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According to doctors, the fungal infection is caused by a rare killer fungus called Mucor. The fungus leads to a disease called Mucormycosis or Black Fungus. This disease was previously called as zygomycosis.

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India recorded 26,382 new cases of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in the last 24 hours, according to Union health ministry update on Wednesday. With this, the nationwide tally reached 99,32,547.

The national recovery rate is now at 95.21 per cent. With 387 new deaths, India's toll of coronavirus-related deaths has mounted to 1,44,096.

"The ongoing trend of contraction of India's total active cases continues. The active caseload of the country stands at 3,32,002. The share of active cases in the total positive cases has further shrunk to 3.34 per cent," the Health Ministry said in a release.

"India has recorded less than 40,000 daily new cases since the last 17 days. In the last 24 hours, only 26,382 persons were found to be infected with COVID in India. A total of 75.84 per cent of the new cases are from 10 States and UTs. Kerala continues to report the highest daily new cases at 5,218. It is followed by Maharashtra and West Bengal with 3,442 and 2,289 new cases, respectively," the Ministry added.

According to the Health Ministry, India also registered 33,813 new recoveries in the last 24 hours ensuring a net decline of 7,818 cases in the active caseload.

"Total recoveries have surpassed 94.5 lakhs (9,456,449). The recovery rate has also increased to 95.21 per cent. A total of 76.43 per cent of the new recovered cases are observed to be concentrated in 10 States/UTs," it said. “Kerala has reported the maximum number of single-day recoveries with 5,066 newly recovered cases. 4,395 people recovered in Maharashtra in the past 24 hours followed by 2,965 in West Bengal," it added. A total of 387 case fatalities have been reported in the past 24 hours.

"Ten States/UTs account for 75.19 per cent of new deaths. Maharashtra saw the maximum casualties (70). West Bengal and Delhi follow with 45 and 41 daily deaths, respectively. Daily deaths in India are on a sustained decline. Less than 500 daily deaths have been registered for the last 11 days," the Ministry said.

(With inputs from agencies)

India recorded 26,382 new cases of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in the last 24 hours, according to Union health ministry update on Wednesday. With this, the nationwide tally reached 99,32,547.

India recorded 26,382 new cases of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in the last 24 hours, according to Union health ministry update on Wednesday. With this, the nationwide tally reached 99,32,547. The national recovery rate is now at 95.21 per cent. With 387 new deaths, India's toll of coronavirus-related deaths has mounted to 1,44,096. "The ongoing trend of contraction of India's total active cases continues. The active caseload of the country stands at 3,32,002. The share of active cases in the total positive cases has further shrunk to 3.34 per cent," the Health Ministry said in a release. "India has recorded less than 40,000 daily new cases since the last 17 days. In the last 24 hours, only 26,382 persons were found to be infected with COVID in India. A total of 75.84 per cent of the new cases are from 10 States and UTs. Kerala continues to report the highest daily new cases at 5,218. It is followed by Maharashtra and West Bengal with 3,442 and 2,289 new cases, respectively," the Ministry added. According to the Health Ministry, India also registered 33,813 new recoveries in the last 24 hours ensuring a net decline of 7,818 cases in the active caseload. "Total recoveries have surpassed 94.5 lakhs (9,456,449). The recovery rate has also increased to 95.21 per cent. A total of 76.43 per cent of the new recovered cases are observed to be concentrated in 10 States/UTs," it said. “Kerala has reported the maximum number of single-day recoveries with 5,066 newly recovered cases. 4,395 people recovered in Maharashtra in the past 24 hours followed by 2,965 in West Bengal," it added. A total of 387 case fatalities have been reported in the past 24 hours. "Ten States/UTs account for 75.19 per cent of new deaths. Maharashtra saw the maximum casualties (70). West Bengal and Delhi follow with 45 and 41 daily deaths, respectively. Daily deaths in India are on a sustained decline. Less than 500 daily deaths have been registered for the last 11 days," the Ministry said. (With inputs from agencies)

India records 26,382 new coronavirus cases; tally nears 10 million mark

December 16 marks 50th anniversary of India's victory on Pakistan in 1971 war. To mark the event, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi lighten up the golden flame at national war memorial.

December 16, 2020 marks 50th anniversary of India's victory on Pakistan in 1971 war

Indian health ministry said that the country is doing relatively well in its fight against COVID-19 pandemic. It also spoke about the way forward for vaccine against the infection.

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Minister of State in the ministry of external affairs V. Muraleedharan will on a visit to Oman in the 3rd high-level visit from India to West Asia amidst the pandemic. The last few weeks have seen External affairs minister Dr. S Jaishankar visiting Bahrain and UAE, followed by the visit of Indian army chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane to UAE and Saudi Arabia. &nbsp;

MoS will embark on a visit to Oman on December 16&nbsp;and 17&nbsp;and will meet Oman's foreign and labour minister and the large Indian community members. Oman hosts more than 600,000 Indians. &nbsp;

PM Modi has spoken to Sultan of Oman Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik in April and both Indian and Omani Foreign ministers had a virtual meeting earlier this month.

Amidst the pandemic, India ensured that supply chains for food and other essential items functioned smoothly and facilitated the return of health professionals to Oman. Both countries event have an air bubble arrangement for travel and recently Oman announced that Indians will be exempted from entry visas for visiting Oman for a period of ten days.

The MEA release announcing the visit said, "India and Oman are linked by geography, history and culture and enjoy warm and cordial relations."

India sees west Asia as part of its extended neighborhood, and the past few years have been increased engagement and high-level visits. The region which hosts a large number of Indians, mostly Blue-collar worker is also vital for India's energy security in terms of crude oil import.

Increasingly, India is engaging in defense cooperation and connectivity in the region.

The recent normalization of ties of Arab states with Israel under the Abraham accords has been welcomed by India, as it sees many of its allies in the region, once estranged, now coming together.

Minister of State in the ministry of external affairs V. Muraleedharan will on a visit to Oman in the 3rd high-level visit from India to West Asia amidst the pandemic.

Minister of State in the ministry of external affairs V. Muraleedharan will on a visit to Oman in the 3rd high-level visit from India to West Asia amidst the pandemic. The last few weeks have seen External affairs minister Dr. S Jaishankar visiting Bahrain and UAE, followed by the visit of Indian army chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane to UAE and Saudi Arabia. MoS will embark on a visit to Oman on December 16 and 17 and will meet Oman's foreign and labour minister and the large Indian community members. Oman hosts more than 600,000 Indians. PM Modi has spoken to Sultan of Oman Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik in April and both Indian and Omani Foreign ministers had a virtual meeting earlier this month. Amidst the pandemic, India ensured that supply chains for food and other essential items functioned smoothly and facilitated the return of health professionals to Oman. Both countries event have an air bubble arrangement for travel and recently Oman announced that Indians will be exempted from entry visas for visiting Oman for a period of ten days. The MEA release announcing the visit said, "India and Oman are linked by geography, history and culture and enjoy warm and cordial relations." India sees west Asia as part of its extended neighborhood, and the past few years have been increased engagement and high-level visits. The region which hosts a large number of Indians, mostly Blue-collar worker is also vital for India's energy security in terms of crude oil import. Increasingly, India is engaging in defense cooperation and connectivity in the region. The recent normalization of ties of Arab states with Israel under the Abraham accords has been welcomed by India, as it sees many of its allies in the region, once estranged, now coming together.

Minister of State in MEA to visit Oman in third high-level visit from India to West Asia amid coronavirus pandemic

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday lit ‘Swarnim Vijay Mashaal’ - a symbol of victory and paid tribute at the National War Memorial in New Delhi on the 50th anniversary of 1971 that made Bangladesh an independent country. The day is celebrated as ‘Vijay Diwas’. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/vijay-diwas-you-surrender-or-we-wipe-you-out-when-sam-manekshaw-threatened-pak-in-1971-bangladesh-liberation-war-349940">Pictures: Vijay Diwas - 'You surrender or we wipe you out': When Sam Manekshaw threatened Pak in 1971 Bangladesh liberation war</a> 
 
Prime Minister Modi was received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the venue. The Prime Minister, Chief of Defence Staff and Tri-Service Chiefs laid a wreath and pay homage to the fallen soldiers.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays tribute to the fallen soldiers at National War Memorial on the 50th-anniversary of the 1971 India-Pakistan war<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VijayDiwas2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VijayDiwas2020</a> <a href="https://t.co/v0sDbwVeQ6">pic.twitter.com/v0sDbwVeQ6</a>
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The Prime Minister lit up the 'Swarnim Vijay Mashaal' from the eternal flame of National War Memorial on the occasion.

The entire year is being celebrated as ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’ to commemorate the golden jubilee of the 1971 India-Pakistan war. Various commemorative events will be conducted pan-India wherein war Veterans and Veer Naris will be felicitated.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday lit ‘Swarnim Vijay Mashaal’ - a symbol of victory and paid tribute at the National War Memorial in New Delhi on the 50th anniversary of 1971 that made Bangladesh an independent country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday lit ‘Swarnim Vijay Mashaal’ - a symbol of victory and paid tribute at the National War Memorial in New Delhi on the 50th anniversary of 1971 that made Bangladesh an independent country. The day is celebrated as ‘Vijay Diwas’. Pictures: Vijay Diwas - 'You surrender or we wipe you out': When Sam Manekshaw threatened Pak in 1971 Bangladesh liberation war Prime Minister Modi was received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the venue. The Prime Minister, Chief of Defence Staff and Tri-Service Chiefs laid a wreath and pay homage to the fallen soldiers. #WATCH Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays tribute to the fallen soldiers at National War Memorial on the 50th-anniversary of the 1971 India-Pakistan war#VijayDiwas2020 pic.twitter.com/v0sDbwVeQ6 — ANI (@ANI) December 16, 2020 × The Prime Minister lit up the 'Swarnim Vijay Mashaal' from the eternal flame of National War Memorial on the occasion. The entire year is being celebrated as ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’ to commemorate the golden jubilee of the 1971 India-Pakistan war. Various commemorative events will be conducted pan-India wherein war Veterans and Veer Naris will be felicitated. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi pays tribute to soldiers on 50th anniversary of 1971 India-Pakistan war

Pakistan has been slowly slipping from the good books of the Arab nations, especially Saudi Arabia — the de facto leader of the Islamic world. This can be proved through the dissection of two high-profile and very similar visits that stand as proof of the Saudi-Pakistan breakup that also reaffirm how Saudi Arabia along with the UAE &nbsp;is increasingly leaning towards India.

In August, the Pakistan army chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa travelled to Riyadh. The visit followed weeks of posturing by Islamabad on Kashmir. Bajwa went there expecting the sheikhdom to take a firmer line against India's policies in Kashmir. In fact, the Saudi crown prince was expected to give the Pak army chief an audience, a loan concession and a medal. However, all he received was a royal snub as the Saudis changed their mind and he didn't get to meet Mohammed Bin Salman. This also meant there was no loan concession and obviously no medal.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-army-chief-naravane-meets-top-saudi-generals-349638">WATCH|</a>

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General Bajwa, much to his dismay, had to settle for customary meetings with the Saudi officials and he returned to Islamabad empty-handed.&nbsp;

Now, four months later, the Indian army chief, General Manoj Mukund Naravane has embarked on a six-day long tour of West Asi, making it his third foreign tour this year and the first visit by an Indian army chief to this part of the world. The purpose of the visit was to create a military alliance with the two gulf powers.&nbsp;

On Friday, General Naravane received a guard of honour at the headquarters of UAE's land forces. During his trip, he also held talks with the commander of land forces, Major General Saleh Mohammed Saleh Al Ameri and discussed defence cooperation between India and UAE. The army chief also visited the land forces institute and its infantry and armour schools.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-india-saudi-arabia-defence-partnership-349798">WATCH|</a>

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On Sunday, he arrived in Saudi Arabia and visited the ministry of defence in Riyadh where he received a guard of honour by the royal Saudi land forces and met top Saudi generals such as Saudi Arabia's chief of staff General Fayyad Bin Hamid Ruwaili and the commander of Saudi Arabia's joint forces General Mutlaq Bin Salim Bin Al-Azima. The discussions largely revolved around ramping up defence cooperation in strategic areas.

&nbsp; 
The stark contrast between these two visits of India and Pakistan is clearly visible where Pakistan's General receives a royal snub and a red carpet is rolled out for the Indian General. This contrast proves that New Delhi has not only managed to delink Islamabad from the Arab world but is set to become a major security partner of the Gulf powers.

Reports around General Naravane's visit to the gulf have highlighted a potential sale of the Brahmos missile. Both, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh have reportedly shown interest in buying the Indo-Russian missile system. A number of other proposals are also on the table such as joint military exercises.

In recent years, the Indian navy has held drills with UAE and Saudi Arabia. In March 2018, India and the UAE conducted their maiden naval exercise "Gulf star 1" and in 2019, India and Saudi Arabia announced their first joint naval drills — which were delayed to the coronavirus pandemic. General Naravane's visit could lead to a rescheduling of these drills.

Reports also indicate that Indian contingents could soon be sent to Saudi Arabia and the UAE for the protection of the house of Saud. Over the years, thousands of Pakistani troops have been sent to the royal kingdom. Elite Pakistani commandoes have been tasked with guarding the royal family in Riyadh but Islamabad has refused to allow Pakistani troops to join Saudi and Emirati troops in Yemen.

Reports say the Gulf powers now want India to be on board in Yemen. Indian contingents could be sent to join troops in Yemen as Islamabad is made to pay back its loans.

Pakistan's Geo news carried out a report on Monday titled, "china bails out Pakistan to replay $1 billion Saudi debt". Pakistan has been forced to pay another tranche of a $3 billion loan it borrowed from the sheikhdom, and much like last time, China has again come to Pakistan's rescue.

Pakistan has been slowly slipping from the good books of the Arab nations, especially Saudi Arabia — the de facto leader of the Islamic world. This can be proved through the dissection of two high-profile and very similar visits that stand as proof of the Saudi-Pakistan breakup that also reaffirm how Saudi Arabia along with the UAE is increasingly leaning towards India.

Pakistan has been slowly slipping from the good books of the Arab nations, especially Saudi Arabia — the de facto leader of the Islamic world. This can be proved through the dissection of two high-profile and very similar visits that stand as proof of the Saudi-Pakistan breakup that also reaffirm how Saudi Arabia along with the UAE is increasingly leaning towards India. In August, the Pakistan army chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa travelled to Riyadh. The visit followed weeks of posturing by Islamabad on Kashmir. Bajwa went there expecting the sheikhdom to take a firmer line against India's policies in Kashmir. In fact, the Saudi crown prince was expected to give the Pak army chief an audience, a loan concession and a medal. However, all he received was a royal snub as the Saudis changed their mind and he didn't get to meet Mohammed Bin Salman. This also meant there was no loan concession and obviously no medal. WATCH| × General Bajwa, much to his dismay, had to settle for customary meetings with the Saudi officials and he returned to Islamabad empty-handed. Now, four months later, the Indian army chief, General Manoj Mukund Naravane has embarked on a six-day long tour of West Asi, making it his third foreign tour this year and the first visit by an Indian army chief to this part of the world. The purpose of the visit was to create a military alliance with the two gulf powers. On Friday, General Naravane received a guard of honour at the headquarters of UAE's land forces. During his trip, he also held talks with the commander of land forces, Major General Saleh Mohammed Saleh Al Ameri and discussed defence cooperation between India and UAE. The army chief also visited the land forces institute and its infantry and armour schools. WATCH| × On Sunday, he arrived in Saudi Arabia and visited the ministry of defence in Riyadh where he received a guard of honour by the royal Saudi land forces and met top Saudi generals such as Saudi Arabia's chief of staff General Fayyad Bin Hamid Ruwaili and the commander of Saudi Arabia's joint forces General Mutlaq Bin Salim Bin Al-Azima. The discussions largely revolved around ramping up defence cooperation in strategic areas. The stark contrast between these two visits of India and Pakistan is clearly visible where Pakistan's General receives a royal snub and a red carpet is rolled out for the Indian General. This contrast proves that New Delhi has not only managed to delink Islamabad from the Arab world but is set to become a major security partner of the Gulf powers. Reports around General Naravane's visit to the gulf have highlighted a potential sale of the Brahmos missile. Both, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh have reportedly shown interest in buying the Indo-Russian missile system. A number of other proposals are also on the table such as joint military exercises. In recent years, the Indian navy has held drills with UAE and Saudi Arabia. In March 2018, India and the UAE conducted their maiden naval exercise "Gulf star 1" and in 2019, India and Saudi Arabia announced their first joint naval drills — which were delayed to the coronavirus pandemic. General Naravane's visit could lead to a rescheduling of these drills. Reports also indicate that Indian contingents could soon be sent to Saudi Arabia and the UAE for the protection of the house of Saud. Over the years, thousands of Pakistani troops have been sent to the royal kingdom. Elite Pakistani commandoes have been tasked with guarding the royal family in Riyadh but Islamabad has refused to allow Pakistani troops to join Saudi and Emirati troops in Yemen. Reports say the Gulf powers now want India to be on board in Yemen. Indian contingents could be sent to join troops in Yemen as Islamabad is made to pay back its loans. Pakistan's Geo news carried out a report on Monday titled, "china bails out Pakistan to replay $1 billion Saudi debt". Pakistan has been forced to pay another tranche of a $3 billion loan it borrowed from the sheikhdom, and much like last time, China has again come to Pakistan's rescue.

Indian Army General Naravane's Saudi visit sheds light on Pak's break-up with Arab world

Monday was the last day for bidding for Air India. According to sources, the Tata group is also on the list of bidders. Government of India will sell 100% stake in Air India.

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The possibility of an adverse event after being vaccinated for COVID-19 cannot be ruled out, the government said on Tuesday and asked states and Union Territories to be prepared for this as part of the anti-coronavirus inoculation drive.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

At a press briefing, secretary in the health ministry Rajesh Bhushan said that adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) are critical aspect and states have been asked to identify at least one adverse event following immunisation (AEFI)management centre in each block.&nbsp;

"Even during universal immunisation programmes, which have been going on for decades, some adverse effects are seen in children and pregnant women after they are administered shots.&nbsp;So, we can't deny the possibility of an adverse event when the COVID-19 vaccination begins. In countries where inoculation has already started, especially in the UK, adverse events took place on the very first day. So, it is essential that states and union territories prepare for this too," Bhushan said.&nbsp;

Detailed instructions on infection prevention and control practices during vaccination and management of minor, severe, serious AEFI have been issued to states by the Centre, he said.

"States have been asked to identify at least one AEFI management centre in each block. PHCs, CHCs, district hospitals, private health facilities or any other fixed health facility with medical officers and para-medical staff can be identified as AEFI management centres," he said.

Further, every session site has to be linked to a designated AEFI management centre and AEFI can also be reported through Co-WIN - a digitalised platform, which will be used to track enlisted beneficiaries for the vaccination and anti-coronavirus vaccines on a real-time basis, he added.

The possibility of an adverse event after being vaccinated for COVID-19 cannot be ruled out, the government said on Tuesday and asked states and Union Territories to be prepared for this as part of the anti-coronavirus inoculation drive.

The possibility of an adverse event after being vaccinated for COVID-19 cannot be ruled out, the government said on Tuesday and asked states and Union Territories to be prepared for this as part of the anti-coronavirus inoculation drive. At a press briefing, secretary in the health ministry Rajesh Bhushan said that adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) are critical aspect and states have been asked to identify at least one adverse event following immunisation (AEFI)management centre in each block. "Even during universal immunisation programmes, which have been going on for decades, some adverse effects are seen in children and pregnant women after they are administered shots. So, we can't deny the possibility of an adverse event when the COVID-19 vaccination begins. In countries where inoculation has already started, especially in the UK, adverse events took place on the very first day. So, it is essential that states and union territories prepare for this too," Bhushan said. Detailed instructions on infection prevention and control practices during vaccination and management of minor, severe, serious AEFI have been issued to states by the Centre, he said. "States have been asked to identify at least one AEFI management centre in each block. PHCs, CHCs, district hospitals, private health facilities or any other fixed health facility with medical officers and para-medical staff can be identified as AEFI management centres," he said. Further, every session site has to be linked to a designated AEFI management centre and AEFI can also be reported through Co-WIN - a digitalised platform, which will be used to track enlisted beneficiaries for the vaccination and anti-coronavirus vaccines on a real-time basis, he added.

Possibility of adverse event after COVID-19 vaccination can't be ruled out: Government

At a time when the world thought that the COVID-19 pandemic couldn't get any worse, doctors in New Delhi and Ahmedabad have reported about a rare and serious fungal infection that is preying on COVID-19 patients and also on those who had recently recovered.

'Mucormycosis' is a deadly fungal infection "triggered by COVID-19", due to which nearly half of the recovering Covid patients have lost their eyesight.

In the last 15 days, ENT surgeons at New Delhi's Sir Ganga Ram Hospital (SGRH) have seen 13 cases of "COVID-19-triggered mucormycosis".

In Ahmedabad, two patients have already died while two surviving patients have lost their eyesight.&nbsp;

Four male patients were aged between 34 and 47 years. The fifth patient was a 67-year-old man who has rushed to an Ahmedabad hospital on late Friday night. He was in critical condition. All patients had enlarged eyeballs which were bulging out of the eye sockets.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This alarming affliction, although rare, is not new. What is new is COVID-19 triggering mucormycosis, they said.

Black Fungus or mucormycosis has been a cause of disease and death of patients in transplants, and ICU and immunodeficient individuals since long. However, it is the rapid increase in the numbers seen in unsuspected recovering COVID-19 patients that is causing the grave concern, the SGRH said in a statement.

"In the last 15 days, ENT surgeons have seen 13 cases of COVID-19-triggered mucormycosis in over 50 per cent patients, with loss of eyesight, and removal of nose and jaw bone needed," it said.

Mortality is currently being seen in the range of 50 per cent (five patients), with certain deaths when there is involvement of brain, the hospital authorities said.

Doctors had to do these resections in about 10 patients over the last fortnight, with "about 50 per cent losing their eyesight permanently". Five of these patients required critical care support due to associated complications. There also have been five mortalities so far in this subgroup, the statement said.

According to Manish Munjal, senior ENT surgeon, at the hospital, "The frequency with which we are witnessing the occurrence of COVID-19-triggered mucormycosis with high morbidity and mortality has never been seen before and is shocking and alarming."

Varun Rai, consultant ENT surgeon at SGRH said, "Early clinical suspicion on symptoms such as nose obstruction, swelling in the eye or cheeks, and black dry crusts in the nose should immediately prompt the conduct of a biopsy in the OPD and start of the antifungal therapy as early as possible".

Delhi recorded 1,376 fresh COVID-19 cases on Monday, the lowest in over three-and-a-half months, even as the death count mounted to 10,074 with 60 new fatalities.

The positivity rate dropped to 2.15 per cent from 2.74 per cent on Sunday, authorities said.

The Monday bulletin said 5,83,509 patients have recovered, been discharged or migrated so far.

(With inputs from agencies)

At a time when the world thought that the COVID-19 pandemic couldn't get any worse, doctors in New Delhi and Ahmedabad have reported about a rare and serious fungal infection that is preying on COVID-19 patients and also on those who had recently recovered.

At a time when the world thought that the COVID-19 pandemic couldn't get any worse, doctors in New Delhi and Ahmedabad have reported about a rare and serious fungal infection that is preying on COVID-19 patients and also on those who had recently recovered. 'Mucormycosis' is a deadly fungal infection "triggered by COVID-19", due to which nearly half of the recovering Covid patients have lost their eyesight. In the last 15 days, ENT surgeons at New Delhi's Sir Ganga Ram Hospital (SGRH) have seen 13 cases of "COVID-19-triggered mucormycosis". In Ahmedabad, two patients have already died while two surviving patients have lost their eyesight. Four male patients were aged between 34 and 47 years. The fifth patient was a 67-year-old man who has rushed to an Ahmedabad hospital on late Friday night. He was in critical condition. All patients had enlarged eyeballs which were bulging out of the eye sockets. This alarming affliction, although rare, is not new. What is new is COVID-19 triggering mucormycosis, they said. Black Fungus or mucormycosis has been a cause of disease and death of patients in transplants, and ICU and immunodeficient individuals since long. However, it is the rapid increase in the numbers seen in unsuspected recovering COVID-19 patients that is causing the grave concern, the SGRH said in a statement. "In the last 15 days, ENT surgeons have seen 13 cases of COVID-19-triggered mucormycosis in over 50 per cent patients, with loss of eyesight, and removal of nose and jaw bone needed," it said. Mortality is currently being seen in the range of 50 per cent (five patients), with certain deaths when there is involvement of brain, the hospital authorities said. Doctors had to do these resections in about 10 patients over the last fortnight, with "about 50 per cent losing their eyesight permanently". Five of these patients required critical care support due to associated complications. There also have been five mortalities so far in this subgroup, the statement said. According to Manish Munjal, senior ENT surgeon, at the hospital, "The frequency with which we are witnessing the occurrence of COVID-19-triggered mucormycosis with high morbidity and mortality has never been seen before and is shocking and alarming." Varun Rai, consultant ENT surgeon at SGRH said, "Early clinical suspicion on symptoms such as nose obstruction, swelling in the eye or cheeks, and black dry crusts in the nose should immediately prompt the conduct of a biopsy in the OPD and start of the antifungal therapy as early as possible". Delhi recorded 1,376 fresh COVID-19 cases on Monday, the lowest in over three-and-a-half months, even as the death count mounted to 10,074 with 60 new fatalities. The positivity rate dropped to 2.15 per cent from 2.74 per cent on Sunday, authorities said. The Monday bulletin said 5,83,509 patients have recovered, been discharged or migrated so far. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid-19 triggering rare, deadly fungal infection, claim Indian hospitals

Indian govt has released detailed guidelines for India's mass vaccination drive against COVID-19 infection. Vaccination is scheduled to begin as soon as the front-runner vaccine candidate get approval for emergency use.

Indian govt releases detailed guidelines for mass vaccination drive against COVID-19

Vijay Diwas - 'You surrender or we wipe you out': When Sam Manekshaw threatened Pak in 1971 Bangladesh liberation war

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called India an "indispensable partner" ahead of his Delhi visit next month as the chief guest at the Republic day parade. The visit will be his first major bilateral visit since taking charge in 2019 and Brexit.

Johnson said, "I am absolutely delighted to be visiting India next year at the start of an exciting year for Global Britain, and look forward to delivering the quantum leap in our bilateral relationship that Prime Minister Modi and I have pledged to achieve."

The visit will be key to London's pivot to Indo-Pacific. As Johnson described it, "As a key player in the Indo-Pacific region, India is an increasingly indispensable partner for the United Kingdom" as we "work to boost jobs and growth, confront shared threats to our security and protect our planet."

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/british-leaders-who-were-invited-to-indias-republic-day-346990">British leaders who were invited to India's Republic Day</a>

Boris Johnson will be the second British Prime Minister to be at India's Republic Day parade as a chief guest since John Major in 1993.

The British Prime Minister has also extended an invitation to Indian Prime Minister Modi for the next year's G7 summit. India, along with Australia and South Korea are 3 countries that have been invited to the G7 summit under the chairmanship of the UK.

Ahead of the visit, UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab is on a four-day India visit and met India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar for talks that lasted for 4 hours at Delhi's Hyderabad house.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahead-of-pm-johnsons-visit-dominic-raab-jaishankar-seek-to-deepen-india-uk-ties-349926" hreflang="en">Ahead of PM Johnson's visit, Dominic Raab, Jaishankar seek to deepen India, UK ties</a>

EAM, reacting to the announcement made of Raab that PM Boris has accepted the invitation to come to India said, "It would in a way symbolic of a new era, a new phase of our relationship, it will also really drive us to put in place mechanism, platforms which would realize the expectations that both PM Modi and PM Johnson have of the relationship."

During the Raab-Jaishankar talks, both sides focused on the strengthened UK-India relationship over the next 10 years. Raab said, " As COP26 President and G7 President next year we will work closely with our Indian friends, as they return to the UN Security Council, to boost trade, promote peace and work together as a force for good throughout the Indo-Pacific."

While on every field both sides are working, the key areas are people to people, trade, defense and security, climate change, and health. The British Foreign Secretary will meet Prime Minister Modi on Wednesday to discuss a ‘10-year roadmap’ with emphasis on the collaboration on Trade, dealing with the coronavirus crisis, and tackle climate change.

Both sides are working on a Free Trade Agreement, something the post-Brexit UK is very keen on. Trade between the UK and India stands at £24 billion and grew at 11% last financial year. While there are 842 Indian companies in the UK with a combined turnover of £41.2 billion, 400 British companies are present in India.&nbsp;

On the COVID pandemic, a billion doses of the UK’s Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine being manufactured at India’s Serum Institute in Pune. Amidst the pandemic, the UK got 11 million masks, 3 million packets of Paracetamol from India which emerged as the Pharmacy of the world. When it comes to defense and security, UK will send HMS Queen Elizabeth Carrier Strike Group to the Indo-Pacific region next year even as both sides have vowed to increase cooperation.&nbsp;

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called India an "indispensable partner" ahead of his Delhi visit next month as the chief guest at the Republic day parade.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called India an "indispensable partner" ahead of his Delhi visit next month as the chief guest at the Republic day parade. The visit will be his first major bilateral visit since taking charge in 2019 and Brexit. Johnson said, "I am absolutely delighted to be visiting India next year at the start of an exciting year for Global Britain, and look forward to delivering the quantum leap in our bilateral relationship that Prime Minister Modi and I have pledged to achieve." The visit will be key to London's pivot to Indo-Pacific. As Johnson described it, "As a key player in the Indo-Pacific region, India is an increasingly indispensable partner for the United Kingdom" as we "work to boost jobs and growth, confront shared threats to our security and protect our planet." Also see: British leaders who were invited to India's Republic Day Boris Johnson will be the second British Prime Minister to be at India's Republic Day parade as a chief guest since John Major in 1993. The British Prime Minister has also extended an invitation to Indian Prime Minister Modi for the next year's G7 summit. India, along with Australia and South Korea are 3 countries that have been invited to the G7 summit under the chairmanship of the UK. Ahead of the visit, UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab is on a four-day India visit and met India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar for talks that lasted for 4 hours at Delhi's Hyderabad house. Also read: Ahead of PM Johnson's visit, Dominic Raab, Jaishankar seek to deepen India, UK ties EAM, reacting to the announcement made of Raab that PM Boris has accepted the invitation to come to India said, "It would in a way symbolic of a new era, a new phase of our relationship, it will also really drive us to put in place mechanism, platforms which would realize the expectations that both PM Modi and PM Johnson have of the relationship." During the Raab-Jaishankar talks, both sides focused on the strengthened UK-India relationship over the next 10 years. Raab said, " As COP26 President and G7 President next year we will work closely with our Indian friends, as they return to the UN Security Council, to boost trade, promote peace and work together as a force for good throughout the Indo-Pacific." While on every field both sides are working, the key areas are people to people, trade, defense and security, climate change, and health. The British Foreign Secretary will meet Prime Minister Modi on Wednesday to discuss a ‘10-year roadmap’ with emphasis on the collaboration on Trade, dealing with the coronavirus crisis, and tackle climate change. Both sides are working on a Free Trade Agreement, something the post-Brexit UK is very keen on. Trade between the UK and India stands at £24 billion and grew at 11% last financial year. While there are 842 Indian companies in the UK with a combined turnover of £41.2 billion, 400 British companies are present in India. On the COVID pandemic, a billion doses of the UK’s Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine being manufactured at India’s Serum Institute in Pune. Amidst the pandemic, the UK got 11 million masks, 3 million packets of Paracetamol from India which emerged as the Pharmacy of the world. When it comes to defense and security, UK will send HMS Queen Elizabeth Carrier Strike Group to the Indo-Pacific region next year even as both sides have vowed to increase cooperation.

UK PM Boris Johnson calls India 'indispensable partner' ahead of Delhi visit next month

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration and European Space Agency (ESA) have selected three astronauts to serve as crew members for NASA's SpaceX Crew-3 mission to the International Space Station, which is expected to launch in the fall of 2021.

According to the NASA, the trio will consist of its astronauts Raja Chari, an Indian-American US Air Force colonel, and Tom Marshburn, who will serve as commander and pilot, respectively, and ESA astronaut Matthias Maurer, who will serve as a mission specialist. A fourth crew member will be added at a later date, following a review by NASA and its international partners.

This will be the first spaceflight for Chari, who became a NASA astronaut in 2017. He was born in Milwaukee but considers Cedar Falls, Iowa, his hometown. He is a colonel in the US Air Force and joins the mission with extensive experience as a test pilot.

He has accumulated more than 2,500 hours of flight time in his career. Chari was selected earlier this month as a member of the Artemis Team and is now eligible for assignment to a future lunar mission.

Marshburn is a Statesville, North Carolina, native who became an astronaut in 2004. Prior to serving in the astronaut corps, the medical doctor served as a flight surgeon at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston and later became medical operations lead for the International Space Station. "The Crew-3 mission will be his third visit to the space station and his second long-duration mission. Marshburn previously served as a crew member of STS-127 in 2009 and Expedition 34/35, which concluded in 2013," the NASA said.

Maurer comes from Sankt Wendel, in the German state of Saarland. Like Chari, Maurer will be making his first trip to space with the Crew-3 mission. In 2016, Maurer spent 16 days on an undersea mission as part of a NASA's Extreme Environment Mission Operations, or NEEMO, space analog.

When Chari, Marshburn, and Maurer arrive at the orbiting laboratory, they will become expedition crew members for the duration of their six-month stay. "The crew will have a slight overlap with the Crew-2 astronauts, who are expected to launch in the spring of 2021. This will not be the first commercial crew mission to overlap. The Crew-1 astronauts, who are currently on station, and the Crew-2 astronauts, also are expected to coincide in their sojourns for a short time. Increasing the total number of astronauts aboard the station is allowing the agency to boost the number of science investigations conducted in the unique microgravity environment," NASA said.

This will be the third crew rotation mission of SpaceX's human space transportation system and its fourth flight with astronauts, including the Demo-2 test flight, to the space station through NASA's Commercial Crew Program. The goal of the program is to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective crew access to the space station and low-Earth orbit in partnership with the American aerospace industry.

Moreover, the station is a critical testbed for NASA to understand and overcome the challenges of long-duration spaceflight.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration and European Space Agency (ESA) have selected three astronauts to serve as crew members for NASA's SpaceX Crew-3 mission to the International Space Station, which is expected to launch in the fall of 2021.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration and European Space Agency (ESA) have selected three astronauts to serve as crew members for NASA's SpaceX Crew-3 mission to the International Space Station, which is expected to launch in the fall of 2021. According to the NASA, the trio will consist of its astronauts Raja Chari, an Indian-American US Air Force colonel, and Tom Marshburn, who will serve as commander and pilot, respectively, and ESA astronaut Matthias Maurer, who will serve as a mission specialist. A fourth crew member will be added at a later date, following a review by NASA and its international partners. This will be the first spaceflight for Chari, who became a NASA astronaut in 2017. He was born in Milwaukee but considers Cedar Falls, Iowa, his hometown. He is a colonel in the US Air Force and joins the mission with extensive experience as a test pilot. He has accumulated more than 2,500 hours of flight time in his career. Chari was selected earlier this month as a member of the Artemis Team and is now eligible for assignment to a future lunar mission. Marshburn is a Statesville, North Carolina, native who became an astronaut in 2004. Prior to serving in the astronaut corps, the medical doctor served as a flight surgeon at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston and later became medical operations lead for the International Space Station. "The Crew-3 mission will be his third visit to the space station and his second long-duration mission. Marshburn previously served as a crew member of STS-127 in 2009 and Expedition 34/35, which concluded in 2013," the NASA said. Maurer comes from Sankt Wendel, in the German state of Saarland. Like Chari, Maurer will be making his first trip to space with the Crew-3 mission. In 2016, Maurer spent 16 days on an undersea mission as part of a NASA's Extreme Environment Mission Operations, or NEEMO, space analog. When Chari, Marshburn, and Maurer arrive at the orbiting laboratory, they will become expedition crew members for the duration of their six-month stay. "The crew will have a slight overlap with the Crew-2 astronauts, who are expected to launch in the spring of 2021. This will not be the first commercial crew mission to overlap. The Crew-1 astronauts, who are currently on station, and the Crew-2 astronauts, also are expected to coincide in their sojourns for a short time. Increasing the total number of astronauts aboard the station is allowing the agency to boost the number of science investigations conducted in the unique microgravity environment," NASA said. This will be the third crew rotation mission of SpaceX's human space transportation system and its fourth flight with astronauts, including the Demo-2 test flight, to the space station through NASA's Commercial Crew Program. The goal of the program is to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective crew access to the space station and low-Earth orbit in partnership with the American aerospace industry. Moreover, the station is a critical testbed for NASA to understand and overcome the challenges of long-duration spaceflight.

Indian-American among three astronauts selected for SpaceX Crew-3 Mission

More than 95 per cent of the total 16,098 police stations across the country have been using the software facility Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS), a mission mode modernisation project under the National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). 
 
Connectivity is available at 97 per cent of the police stations and 93 per cent of them are entering 100 per cent FIRs through the project.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-army-general-naravanes-saudi-visit-sheds-light-on-paks-break-up-with-arab-world-349792" hreflang="en">Indian Army General Naravane's Saudi visit sheds light on Pak's break-up with Arab world</a> 
 
Noting that integrated database concepts like the CCTNS and ICJS have become indispensable to realise the dream of New India, Minister of State for Home, G. Kishan Reddy, on Tuesday shared the details while addressing the inaugural session of the second conference on `Good Practices in Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems/Interoperable Criminal Justice System (ICJS)` through video conferencing. The two-day conference has been organised by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). 
 
Reddy also said that integrated database concepts like the CCTNS and ICJS have become indispensable to realise the dream of New India and that the two key modernisation programmes of the MHA have led to effective law enforcement and proved to be force multipliers.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/aap-to-contest-uttar-pradesh-assembly-election-in-2022-arvind-kejriwal-349901" hreflang="en">AAP to contest Uttar Pradesh Assembly election in 2022: Arvind Kejriwal</a> 
 
"It is a reality that crime does not follow jurisdictional boundaries. Hence, our response to crime should also not be restricted by boundaries. Immediate recording of crime and the access of the information to all the stakeholders is undoubtedly a key aspect of any effective law enforcement operation. This has led to the genesis of the project of CCTNS," Reddy said. 
 
"This about Rs 2,000 crore mission mode project has revolutionised investigation and policing with its massive reach and connectivity. It has managed to connect the police stations and other offices, even in the most far-flung areas," the minister said. 
 
Reddy said the ICJS takes data sharing to a higher level and ensures a single source of truth between law enforcement and judicial systems. "Without doubt, ICJS is a force multiplier in this data driven world." 
 
The minister called for replicating the good initiatives taken by one state in other states, saying "it is a matter of great privilege, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modiji, the government has used cooperative federalism as a guiding mantra and the states work together, learn together and propel each other forward". 
 
--IANS 
 
rak/arm

More than 95 per cent of the total 16,098 police stations across the country have been using the software facility Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS), a mission mode modernisation project under the National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

More than 95 per cent of the total 16,098 police stations across the country have been using the software facility Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS), a mission mode modernisation project under the National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Connectivity is available at 97 per cent of the police stations and 93 per cent of them are entering 100 per cent FIRs through the project. Also read| Indian Army General Naravane's Saudi visit sheds light on Pak's break-up with Arab world Noting that integrated database concepts like the CCTNS and ICJS have become indispensable to realise the dream of New India, Minister of State for Home, G. Kishan Reddy, on Tuesday shared the details while addressing the inaugural session of the second conference on `Good Practices in Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems/Interoperable Criminal Justice System (ICJS)` through video conferencing. The two-day conference has been organised by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). Reddy also said that integrated database concepts like the CCTNS and ICJS have become indispensable to realise the dream of New India and that the two key modernisation programmes of the MHA have led to effective law enforcement and proved to be force multipliers. Also read| AAP to contest Uttar Pradesh Assembly election in 2022: Arvind Kejriwal "It is a reality that crime does not follow jurisdictional boundaries. Hence, our response to crime should also not be restricted by boundaries. Immediate recording of crime and the access of the information to all the stakeholders is undoubtedly a key aspect of any effective law enforcement operation. This has led to the genesis of the project of CCTNS," Reddy said. "This about Rs 2,000 crore mission mode project has revolutionised investigation and policing with its massive reach and connectivity. It has managed to connect the police stations and other offices, even in the most far-flung areas," the minister said. Reddy said the ICJS takes data sharing to a higher level and ensures a single source of truth between law enforcement and judicial systems. "Without doubt, ICJS is a force multiplier in this data driven world." The minister called for replicating the good initiatives taken by one state in other states, saying "it is a matter of great privilege, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modiji, the government has used cooperative federalism as a guiding mantra and the states work together, learn together and propel each other forward". --IANS rak/arm

95% police stations in India using CCTNS software to track criminals: Govt

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute&nbsp;to the `Iron Man of India` Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 70th death anniversary on Tuesday. Modi said that the path shown by Sardar Patel will always inspire to protect the unity, integrity, and sovereignty of India.

"Tribute to Iron Man Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel who laid the foundation of a strong and prosperous India on his death anniversary. The path shown by him will always inspire us to protect the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the country," the PM wrote on Twitter (roughly translated from Hindi).

Born on October 31, 1875, Sardar Patel, who is credited with uniting all 562 princely states of the pre-independent country to build the Republic of India, passed away on December 15, 1950.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the `Iron Man of India` Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 70th death anniversary on Tuesday. Modi said that the path shown by Sardar Patel will always inspire to protect the unity, integrity, and sovereignty of India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the `Iron Man of India` Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 70th death anniversary on Tuesday. Modi said that the path shown by Sardar Patel will always inspire to protect the unity, integrity, and sovereignty of India. "Tribute to Iron Man Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel who laid the foundation of a strong and prosperous India on his death anniversary. The path shown by him will always inspire us to protect the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the country," the PM wrote on Twitter (roughly translated from Hindi). Born on October 31, 1875, Sardar Patel, who is credited with uniting all 562 princely states of the pre-independent country to build the Republic of India, passed away on December 15, 1950.

PM Modi pays tribute to Sardar Patel on his death anniversary

The Union health ministry on Tuesday said 29,000 cold chain points, 240 walk-in coolers, 70 walk-in freezers, 45,000 ice-lined refrigerators, 41,000 deep freezers and 300 solar refrigerators will be used for COVID-19 vaccine storage.

Providing the details about cold-chain management at a press conference here, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said guidelines for estimation of electrical and non-electrical cold chain equipment and their strengthening have been issued to states by the Centre.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/183-covid-19-cases-in-iit-madras-lesson-for-the-public-say-authorities-349899" hreflang="en">183 Covid-19 cases in IIT-Madras: Lesson for the public, say authorities</a>

The guidelines for management of cold chain at last cold chain points and session sites have also been issued, he said.

"A total of 29,000 cold chain points, 240 walk-in coolers, 70 walk-in freezers, 45,000 ice-lined refrigerators, 41,000 deep freezers and 300 solar refrigerators will be used," Bhushan said. "All these equipment have already been delivered to the states. Some other equipment are being supplied," he said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-triggering-rare-deadly-fungal-infection-claim-indian-hospitals-349845" hreflang="en">Covid-19 triggering rare, deadly fungal infection, claim Indian hospitals</a>

Giving more details about the preparations, the senior official said 36 states and Union territories have concluded meetings of State Steering Committees and State Task Force, while 633 districts have concluded meetings of the District Task Force in this regard.

Twenty-three ministries and departments in the Centre and states have been identified and assigned roles like planning, implementation, social mobilisation, awareness generation, among others, for the vaccine roll-out, he said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-313-lakh-people-fined-for-not-wearing-masks-in-ahmedabad-rs1841-cr-collected-349823" hreflang="en">Over 3.13 lakh people fined for not wearing masks in Ahmedabad, ₹18.41 cr collected</a>

Training modules for medical officers, vaccinator officers, alternative vaccinator officers, cold chain handlers, supervisors, data managers and ASHA coordinators are also finalized, and physical training, as well as training on virtual/online platforms, have started, the health secretary said.

National and state Training of Trainers (ToTs) workshops have also been completed, he added. In reply to a media query, Bhushan said state governments have been allowed to form vaccination session sites even at units where the Army or paramilitary is posted.

Vaccinating 100-200 people in each session per day, monitoring them for 30 minutes after administering the shots for any adverse event and allowing only one beneficiary at a time are among the guidelines issued by the Centre for the COVID-19 inoculation drive.

According to the guidelines issued to states recently, the COVID Vaccine Intelligence Network (Co-WIN) system — a digitalised platform — will be used to track enlisted beneficiaries for the vaccination and anti-coronavirus vaccines on a real-time basis.

The Union health ministry on Tuesday said 29,000 cold chain points, 240 walk-in coolers, 70 walk-in freezers, 45,000 ice-lined refrigerators, 41,000 deep freezers and 300 solar refrigerators will be used for COVID-19 vaccine storage.

The Union health ministry on Tuesday said 29,000 cold chain points, 240 walk-in coolers, 70 walk-in freezers, 45,000 ice-lined refrigerators, 41,000 deep freezers and 300 solar refrigerators will be used for COVID-19 vaccine storage. Providing the details about cold-chain management at a press conference here, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said guidelines for estimation of electrical and non-electrical cold chain equipment and their strengthening have been issued to states by the Centre. Also read| 183 Covid-19 cases in IIT-Madras: Lesson for the public, say authorities The guidelines for management of cold chain at last cold chain points and session sites have also been issued, he said. "A total of 29,000 cold chain points, 240 walk-in coolers, 70 walk-in freezers, 45,000 ice-lined refrigerators, 41,000 deep freezers and 300 solar refrigerators will be used," Bhushan said. "All these equipment have already been delivered to the states. Some other equipment are being supplied," he said. Also read| Covid-19 triggering rare, deadly fungal infection, claim Indian hospitals Giving more details about the preparations, the senior official said 36 states and Union territories have concluded meetings of State Steering Committees and State Task Force, while 633 districts have concluded meetings of the District Task Force in this regard. Twenty-three ministries and departments in the Centre and states have been identified and assigned roles like planning, implementation, social mobilisation, awareness generation, among others, for the vaccine roll-out, he said. Also read| Over 3.13 lakh people fined for not wearing masks in Ahmedabad, ₹18.41 cr collected Training modules for medical officers, vaccinator officers, alternative vaccinator officers, cold chain handlers, supervisors, data managers and ASHA coordinators are also finalized, and physical training, as well as training on virtual/online platforms, have started, the health secretary said. National and state Training of Trainers (ToTs) workshops have also been completed, he added. In reply to a media query, Bhushan said state governments have been allowed to form vaccination session sites even at units where the Army or paramilitary is posted. Vaccinating 100-200 people in each session per day, monitoring them for 30 minutes after administering the shots for any adverse event and allowing only one beneficiary at a time are among the guidelines issued by the Centre for the COVID-19 inoculation drive. According to the guidelines issued to states recently, the COVID Vaccine Intelligence Network (Co-WIN) system — a digitalised platform — will be used to track enlisted beneficiaries for the vaccination and anti-coronavirus vaccines on a real-time basis.

Indian government prepares cold storage facilities for COVID-19 vaccines

UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab arrives for his official visit to India. India-UK partnership is poised for greater synergy in a post-COVID, post-Brexit context.

WION Dispatch: 'UK, India committed to build strong defence-security ties', says Dominic Raab

Ahmedabad Police has collected ₹18.41 crores as fine from people who were fined for not wearing face masks in public places amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

"Over 3.13 lakh people paid ₹18.41 crores in fine for not wearing face masks in public places in Ahmedabad, Gujarat since the outbreak of COVID-19, Harshad Patel, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic control), Ahmedabad said.

Patel also informed that over 1,400 police personnel detected positive for COVID-19 and 13 of them have succumbed to the infection. According to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, there are 13,298 active coronavirus cases in Gujarat, while over 2.10 lakhs have recovered and 4,171 died due to the virus.

Ahmedabad Police has collected ₹18.41 crores as fine from people who were fined for not wearing face masks in public places amid the COVID-19 outbreak. "Over 3.13 lakh people paid ₹18.

Ahmedabad Police has collected ₹18.41 crores as fine from people who were fined for not wearing face masks in public places amid the COVID-19 outbreak. "Over 3.13 lakh people paid ₹18.41 crores in fine for not wearing face masks in public places in Ahmedabad, Gujarat since the outbreak of COVID-19, Harshad Patel, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic control), Ahmedabad said. Patel also informed that over 1,400 police personnel detected positive for COVID-19 and 13 of them have succumbed to the infection. According to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, there are 13,298 active coronavirus cases in Gujarat, while over 2.10 lakhs have recovered and 4,171 died due to the virus.

Over 3.13 lakh people fined for not wearing masks in Ahmedabad, ₹18.41 cr collected

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab on 4-day India visit, hold talks with S Jaishankar

(Reuters) - A red suit with white trim and a silky beard have long been Santa`s trademark style, but the jolly figure bringing holiday cheer around the world comes in many guises, much like the varied shapes and sizes of the Christmas presents he bears. But one wish unites all Santas, from Lebanon to Nigeria, in this year decimated by the coronavirus pandemic. (Click https://reut.rs/3ni6SZ6 to see a picture package of Santas around the world.) "My Christmas message to the world is to be kinder to everyone in a time when we are so isolated," said Oliver Levi-Malouf, 22, who performs as a drag queen Santa at The Imperial Hotel in Sydney, with strikingly red lips and dramatic winged eye makeup. Levi-Malouf puts on a Santa event for youth around Christmas time at the hotel, giving out colourful presents such as a feathered fascinator in the shape of a bird. "Breathe, simply breathe," is the advice of Dana Friedman, who has been a Santa since wanting to hearten first responders and their families after the September 11, 2001 attacks in New York. Friedman, 61, who is an attorney, urges people take time this year to appreciate the beauty and good in the world. "While you`re at it, do something nice for a total stranger," he said. "But don`t let them know you did it ... Let them pay it forward in their own way." Japanese mambo musician Paradise Yamamoto has been a Santa for 23 years, and takes an annual certification test he says is no walk in the park. "I was tested on how quickly I ate ginger biscuits, climbed chimneys, and laughed merrily with a good `Ho, ho, ho`," he said. Yamamoto wants to reassure children that Santa is still coming to their houses this Christmas. "I`ve never heard of a Christmas where Santa Claus didn`t appear," said the 58-year-old, who also owns a gyoza restaurant, where he works as a chef. "I might try to get in your houses through a different route from usual, but I will most certainly visit everyone`s homes – after, of course, washing my hands, gargling, disinfecting the soles of my shoes, and taking the proper measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus." Children excited to see Santa had better take note of the warning from Mexican actor and director of children`s theatre Alejandro Zelayaran, though. "I will not visit children who do not respect their mother and father, who have not taken care of themselves during COVID and who have pulled practical jokes on their teachers during virtual classes," he said. Zelayaran, who will don a face shield when he distributes dolls and other gifts at an orphanage in Mexico City, also emphasises the importance of family. "Faith and hope must move the hearts of humanity," said the 43-year-old. "I want to see families taking care of each other and knowing that even from afar, love and hope always survive." Limachem Cherem, 64, who runs a school for Santas in Rio de Janeiro, will be spending more time in a studio this month, raising children` spirits with recorded messages and live video chats. He, too, encourages people reach out to each other. "Get on the phone, send messages, it doesn`t cost much with the internet," said the jovial man with a big beard. "Since we can`t hug in person, send a message of peace to a friend. He needs it, while he is at home." (Reporting by Reuters photographers; Writing by Karishma Singh; Editing by Lincoln Feast)

(Reuters) - A red suit with white trim and a silky beard have long been Santa`s trademark style, but the jolly figure bringing holiday cheer around the world comes in many guises, much like the varied shapes and sizes of the Christmas presents he bears.

(Reuters) - A red suit with white trim and a silky beard have long been Santa`s trademark style, but the jolly figure bringing holiday cheer around the world comes in many guises, much like the varied shapes and sizes of the Christmas presents he bears. But one wish unites all Santas, from Lebanon to Nigeria, in this year decimated by the coronavirus pandemic. (Click https://reut.rs/3ni6SZ6 to see a picture package of Santas around the world.) "My Christmas message to the world is to be kinder to everyone in a time when we are so isolated," said Oliver Levi-Malouf, 22, who performs as a drag queen Santa at The Imperial Hotel in Sydney, with strikingly red lips and dramatic winged eye makeup. Levi-Malouf puts on a Santa event for youth around Christmas time at the hotel, giving out colourful presents such as a feathered fascinator in the shape of a bird. "Breathe, simply breathe," is the advice of Dana Friedman, who has been a Santa since wanting to hearten first responders and their families after the September 11, 2001 attacks in New York. Friedman, 61, who is an attorney, urges people take time this year to appreciate the beauty and good in the world. "While you`re at it, do something nice for a total stranger," he said. "But don`t let them know you did it ... Let them pay it forward in their own way." Japanese mambo musician Paradise Yamamoto has been a Santa for 23 years, and takes an annual certification test he says is no walk in the park. "I was tested on how quickly I ate ginger biscuits, climbed chimneys, and laughed merrily with a good `Ho, ho, ho`," he said. Yamamoto wants to reassure children that Santa is still coming to their houses this Christmas. "I`ve never heard of a Christmas where Santa Claus didn`t appear," said the 58-year-old, who also owns a gyoza restaurant, where he works as a chef. "I might try to get in your houses through a different route from usual, but I will most certainly visit everyone`s homes – after, of course, washing my hands, gargling, disinfecting the soles of my shoes, and taking the proper measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus." Children excited to see Santa had better take note of the warning from Mexican actor and director of children`s theatre Alejandro Zelayaran, though. "I will not visit children who do not respect their mother and father, who have not taken care of themselves during COVID and who have pulled practical jokes on their teachers during virtual classes," he said. Zelayaran, who will don a face shield when he distributes dolls and other gifts at an orphanage in Mexico City, also emphasises the importance of family. "Faith and hope must move the hearts of humanity," said the 43-year-old. "I want to see families taking care of each other and knowing that even from afar, love and hope always survive." Limachem Cherem, 64, who runs a school for Santas in Rio de Janeiro, will be spending more time in a studio this month, raising children` spirits with recorded messages and live video chats. He, too, encourages people reach out to each other. "Get on the phone, send messages, it doesn`t cost much with the internet," said the jovial man with a big beard. "Since we can`t hug in person, send a message of peace to a friend. He needs it, while he is at home." (Reporting by Reuters photographers; Writing by Karishma Singh; Editing by Lincoln Feast)

Christmas wishes from Santas around the world

UK foreign secretary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/british-foreign-secretary-dominic-raab-to-visit-india-349761">Dominic Raab</a> in a joint press conference with foreign minister S Jaishankar said that his country wants to "deepen economic partnership with India" while asserting the two countries shared issues related to terrorism, maritime security including piracy in the western Indian ocean.

"We look forward to taking the spot in 2021 including the UK's presidency of G-7 and also our presidency of UN Climate Change Conference," Dominic Raab said, adding,"We welcome India's return to UN Security Council."

The UK foreign secretary said he was pleased that PM Boris Johnson has invited <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-pays-tribute-to-sardar-patel-on-his-death-anniversary-349834">PM Modi</a> to join the G-7 summit to be held in the UK next year while informing that the UK PM had accepted PM Modi's offer of attending India's Republic Day celebrations on January 26 which he said was a "great honour".

India's foreign minister S Jaishankar said that that the focus between the two countries is to take the "ties to a higher level".

"We focused on five broad themes - connecting people, trade and prosperity, defence &amp; security, climate change and health," Jaishankar said while stating that "India has its vision of Indo-Pacific."

"It is a matter of satisfaction that there is today a growing recognition and acceptance of the idea of Indo-Pacific," India's foreign minister said.

The external affairs minister(EAM) said foreign secretary Dominic Raab's visit comes at a very important time since the UK is at looking at a "post-<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-uk-businesses-urge-pm-boris-johnson-for-trade-deal-with-eu-349555">Brexit </a>world".

On asked about the "free trade agreement with UK &amp; India not signing RCEP", the EAM said: "I think it is like comparing apples &amp; oranges. UK wasn't part of the RCEP...our experiences on RCEP can't carry over to discussion with the UK. There's a serious intent to take trade relationship forward."

The EAM said the presence of PM Boris Johnson as the chief guest at Republic Day would be in a way "symbolic of a new era, a new phase of our relationship." 
&nbsp;

UK foreign secretary Dominic Raab in a joint press conference with foreign minister S Jaishankar said that his country wants to "deepen economic partnership with India" while asserting the two countries shared issues related to terrorism, maritime security including piracy in the western Indian ocean.

UK foreign secretary Dominic Raab in a joint press conference with foreign minister S Jaishankar said that his country wants to "deepen economic partnership with India" while asserting the two countries shared issues related to terrorism, maritime security including piracy in the western Indian ocean. "We look forward to taking the spot in 2021 including the UK's presidency of G-7 and also our presidency of UN Climate Change Conference," Dominic Raab said, adding,"We welcome India's return to UN Security Council." The UK foreign secretary said he was pleased that PM Boris Johnson has invited PM Modi to join the G-7 summit to be held in the UK next year while informing that the UK PM had accepted PM Modi's offer of attending India's Republic Day celebrations on January 26 which he said was a "great honour". India's foreign minister S Jaishankar said that that the focus between the two countries is to take the "ties to a higher level". "We focused on five broad themes - connecting people, trade and prosperity, defence & security, climate change and health," Jaishankar said while stating that "India has its vision of Indo-Pacific." "It is a matter of satisfaction that there is today a growing recognition and acceptance of the idea of Indo-Pacific," India's foreign minister said. The external affairs minister(EAM) said foreign secretary Dominic Raab's visit comes at a very important time since the UK is at looking at a "post-Brexit world". On asked about the "free trade agreement with UK & India not signing RCEP", the EAM said: "I think it is like comparing apples & oranges. UK wasn't part of the RCEP...our experiences on RCEP can't carry over to discussion with the UK. There's a serious intent to take trade relationship forward." The EAM said the presence of PM Boris Johnson as the chief guest at Republic Day would be in a way "symbolic of a new era, a new phase of our relationship."

Ahead of PM Johnson's visit, Dominic Raab, Jaishankar seek to deepen India, UK ties

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on Tuesday informed that India`s recovery rate has escalated to 95.12 per cent, calling it a significant milestone in its fight against the novel coronavirus.

The number of recoveries has crossed 94 lakhs (94,22,636), pushing the national recovery rate to over 95 per cent, which is "one of the highest in the world for countries with high caseload", the ministry underlined.

With a high number of patients recovering every day and the sustained fall in the mortality rate, the country's steady trend of decline in active cases continues, the ministry said.

There are 3,39,820 active cases of coronavirus infections as on Tuesday.

The slide in the active cases is supplemented by an exponential rise in the recoveries.

"The gap between active cases and recovered cases is continuously increasing and stands at 90,82,816. The national recovery rate has further escalated to 95.12 per cent," the ministry said.

A total 34,477 patients have recovered in a span of 24 hours, of whom 74.24 per cent are concentrated in 10 states and UTs, the ministry said in its data updated at 8 am Tuesday.

Maharashtra has reported the maximum number of single-day recoveries at 4,610, followed by 4,481 in Kerala and 2,980 in West Bengal.

The ministry said that 73.52 per cent of the new infections are from 10 states and UTs. Maharashtra has reported the highest daily new cases at 2,949, followed by Kerala with 2,707 new cases.

A total of 354 case fatalities have been reported in a span of 24 hours. Ten states and UTs account for 79.66 per cent of these.

Maharashtra and Delhi reported maximum casualties with 60 new deaths each, followed by West Bengal at 43.

The coronavirus caseload mounted to 99,06,165 with 22,065 infections being reported in a day, while the death toll rose to 1,43,709 with 354 new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on Tuesday informed that India`s recovery rate has escalated to 95.12 per cent, calling it a significant milestone in its fight against the novel coronavirus.

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on Tuesday informed that India`s recovery rate has escalated to 95.12 per cent, calling it a significant milestone in its fight against the novel coronavirus. The number of recoveries has crossed 94 lakhs (94,22,636), pushing the national recovery rate to over 95 per cent, which is "one of the highest in the world for countries with high caseload", the ministry underlined. With a high number of patients recovering every day and the sustained fall in the mortality rate, the country's steady trend of decline in active cases continues, the ministry said. There are 3,39,820 active cases of coronavirus infections as on Tuesday. The slide in the active cases is supplemented by an exponential rise in the recoveries. "The gap between active cases and recovered cases is continuously increasing and stands at 90,82,816. The national recovery rate has further escalated to 95.12 per cent," the ministry said. A total 34,477 patients have recovered in a span of 24 hours, of whom 74.24 per cent are concentrated in 10 states and UTs, the ministry said in its data updated at 8 am Tuesday. Maharashtra has reported the maximum number of single-day recoveries at 4,610, followed by 4,481 in Kerala and 2,980 in West Bengal. The ministry said that 73.52 per cent of the new infections are from 10 states and UTs. Maharashtra has reported the highest daily new cases at 2,949, followed by Kerala with 2,707 new cases. A total of 354 case fatalities have been reported in a span of 24 hours. Ten states and UTs account for 79.66 per cent of these. Maharashtra and Delhi reported maximum casualties with 60 new deaths each, followed by West Bengal at 43. The coronavirus caseload mounted to 99,06,165 with 22,065 infections being reported in a day, while the death toll rose to 1,43,709 with 354 new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed. (With inputs from agencies)

India's Covid-19 recovery rate crosses 95%, among highest in the world: Health Ministry

Indian Ambassador in Madagascar Abhay Kumar on Monday expressed his solidarity with people facing drought situation in South of Madagascar.&nbsp;

Kumar called on Foreign Minister of Madagascar Tehindrazanarivelo and expressed his concern over the drought situation in the southern part of Madagascar. He also discussed issues of mutual interest of both the countries with him.

Ambassador Abhay Kumar met the Foreign Minister @Tehindrazanari1 today to express solidarity with the drought situation in South of Madagascar and discussed issues of mutual interest between #India and #Madagascar, India in Madagascar and Comoros wrote in a tweet.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Ambassador Abhay Kumar met the Foreign Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/Tehindrazanari1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Tehindrazanari1</a> today to express solidarity with the drought situation in South of Madagascar and discussed issues of mutual interest between <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Madagascar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Madagascar</a>. <a href="https://t.co/CohiFzALvs">pic.twitter.com/CohiFzALvs</a>
— India in Madagascar &amp; Comoros (@IndembTana) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndembTana/status/1338421894131953664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Earlier in the month of November, India and Madagascar were going to sign several pacts to enhance ties between the two counties.

"MoUs in the field of traditional medicine, health, culture, tourism, telemedicine and tele-education among others are under discussion," according to sources.

President Ram Nath Kovind visited Madagascar in 2018 on a state visit during which a defence cooperation agreement was signed.

Madagascar has a strong Indian diaspora mostly from Gujarat. Over 20,000 Indians play a key role in the trade and economy of Madagascar.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Ambassador in Madagascar Abhay Kumar on Monday expressed his solidarity with people facing drought situation in South of Madagascar. Kumar called on Foreign Minister of Madagascar Tehindrazanarivelo and expressed his concern over the drought situation in the southern part of Madagascar.

Indian Ambassador in Madagascar Abhay Kumar on Monday expressed his solidarity with people facing drought situation in South of Madagascar. Kumar called on Foreign Minister of Madagascar Tehindrazanarivelo and expressed his concern over the drought situation in the southern part of Madagascar. He also discussed issues of mutual interest of both the countries with him. Ambassador Abhay Kumar met the Foreign Minister @Tehindrazanari1 today to express solidarity with the drought situation in South of Madagascar and discussed issues of mutual interest between #India and #Madagascar, India in Madagascar and Comoros wrote in a tweet. Ambassador Abhay Kumar met the Foreign Minister @Tehindrazanari1 today to express solidarity with the drought situation in South of Madagascar and discussed issues of mutual interest between #India and #Madagascar. pic.twitter.com/CohiFzALvs — India in Madagascar & Comoros (@IndembTana) December 14, 2020 × Earlier in the month of November, India and Madagascar were going to sign several pacts to enhance ties between the two counties. "MoUs in the field of traditional medicine, health, culture, tourism, telemedicine and tele-education among others are under discussion," according to sources. President Ram Nath Kovind visited Madagascar in 2018 on a state visit during which a defence cooperation agreement was signed. Madagascar has a strong Indian diaspora mostly from Gujarat. Over 20,000 Indians play a key role in the trade and economy of Madagascar. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian Ambassador Abhay Kumar expresses solidarity with people facing drought in Madagascar

Delhi Chief Minister and party convener Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday announced that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will contest the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections in 2022.

He slammed the political parties in Uttar Pradesh, accusing them of stabbing the people in the back.

Questioning why people from UP should have to look at Delhi for health services and education, he said Mohalla clinics, free electricity, water, good education and health facilities can also be provided in the state.

"In eight years, the AAP formed government thrice in Delhi and has come out as main opposition in Punjab. We will fight Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections in 2022," Kejriwal said.&nbsp;

"Many brothers and sisters of Uttar Pradesh live in Delhi. When AAP formed govt third time in Delhi, then many people belonging to UP gave us suggestions that we should contest polls in the state. They said that they were unhappy from the present parties in the state," he added.&nbsp;

On Monday, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said that his party will form the alliance with smaller parties in the upcoming Assembly polls.

Speaking to media when asked about the party`s alliance in the upcoming Assembly election in the state to stop the BJP, Yadav said, "Samajwadi Party will forge an alliance with smaller parties. Our experience has not been good with big parties. "The former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh said, "We are hopeful that in 2022 Samajwadi party will form the government in the state with the majority."

BJP had stormed back to power in the state in the 2017 Assembly polls. In the 403 member UP Assembly, among the major parties, BJP has 309 legislators, SP 49, BSP 18, and Congress 7.

(With inputs from agencies)

Delhi Chief Minister and party convener Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday announced that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will contest the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections in 2022.

Delhi Chief Minister and party convener Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday announced that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will contest the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections in 2022. He slammed the political parties in Uttar Pradesh, accusing them of stabbing the people in the back. Questioning why people from UP should have to look at Delhi for health services and education, he said Mohalla clinics, free electricity, water, good education and health facilities can also be provided in the state. "In eight years, the AAP formed government thrice in Delhi and has come out as main opposition in Punjab. We will fight Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections in 2022," Kejriwal said. "Many brothers and sisters of Uttar Pradesh live in Delhi. When AAP formed govt third time in Delhi, then many people belonging to UP gave us suggestions that we should contest polls in the state. They said that they were unhappy from the present parties in the state," he added. On Monday, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said that his party will form the alliance with smaller parties in the upcoming Assembly polls. Speaking to media when asked about the party`s alliance in the upcoming Assembly election in the state to stop the BJP, Yadav said, "Samajwadi Party will forge an alliance with smaller parties. Our experience has not been good with big parties. "The former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh said, "We are hopeful that in 2022 Samajwadi party will form the government in the state with the majority." BJP had stormed back to power in the state in the 2017 Assembly polls. In the 403 member UP Assembly, among the major parties, BJP has 309 legislators, SP 49, BSP 18, and Congress 7. (With inputs from agencies)

AAP to contest Uttar Pradesh Assembly election in 2022: Arvind Kejriwal

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Ahead of PM Johnson's visit, Dominic Raab, Jaishankar seek to deepen India, UK ties