the highest daily new cases at 6,218. It is followed by Kerala with4,034 while Tamil Nadu reported 442 new cases. Five states account for 81.73 per cent of the new deaths. Maharashtra saw the maximum casualties (51). Kerala reported 14 deaths and Punjab reported 10 deaths."19 states and UTs have not reported any COVID19 deaths in last 24 hours. These are Gujarat, Haryana, Rajasthan, Odisha, Jharkhand, Chandigarh, Assam, Lakshadweep, Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Meghalaya, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Sikkim, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli," it added. Thirteen states have reported 1 to 5 deaths; 2 states have reported 6 to 10 deaths; one state has reported 10 to 20 deaths and one state has reported more than 20 deaths.

India's COVID-19 active caseload stands at 1.46 lakh

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Wednesday clarified that the state has ample medicines and other medical supplies in case of a second COVID-19 wave.

In a press note, the FDA said that the possibility of a second coronavirus wave in Maharashtra cannot be ruled out and for that the state must be prepared with all necessary medicines like Remdesivir and Favipiravir along with equipment like masks, sanitisers and oxygen supply and more.

The FDA commissioner of the state has held an assembly meeting regarding the available stock of necessary medicines and equipment for COVID-19. He was satisfied after the meeting as the stocks were available to tackle a possible second wave of the virus.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-role-can-india-play-in-coronavirus-vaccine-inoculation-365760" hreflang="en">What role can India play in coronavirus vaccine inoculation?</a>

According to the FDA, the state has 51,425 injections of Remdesivir, 20,25,381 Favipiravir tablets and their Nagpur lab has currently stored 1.97 lakh injections that are ready to be distributed.

Furthermore, oxygen for medical use is also available in ample quantities with 30 producers, 88 riffillers/distributers. Maharashtra has a collective capacity of 1287 metric tonnes per day of medical oxygen while the demand is at 513 MT per day. Hence the commissioner was assured that there was no shortage in terms of availability of medical oxygen.

The FDA also assured that N-95 masks, 2ply masks, 3ply masks and sanitisers will be available in the market at reasonable prices.

Maharashtra continues to be one of the worst affected states in the country. The number of new cases in the state has seen a surge over the last few weeks.

State authorities have also imposed a night curfew in Aurangabad from 11 pm to 6 am till March 8 exempting essential services.

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Sunday collected a total fine of Rs 28 lakh from 14,000 people in the city who were caught without face masks in public spaces.

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Wednesday clarified that the state has ample medicines and other medical supplies in case of a second COVID-19 wave.

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Wednesday clarified that the state has ample medicines and other medical supplies in case of a second COVID-19 wave. In a press note, the FDA said that the possibility of a second coronavirus wave in Maharashtra cannot be ruled out and for that the state must be prepared with all necessary medicines like Remdesivir and Favipiravir along with equipment like masks, sanitisers and oxygen supply and more. The FDA commissioner of the state has held an assembly meeting regarding the available stock of necessary medicines and equipment for COVID-19. He was satisfied after the meeting as the stocks were available to tackle a possible second wave of the virus. Also read| What role can India play in coronavirus vaccine inoculation? According to the FDA, the state has 51,425 injections of Remdesivir, 20,25,381 Favipiravir tablets and their Nagpur lab has currently stored 1.97 lakh injections that are ready to be distributed. Furthermore, oxygen for medical use is also available in ample quantities with 30 producers, 88 riffillers/distributers. Maharashtra has a collective capacity of 1287 metric tonnes per day of medical oxygen while the demand is at 513 MT per day. Hence the commissioner was assured that there was no shortage in terms of availability of medical oxygen. The FDA also assured that N-95 masks, 2ply masks, 3ply masks and sanitisers will be available in the market at reasonable prices. Maharashtra continues to be one of the worst affected states in the country. The number of new cases in the state has seen a surge over the last few weeks. State authorities have also imposed a night curfew in Aurangabad from 11 pm to 6 am till March 8 exempting essential services. Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Sunday collected a total fine of Rs 28 lakh from 14,000 people in the city who were caught without face masks in public spaces.

Maharashtra has ample medical supply for second COVID-19 wave, says state FDA

India on Tuesday reported 10,584 new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reports-83-deaths-in-24-hours-maharashtra-records-spike-in-death-toll-365332">coronavirus </a>cases including 78 deaths in the last 24 hours, India's health ministry said.

Watch:

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The total death toll due to the virus has reached 1,56,463 with the number of active COVID-19 cases at 1,47,306. The total number of cases in the country has now reached 1,10,16,434.

According to the government, the number of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/country-has-to-be-prepared-for-increasing-demand-for-made-in-india-vaccines-modi-365595">vaccinations</a> in the country has reached 1,17,45,552 beneficiaries. The health ministry announced eight states have <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-over-3-lakh-beneficiaries-receive-2nd-vaccine-dose-tally-reaches-114-crore-365499">vaccinated</a> over 75 per cent of healthcare workers which include &nbsp;Bihar, Tripura, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh&nbsp;

Meanwhile, streets in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reports-83-deaths-in-24-hours-maharashtra-records-spike-in-death-toll-365332">Maharashtra's</a> Amravati were deserted with night curfew imposed in the district till 6 am to curb the spread of the virus. During this curfew, only essentials shops have been allowed to open from 8 am to 3 pm.

Andhra Pradesh reported 41 new coronavirus cases taking the total number of cases to 8,89,339 with the total death toll at 7,167. There were no deaths reported in the last 24 hours in the state.

India's national capital reported 128 new coronavirus cases including one death in the last 24 hours. The total number of cases in Delhi has now reached 6,38,028 with the death toll going up to 10,901. The number of active cases has reached 1041.

The government informed that cumulative testing stands at 21.15 crore with nearly 2,400 testing labs across the country. There were no coronavirus cases in the 19 states.

India on Tuesday reported 10,584 new coronavirus cases including 78 deaths in the last 24 hours, India's health ministry said. Watch: The total death toll due to the virus has reached 1,56,463 with the number of active COVID-19 cases at 1,47,306.

India on Tuesday reported 10,584 new coronavirus cases including 78 deaths in the last 24 hours, India's health ministry said. Watch: The total death toll due to the virus has reached 1,56,463 with the number of active COVID-19 cases at 1,47,306. The total number of cases in the country has now reached 1,10,16,434. According to the government, the number of vaccinations in the country has reached 1,17,45,552 beneficiaries. The health ministry announced eight states have vaccinated over 75 per cent of healthcare workers which include Bihar, Tripura, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh Meanwhile, streets in Maharashtra's Amravati were deserted with night curfew imposed in the district till 6 am to curb the spread of the virus. During this curfew, only essentials shops have been allowed to open from 8 am to 3 pm. Andhra Pradesh reported 41 new coronavirus cases taking the total number of cases to 8,89,339 with the total death toll at 7,167. There were no deaths reported in the last 24 hours in the state. India's national capital reported 128 new coronavirus cases including one death in the last 24 hours. The total number of cases in Delhi has now reached 6,38,028 with the death toll going up to 10,901. The number of active cases has reached 1041. The government informed that cumulative testing stands at 21.15 crore with nearly 2,400 testing labs across the country. There were no coronavirus cases in the 19 states.

India reports over 10,500 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours; death toll declines to 78

Prime Minister Narendra <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-committed-to-enhancing-capabilities-in-defence-manufacturing-pm-modi-365496">Modi </a>on Tuesday said his government is taking a holistic approach to healthcare in the country and is not just focused on treatment but also wellness.

Addressing a webinar on the effective implementation of the Union Budget's provisions in the health sector, Modi said the Budget allocated for the health sector now is phenomenal and shows the government's commitment towards this sector.

The prime minister said it is time to take accessibility, affordability in healthcare to the next level for which the use of modern technology is being increased.

To keep India healthy, the government is working on four fronts simultaneously -- prevention of illness and promotion of wellness, healthcare access to all, increase in quality and quantity of healthcare infrastructure and professionals, to work on a mission mode to overcome problems, Modi said.

The world has noted the strength shown by India's health sector during the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-over-3-lakh-beneficiaries-receive-2nd-vaccine-dose-tally-reaches-114-crore-365499">COVID-19 </a>pandemic, he said, asserting that respect for India's healthcare had gone up during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the future, demand for Indian doctors and paramedical staff is going to go up around the world, he said.

The prime minister also said that the country has to be prepared for an increasing demand for "Made in India"&nbsp;vaccines.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said his government is taking a holistic approach to healthcare in the country and is not just focused on treatment but also wellness.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said his government is taking a holistic approach to healthcare in the country and is not just focused on treatment but also wellness. Addressing a webinar on the effective implementation of the Union Budget's provisions in the health sector, Modi said the Budget allocated for the health sector now is phenomenal and shows the government's commitment towards this sector. The prime minister said it is time to take accessibility, affordability in healthcare to the next level for which the use of modern technology is being increased. To keep India healthy, the government is working on four fronts simultaneously -- prevention of illness and promotion of wellness, healthcare access to all, increase in quality and quantity of healthcare infrastructure and professionals, to work on a mission mode to overcome problems, Modi said. The world has noted the strength shown by India's health sector during the COVID-19 pandemic, he said, asserting that respect for India's healthcare had gone up during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the future, demand for Indian doctors and paramedical staff is going to go up around the world, he said. The prime minister also said that the country has to be prepared for an increasing demand for "Made in India" vaccines.

Country has to be prepared for increasing demand for Made in India vaccines: Modi

India is the world's third-largest oil market. It imports nearly 85% of its crude. Petrol prices in India have crossed 100 rupees/litre. What can the govt do to help consumers? WION's Palki Sharma has the details.

Gravitas: What's India's Oil Strategy?

 Washington [US], February 23 (ANI): Mass media company Disney is returning to the musical world of `Stargirl`, its romantic drama that premiered on the platform almost a year ago.According to The Hollywood Reporter, the company`s live-action film division is bringing back much of the creative team behind the original movie, including star Grace VanderWaal and director Julia Hart. This time, the duo be joined by actor Elijah Richardson as well as composer-musician Michael Penn.The 2020 movie, which debuted on Disney+ March 13, 2020, adapted the best-selling book by Jerry Spinelli. It tells the story of a boy living in Mica, Arizona, who wishes for nothing more than an anonymous existence. However, the boy`s life is turned upside down when he meets and falls for an unusual and colourful girl named Stargirl.Hart and Jordan Horowitz, who co-wrote the initial adaptation with Kirsten Hahn, have written the original script that follows Stargirl`s journey.VanderWaal, who will reprise her role as `Stargirl`, will write and perform original music for this outing with Richard playing the romantic lead.Ellen Goldsmith-Vein and Lee Stollman of Gotham Group return as producers Horowitz will produce for Hart and Horowitz`s company Original Headquarters. Hahn and Spinelli are executive producers. Penn will also act as the new project`s executive music producer.According to The Hollywood Reporter, Jeanne McCarthy and Nicole Abellera are currently casting the movie.Like other streamers, Disney+ does not give viewership numbers or guidance on how it counts `views.` However, the making of a sequel does auger that it was somewhat of a success. The sequel also becomes the first Disney+ feature production to get a follow-up.Richardson appeared in Ava DuVernay`s `When They See Us` and in the medical drama, `New Amsterdam`.Hart`s latest movie was `I am Your Woman`, a 1970s-set crime drama that starred Rachel Brosnahan. The movie opened the 2020 AFI Fest and premiered on Amazon Prime in December.  (ANI) 

Washington [US], February 23 (ANI): Mass media company Disney is returning to the musical world of `Stargirl`, its romantic drama that premiered on the platform almost a year ago.

Washington [US], February 23 (ANI): Mass media company Disney is returning to the musical world of `Stargirl`, its romantic drama that premiered on the platform almost a year ago.According to The Hollywood Reporter, the company`s live-action film division is bringing back much of the creative team behind the original movie, including star Grace VanderWaal and director Julia Hart. This time, the duo be joined by actor Elijah Richardson as well as composer-musician Michael Penn.The 2020 movie, which debuted on Disney+ March 13, 2020, adapted the best-selling book by Jerry Spinelli. It tells the story of a boy living in Mica, Arizona, who wishes for nothing more than an anonymous existence. However, the boy`s life is turned upside down when he meets and falls for an unusual and colourful girl named Stargirl.Hart and Jordan Horowitz, who co-wrote the initial adaptation with Kirsten Hahn, have written the original script that follows Stargirl`s journey.VanderWaal, who will reprise her role as `Stargirl`, will write and perform original music for this outing with Richard playing the romantic lead.Ellen Goldsmith-Vein and Lee Stollman of Gotham Group return as producers Horowitz will produce for Hart and Horowitz`s company Original Headquarters. Hahn and Spinelli are executive producers. Penn will also act as the new project`s executive music producer.According to The Hollywood Reporter, Jeanne McCarthy and Nicole Abellera are currently casting the movie.Like other streamers, Disney+ does not give viewership numbers or guidance on how it counts `views.` However, the making of a sequel does auger that it was somewhat of a success. The sequel also becomes the first Disney+ feature production to get a follow-up.Richardson appeared in Ava DuVernay`s `When They See Us` and in the medical drama, `New Amsterdam`.Hart`s latest movie was `I am Your Woman`, a 1970s-set crime drama that starred Rachel Brosnahan. The movie opened the 2020 AFI Fest and premiered on Amazon Prime in December. (ANI)

''Stargirl'' remake in works for Disney Plus

Three Chinese bloggers were detained by authorities in China for questioning the official Chinese version of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-releases-propaganda-video-of-galwan-valley-clash-364969">Galwan</a> Valley clash against Indian troops which took place on June 15 last year, reports said.

WATCH|

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-chinas-galwan-admission-beijings-propaganda-push-364921/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

China's state-run Global Times said "following the arrests of two web users who slung mud at the People's Liberation Army(PLA) heroes who were killed in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-4-soldiers-killed-in-galwan-clash-with-india-in-june-last-year-reveals-china-364669">Galwan</a> Valley border clash with India, a blogger in southwest China's Sichuan province 'confessed' his misdeeds for having insulted the martyrs has been arrested."

The move comes after China acknowledged the casualties in Galwan. On Friday, China had announced military honours for the four soldiers who had lost their life and a regimental commander who was injured in the clash with Indian soldiers at Galwan in June, 2020.

Iu Ziming, an investigative journalist formerly employed with the Economic Observer was among the three people arrested. Ziming had questioned the official Chinese account of the Galwan clashes. On Weibo, the Chinese Twitter alternative, Ziming suggested that the casualties would have been higher than the officially reported figure.

He further suggested that some of the soldiers would have also died coming to the aid of injured troops and they in his view would have suffered losses as well. Ziming also questioned the time taken by Beijing to make the fatalities public. He said that Beijing took almost eight months to make the losses public while India was prompt in disclosing the fatalities.

WATCH|

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-chinas-galwan-lies-365530/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“In India’s view they won and paid a lesser price," Ziming said. After his arrest, the Nanjing police posted a message that said Ziming was arrested for "releasing false information and smearing the four heroes who died and one who was wounded when dealing with the Indian military's illegal trespassing."

The journalist's account was suspended immediately. Another blogger going by the last name Chen was among the three arrested. He was detained in Beijing for comments made during a group chat. According to Chinese police, they received a complaint of a 28-year-old publishing insulting comments about the PLA soldiers on WeChat.&nbsp;

The comments reportedly sparked fury on the group, Global Times reported. The Beijing police took action and said that as per Chen's statement the comments were made "to vent his emotions."

A 25-year-old blogger with the surname Yang was the last among the three detained. Yang was reported by internet users for posting "smears" against the Chinese troops. "Under social pressure, Yang confessed to the police the following day," China's state-run newspaper said

As per the police, he has been handed seven-day&nbsp;detention.

China had announced it was pulling out of forward bases along the Line of Actual Control(LAC) in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ladakh-disengagement-india-china-talks-last-for-16-hours-365184">eastern Ladakh</a>, the disengagement was completed last week.

Three Chinese bloggers were detained by authorities in China for questioning the official Chinese version of the Galwan Valley clash against Indian troops which took place on June 15 last year, reports said.

Three Chinese bloggers were detained by authorities in China for questioning the official Chinese version of the Galwan Valley clash against Indian troops which took place on June 15 last year, reports said. WATCH| China's state-run Global Times said "following the arrests of two web users who slung mud at the People's Liberation Army(PLA) heroes who were killed in the Galwan Valley border clash with India, a blogger in southwest China's Sichuan province 'confessed' his misdeeds for having insulted the martyrs has been arrested." The move comes after China acknowledged the casualties in Galwan. On Friday, China had announced military honours for the four soldiers who had lost their life and a regimental commander who was injured in the clash with Indian soldiers at Galwan in June, 2020. Iu Ziming, an investigative journalist formerly employed with the Economic Observer was among the three people arrested. Ziming had questioned the official Chinese account of the Galwan clashes. On Weibo, the Chinese Twitter alternative, Ziming suggested that the casualties would have been higher than the officially reported figure. He further suggested that some of the soldiers would have also died coming to the aid of injured troops and they in his view would have suffered losses as well. Ziming also questioned the time taken by Beijing to make the fatalities public. He said that Beijing took almost eight months to make the losses public while India was prompt in disclosing the fatalities. WATCH| “In India’s view they won and paid a lesser price," Ziming said. After his arrest, the Nanjing police posted a message that said Ziming was arrested for "releasing false information and smearing the four heroes who died and one who was wounded when dealing with the Indian military's illegal trespassing." The journalist's account was suspended immediately. Another blogger going by the last name Chen was among the three arrested. He was detained in Beijing for comments made during a group chat. According to Chinese police, they received a complaint of a 28-year-old publishing insulting comments about the PLA soldiers on WeChat. The comments reportedly sparked fury on the group, Global Times reported. The Beijing police took action and said that as per Chen's statement the comments were made "to vent his emotions." A 25-year-old blogger with the surname Yang was the last among the three detained. Yang was reported by internet users for posting "smears" against the Chinese troops. "Under social pressure, Yang confessed to the police the following day," China's state-run newspaper said As per the police, he has been handed seven-day detention. China had announced it was pulling out of forward bases along the Line of Actual Control(LAC) in eastern Ladakh, the disengagement was completed last week.

India-China standoff: China detains bloggers for questioning official version of Galwan clash

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday asked the IITs to develop disaster resilient infrastructure that can withstand their effects.

Addressing the 66th convocation of IIT (Kharagpur), the oldest of Indian Institutes of Technology, he gave the students the mantra of "Self-3" - "self-awareness, self-confidence and selflessness" - in order to become startups for bringing about a change in the lives of people.

"You represent the aspirations of 130 crore people of India," he said while addressing the convocation virtually.

He also spoke of the need for making available safe, affordable and environment-friendly energy to people through initiatives like the International Solar Alliance.

"Climate change is a major challenge as natural disasters destroy infrastructure. India drew the attention of the world to the issue of disaster management."

"You can see what happened recently in Uttarakhand. We should focus on developing disaster resilient infrastructure that can withstand natural disasters," he said.

The prime minister referred to the global Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), which he announced at the UN Climate Action Summit in 2019.

The CDRI envisages partnership of national governments, UN agencies and programmes, multilateral development banks, financing mechanisms, private sector, and knowledge institutions to promote the resilience of new and existing infrastructure systems to climate and disaster risks to ensure sustainable development.

Modi said, "Disaster management is a subject which the world has looked up to India. During major disasters, along with life, infrastructure is the most affected. Realizing this two years ago, India took the initiative of establishing Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure in the United Nations."

He hailed the role played by the IITs in developing technology to battle COVID-19 and said the hallowed institutes should now work fast on finding futuristic solutions to other health care problems.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday asked the IITs to develop disaster resilient infrastructure that can withstand their effects. Addressing the 66th convocation of IIT (Kharagpur), the oldest of Indian Institutes of Technology, he gave the students the mantra of "Self-3" - "self-awareness, self-confidence and selflessness" - in order to become startups for bringing about a change in the lives of people.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday asked the IITs to develop disaster resilient infrastructure that can withstand their effects. Addressing the 66th convocation of IIT (Kharagpur), the oldest of Indian Institutes of Technology, he gave the students the mantra of "Self-3" - "self-awareness, self-confidence and selflessness" - in order to become startups for bringing about a change in the lives of people. "You represent the aspirations of 130 crore people of India," he said while addressing the convocation virtually. He also spoke of the need for making available safe, affordable and environment-friendly energy to people through initiatives like the International Solar Alliance. "Climate change is a major challenge as natural disasters destroy infrastructure. India drew the attention of the world to the issue of disaster management." "You can see what happened recently in Uttarakhand. We should focus on developing disaster resilient infrastructure that can withstand natural disasters," he said. The prime minister referred to the global Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), which he announced at the UN Climate Action Summit in 2019. The CDRI envisages partnership of national governments, UN agencies and programmes, multilateral development banks, financing mechanisms, private sector, and knowledge institutions to promote the resilience of new and existing infrastructure systems to climate and disaster risks to ensure sustainable development. Modi said, "Disaster management is a subject which the world has looked up to India. During major disasters, along with life, infrastructure is the most affected. Realizing this two years ago, India took the initiative of establishing Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure in the United Nations." He hailed the role played by the IITs in developing technology to battle COVID-19 and said the hallowed institutes should now work fast on finding futuristic solutions to other health care problems. (With inputs from agencies)

You represent aspirations of 130 crore Indians: PM Modi at IIT Kharagpur convocation

Fuel is on fire in India, touching Rs 100 a litre at some places. For the first time, it has hit a three-digit number. Before Sunday, oil prices were hiked every day for 12 days straight. &nbsp;&nbsp;

At Rs 100, oil in India was reportedly the costliest in South Asia. The Sensex fell by more than 1,000 points today. Oil wasn't the only reason for the falling stocks, but it was a major reason. Investors were spooked by the soaring prices. &nbsp;&nbsp;

There are also reports of fuel smuggling. A tanker carrying more than 1,000 litres of oil was held in Nepal last week. That's when prices in Nepal were around Rs 70 a litre. &nbsp;

The irony is Nepal gets its oil supplies from India. So, the question is why are Indians paying so much for oil? &nbsp;

The short and simple answer is taxes. Our oil taxes are abominably high. The long answer is more complex, it includes global oil prices and international politics. &nbsp; &nbsp;

A year ago, oil prices had hit negative territory less than zero. It was at the height of the pandemic. Now, the demand has increased. &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-2-factors-are-dictating-how-much-you-spend-on-fuel-365528">WATCH|</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-2-factors-are-dictating-how-much-you-spend-on-fuel-365528/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Prices have shot up again. Where will they go from here? It depends on what oil producers decide and how the market responds. These two factors will dictate how much you pay for fuel. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Earlier this month, the price of oil recovered and returned to pre-pandemic levels. The lockdowns around the world had killed demand for oil. &nbsp;

Now, the world is out. So, the demand has revived and prices have gone up. &nbsp;

Right now, they are hovering around 60 dollars per barrel. Oil was selling at 20 dollars per barrel in April last year. So, the prices have tripled. &nbsp;

The brent-crude futures is the benchmark of the energy markets. It has risen by more than 50 per cent since October last year. It's proof of recovery. &nbsp;

The global prices are higher. So, a country like India, which imports more than 80 per cent of its fuel needs, must pay more to buy oil in the international market. &nbsp;

So far, so bad. What about the future? It depends on one meeting next month. The meeting of organisation of petroleum exporting countries (OPEC) and Russia. Together, they form a cartel and control the supply of oil into the global markets. &nbsp;

Now, this grouping has a problem as the two leading exporters, Saudi Arabia and Russia are at loggerheads with each other. One wants to increase supply, the other doesn't. &nbsp;

According to reports, Saudi Arabia does not want to increase oil supply and wants the prices to remain high. While Russia wants to increase supply. &nbsp; &nbsp;

It affects us. If Saudi Arabia has its way, supply will be limited but demand is increasing. So, prices will go up. If Russia has its way, supply will increase and there will be more oil in the market. So, prices could come down. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Reports say OPEC and its allies are withholding seven million barrels a day from the market. It's about seven per cent of the global supply. If all of this is released, global prices would fall, dramatically. But that isn't happening at the moment. &nbsp;

In recent months, some events have contributed to the jump in global prices. Saudi Arabia has cut production. In January, Riyadh decided to make an extra cut of one million barrels. It led to a spike in prices. &nbsp;

The winter storm in oil-rich Texas, US is another reason as the big freeze has knocked out 40 per cent of US's oil output. Production has been shut due to the icy weather for days now. Output has dropped by one to four million barrels per day. &nbsp;

The result of the shutdown was hike in oil prices. The global oil markets are nowhere close to a full recovery. But they have got a short-term boost.&nbsp;

Fuel is on fire in India, touching Rs 100 a litre at some places. For the first time, it has hit a three-digit number. Before Sunday, oil prices were hiked every day for 12 days straight.

Fuel is on fire in India, touching Rs 100 a litre at some places. For the first time, it has hit a three-digit number. Before Sunday, oil prices were hiked every day for 12 days straight. At Rs 100, oil in India was reportedly the costliest in South Asia. The Sensex fell by more than 1,000 points today. Oil wasn't the only reason for the falling stocks, but it was a major reason. Investors were spooked by the soaring prices. There are also reports of fuel smuggling. A tanker carrying more than 1,000 litres of oil was held in Nepal last week. That's when prices in Nepal were around Rs 70 a litre. The irony is Nepal gets its oil supplies from India. So, the question is why are Indians paying so much for oil? The short and simple answer is taxes. Our oil taxes are abominably high. The long answer is more complex, it includes global oil prices and international politics. A year ago, oil prices had hit negative territory less than zero. It was at the height of the pandemic. Now, the demand has increased. WATCH| Prices have shot up again. Where will they go from here? It depends on what oil producers decide and how the market responds. These two factors will dictate how much you pay for fuel. Earlier this month, the price of oil recovered and returned to pre-pandemic levels. The lockdowns around the world had killed demand for oil. Now, the world is out. So, the demand has revived and prices have gone up. Right now, they are hovering around 60 dollars per barrel. Oil was selling at 20 dollars per barrel in April last year. So, the prices have tripled. The brent-crude futures is the benchmark of the energy markets. It has risen by more than 50 per cent since October last year. It's proof of recovery. The global prices are higher. So, a country like India, which imports more than 80 per cent of its fuel needs, must pay more to buy oil in the international market. So far, so bad. What about the future? It depends on one meeting next month. The meeting of organisation of petroleum exporting countries (OPEC) and Russia. Together, they form a cartel and control the supply of oil into the global markets. Now, this grouping has a problem as the two leading exporters, Saudi Arabia and Russia are at loggerheads with each other. One wants to increase supply, the other doesn't. According to reports, Saudi Arabia does not want to increase oil supply and wants the prices to remain high. While Russia wants to increase supply. It affects us. If Saudi Arabia has its way, supply will be limited but demand is increasing. So, prices will go up. If Russia has its way, supply will increase and there will be more oil in the market. So, prices could come down. Reports say OPEC and its allies are withholding seven million barrels a day from the market. It's about seven per cent of the global supply. If all of this is released, global prices would fall, dramatically. But that isn't happening at the moment. In recent months, some events have contributed to the jump in global prices. Saudi Arabia has cut production. In January, Riyadh decided to make an extra cut of one million barrels. It led to a spike in prices. The winter storm in oil-rich Texas, US is another reason as the big freeze has knocked out 40 per cent of US's oil output. Production has been shut due to the icy weather for days now. Output has dropped by one to four million barrels per day. The result of the shutdown was hike in oil prices. The global oil markets are nowhere close to a full recovery. But they have got a short-term boost.

What led to hike in fuel prices?

India: Why oil is so expensive and what could be done 
India is the world's third-largest oil market and depends heavily on crude oil to fuel its dreams and development. India consumes nearly 211.6 million tonnes of oil every year. Out of this, less than 35 million tonnes is produced in India. India does not have enough reserves, and new oil fields have not been explored.

Where does the rest of the oil come from?

Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United States and Canada, among other countries are where India gets its oil from.

India imports nearly 85 per cent of its crude, which is the biggest reason for India's high fuel prices. India depends on imports, with some of the blame on OPEC+ - the organisation of petroleum exporting countries and Russia. They have cut supplies, but the demand is rising. Owing to this, prices have gone up. People in India are paying more than 100 rupees a litre for petrol, and this rise in fuel prices is affecting every Indian household.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-whats-indias-oil-strategy-365527">WATCH|</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-whats-indias-oil-strategy-365527/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

What are the government's options?

It's important to understand fuel pricing in India, and the global price is currently around 60 dollars per barrel - roughly 28 rupees per litre.

Indians are paying close to 100 rupees because of taxes. Almost 2/3rd of what a buyer pays is excise duty and taxes. The base price of the fuel, transport charges and dealer commission make up just a portion of the pie. For eg - The price of petrol in Delhi was 89.29 rupees a litre on February 16. Of 89.29 rupees - the base price of petrol is just 31.82 rupees.

Then comes in freight at 0.28 rupees, followed by the price charged to dealers at 32.10 rupees. Excise duty stands at 32.90 rupees, which is levied by the union government.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/israels-mediterranean-shoreline-drenched-with-tar-after-offshore-oil-spill-365255" hreflang="en">Israel's Mediterranean shoreline drenched with tar after offshore oil spill</a>

Dealer commission stands at 3.68 rupees and can change depending on your location. Next is VAT or value-added tax, at 20.61 rupees, which is levied by the state government. India has the highest tax on fuel - 260 per cent on the base price of petrol, and 256 per cent for diesel, according to CARE ratings. In Germany and Italy, the tax on fuel is 65 per cent of the retail price. In the UK, it is 62 per cent. In Japan, it is 45 per cent, and in the US it is 20 per cent. In India, it is 260 per cent!

State and central governments can make oil cheaper if they want to. Among other things, they could intervene by fixing oil prices. Currently, oil retailers in India can fix prices of petrol and diesel after factoring in their own cost which basically depends on the price of oil in the international market. They also factor in their profits.

Earlier, prices of petrol and diesel were regulated by the government, which paid subsidies to oil marketing companies which&nbsp;shielded consumers against turmoil in the international oil market.

In extreme cases, the government can still intervene. India can begin by diversifying imports. Currently, India relies heavily on West Asia for oil, with the region amounting for about 61 per cent of the oil shipped into the country. Earlier, India had a wider supply base. Now, it depends on OPEC+.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/turmoil-in-west-asia-sparks-hike-in-fuel-prices-363895" hreflang="en">Turmoil in West Asia sparks hike in fuel prices</a>

With Joe Biden in office, India could resume buying oil from Iran and Venezuela. Reports say that India is already talking to both these countries. Once upon a time, Iran was among India's major suppliers. But since 2019, there have been zero imports from Iran because of the Trump administration's sanctions on Iran.

In the year 2018-19, India imported 23.5 million tonnes of Iranian oil - almost a 10th of India's requirement. Oil from Iran and Venezuela is cheaper, but both countries have been sanctioned by the United States.

To counter the growing oil prices, India's strategy must be to explore new markets and to find a way to work around US sanctions. India also needs to rethink high taxes, and regulate in extreme circumstances. India also needs to explore new reserves at home, and gradually work towards a future independent of oil. 
&nbsp;

India: Why oil is so expensive and what could be done India is the world's third-largest oil market and depends heavily on crude oil to fuel its dreams and development.

India: Why oil is so expensive and what could be done India is the world's third-largest oil market and depends heavily on crude oil to fuel its dreams and development. India consumes nearly 211.6 million tonnes of oil every year. Out of this, less than 35 million tonnes is produced in India. India does not have enough reserves, and new oil fields have not been explored. Where does the rest of the oil come from? Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United States and Canada, among other countries are where India gets its oil from. India imports nearly 85 per cent of its crude, which is the biggest reason for India's high fuel prices. India depends on imports, with some of the blame on OPEC+ - the organisation of petroleum exporting countries and Russia. They have cut supplies, but the demand is rising. Owing to this, prices have gone up. People in India are paying more than 100 rupees a litre for petrol, and this rise in fuel prices is affecting every Indian household. WATCH| What are the government's options? It's important to understand fuel pricing in India, and the global price is currently around 60 dollars per barrel - roughly 28 rupees per litre. Indians are paying close to 100 rupees because of taxes. Almost 2/3rd of what a buyer pays is excise duty and taxes. The base price of the fuel, transport charges and dealer commission make up just a portion of the pie. For eg - The price of petrol in Delhi was 89.29 rupees a litre on February 16. Of 89.29 rupees - the base price of petrol is just 31.82 rupees. Then comes in freight at 0.28 rupees, followed by the price charged to dealers at 32.10 rupees. Excise duty stands at 32.90 rupees, which is levied by the union government. Also read: Israel's Mediterranean shoreline drenched with tar after offshore oil spill Dealer commission stands at 3.68 rupees and can change depending on your location. Next is VAT or value-added tax, at 20.61 rupees, which is levied by the state government. India has the highest tax on fuel - 260 per cent on the base price of petrol, and 256 per cent for diesel, according to CARE ratings. In Germany and Italy, the tax on fuel is 65 per cent of the retail price. In the UK, it is 62 per cent. In Japan, it is 45 per cent, and in the US it is 20 per cent. In India, it is 260 per cent! State and central governments can make oil cheaper if they want to. Among other things, they could intervene by fixing oil prices. Currently, oil retailers in India can fix prices of petrol and diesel after factoring in their own cost which basically depends on the price of oil in the international market. They also factor in their profits. Earlier, prices of petrol and diesel were regulated by the government, which paid subsidies to oil marketing companies which shielded consumers against turmoil in the international oil market. In extreme cases, the government can still intervene. India can begin by diversifying imports. Currently, India relies heavily on West Asia for oil, with the region amounting for about 61 per cent of the oil shipped into the country. Earlier, India had a wider supply base. Now, it depends on OPEC+. Also read: Turmoil in West Asia sparks hike in fuel prices With Joe Biden in office, India could resume buying oil from Iran and Venezuela. Reports say that India is already talking to both these countries. Once upon a time, Iran was among India's major suppliers. But since 2019, there have been zero imports from Iran because of the Trump administration's sanctions on Iran. In the year 2018-19, India imported 23.5 million tonnes of Iranian oil - almost a 10th of India's requirement. Oil from Iran and Venezuela is cheaper, but both countries have been sanctioned by the United States. To counter the growing oil prices, India's strategy must be to explore new markets and to find a way to work around US sanctions. India also needs to rethink high taxes, and regulate in extreme circumstances. India also needs to explore new reserves at home, and gradually work towards a future independent of oil.

Why oil is expensive in India, and what the government could do

India's central government on Tuesday claimed that it had found two specific variants of coronavirus circulating in three states - Maharashtra, Kerala, and Telangana.

The variants - N440K and E484K have been circulating among the three states, and a high number of mutations have been detected. According to authorities, no link between these variants and the ongoing resurgence of cases in Maharashtra and Kerala has been established yet. 
 
"The genome sequencing of positive patients have confirmed two variants which are detected with a larger number mutations than the one dominating the country. They are found circulating in Maharashtra, Kerala and Telangana," IANS quoted VK Paul, Member (health), NITI Aayog, and head of the National Task Force on Covid-19 as saying.

Paul clarified that the increase in the number of infections still cannot be attributed to these variants. "There is no evidence for us to believe that these are responsible for the upsurge of the outbreak in some of the districts in Maharashtra and Kerala," he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/south-african-variant-could-reduce-vaccine-protection-pfizer-364413" hreflang="en">South African variant could reduce vaccine protection: Pfizer</a>

In addition, Paul said that the central government is closely observing mutations in the country. Paul added that the number of people infected with the South African variant of coronavirus have risen to six. Last week, the Union Health Ministry reported four cases.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) last week said that at least 192 cases of COVID-19 linked to the new variants were detected in the last two months.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/187-uk-variant-patients-in-india-all-under-quarantine-says-health-ministry-364258" hreflang="en">187 UK variant patients in India, all under quarantine, says health ministry</a>

These include four cases from the variant in South Africa and one from Brazil. The other 187 were infected with the UK variant.

Even then, the number of patients infected with mutated variants of the virus has remained unchanged.&nbsp; In total, the number of people infected with COVID-19 has gone up to 194 in India.

India's central government on Tuesday claimed that it had found two specific variants of coronavirus circulating in three states - Maharashtra, Kerala, and Telangana.

India's central government on Tuesday claimed that it had found two specific variants of coronavirus circulating in three states - Maharashtra, Kerala, and Telangana. The variants - N440K and E484K have been circulating among the three states, and a high number of mutations have been detected. According to authorities, no link between these variants and the ongoing resurgence of cases in Maharashtra and Kerala has been established yet. "The genome sequencing of positive patients have confirmed two variants which are detected with a larger number mutations than the one dominating the country. They are found circulating in Maharashtra, Kerala and Telangana," IANS quoted VK Paul, Member (health), NITI Aayog, and head of the National Task Force on Covid-19 as saying. Paul clarified that the increase in the number of infections still cannot be attributed to these variants. "There is no evidence for us to believe that these are responsible for the upsurge of the outbreak in some of the districts in Maharashtra and Kerala," he added. Also read: South African variant could reduce vaccine protection: Pfizer In addition, Paul said that the central government is closely observing mutations in the country. Paul added that the number of people infected with the South African variant of coronavirus have risen to six. Last week, the Union Health Ministry reported four cases. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) last week said that at least 192 cases of COVID-19 linked to the new variants were detected in the last two months. Also read: 187 UK variant patients in India, all under quarantine, says health ministry These include four cases from the variant in South Africa and one from Brazil. The other 187 were infected with the UK variant. Even then, the number of patients infected with mutated variants of the virus has remained unchanged. In total, the number of people infected with COVID-19 has gone up to 194 in India.

Two highly mutated variants of COVID detected in three Indian states

India's External Affairs Minister Dr&nbsp;S Jaishankar has pointed out how terrorism is a "crime against humanity" at the United Nations Human Rights Council, calling for a "clear realization" in the body that "terrorism can never be justified".&nbsp;

Speaking at the high-level segment of the body, EAM said, "terrorism continues to be one of the gravest threats to humankind. It is a crime against humanity and violates the most fundamental human right - namely ‘the Right to Life’".&nbsp;

He explained, "As a long-standing victim, India has been at the forefront of the global action against terrorism. This is possible only when there is a clear realization, including in bodies dealing with human rights, that terrorism can never be justified, nor its perpetrators ever equated with its victims."

India had presented an 8-point agenda at the United Nations security council last month that calls for dealing with&nbsp;terrorism. The plan including proposals like preventing terrorists from accessing financial resources by strengthening FATF, objectively listing terrorists etc.

The comments come even as in the past there have been numerous&nbsp;run-ins between the Indian Govt and UNHRC even as the latter has been seen silent on the issue of cross-border terror.&nbsp;The Chief of Geneva-based body has been critical of New Delhi on Citizenship Amendment law, Kashmir but has skirted around the issue of terror from Pakistan.

EAM during his statement also highlighted India's covid vaccine outreach by sending vaccines to many countries in form of gifts and commercial deals.&nbsp;

He said,"&nbsp;From Bangladesh to Brazil and from Morocco to Fiji, the pharmacy of the world is today supplying millions of vaccine doses to more than 70 countries."

Last year, amid the pandemic, India sent&nbsp;essential medicines and equipment to more than 150 countries. He pointed out that,&nbsp;&nbsp;India’s "abiding commitment to promotion and protection" of "basic human rights has been manifest in our strategy" to deal with COVID 19 pandemic, by giving direct food support to 800 million Indians and financial support to 400 million.

India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has pointed out how terrorism is a "crime against humanity" at the United Nations Human Rights Council, calling for a "clear realization" in the body that "terrorism can never be justified".

India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has pointed out how terrorism is a "crime against humanity" at the United Nations Human Rights Council, calling for a "clear realization" in the body that "terrorism can never be justified". Speaking at the high-level segment of the body, EAM said, "terrorism continues to be one of the gravest threats to humankind. It is a crime against humanity and violates the most fundamental human right - namely ‘the Right to Life’". He explained, "As a long-standing victim, India has been at the forefront of the global action against terrorism. This is possible only when there is a clear realization, including in bodies dealing with human rights, that terrorism can never be justified, nor its perpetrators ever equated with its victims." India had presented an 8-point agenda at the United Nations security council last month that calls for dealing with terrorism. The plan including proposals like preventing terrorists from accessing financial resources by strengthening FATF, objectively listing terrorists etc. The comments come even as in the past there have been numerous run-ins between the Indian Govt and UNHRC even as the latter has been seen silent on the issue of cross-border terror. The Chief of Geneva-based body has been critical of New Delhi on Citizenship Amendment law, Kashmir but has skirted around the issue of terror from Pakistan. EAM during his statement also highlighted India's covid vaccine outreach by sending vaccines to many countries in form of gifts and commercial deals. He said," From Bangladesh to Brazil and from Morocco to Fiji, the pharmacy of the world is today supplying millions of vaccine doses to more than 70 countries." Last year, amid the pandemic, India sent essential medicines and equipment to more than 150 countries. He pointed out that, India’s "abiding commitment to promotion and protection" of "basic human rights has been manifest in our strategy" to deal with COVID 19 pandemic, by giving direct food support to 800 million Indians and financial support to 400 million.

Terror is a crime against humanity, India's External Affairs Minister Jaishankar tells UNHRC

Kickstarting the vaccination program in his country with India Made Vaccines, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Tuesday lauded the Indian Government and PM Modi for sending vaccines.

The first to be vaccinated were members of the Afghan security forces and health care workers in the inauguration ceremony that was attended by top Afghan officials and the Indian envoy to Afghanistan Rudrendra Tandon.

Ghani said, "India, the world's largest democracy and the largest producer of vaccines, not only provided the house of Parliament of Afghanistan and the dams that are the pride of this country but also partners with us in terms of securing our lives and livelihood."

Elaborating, "the solidarity that India has demonstrated is an indication of both our deep historical relationship and the promise of 2 democracies working in this region together. Let me thank PM Modi, Govt of India for this expectational act of solidarity and generosity."

India had gifted 500,000 doses of COVISHIELD vaccines earlier this month to the country. Last year during the covid pandemic, India sent medicines and sent 75000 MT of wheat to the country as humanitarian aid via Chabahar port to prevent any shortage of food.

New Delhi has so far sent vaccines, in form of gifts and Commerical to more than 20 countries. With the notable exception of Pakistan due to obvious reasons, all of India's neighbors have been gifted covid vaccines by India. In fact, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Afghanistan began their vaccination program using India-made vaccines. In contrast, Pakistan has stood out by being the only country in South Asia to begin its vaccination using the Chinese vaccine.

Ghani at the event, in what seems to be a remark on Pakistan said, "we need to make sure to overcome the forces of negative nationalism, nationalism should be an act of solidarity and pride in our common humanity and not sponsorship of groups and tendencies that provide for conflicts"

Pakistan has been hosting a number of terror groups, and Kabul has been very vocal about they being the cause of instability in the region.&nbsp;

Kickstarting the vaccination program in his country with India Made Vaccines, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Tuesday lauded the Indian Government and PM Modi for sending vaccines.

Kickstarting the vaccination program in his country with India Made Vaccines, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Tuesday lauded the Indian Government and PM Modi for sending vaccines. The first to be vaccinated were members of the Afghan security forces and health care workers in the inauguration ceremony that was attended by top Afghan officials and the Indian envoy to Afghanistan Rudrendra Tandon. Ghani said, "India, the world's largest democracy and the largest producer of vaccines, not only provided the house of Parliament of Afghanistan and the dams that are the pride of this country but also partners with us in terms of securing our lives and livelihood." Elaborating, "the solidarity that India has demonstrated is an indication of both our deep historical relationship and the promise of 2 democracies working in this region together. Let me thank PM Modi, Govt of India for this expectational act of solidarity and generosity." India had gifted 500,000 doses of COVISHIELD vaccines earlier this month to the country. Last year during the covid pandemic, India sent medicines and sent 75000 MT of wheat to the country as humanitarian aid via Chabahar port to prevent any shortage of food. New Delhi has so far sent vaccines, in form of gifts and Commerical to more than 20 countries. With the notable exception of Pakistan due to obvious reasons, all of India's neighbors have been gifted covid vaccines by India. In fact, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Afghanistan began their vaccination program using India-made vaccines. In contrast, Pakistan has stood out by being the only country in South Asia to begin its vaccination using the Chinese vaccine. Ghani at the event, in what seems to be a remark on Pakistan said, "we need to make sure to overcome the forces of negative nationalism, nationalism should be an act of solidarity and pride in our common humanity and not sponsorship of groups and tendencies that provide for conflicts" Pakistan has been hosting a number of terror groups, and Kabul has been very vocal about they being the cause of instability in the region.

Afghanistan begins COVID vaccination using India made vaccine; Prez Ghani lauds Indian govt, PM Modi

India reported 14,199 new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-serum-institute-says-prioritising-domestic-vaccine-needs-asks-for-patience-365240">coronavirus</a> cases and 83 deaths in the last 24 hours on Monday, according to the health ministry.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/covid-19-hits-bangladeshs-garment-industry-pandemic-soured-long-term-demand-364773/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The total death toll in the country has reached 1,56,385 with the number of active cases rising to 1,50,055. The total number of cases in the country, has risen to 1,10,05,850.

According to the government, 1,11,16,854 vaccinations have&nbsp;been undertaken so far in the country. Pune in Maharashtra which has been one of the worst-hit city due to the virus reported 1,176 new coronavirus cases and six deaths in the last 24 hours. The death toll due to the virus has risen to 9,183 in the city.

Maharashtra reported 6,971 new coronavirus cases with 35 deaths in the last 24 hours. The total number of COVID-19 cases in the state has risen to 21,00,884 with the death toll rising to 51,788.

The number of active cases in Maharashtra stands at 52,956, the state health ministry said.

CM Uddhav Thackeray said: "Maharashtra has reported around 7,000 COVID-19 cases, if the situation deteriorates, then we have to impose lockdown. Those who want lockdown can roam around without mask while those who don't want it must wear mask and follow all the rules."

The state has imposed a complete lockdown in Amravati for one week after a surge in virus cases. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In Kerala, 4,070 fresh coronavirus were reported along with 58,313 active cases, the state government said. India's national capital Delhi&nbsp;reported&nbsp;145 new coronavirus cases and two deaths in 24 hours with the total death toll rising to 10,900.

Meanwhile, the Odisha government has instructed all district collectors to ensure strict implementation of coronavirus guidelines after fresh spikes in some states.

India reported 14,199 new coronavirus cases and 83 deaths in the last 24 hours on Monday, according to the health ministry. Watch: The total death toll in the country has reached 1,56,385 with the number of active cases rising to 1,50,055.

India reported 14,199 new coronavirus cases and 83 deaths in the last 24 hours on Monday, according to the health ministry. Watch: The total death toll in the country has reached 1,56,385 with the number of active cases rising to 1,50,055. The total number of cases in the country, has risen to 1,10,05,850. According to the government, 1,11,16,854 vaccinations have been undertaken so far in the country. Pune in Maharashtra which has been one of the worst-hit city due to the virus reported 1,176 new coronavirus cases and six deaths in the last 24 hours. The death toll due to the virus has risen to 9,183 in the city. Maharashtra reported 6,971 new coronavirus cases with 35 deaths in the last 24 hours. The total number of COVID-19 cases in the state has risen to 21,00,884 with the death toll rising to 51,788. The number of active cases in Maharashtra stands at 52,956, the state health ministry said. CM Uddhav Thackeray said: "Maharashtra has reported around 7,000 COVID-19 cases, if the situation deteriorates, then we have to impose lockdown. Those who want lockdown can roam around without mask while those who don't want it must wear mask and follow all the rules." The state has imposed a complete lockdown in Amravati for one week after a surge in virus cases. In Kerala, 4,070 fresh coronavirus were reported along with 58,313 active cases, the state government said. India's national capital Delhi reported 145 new coronavirus cases and two deaths in 24 hours with the total death toll rising to 10,900. Meanwhile, the Odisha government has instructed all district collectors to ensure strict implementation of coronavirus guidelines after fresh spikes in some states.

India reports 83 deaths in 24 hours; Maharashtra records spike in death toll

In a major development, India signed a free trade agreement (FTA) with Mauritius during External Affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar's visit to the country. The FTA or CECPA is the first such pact with any African country and is being considered a milestone in commercial ties. &nbsp;

External affairs minister, standing alongside Mauritius PM Pravind Jugnauth said, "India is privileged to have entered into a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) with Mauritius. It will provide a timely boost for the revival of our post-Covid economies and also enable Indian investors to use Mauritius as a launch-pad for business expansion into continental Africa helping the prospect of Mauritius emerging as a ‘hub of Africa’." &nbsp;

The CECPA provides preferential access to Mauritius for the bulk of the trade. These include frozen fish, speciality sugar, biscuits, fresh fruits, juices, mineral water, soaps, bags, medical and surgical equipment, and apparel. One of the key immediate impacts is that Mauritius will get preferential access for the export of 40,000 tonnes of sugar into India and also access for the export of 7.5 million pieces of apparel. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-says-committed-to-no-first-use-of-nukes-supports-negotiations-on-fmct-365494">India says committed to no first use of nukes, supports negotiations on FMCT</a>

With an aim to make Mauritius a 'strategic economic regional hub', PM Pravind Jugnauth said," CECPA is first of its kind signed by India with an African country. This landmark agreement is far-reaching and will unleash new and expanded opportunities in trade, goods and services...CECPA will encourage Indian entrepreneurs to invest both in Mauritius and across the whole region." &nbsp;&nbsp;

In the services sector, India has offered 95 sub-sectors from 11 broad services sectors. This can spur Indian investment in the services sector in Mauritius, especially in the ICT sector with Indian companies leveraging the bilingual prowess of Mauritius for investments in Francophone Africa. The service sector form 76% of Mauritius GDP. &nbsp;

Other than FTA, both countries increased defence engagement with India extending a defence line of credit (LOC) of $100 million to the Indian Ocean Island country. An agreement has also been signed on providing for a Dornier aircraft and an Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv on lease to Mauritius on a gratis basis for two years. This will help in the country's capabilities to patrol and monitor its vast maritime domain more effectively. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-us-joint-military-exercise-yudh-abhyas-concludes-365407">India-US joint military exercise 'Yudh Abhyas' concludes</a>

PM Jugnauth said, "ensuring peace and respect for rule of law in the Indo Pacific region" was discussed with EAM. Adding, "I welcome the renewed commitment of the Quad countries in upholding rules-based international order underpinned by respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, rule of law, transparency, freedom of navigation in international water and peaceful resolution of disputes. Adherence to these principles is crucial." &nbsp;

MoU on Consumer Protection and Contract for 8 MW solar plant was also signed. India gave 100,000 doses of Covid vaccines to the country. This is the second such covid vaccine consignment of 100,000 doses being given by India. Mauritius has also requested further 200,000 doses of vaccines. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Interestingly, with both Mauritius and Maldives, India has increased its defence partnership. Over the weekend, India and Maldives signed a pact to 'develop, support and maintain' a Maldives National Defence Force Coast Guard Harbour at Sifvaru (Uthuru Thilafalhu) and extended $50 million LOC in Defence.&nbsp;

In a major development, India signed a free trade agreement (FTA) with Mauritius during External Affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar's visit to the country. The FTA or CECPA is the first such pact with any African country and is being considered a milestone in commercial ties.

In a major development, India signed a free trade agreement (FTA) with Mauritius during External Affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar's visit to the country. The FTA or CECPA is the first such pact with any African country and is being considered a milestone in commercial ties. External affairs minister, standing alongside Mauritius PM Pravind Jugnauth said, "India is privileged to have entered into a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) with Mauritius. It will provide a timely boost for the revival of our post-Covid economies and also enable Indian investors to use Mauritius as a launch-pad for business expansion into continental Africa helping the prospect of Mauritius emerging as a ‘hub of Africa’." The CECPA provides preferential access to Mauritius for the bulk of the trade. These include frozen fish, speciality sugar, biscuits, fresh fruits, juices, mineral water, soaps, bags, medical and surgical equipment, and apparel. One of the key immediate impacts is that Mauritius will get preferential access for the export of 40,000 tonnes of sugar into India and also access for the export of 7.5 million pieces of apparel. Also Read: India says committed to no first use of nukes, supports negotiations on FMCT With an aim to make Mauritius a 'strategic economic regional hub', PM Pravind Jugnauth said," CECPA is first of its kind signed by India with an African country. This landmark agreement is far-reaching and will unleash new and expanded opportunities in trade, goods and services...CECPA will encourage Indian entrepreneurs to invest both in Mauritius and across the whole region." In the services sector, India has offered 95 sub-sectors from 11 broad services sectors. This can spur Indian investment in the services sector in Mauritius, especially in the ICT sector with Indian companies leveraging the bilingual prowess of Mauritius for investments in Francophone Africa. The service sector form 76% of Mauritius GDP. Other than FTA, both countries increased defence engagement with India extending a defence line of credit (LOC) of $100 million to the Indian Ocean Island country. An agreement has also been signed on providing for a Dornier aircraft and an Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv on lease to Mauritius on a gratis basis for two years. This will help in the country's capabilities to patrol and monitor its vast maritime domain more effectively. Also Read: India-US joint military exercise 'Yudh Abhyas' concludes PM Jugnauth said, "ensuring peace and respect for rule of law in the Indo Pacific region" was discussed with EAM. Adding, "I welcome the renewed commitment of the Quad countries in upholding rules-based international order underpinned by respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, rule of law, transparency, freedom of navigation in international water and peaceful resolution of disputes. Adherence to these principles is crucial." MoU on Consumer Protection and Contract for 8 MW solar plant was also signed. India gave 100,000 doses of Covid vaccines to the country. This is the second such covid vaccine consignment of 100,000 doses being given by India. Mauritius has also requested further 200,000 doses of vaccines. Interestingly, with both Mauritius and Maldives, India has increased its defence partnership. Over the weekend, India and Maldives signed a pact to 'develop, support and maintain' a Maldives National Defence Force Coast Guard Harbour at Sifvaru (Uthuru Thilafalhu) and extended $50 million LOC in Defence.

India signs FTA with Mauritius, extends $100 million defence line of credit

The Union Health Ministry informed on Monday that 3,07,238 people, including healthcare and frontline workers, were vaccinated on Monday, the 38th day of vaccination, which was conducted across 36 states and Union Territories (UT) of the country till 6 pm. 
 
With the latest addition, the cumulative figure of vaccination has reached 1,14,24,094 in the country, the ministry informed. 
 
Of the cumulative figure, 75,40,602 beneficiaries were healthcare workers, including 11,15,542 who received their second shot which started in the country on February 13, while 38,83,492 are frontline workers. 
 
The number of first doses administered to healthcare workers is 64,25,060. 
 
The highest single-day vaccination during the ongoing vaccination drive so far was achieved on February 18, when a total of 6,58,674 beneficiaries were administered the vaccine. 
 
The ministry noted that the highest participation in the vaccination drive on Monday was seen in five states -- Uttar Pradesh (50,201), Karnataka (21,669), West Bengal (23,580), Maharashtra (22,979) and Bihar (19,501). 
 
The ministry informed that no new hospitalisation following vaccination was reported in the last 24 hours, adding that a total of 46 beneficiaries have been hospitalised so far. 
 
"Of them, 26 were discharged after treatment, one is under treatment while the remaining 19 persons have been reported dead," said Mandeep Bhandari, Joint Secretary in the Health Ministry. 
 
Hospitalisation after vaccination remains 0.0004 per cent, the ministry said. 
 
The Health Ministry also said that the total deaths recorded so far have reached 41, including two new fatalities reported in the past 24 hours. Of them, 19 reported in the hospital, while 22 deaths were recorded outside the hospital. However, no causal link between these events and the vaccines has been established so far, it added. 
 
"A 24-year-old woman from Kerala died 17 days post-vaccination with symptoms of intracranial bleeding. Her post mortem is done but report is awaited," Bhandari informed. 
 
"Another case is a 49-year-old female from Kerala who died two days after vaccination. Her case is of suspected Myocardial infarction. The postmortem has been done and the reports are awaited," he added. 
 
"No case of serious/severe AEFI or death has been attributable to vaccination till date," Bhandari clarified.

The Union Health Ministry informed on Monday that 3,07,238 people, including healthcare and frontline workers, were vaccinated on Monday, the 38th day of vaccination, which was conducted across 36 states and Union Territories (UT) of the country till 6 pm.

The Union Health Ministry informed on Monday that 3,07,238 people, including healthcare and frontline workers, were vaccinated on Monday, the 38th day of vaccination, which was conducted across 36 states and Union Territories (UT) of the country till 6 pm. With the latest addition, the cumulative figure of vaccination has reached 1,14,24,094 in the country, the ministry informed. Of the cumulative figure, 75,40,602 beneficiaries were healthcare workers, including 11,15,542 who received their second shot which started in the country on February 13, while 38,83,492 are frontline workers. The number of first doses administered to healthcare workers is 64,25,060. The highest single-day vaccination during the ongoing vaccination drive so far was achieved on February 18, when a total of 6,58,674 beneficiaries were administered the vaccine. The ministry noted that the highest participation in the vaccination drive on Monday was seen in five states -- Uttar Pradesh (50,201), Karnataka (21,669), West Bengal (23,580), Maharashtra (22,979) and Bihar (19,501). The ministry informed that no new hospitalisation following vaccination was reported in the last 24 hours, adding that a total of 46 beneficiaries have been hospitalised so far. "Of them, 26 were discharged after treatment, one is under treatment while the remaining 19 persons have been reported dead," said Mandeep Bhandari, Joint Secretary in the Health Ministry. Hospitalisation after vaccination remains 0.0004 per cent, the ministry said. The Health Ministry also said that the total deaths recorded so far have reached 41, including two new fatalities reported in the past 24 hours. Of them, 19 reported in the hospital, while 22 deaths were recorded outside the hospital. However, no causal link between these events and the vaccines has been established so far, it added. "A 24-year-old woman from Kerala died 17 days post-vaccination with symptoms of intracranial bleeding. Her post mortem is done but report is awaited," Bhandari informed. "Another case is a 49-year-old female from Kerala who died two days after vaccination. Her case is of suspected Myocardial infarction. The postmortem has been done and the reports are awaited," he added. "No case of serious/severe AEFI or death has been attributable to vaccination till date," Bhandari clarified.

India: Over 3 lakh beneficiaries receive 2nd vaccine dose, tally reaches 1.14 crore

India is working hard to enhance its capabilities and capacities in the defence-manufacturing sector at a fast pace, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday as he urged the private sector to come forward for designing and manufacturing of defence equipment.

The prime minister also noted that there were hundreds of ordnance factories before independence with large-scale weapons export from the country in both world wars but this system was not strengthened thereafter.

Addressing a webinar on effective implementation of the Union Budget's provisions in the defence sector, the prime minister listed a series of measures taken by his government to boost self-reliance in the defence sector and rued the fact that the country is amongst the biggest defence importers in the world.

He said an India that has the capacity to reach Mars could have made modern weapons also, but it became an easy way to import weapons from abroad.

"But now, the country is working hard to change the situation and also to enhance its capacities and capabilities at a fast pace," the prime minister asserted.

"The condition is such that even for small arms, we have to look at other nations. India is amongst the biggest defence importers and this is not a matter of pride," Modi stressed.

On the defence budget, the prime minister said a part has been reserved for domestic procurement even in the capital budget of defence.

A total amount of Rs 4.78 lakh crore has been earmarked for the defence ministry in the 2021-22 budget, with a nearly-19-per cent increase in capital outlay.

Modi also urged the private sector to come forward and take up both designing and manufacturing of defence equipment.

He said it is not that the people of India do not have the talent or capability, and pointed out that the country did not make ventilators before the coronavirus pandemic but now manufactures thousands of those.

Modi also cited the example of the indigenously-developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Tejas.

He said his government has relied on the capabilities of the country's engineers and scientists in developing Tejas and today, it is "flying gracefully in the skies".

A few weeks ago, an order worth Rs 48,000 crore was placed for Tejas, he noted.

Modi said with initiatives like de-licensing, de-regulation, export promotion, foreign investment liberalisation, the government has taken several measures to give the defence-manufacturing sector a boost.

He said with the establishment of the chief of defence staff post, bringing uniformity in the procurement process and induction of equipment has become easy.

The prime minister said India has made a list of 100 important items related to defence that can be manufactured indigenously with the help of local industries.

He said it is called a negative list in the official language, but it is a positive list in the language of self-reliance.

This is the positive list on which the country's manufacturing capacity is going to increase, Modi asserted.

This is the positive list that is going to reduce India's dependence on foreign countries for defence needs and it guarantees the sale of indigenous products in India, he observed.

Describing the medium, small and micro enterprises (MSMEs) as the backbone of the entire manufacturing sector, Modi said reforms that are taking place today are giving more freedom to the MSME sector and encouragement for expanding.

The prime minister said the defence corridors that are being built in the country will also help local entrepreneurs and local manufacturing.

"Self-sufficiency in our defence sector has to be seen as the empowerment of these two fronts -- jawan as well as youth," he said.&nbsp;

India is working hard to enhance its capabilities and capacities in the defence-manufacturing sector at a fast pace, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday as he urged the private sector to come forward for designing and manufacturing of defence equipment.

India is working hard to enhance its capabilities and capacities in the defence-manufacturing sector at a fast pace, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday as he urged the private sector to come forward for designing and manufacturing of defence equipment. The prime minister also noted that there were hundreds of ordnance factories before independence with large-scale weapons export from the country in both world wars but this system was not strengthened thereafter. Addressing a webinar on effective implementation of the Union Budget's provisions in the defence sector, the prime minister listed a series of measures taken by his government to boost self-reliance in the defence sector and rued the fact that the country is amongst the biggest defence importers in the world. He said an India that has the capacity to reach Mars could have made modern weapons also, but it became an easy way to import weapons from abroad. "But now, the country is working hard to change the situation and also to enhance its capacities and capabilities at a fast pace," the prime minister asserted. "The condition is such that even for small arms, we have to look at other nations. India is amongst the biggest defence importers and this is not a matter of pride," Modi stressed. On the defence budget, the prime minister said a part has been reserved for domestic procurement even in the capital budget of defence. A total amount of Rs 4.78 lakh crore has been earmarked for the defence ministry in the 2021-22 budget, with a nearly-19-per cent increase in capital outlay. Modi also urged the private sector to come forward and take up both designing and manufacturing of defence equipment. He said it is not that the people of India do not have the talent or capability, and pointed out that the country did not make ventilators before the coronavirus pandemic but now manufactures thousands of those. Modi also cited the example of the indigenously-developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Tejas. He said his government has relied on the capabilities of the country's engineers and scientists in developing Tejas and today, it is "flying gracefully in the skies". A few weeks ago, an order worth Rs 48,000 crore was placed for Tejas, he noted. Modi said with initiatives like de-licensing, de-regulation, export promotion, foreign investment liberalisation, the government has taken several measures to give the defence-manufacturing sector a boost. He said with the establishment of the chief of defence staff post, bringing uniformity in the procurement process and induction of equipment has become easy. The prime minister said India has made a list of 100 important items related to defence that can be manufactured indigenously with the help of local industries. He said it is called a negative list in the official language, but it is a positive list in the language of self-reliance. This is the positive list on which the country's manufacturing capacity is going to increase, Modi asserted. This is the positive list that is going to reduce India's dependence on foreign countries for defence needs and it guarantees the sale of indigenous products in India, he observed. Describing the medium, small and micro enterprises (MSMEs) as the backbone of the entire manufacturing sector, Modi said reforms that are taking place today are giving more freedom to the MSME sector and encouragement for expanding. The prime minister said the defence corridors that are being built in the country will also help local entrepreneurs and local manufacturing. "Self-sufficiency in our defence sector has to be seen as the empowerment of these two fronts -- jawan as well as youth," he said.

India committed to enhancing capabilities in defence manufacturing: PM Modi

India as a responsible nuclear weapon state has reiterated its position of no first use of nuclear weapons and said it is committed as per its nuclear doctrine to maintain credible minimum deterrence with the posture of no-first-use and non-use against non-nuclear-weapon states, Foreign Secretary Harsh Shiringla said on Monday.&nbsp;

Addressing a high-level segment conference on Disarmament under the Presidency of Brazil, Shringla said, India is committed to the goal of universal, non-discriminatory and verifiable nuclear disarmament."&nbsp;

Our call for the complete elimination of nuclear weapons through a step-by-step process, as also outlined in our Working Paper on Nuclear Disarmament submitted to the Conference of Disarmament in 2007 (CD) has enduring relevance," he said.&nbsp;

India reiterates its call to undertake the steps outlined in the Working Paper, including negotiation in the CD of a Comprehensive Nuclear Weapons Convention, the foreign secretary added. New Delhi has also expressed support for negotiations of the Fissile Material Cutoff Treaty (FMCT).&nbsp;

"India has supported the immediate commencement of negotiations in the CD on a Fissile Material Cutoff Treaty (FMCT) on the basis of CD/1299 and the mandate contained therein, which remains the most suitable basis for negotiations. I reaffirm today, India's readiness to participate in FMCT negotiations in the CD," Shringla said.&nbsp;

India also underlined the issue of the arms race in outer space in the conference and urged members to start negotiations on the legally binding instrument, the foreign secretary said. "Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space (PAROS), is another long-standing item on the CD's agenda. India looks forward to an early start of negotiations of a legally binding instrument on PAROS to address pressing issues relating to space security.&nbsp;

A fissile material cut-off treaty (FMCT) is a proposed international pact that would stop the production of highly-enriched uranium (HEU) and plutonium. Several discussions on this subject have taken place at the UN Conference on Disarmament (CD) but the stalemate continues as the CD a body of 65 nations operates by consensus. &nbsp;

Shringla said that this conference has been plagued for too long by fear, suspicion, and mistrust. "As Mahatma Gandhi said, the only cure for fear is faith; for suspicion, sincerity; and for mistrust, trust," he said. &nbsp;

"This is just what the Conference needs today, to break its long deadlock and make concrete progress. India stands ready to play its role and work with fellow member states to achieve our collective objectives," he added. &nbsp;

India as a responsible nuclear weapon state has reiterated its position of no first use of nuclear weapons and said it is committed as per its nuclear doctrine to maintain credible minimum deterrence with the posture of no-first-use and non-use against non-nuclear-weapon states, Foreign Secretary Harsh Shiringla said on Monday.

India as a responsible nuclear weapon state has reiterated its position of no first use of nuclear weapons and said it is committed as per its nuclear doctrine to maintain credible minimum deterrence with the posture of no-first-use and non-use against non-nuclear-weapon states, Foreign Secretary Harsh Shiringla said on Monday. Addressing a high-level segment conference on Disarmament under the Presidency of Brazil, Shringla said, India is committed to the goal of universal, non-discriminatory and verifiable nuclear disarmament." Our call for the complete elimination of nuclear weapons through a step-by-step process, as also outlined in our Working Paper on Nuclear Disarmament submitted to the Conference of Disarmament in 2007 (CD) has enduring relevance," he said. India reiterates its call to undertake the steps outlined in the Working Paper, including negotiation in the CD of a Comprehensive Nuclear Weapons Convention, the foreign secretary added. New Delhi has also expressed support for negotiations of the Fissile Material Cutoff Treaty (FMCT). "India has supported the immediate commencement of negotiations in the CD on a Fissile Material Cutoff Treaty (FMCT) on the basis of CD/1299 and the mandate contained therein, which remains the most suitable basis for negotiations. I reaffirm today, India's readiness to participate in FMCT negotiations in the CD," Shringla said. India also underlined the issue of the arms race in outer space in the conference and urged members to start negotiations on the legally binding instrument, the foreign secretary said. "Prevention of an Arms Race in Outer Space (PAROS), is another long-standing item on the CD's agenda. India looks forward to an early start of negotiations of a legally binding instrument on PAROS to address pressing issues relating to space security. A fissile material cut-off treaty (FMCT) is a proposed international pact that would stop the production of highly-enriched uranium (HEU) and plutonium. Several discussions on this subject have taken place at the UN Conference on Disarmament (CD) but the stalemate continues as the CD a body of 65 nations operates by consensus. Shringla said that this conference has been plagued for too long by fear, suspicion, and mistrust. "As Mahatma Gandhi said, the only cure for fear is faith; for suspicion, sincerity; and for mistrust, trust," he said. "This is just what the Conference needs today, to break its long deadlock and make concrete progress. India stands ready to play its role and work with fellow member states to achieve our collective objectives," he added.

India says committed to no first use of nukes, supports negotiations on FMCT

In the wake of new strains of coronavirus infection, the government of India has announced the stringent approach to detect new COVID-19 variant and made it mandatory for identified high-risk countries, United Kingdom (UK), Middle East, and Europe, the testing labs at Indira Gandhi International Airport have a monumental task in hand.

"Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) in consultation with the Ministry of Civil Aviation reviewed the situation with regards to the point of entry actions required to minimize the risk of importation of mutant strains of SARS-CoV-2. The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) shall be valid w.e.f. from February 22," MoHFW Guidelines said.

The testing process has suddenly increased about 10-fold; earlier about 500-700 international passengers were being tested per day, the lab is now staring at 7,000 plus numbers.

While the lab infrastructure is equipped to even test above 15,000 samples per day, the operations team comprising data entry operators and sample collection technicians had to be increased 10 folds to handle the large inflow of passengers from the UK, Europe, and the Middle East.

"A massive recruitment drive was launched immediately after the SOP was announced and over 200 staff was recruited overnight and trained over the next two days," Genestrings lab said.

As per record reported at the airport's peak hours, it was identified that between 3 am to 5 am, there will be roughly 1,200 passengers an hour who will undergo mandatory RT-PCR testing.

"It is a very brave and timely decision taken by the government to control a new wave of COVID-19 cases in the country. We are fully prepared and will ensure a smooth experience for all passengers who will be quite anxious," said Dr Gauri Agarwal, Director of Genestrings Diagnostic labs.

Genestrings lab is the only lab at Indira Gandhi International Airport that was the first lab in the country to set up an arrival testing facility in September 2020. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

In the wake of new strains of coronavirus infection, the government of India has announced the stringent approach to detect new COVID-19 variant and made it mandatory for identified high-risk countries, United Kingdom (UK), Middle East, and Europe, the testing labs at Indira Gandhi International Airport have a monumental task in hand.

In the wake of new strains of coronavirus infection, the government of India has announced the stringent approach to detect new COVID-19 variant and made it mandatory for identified high-risk countries, United Kingdom (UK), Middle East, and Europe, the testing labs at Indira Gandhi International Airport have a monumental task in hand. "Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) in consultation with the Ministry of Civil Aviation reviewed the situation with regards to the point of entry actions required to minimize the risk of importation of mutant strains of SARS-CoV-2. The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) shall be valid w.e.f. from February 22," MoHFW Guidelines said. The testing process has suddenly increased about 10-fold; earlier about 500-700 international passengers were being tested per day, the lab is now staring at 7,000 plus numbers. While the lab infrastructure is equipped to even test above 15,000 samples per day, the operations team comprising data entry operators and sample collection technicians had to be increased 10 folds to handle the large inflow of passengers from the UK, Europe, and the Middle East. "A massive recruitment drive was launched immediately after the SOP was announced and over 200 staff was recruited overnight and trained over the next two days," Genestrings lab said. As per record reported at the airport's peak hours, it was identified that between 3 am to 5 am, there will be roughly 1,200 passengers an hour who will undergo mandatory RT-PCR testing. "It is a very brave and timely decision taken by the government to control a new wave of COVID-19 cases in the country. We are fully prepared and will ensure a smooth experience for all passengers who will be quite anxious," said Dr Gauri Agarwal, Director of Genestrings Diagnostic labs. Genestrings lab is the only lab at Indira Gandhi International Airport that was the first lab in the country to set up an arrival testing facility in September 2020. (With inputs from agencies)

New travel rules for international arrivals: Testing increased at Delhi airport for new Covid-19 variant

Indian government has cleared three proposals from Hong Kong on February 5, much before the beginning of first phase of disengagement at the Pangong lake. The inter-ministerial committee (IMC) led by the home ministry cleared the proposal on January 22. &nbsp;

After the Galwan incident last year, India increased scrutiny on the Chinese investment into the country. WION has learnt the policy remains intact. India lost 20 of its soldiers during the aggressive actions of the Chinese PLA. China has accepted the loss of four of its soldiers. &nbsp;

The three proposals include two from Japanese companies and one from NRI investors, not something that is 'hardcore' proposals from mainland China. WION has seen the proposals, one of them is about restructuring of a company. &nbsp;

The Japanese proposal is an FDI proposal of Nippon Paint (India) private limited. The transaction involves, increase in shareholding into three Indian entities. Second proposal is of Citizen Watches company, listed in the Japanese stock exchange as Citizen Watches India and the third by an NRIs based in Hong Kong into a sports company based in Hyderabad.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, on February 11, Indian Defence minister Rajnath Singh announced the details of the first phase of disengagement at Pangong Lake. Under the plan, Chinese forces will go east of finger 8 on the north bank of the lake. The disengagement got over last week and on Saturday, the 10th round of talks concluded between the Indian and Chinese sides. The talks focused on disengagement in other areas, like Gogra, Hot Springs, and Depsang planes.&nbsp;

Indian government has cleared three proposals from Hong Kong on February 5, much before the beginning of first phase of disengagement at the Pangong lake. The inter-ministerial committee (IMC) led by the home ministry cleared the proposal on January 22.

Indian government has cleared three proposals from Hong Kong on February 5, much before the beginning of first phase of disengagement at the Pangong lake. The inter-ministerial committee (IMC) led by the home ministry cleared the proposal on January 22. After the Galwan incident last year, India increased scrutiny on the Chinese investment into the country. WION has learnt the policy remains intact. India lost 20 of its soldiers during the aggressive actions of the Chinese PLA. China has accepted the loss of four of its soldiers. The three proposals include two from Japanese companies and one from NRI investors, not something that is 'hardcore' proposals from mainland China. WION has seen the proposals, one of them is about restructuring of a company. The Japanese proposal is an FDI proposal of Nippon Paint (India) private limited. The transaction involves, increase in shareholding into three Indian entities. Second proposal is of Citizen Watches company, listed in the Japanese stock exchange as Citizen Watches India and the third by an NRIs based in Hong Kong into a sports company based in Hyderabad. Earlier this month, on February 11, Indian Defence minister Rajnath Singh announced the details of the first phase of disengagement at Pangong Lake. Under the plan, Chinese forces will go east of finger 8 on the north bank of the lake. The disengagement got over last week and on Saturday, the 10th round of talks concluded between the Indian and Chinese sides. The talks focused on disengagement in other areas, like Gogra, Hot Springs, and Depsang planes.

India cleared 3 proposals from Hong Kong on February 5; investment scrutiny remains

The Envoy of Kyrgyz Republic to India, Asein Isaev, who was part of the foreign envoy's visit last week has lauded the "hard-working" administration for the District Development Council (DDC) elections in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

Speaking to WION, Asein said, "This visit has shown that government has no any hidden agenda for the region of J&amp;K. One of the best results of the hard work of administration is DDC election, which was not able ever before. And now, it seems a good time to go far from the period of tension by the activity of administration and the local population."

Also read|&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kyrgyzstan-choose-their-next-leader-new-political-system-355879" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/kyrgyzstan-choose-their-next-leader-new-political-system-355879&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjO6afKkv3uAhUNwzgGHRQ-COAQFjADegQIBxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw17_fHM3EoTVBU0BpmTphw8" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kyrgyzstan-choose-their-next-leader-new-political-system-355879" target="_blank">Kyrgyzstan&nbsp;choose their next leader &amp; new political system</a>

Two envoys from central Asia were present in the visit, the envoy of the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan's envoy. The batch had 24 envoys with the biggest group from Europe. This is the third such visit of foreign envoys to the union territory in the last one year, but the first one this year. The visit comes in the backdrop of the DDC elections and the resumption of high-speed 4G internet.&nbsp;

The envoy was taken to Budgam, Srinagar, and Jammu. In Budgam district, the envoys "participated in 'Block Diwas'&nbsp; a grass root level democratic outreach initiative organised regularly by local admin in J&amp;K", the ministry of external affairs in a statement said.

In Srinagar, the envoys had met elected representatives of the urban local bodies, district development councils and&nbsp;block development councils from all districts of the Kashmir division.

The Envoy of Kyrgyz Republic to India, Asein Isaev, who was part of the foreign envoy's visit last week has lauded the "hard-working" administration for the District Development Council (DDC) elections in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Envoy of Kyrgyz Republic to India, Asein Isaev, who was part of the foreign envoy's visit last week has lauded the "hard-working" administration for the District Development Council (DDC) elections in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking to WION, Asein said, "This visit has shown that government has no any hidden agenda for the region of J&K. One of the best results of the hard work of administration is DDC election, which was not able ever before. And now, it seems a good time to go far from the period of tension by the activity of administration and the local population." Also read| Kyrgyzstan choose their next leader & new political system Two envoys from central Asia were present in the visit, the envoy of the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan's envoy. The batch had 24 envoys with the biggest group from Europe. This is the third such visit of foreign envoys to the union territory in the last one year, but the first one this year. The visit comes in the backdrop of the DDC elections and the resumption of high-speed 4G internet. The envoy was taken to Budgam, Srinagar, and Jammu. In Budgam district, the envoys "participated in 'Block Diwas' a grass root level democratic outreach initiative organised regularly by local admin in J&K", the ministry of external affairs in a statement said. In Srinagar, the envoys had met elected representatives of the urban local bodies, district development councils and block development councils from all districts of the Kashmir division.

Kyrgyz envoy lauds 'hard working' admin for DDC elections in J&K

The closing ceremony of the joint military exercise between Indian and US Army, exercise `Yudh Abhyas-20` was held at the Mahajan Field Firing Range on Sunday. 
 
This was the 16th edition of the joint exercise. The aim of the exercise that began on February 8 was to focus on counter-terrorism operations under the mandate of the United Nations. 
 
The training focused primarily on subject matter exchange of topical issues of contemporary significance, drills at tactical level and sharing of best practices of each other. The joint training developed into an excellent professional forum which strengthened the capabilities of joint operations by both armies, said Lt Col Amitabh Sharma, PRO Defence, Rajasthan.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-committed-to-enhance-capabilities-in-defence-manufacturing-pm-modi-365375" hreflang="en">India committed to enhance capabilities in defence manufacturing: PM Modi</a> 
 
The exercise was conducted in two phases. The first phase of combat conditioning, tactical training and interoperability was completed successfully by both contingents. The training received by both the armies in the first phase was validated in the second phase. Both the contingents jointly took part in the validation exercise which included planning and execution of various counter terrorist operations over 52 hours. The highlight of the exercise was the bonhomie and camaraderie displayed by the troops, thereby ensuring integration and achievement of interoperability at all levels. 
 
The validation exercise was witnessed by Maj Gen Daniel Mc Daniel, Deputy Commander General, United States Army Pacific and Maj Gen Xavier Brunson, General Officer Commanding, 7th Infantry Division from the US Army together with Maj Gen Michael AJ Fernandez and Maj Gen Gurpreet Singh, General Officer Commanding, Ranbankura Division of Indian Army.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-growth-engine-to-be-powered-by-assam-ne-pm-365383" hreflang="en">India's growth engine to be powered by Assam, NE: PM</a>

The exercise included a number of aerial platforms including newly inducted indigenous Advance Light Helicopter WSI RUDRA, MI - 17, Chinooks, Apaches, in addition to the versatile Stryker IFVs of US Army and BMP-II Mechanised Infantry Combat Vehicles of Indian Army. 
 
The closing ceremony was held at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges to commemorate the successful completion of the Exercise and nourishing of relations between the two Armies. 
 
A series of programmes displaying the rich culture and heritage of both the nations were also witnessed by officials of both armies. 
 
"The joint exercise was undoubtedly an unprecedented success. Another significant milestone in the enhanced upward trajectory of India-US relations as well as towards global war on terror was achieved," said Lt Col Sharma.

The closing ceremony of the joint military exercise between Indian and US Army, exercise `Yudh Abhyas-20` was held at the Mahajan Field Firing Range on Sunday. This was the 16th edition of the joint exercise.

The closing ceremony of the joint military exercise between Indian and US Army, exercise `Yudh Abhyas-20` was held at the Mahajan Field Firing Range on Sunday. This was the 16th edition of the joint exercise. The aim of the exercise that began on February 8 was to focus on counter-terrorism operations under the mandate of the United Nations. The training focused primarily on subject matter exchange of topical issues of contemporary significance, drills at tactical level and sharing of best practices of each other. The joint training developed into an excellent professional forum which strengthened the capabilities of joint operations by both armies, said Lt Col Amitabh Sharma, PRO Defence, Rajasthan. Also read| India committed to enhance capabilities in defence manufacturing: PM Modi The exercise was conducted in two phases. The first phase of combat conditioning, tactical training and interoperability was completed successfully by both contingents. The training received by both the armies in the first phase was validated in the second phase. Both the contingents jointly took part in the validation exercise which included planning and execution of various counter terrorist operations over 52 hours. The highlight of the exercise was the bonhomie and camaraderie displayed by the troops, thereby ensuring integration and achievement of interoperability at all levels. The validation exercise was witnessed by Maj Gen Daniel Mc Daniel, Deputy Commander General, United States Army Pacific and Maj Gen Xavier Brunson, General Officer Commanding, 7th Infantry Division from the US Army together with Maj Gen Michael AJ Fernandez and Maj Gen Gurpreet Singh, General Officer Commanding, Ranbankura Division of Indian Army. Also read| India's growth engine to be powered by Assam, NE: PM The exercise included a number of aerial platforms including newly inducted indigenous Advance Light Helicopter WSI RUDRA, MI - 17, Chinooks, Apaches, in addition to the versatile Stryker IFVs of US Army and BMP-II Mechanised Infantry Combat Vehicles of Indian Army. The closing ceremony was held at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges to commemorate the successful completion of the Exercise and nourishing of relations between the two Armies. A series of programmes displaying the rich culture and heritage of both the nations were also witnessed by officials of both armies. "The joint exercise was undoubtedly an unprecedented success. Another significant milestone in the enhanced upward trajectory of India-US relations as well as towards global war on terror was achieved," said Lt Col Sharma.

India-US joint military exercise 'Yudh Abhyas' concludes

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