An intranasal Covid vaccine developed by Bharat Biotech will be available for the public on the CoWIN website from Friday as India gears up surveillance, and prepares to counter a possible COVID-19 wave. The nasal vaccine, which was approved in the month of September, can be used as a booster dose, as per official sources. The same will be available in private health centres.

So far, about 22.35 crore booster doses have been administered which is 27 percent &nbsp;of the total population eligible to take the booster jab. The first and second doses coverage currently stand at 97 per cent and 90 per cent respectively.

As Covid cases rise in China, Indian states have been asked to commence mock drills across health facilities with major focus on oxygen plants, ventilators, logistics and human resources. They have also been asked to ramp up testing and genome sequencing. Official sources have also highlighted that while India is taking all precautions to tackle any possible rise in cases, there is no reason to create panic.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-alert-no-entry-for-visitors-in-taj-mahal-without-covid-testing-546034">Covid Alert: No entry for visitors in Taj Mahal without Covid testing</a>

The nasal vaccine, like Bharat Biotech’s prvious vaccine Covaxin, is an outcome of public-private partnership. It is a joint venture between Bharat Biotech and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and its PSU, Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC).

Also watch |&nbsp;China: Hospitals under strain due to spike in new infections

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As part of Aatmanirbhar 3.0, the mission to support and expedite the development of the COVID-19 vaccine was launched by DBT and carried out by BIRAC under the banner of Mission COVID Suraksha. DBT laboratories and BIRAC offered scientific leadership at key stages of the vaccine development process. According to Bharat Biotech, the vaccine, known by the brand name iNCOVACC, is the first intranasal vaccine ever to be approved by Covid for the primary 2-dose schedule and heterologous booster dosage.

(With inputs from agencies)

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An intranasal Covid vaccine developed by Bharat Biotech will be available for the public on the CoWIN website from Friday as India gears up surveillance, and prepares to counter a possible COVID-19 wave.

An intranasal Covid vaccine developed by Bharat Biotech will be available for the public on the CoWIN website from Friday as India gears up surveillance, and prepares to counter a possible COVID-19 wave. The nasal vaccine, which was approved in the month of September, can be used as a booster dose, as per official sources. The same will be available in private health centres. So far, about 22.35 crore booster doses have been administered which is 27 percent of the total population eligible to take the booster jab. The first and second doses coverage currently stand at 97 per cent and 90 per cent respectively. As Covid cases rise in China, Indian states have been asked to commence mock drills across health facilities with major focus on oxygen plants, ventilators, logistics and human resources. They have also been asked to ramp up testing and genome sequencing. Official sources have also highlighted that while India is taking all precautions to tackle any possible rise in cases, there is no reason to create panic. Also read | Covid Alert: No entry for visitors in Taj Mahal without Covid testing The nasal vaccine, like Bharat Biotech’s prvious vaccine Covaxin, is an outcome of public-private partnership. It is a joint venture between Bharat Biotech and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and its PSU, Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC). Also watch | China: Hospitals under strain due to spike in new infections As part of Aatmanirbhar 3.0, the mission to support and expedite the development of the COVID-19 vaccine was launched by DBT and carried out by BIRAC under the banner of Mission COVID Suraksha. DBT laboratories and BIRAC offered scientific leadership at key stages of the vaccine development process. According to Bharat Biotech, the vaccine, known by the brand name iNCOVACC, is the first intranasal vaccine ever to be approved by Covid for the primary 2-dose schedule and heterologous booster dosage. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Bharat Biotech’s nasal Covid vaccine to be available as booster dose on CoWIN app now

The International Monetary Fund reported on Friday that India is navigating an "extremely tough" external environment, projecting growth rates of 6.8 per cent&nbsp;and 6.1 per cent for the current and following fiscal years, respectively. In her virtual conversation&nbsp;with reporters, Choueiri Nada, IMF's India Mission Chief, reaffirmed that India continues to be the lone bright spot in an otherwise bleak picture of the world economy.

“We are seeing the economy continue to grow pretty robustly this fiscal year,” Nada said as the international financial body released the report of its annual consultations with India.

The report predicts that growth would slow down as a result of the less optimistic outlook and the tighter financial environment. According to the IMF's report&nbsp;on India, the real GDP is expected to rise at 6.8 per cent&nbsp;and 6.1 per cent&nbsp;respectively in FY2022/23 and FY2023/24.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/ex-icici-bank-ceo-chanda-kochhar-husband-arrested-by-cbi-in-videocon-loan-fraud-case-546165">Ex-ICICI bank CEO Chanda Kochhar, husband arrested by CBI in Videocon loan fraud case</a>

These projections are much better than they have been projecting earlier, Nada said. “In fact, in our projections, India is contributing half a per cent to global growth this year and next,” she said.

“But, of course, there are important risks and to have asked about those, we see that the risks are mostly on the downside and mostly coming from external factors. Perhaps the most important risk is sharper than anticipated global slowdown,” she said.

Also watch |&nbsp;World Business Watch: Wall Street tumbles on rate, recession worries

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The medium-term growth potential of India could be enhanced by either the effective implementation of extensive reforms or higher than anticipated benefits from the outstanding advancements in digitalisation.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The International Monetary Fund reported on Friday that India is navigating an "extremely tough" external environment, projecting growth rates of 6.8 per cent and 6.

The International Monetary Fund reported on Friday that India is navigating an "extremely tough" external environment, projecting growth rates of 6.8 per cent and 6.1 per cent for the current and following fiscal years, respectively. In her virtual conversation with reporters, Choueiri Nada, IMF's India Mission Chief, reaffirmed that India continues to be the lone bright spot in an otherwise bleak picture of the world economy. “We are seeing the economy continue to grow pretty robustly this fiscal year,” Nada said as the international financial body released the report of its annual consultations with India. The report predicts that growth would slow down as a result of the less optimistic outlook and the tighter financial environment. According to the IMF's report on India, the real GDP is expected to rise at 6.8 per cent and 6.1 per cent respectively in FY2022/23 and FY2023/24. Also read | Ex-ICICI bank CEO Chanda Kochhar, husband arrested by CBI in Videocon loan fraud case These projections are much better than they have been projecting earlier, Nada said. “In fact, in our projections, India is contributing half a per cent to global growth this year and next,” she said. “But, of course, there are important risks and to have asked about those, we see that the risks are mostly on the downside and mostly coming from external factors. Perhaps the most important risk is sharper than anticipated global slowdown,” she said. Also watch | World Business Watch: Wall Street tumbles on rate, recession worries The medium-term growth potential of India could be enhanced by either the effective implementation of extensive reforms or higher than anticipated benefits from the outstanding advancements in digitalisation. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

IMF projects 6.8 per cent GDP growth for India next year

India’s health minister has advised the public to take precautions against Covid-19, as the country remains on alert for potential new variants that could emerge from the wave of infections sweeping neighboring China.

WION Dispatch: Indian Health Minister holds meeting to review the Covid situation

24 hours after reports emerged that the Chinese sub-variant had reached India, New Delhi has introduced a series of measures to stop the virus from spreading. Priyanka Sharma reports.

Gravitas: Wuhan Virus: India is taking no chances

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, who recently faced backlash in India over his derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has now called himself a ‘donkey’ in a viral video shared on Thursday by the ruling Pakistan People's Party (PPP).

While addressing the media reporters in Washington, Bhutto defended his frequent foreign trips. In the viral video, Bilawal Bhutto is explaining how he "pays for his own foreign trips" and that the authorities make him work “like a donkey” on such foreign trips, unlike his government colleagues.

ALSO READ| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-low-even-for-pakistan-india-strongly-condemns-billawal-bhuttos-comment-543737">'New low even for Pakistan': India strongly condemns Bilawal Bhutto's comments</a>

“I must be the only foreign minister who buys his own tickets, pays his own hotel bills and does not increase the burden on the people of Pakistan,” said Bhutto said, while addressing the press conference.

“Even if I did, I would be entitled to these expenses as a foreign minister…(but) these trips have not benefited me – they have benefitted Pakistan.. This is my hard work… When others go abroad, they go on vacations. These people make me work like a donkey,” he added.&nbsp;

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"بطور وزیر خارجہ اپنے دوروں کے اخراجات خود اٹھاتا ہوں، عوام پر ان دوروں کا بوجھ نہیں ڈالتا اور میرے ان بیرون ممالک کے دوروں کا فائدہ مجھے نہیں بلکہ میرے ملک کی عوام کو ہورہا ہے۔”<a href="https://twitter.com/BBhuttoZardari?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BBhuttoZardari</a> 
5/n 
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— PPP (@MediaCellPPP) <a href="https://twitter.com/MediaCellPPP/status/1605758775394172929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Recently, India’s Foreign Minister S Jaishankar and Bhutto had a heated argument over the issue of terrorism at the United Nations in which Bilawal launched a personal attack on India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi after Jaishankar schooled him on "hosting Laden".

WATCH|&nbsp;WION Dispatch: Pakistan citizens battle skyrocketing inflation

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Pakistan’s foreign minister’s controversial statement against the Indian prime minister further deteriorated the two countries’ diplomatic relations. He added that he has no fear of the RSS or PM Modi after nationwide protests were launched by the BJP against the personal attack by Bilawal on the Indian prime minister.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Pakistan's Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, who recently faced backlash in India over his derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has now called himself a ‘donkey’ in a viral video shared on Thursday by the ruling Pakistan People's Party (PPP).

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, who recently faced backlash in India over his derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has now called himself a ‘donkey’ in a viral video shared on Thursday by the ruling Pakistan People's Party (PPP). While addressing the media reporters in Washington, Bhutto defended his frequent foreign trips. In the viral video, Bilawal Bhutto is explaining how he "pays for his own foreign trips" and that the authorities make him work “like a donkey” on such foreign trips, unlike his government colleagues. ALSO READ| 'New low even for Pakistan': India strongly condemns Bilawal Bhutto's comments “I must be the only foreign minister who buys his own tickets, pays his own hotel bills and does not increase the burden on the people of Pakistan,” said Bhutto said, while addressing the press conference. “Even if I did, I would be entitled to these expenses as a foreign minister…(but) these trips have not benefited me – they have benefitted Pakistan.. This is my hard work… When others go abroad, they go on vacations. These people make me work like a donkey,” he added. "بطور وزیر خارجہ اپنے دوروں کے اخراجات خود اٹھاتا ہوں، عوام پر ان دوروں کا بوجھ نہیں ڈالتا اور میرے ان بیرون ممالک کے دوروں کا فائدہ مجھے نہیں بلکہ میرے ملک کی عوام کو ہورہا ہے۔”@BBhuttoZardari 5/n pic.twitter.com/oR0ieU29mu — PPP (@MediaCellPPP) December 22, 2022 × Recently, India’s Foreign Minister S Jaishankar and Bhutto had a heated argument over the issue of terrorism at the United Nations in which Bilawal launched a personal attack on India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi after Jaishankar schooled him on "hosting Laden". WATCH| WION Dispatch: Pakistan citizens battle skyrocketing inflation Pakistan’s foreign minister’s controversial statement against the Indian prime minister further deteriorated the two countries’ diplomatic relations. He added that he has no fear of the RSS or PM Modi after nationwide protests were launched by the BJP against the personal attack by Bilawal on the Indian prime minister. (With inputs from agencies)

WATCH| Bilawal Bhutto claims ‘made to work like donkey’ on foreign trips

A seat on a rocket that would fly from Earth to the Moon's orbit, an opportunity to reach the furthest that earthly humans ever have and to return to the planet that we call home. All for Free! Would you sign up? If all goes well, Dev Joshi, a 22-year-old from India will be accomplishing all of the above well before he turns 24.&nbsp;

Indian Astronaut Rakesh Sharma has been the only Indian citizen to travel to space. He accomplished the feat&nbsp;way&nbsp;back in 1984, as part of the Soviet Interkosmos programme.

Dev aspires to be the second Indian to match Sharma's feat&nbsp;as India's own national astronaut mission 'Gaganyaan' is expected to kick off, only by the end of 2024 or later.

WION spoke to Dev Joshi to understand his thoughts on the immense calculated risk he has chosen to take and what he hopes to gain from this out-of-the-world experience.

An established actor in the Indian television space, Dev Joshi was in the midst of a shoot when he came across the 'dearMoon Project'.

Announced in 2018 and entirely funded by Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa, the project would take eight individuals along with Maezawa on a week-long trip to the moon on board a SpaceX Starship and Superheavy rocket. The initiative is aimed at promoting art and global peace.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-to-carry-out-two-test-missions-two-uncrewed-missions-before-gaganyaan-astronaut-flight-545422">Read more:&nbsp;ISRO to carry out two test missions, two uncrewed missions before ‘Gaganyaan’ astronaut flight&nbsp;</a>

"It was my interest about space that motivated me to try and apply, sometime in 2021 when the applications were invited...Then on, there were assignments, Zoom meetings and finally an in-person meeting with Yusaku Maezawa in 2021 (at a location that I'm not permitted to disclose)," Joshi recalls.&nbsp;

The youngster says he cherished his&nbsp;interactions with the 47-year-old Japanese billionaire as both shared their aspirations and outlook.

"He didn't have the airs of a big billionaire, we enjoyed a game of table tennis and listened to music together."

Several rigorous and expensive medical tests and interviews later, Dev knew that he had made it to the "dear Moon CREW". However, it was only in December 2022 that the formal announcement was made.

Dev sees it as a huge opportunity for his generation and his home country India, as this is a first-of-its-kind project and the most ambitious space tourism venture.

His co-passengers on this mission are artists from across domains, hailing from South Korea, USA, UK, Japan, Czech Republic, and Ireland.

"Even today only astronauts and scientists are going to space and beyond...I believe that a team of diverse artists heading to Lunar orbit will give rise to artistic perspectives about the experience and will inspire the next generation... We are even having a discussion on what we can carry to space - musical instruments, cameras,costumes etc.," Joshi says.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/indian-start-up-partners-with-isro-to-develop-satellite-based-qkd-secure-communication-544849">Read more: Indian start-up partners with ISRO to develop satellite-based QKD secure communication</a>

While there is cheer and excitement about this journey, there are immense risks involved because it's an all-new rocket and spacecraft and the crew onboard is a team without a scientific background.

Following the first orbital test of the new rocket, sometime in 2023, the crew is expected to undergo rigorous training to undertake the journey.

Dev's businessman father Dushyant and homemaker mother Devangna are equally excited about what lies ahead for their son. Dev held discussions and sought his parents' mentorship at every stage of the process.&nbsp; 
"Not much fear...of course it is risky...we are excited...the feeling cannot be expressed in words..." the parents say.

Usually, those in their early 20s would be bidding goodbye to their parents, while heading abroad for higher studies. In this case, it's a trip to the lunar orbit, the greatest adventure and risk in human history.

While the actual flight is scheduled to happen in 2023, a lot of questions remain unanswered - the mission readiness and safety record of the SpaceX Starship and Superheavy rocket, whether an uncrewed flight would first be carried out to lunar orbit, whether the crew is adequately prepared for such a daunting task.

It&nbsp;must be remembered, despite their experience of the Apollo lunar landing missions in the 60s and 70s, even NASA is taking a safe approach by performing unmanned flights to the moon, before the actual manned mission as part of the ongoing Artemis programme.

"I trust Elon Musk and SpaceX," says Dev, confident about the historic journey.&nbsp;

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A seat on a rocket that would fly from Earth to the Moon's orbit, an opportunity to reach the furthest that earthly humans ever have and to return to the planet that we call home.

A seat on a rocket that would fly from Earth to the Moon's orbit, an opportunity to reach the furthest that earthly humans ever have and to return to the planet that we call home. All for Free! Would you sign up? If all goes well, Dev Joshi, a 22-year-old from India will be accomplishing all of the above well before he turns 24. Indian Astronaut Rakesh Sharma has been the only Indian citizen to travel to space. He accomplished the feat way back in 1984, as part of the Soviet Interkosmos programme. Dev aspires to be the second Indian to match Sharma's feat as India's own national astronaut mission 'Gaganyaan' is expected to kick off, only by the end of 2024 or later. WION spoke to Dev Joshi to understand his thoughts on the immense calculated risk he has chosen to take and what he hopes to gain from this out-of-the-world experience. An established actor in the Indian television space, Dev Joshi was in the midst of a shoot when he came across the 'dearMoon Project'. Announced in 2018 and entirely funded by Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa, the project would take eight individuals along with Maezawa on a week-long trip to the moon on board a SpaceX Starship and Superheavy rocket. The initiative is aimed at promoting art and global peace. Read more: ISRO to carry out two test missions, two uncrewed missions before ‘Gaganyaan’ astronaut flight "It was my interest about space that motivated me to try and apply, sometime in 2021 when the applications were invited...Then on, there were assignments, Zoom meetings and finally an in-person meeting with Yusaku Maezawa in 2021 (at a location that I'm not permitted to disclose)," Joshi recalls. The youngster says he cherished his interactions with the 47-year-old Japanese billionaire as both shared their aspirations and outlook. "He didn't have the airs of a big billionaire, we enjoyed a game of table tennis and listened to music together." Several rigorous and expensive medical tests and interviews later, Dev knew that he had made it to the "dear Moon CREW". However, it was only in December 2022 that the formal announcement was made. Dev sees it as a huge opportunity for his generation and his home country India, as this is a first-of-its-kind project and the most ambitious space tourism venture. His co-passengers on this mission are artists from across domains, hailing from South Korea, USA, UK, Japan, Czech Republic, and Ireland. "Even today only astronauts and scientists are going to space and beyond...I believe that a team of diverse artists heading to Lunar orbit will give rise to artistic perspectives about the experience and will inspire the next generation... We are even having a discussion on what we can carry to space - musical instruments, cameras,costumes etc.," Joshi says. Read more: Indian start-up partners with ISRO to develop satellite-based QKD secure communication While there is cheer and excitement about this journey, there are immense risks involved because it's an all-new rocket and spacecraft and the crew onboard is a team without a scientific background. Following the first orbital test of the new rocket, sometime in 2023, the crew is expected to undergo rigorous training to undertake the journey. Dev's businessman father Dushyant and homemaker mother Devangna are equally excited about what lies ahead for their son. Dev held discussions and sought his parents' mentorship at every stage of the process. "Not much fear...of course it is risky...we are excited...the feeling cannot be expressed in words..." the parents say. Usually, those in their early 20s would be bidding goodbye to their parents, while heading abroad for higher studies. In this case, it's a trip to the lunar orbit, the greatest adventure and risk in human history. While the actual flight is scheduled to happen in 2023, a lot of questions remain unanswered - the mission readiness and safety record of the SpaceX Starship and Superheavy rocket, whether an uncrewed flight would first be carried out to lunar orbit, whether the crew is adequately prepared for such a daunting task. It must be remembered, despite their experience of the Apollo lunar landing missions in the 60s and 70s, even NASA is taking a safe approach by performing unmanned flights to the moon, before the actual manned mission as part of the ongoing Artemis programme. "I trust Elon Musk and SpaceX," says Dev, confident about the historic journey. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Exclusive: 'Trust Elon Musk & SpaceX', says 22-year-old Dev Joshi on his week-long trip to Moon

Kashmir region is facing harsh winter conditions as the mercury across the Valley has plummeted in the&nbsp;minus degrees range. The world-famous Dal Lake froze after Srinagar recorded the season's coldest night at minus 5.5&nbsp;degree&nbsp;Celsius. The coldest area in the Kashmir region was in South Kashmir’s Awantipora at minus 7.8&nbsp;degree&nbsp;Celsius.&nbsp;

Chilla-I-Kalan, the coldest period of the season, starts on December 21 and lasts for 40 days. And on the second day of the Chillai Kalan, Valley witnessed the lowest temperature of the season. The famous tourist resort Pahalgam recorded a temperature at minus 6.8&nbsp;degree&nbsp; Celsius. While the famous Ski Resort Gulmarg recorded a temperature of minus 5.1 degree&nbsp; Celsius.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ima-advises-people-to-mask-up-go-back-tp-practicing-other-covid-protocols-545449">IMA advises people to mask up, go back to practicing other Covid protocols</a>

The temperatures at places like Qazigund in South Kashmir was recorded at minus 4.4 degree&nbsp;Celsius. The Kokernag area recorded the temperature at minus 3.3 degree&nbsp;Celsius. The Met Department said that Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded the temperature at minus 5.1 degree Celsius. &nbsp;

Ladakh region is also witnessing the harshest cold period. The temperature at Leh was recorded at minus 12.0 degree&nbsp;Celsius. While Kargil was at minus 12.8 degree&nbsp;Celsius. The lowest temperature in Ladakh was at Drass with a temperature recorded at minus 18.4 degree&nbsp;Celsius. The coldest of the season so far.&nbsp;

Also watch | WION Climate Tracker: Animals dying in droves due to drought in Kenya

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The Met Department has predicted the temperatures to drop further in the coming days as the weather is said to remain dry till the end of this month.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

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Kashmir region is facing harsh winter conditions as the mercury across the Valley has plummeted in the minus degrees range. The world-famous Dal Lake froze after Srinagar recorded the season's coldest night at minus 5.

Kashmir region is facing harsh winter conditions as the mercury across the Valley has plummeted in the minus degrees range. The world-famous Dal Lake froze after Srinagar recorded the season's coldest night at minus 5.5 degree Celsius. The coldest area in the Kashmir region was in South Kashmir’s Awantipora at minus 7.8 degree Celsius. Chilla-I-Kalan, the coldest period of the season, starts on December 21 and lasts for 40 days. And on the second day of the Chillai Kalan, Valley witnessed the lowest temperature of the season. The famous tourist resort Pahalgam recorded a temperature at minus 6.8 degree Celsius. While the famous Ski Resort Gulmarg recorded a temperature of minus 5.1 degree Celsius. Also read | IMA advises people to mask up, go back to practicing other Covid protocols The temperatures at places like Qazigund in South Kashmir was recorded at minus 4.4 degree Celsius. The Kokernag area recorded the temperature at minus 3.3 degree Celsius. The Met Department said that Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded the temperature at minus 5.1 degree Celsius. Ladakh region is also witnessing the harshest cold period. The temperature at Leh was recorded at minus 12.0 degree Celsius. While Kargil was at minus 12.8 degree Celsius. The lowest temperature in Ladakh was at Drass with a temperature recorded at minus 18.4 degree Celsius. The coldest of the season so far. Also watch | WION Climate Tracker: Animals dying in droves due to drought in Kenya The Met Department has predicted the temperatures to drop further in the coming days as the weather is said to remain dry till the end of this month. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Kashmir: Temperature hits new low of the season at minus 5.5°C; Dal Lake freezes

The chip war is heating up. India, China, the United States are racing to gain an edge in this war. Why are chips so important for the global economy? What all are they used for?

Gravitas Plus: Who's winning the Chip War?

Gravitas Plus: Who's winning the Chip War

The Chinese subvariant Omicron BF.7 has reached India. 3 cases have been reported so far, 2 in Gujarat & 1 in Odisha. The Niti Aayog says there's no need to panic. But if the situation escalates, Is India prepared? Here's what Priyanka Sharma has to say.

Gravitas: Wuhan Virus returns: Is India prepared?

Would you want to deliberately get infected with the coronavirus? Turns out Chinese singer and songwriter Jane Zhang did just that. The popular singer is now facing backlash on social media after she revealed that she had deliberately infected herself with the coronavirus. The revelation was made amid a massive surge in Coronavirus cases in China, driven by the BF.7 Omicron variant.&nbsp; 
 
Zhang went on social media to admit that she deliberately infected herself with the coronavirus after seeing friends who had tested positive. Taking to Weibo, Zhang revealed she visited the homes of ‘sheep' - a term for virus carriers in mainland China. 
 
The singer made the bizarre move to contract the virus in preparation for an upcoming New Year's Eve concert.&nbsp; 
Zhang explained that she wanted to catch the virus before her New Year's eve concert so that there are no disruptions in her schedule. 
 
"I was concerned that my condition during the New Year's Eve performance would be affected, so I met a group of people who have tested positive since I currently have time to recover from the virus,” she wrote. 
 
The 38-year-old singer added that she slept after she realised she had developed a few symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and body aches. Zhang explained that her symptoms were similar to that of a Covid patient but only lasted one day. “After sleeping for a day and a night, all my symptoms disappeared … I just drank plenty of water and took vitamin C, without taking any medicine before I got well,” she added. 
 
Netizens have been slamming her ever since the post went viral on social media. Many criticized her for her insensitive and irresponsible behaviour, especially at a time when China is facing a Covid-19 surge. 
 
After facing major backlash, the singer deleted the controversial post from social media and apologised to the public. 
"I didn't consider things carefully before making my previous posts. I apologise to the public,” she wrote on Weibo. 
 
"I was worried that if I got infected when the concert was held, it would increase the risk of my colleagues being infected again. So I was thinking that since it is an inevitable thing, why not get ill now when I don't need to leave home so that I can go to work after I recover? It would be safer for all of us," Zhang explained.

Would you want to deliberately get infected with the coronavirus? Turns out Chinese singer and songwriter Jane Zhang did just that. The popular singer is now facing backlash on social media after she revealed that she had deliberately infected herself with the coronavirus.

Would you want to deliberately get infected with the coronavirus? Turns out Chinese singer and songwriter Jane Zhang did just that. The popular singer is now facing backlash on social media after she revealed that she had deliberately infected herself with the coronavirus. The revelation was made amid a massive surge in Coronavirus cases in China, driven by the BF.7 Omicron variant. Zhang went on social media to admit that she deliberately infected herself with the coronavirus after seeing friends who had tested positive. Taking to Weibo, Zhang revealed she visited the homes of ‘sheep' - a term for virus carriers in mainland China. The singer made the bizarre move to contract the virus in preparation for an upcoming New Year's Eve concert. Zhang explained that she wanted to catch the virus before her New Year's eve concert so that there are no disruptions in her schedule. "I was concerned that my condition during the New Year's Eve performance would be affected, so I met a group of people who have tested positive since I currently have time to recover from the virus,” she wrote. The 38-year-old singer added that she slept after she realised she had developed a few symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and body aches. Zhang explained that her symptoms were similar to that of a Covid patient but only lasted one day. “After sleeping for a day and a night, all my symptoms disappeared … I just drank plenty of water and took vitamin C, without taking any medicine before I got well,” she added. Netizens have been slamming her ever since the post went viral on social media. Many criticized her for her insensitive and irresponsible behaviour, especially at a time when China is facing a Covid-19 surge. After facing major backlash, the singer deleted the controversial post from social media and apologised to the public. "I didn't consider things carefully before making my previous posts. I apologise to the public,” she wrote on Weibo. "I was worried that if I got infected when the concert was held, it would increase the risk of my colleagues being infected again. So I was thinking that since it is an inevitable thing, why not get ill now when I don't need to leave home so that I can go to work after I recover? It would be safer for all of us," Zhang explained.

Chinese singer Jane Zhang intentionally infects herself with coronavirus, faces backlash online

The high-level review meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi has come to an end amid India's Covid alert. The CEO of NITI Aayog, as well as ministers and representatives from the Ministries of Home Affairs and Health, attended the two-hour long meeting.&nbsp;Reports state that guidelines may also be released following the meeting.&nbsp;

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In response to a spike in coronavirus cases in some regions of the world, health minister Mansukh Mandaviya said on Thursday that states have been asked to concentrate on increased community surveillance, implement the necessary control and containment measures, and ensure coverage of precaution doses for Covid-19 vaccination.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-covid-outbreak-india-rolls-out-airports-guidelines-sops-check-details-545501">China COVID outbreak: India rolls out airports guidelines &amp; SOPs, check details</a>

To reduce the entry of any new variant into the nation, Mandaviya stated in a statement to both chambers of Parliament that a two per cent random sample of overseas travellers arriving at airports has already begun as of Thursday. He further urged states to create awareness about wearing face masks and using hand sanitizers.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The high-level review meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi has come to an end amid India's Covid alert. The CEO of NITI Aayog, as well as ministers and representatives from the Ministries of Home Affairs and Health, attended the two-hour long meeting.

The high-level review meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi has come to an end amid India's Covid alert. The CEO of NITI Aayog, as well as ministers and representatives from the Ministries of Home Affairs and Health, attended the two-hour long meeting. Reports state that guidelines may also be released following the meeting. #WATCH | PM Narendra Modi reviews the situation related to #COVID19 in the country at a high-level meeting pic.twitter.com/Ql1KvMSIFL — ANI (@ANI) December 22, 2022 × In response to a spike in coronavirus cases in some regions of the world, health minister Mansukh Mandaviya said on Thursday that states have been asked to concentrate on increased community surveillance, implement the necessary control and containment measures, and ensure coverage of precaution doses for Covid-19 vaccination. Also read | China COVID outbreak: India rolls out airports guidelines & SOPs, check details To reduce the entry of any new variant into the nation, Mandaviya stated in a statement to both chambers of Parliament that a two per cent random sample of overseas travellers arriving at airports has already begun as of Thursday. He further urged states to create awareness about wearing face masks and using hand sanitizers. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India's new Covid guidelines: PM Modi's review meeting concludes; fresh set of Covid measures expected soon

China is once again provoking a military confrontation with India. But India is not the only country China is fighting for land. China shares borders with 14 countries, it has disputes with almost all of them.

Gravitas Plus: China provokes India again. But is India alone?

China is once again provoking a military confrontation with India. But India is not the only country China is fighting for land. China shares borders with 14 countries, it has disputes with almost all of them

Gravitas Plus: China provokes India again But is India alone?

Nirav Modi who is accused of defrauding an Indian bank has appealed against being extradited to India. But according to reports, he can be put on a flight to India anytime now.

Gravitas: Will Nirav Modi be extradited to India

Gravitas: Will Nirav Modi be extradited to India?

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news, top headlines and international breakings from all across the globe, stay tuned with Gravitas for more!

Gravitas Global Headlines: India ramps up Covid preparedness | UK's season of strike continues

A parliamentary panel in Gambia said on Tuesday that Maiden Pharmaceuticals, an India-based drug maker, was responsible for the deaths of at least 70 children from acute kidney injury (AKI) linked to the consumption of cough and cold syrups.&nbsp;

"All the cases of AKI are linked to the consumption of contaminated medical products...manufactured by Maiden Pharmaceuticals," Amadou Camara, the panel's chairperson, said in a statement in Parliament, a report by news agency Reuters said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-drew-premature-link-between-gambia-deaths-and-india-made-cough-syrups-543653">WHO drew 'premature link' between Gambia deaths and India-made cough syrups</a>

The panel, meanwhile, said in its report that the Gambian government should pursue legal action against Maiden Pharmaceuticals for exporting contaminated drugs. The panel demanded that the company&nbsp;should be blacklisted and its products be banned in Gambia's market.&nbsp; 
 
"Maiden Pharmaceuticals Ltd. is culpable and should be held accountable for exporting the contaminated medicines that were linked to the death of at least 70 children in Gambia&nbsp; in 2022," it said, AFP reported on Tuesday.

The Gambian parliamentary panel also said that a scientific investigation is ongoing into the cause of deaths and the bereaved families should receive compensation.

In October, the World Health Organisation (WHO) issued an alert over four cough and cold syrups manufactured by the Indian drug maker. The WHO said that laboratory tests found unacceptable levels of potentially life-threatening contaminants. The United Nations health agency also highlighted that these products might have been distributed beyond Gambia.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-says-stands-by-its-action-of-issuing-an-alert-regarding-the-indian-cough-medicine-544158">Gambia deaths: WHO stands by its action of issuing alert regarding the Indian cough medicine</a>

In November, health authorities in Gambia ordered the first recall of all medicines that had paracetamol or promethazine syrup. The company's production plant in India has been shut down.&nbsp;

Maiden Pharmaceuticals has not issued any comment over the Gambian parliamentary panel's report.&nbsp;

Naresh Kumar Goyal, the company's director, has denied that deaths were caused by the cold and cough syrups. Last Friday, Goyal told Reuters that his company had done no wrong.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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A parliamentary panel in Gambia said on Tuesday that Maiden Pharmaceuticals, an India-based drug maker, was responsible for the deaths of at least 70 children from acute kidney injury (AKI) linked to the consumption of cough and cold syrups.

A parliamentary panel in Gambia said on Tuesday that Maiden Pharmaceuticals, an India-based drug maker, was responsible for the deaths of at least 70 children from acute kidney injury (AKI) linked to the consumption of cough and cold syrups. "All the cases of AKI are linked to the consumption of contaminated medical products...manufactured by Maiden Pharmaceuticals," Amadou Camara, the panel's chairperson, said in a statement in Parliament, a report by news agency Reuters said. ALSO READ | WHO drew 'premature link' between Gambia deaths and India-made cough syrups The panel, meanwhile, said in its report that the Gambian government should pursue legal action against Maiden Pharmaceuticals for exporting contaminated drugs. The panel demanded that the company should be blacklisted and its products be banned in Gambia's market. "Maiden Pharmaceuticals Ltd. is culpable and should be held accountable for exporting the contaminated medicines that were linked to the death of at least 70 children in Gambia in 2022," it said, AFP reported on Tuesday. The Gambian parliamentary panel also said that a scientific investigation is ongoing into the cause of deaths and the bereaved families should receive compensation. In October, the World Health Organisation (WHO) issued an alert over four cough and cold syrups manufactured by the Indian drug maker. The WHO said that laboratory tests found unacceptable levels of potentially life-threatening contaminants. The United Nations health agency also highlighted that these products might have been distributed beyond Gambia. ALSO READ | Gambia deaths: WHO stands by its action of issuing alert regarding the Indian cough medicine In November, health authorities in Gambia ordered the first recall of all medicines that had paracetamol or promethazine syrup. The company's production plant in India has been shut down. Maiden Pharmaceuticals has not issued any comment over the Gambian parliamentary panel's report. Naresh Kumar Goyal, the company's director, has denied that deaths were caused by the cold and cough syrups. Last Friday, Goyal told Reuters that his company had done no wrong. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India's Maiden Pharmaceuticals culpable for cough syrup deaths: Gambia panel

Three cases of Omicron subvariant BF.7 have been detected in India so far. This is the same strain causing a major surge in China's Covid cases currently.&nbsp;

As of now,&nbsp;two cases have been reported in Gujarat and one in Odisha, PTI news agency reported.&nbsp;

The first case was reported back in October in Gujarat, detected&nbsp;by the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre.&nbsp;

As cases in China soar, Indian ministers and experts at a review meeting held on Wednesday claimed that although there is no increase cases as of now, tight surveillance needs to be maintained to track existing or emerging virus variants.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-steps-up-measures-amidst-china-covid-explosion-expert-says-hybrid-immunity-will-help-country-544957">Also read |&nbsp;India steps up measures amidst China Covid explosion,&nbsp; expert says 'hybrid immunity' will help country</a>

Most of the cases reported in China are of subvariant BF.7, said officials, adding that the variant is heavily contributing to Beijing's and other cities' cases.

They said, "The BF.7's high transmissibility in China might be attributed to a low level of immunity in the Chinese population from the previous infection and possibly vaccination too."

India's health secretary Rajesh Bhushan, in a letter to all states, urged them to increase genome sequencing of positive case samples.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-60-population-in-china-may-be-infected-by-covid-in-the-next-three-months-top-epidemiologist-544810">Also&nbsp;read |&nbsp;Over 60% population in China may be infected by Covid in the next three months: Top epidemiologist</a>

The letter read, "ln view of the sudden spurt of cases being witnessed in Japan, United States of America, Republic of Korea, Brazil and China, it is essential to gear up the whole genome sequencing of positive case samples to track the variants through...INSACOG network."

"Such an exercise will enable timely detection of newer variants, if any, circulating in the country and will facilitate the undertaking of requisite public health measures for the same," Bhushan said.

According to reports, the variant has already been detected in Germany, Denmark, Belgium, and France.&nbsp;

BF.7 is a sub-lineage of Omicron variant BA.5 and has been named as the strongest one. It is easily transmissible, with a high capacity to cause infection.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Three cases of Omicron subvariant BF.7 have been detected in India so far. This is the same strain causing a major surge in China's Covid cases currently. As of now, two cases have been reported in Gujarat and one in Odisha, PTI news agency reported.

Three cases of Omicron subvariant BF.7 have been detected in India so far. This is the same strain causing a major surge in China's Covid cases currently. As of now, two cases have been reported in Gujarat and one in Odisha, PTI news agency reported. The first case was reported back in October in Gujarat, detected by the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre. As cases in China soar, Indian ministers and experts at a review meeting held on Wednesday claimed that although there is no increase cases as of now, tight surveillance needs to be maintained to track existing or emerging virus variants. Also read | India steps up measures amidst China Covid explosion, expert says 'hybrid immunity' will help country Most of the cases reported in China are of subvariant BF.7, said officials, adding that the variant is heavily contributing to Beijing's and other cities' cases. They said, "The BF.7's high transmissibility in China might be attributed to a low level of immunity in the Chinese population from the previous infection and possibly vaccination too." India's health secretary Rajesh Bhushan, in a letter to all states, urged them to increase genome sequencing of positive case samples. Also read | Over 60% population in China may be infected by Covid in the next three months: Top epidemiologist The letter read, "ln view of the sudden spurt of cases being witnessed in Japan, United States of America, Republic of Korea, Brazil and China, it is essential to gear up the whole genome sequencing of positive case samples to track the variants through...INSACOG network." "Such an exercise will enable timely detection of newer variants, if any, circulating in the country and will facilitate the undertaking of requisite public health measures for the same," Bhushan said. According to reports, the variant has already been detected in Germany, Denmark, Belgium, and France. BF.7 is a sub-lineage of Omicron variant BA.5 and has been named as the strongest one. It is easily transmissible, with a high capacity to cause infection. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Covid: India reports 3 cases of Omicron subvariant BF.7, which is ravaging China now

Dalai Lama has said that he prefers living in India. His statement comes days after China provoked India at The Line of Actual Control. China has also time and again meddled with Tibet's religious affairs. Priyanka Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Dalai lama says he prefers living in India

The governing council of the Indian Himalayan Council of Nalanda Buddhist Tradition met on Tuesday. This meeting took place in New Delhi. The point of interest was the succession of Dalai Lama.

WION Fineprint: Indian Himalayan Council of Nalanda Buddhist Tradition meeting

The women soldiers of the border security force would be seen protecting the vast water border that India shares with Bangladesh in the difficult sundarban regions of West Bengal.

India: India-Bangladesh border security force outpost run by women

With the number of the Covid cases soaring in various nations, India stepped up for genome sequencing of Covid positive cases. States have been requested to ensure that samples are sent to the labs on daily basis.

Indian states asked to submit samples for Genome sequencing

In a first, an Indian Buddhist organisation passed a resolution calling for no interference when it comes to the succession of the 14th Dalai Lama &amp; appointment of the next (15th) Dalai Lama. The Indian Himalayan council of the Nalanda Buddhist Tradition (IHCNBT) in a resolution said," if the govt of the People's Republic of China, for political ends, chooses a candidate for the Dalai Lama, the people of the Himalayas will never accept it, never pay devotional obeisance to such a political appointee and publicly denounce such move by anyone".

The one-page resolution explained, "system of recognizing reincarnated spiritual beings is a religious practice unique to Nalanda Buddhism and the philosophy of the principle of life after death", adding, "no government or any individual has the right to interfere in this matter". &nbsp;Important to remember that China's communist govt could interfere in the tradition and might appoint its own Dalai Lama which makes the resolution passed on Tuesday at the 2nd governing council meeting of the organisation even more important.&nbsp;

IHCNBT was formed in 2018 and has the top Buddhist leadership of the Indian union territory of Ladakh and states like Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. These states and union territories bordering China administered Tibet. The name of the organisation was given by Dalai Lama. The resolution pointed out, "the sole authority on the reincarnation of his holiness the Dalai Lama is Gaden Phodang institution. No one, including China- should interfere with such a holy and devotional process".&nbsp;

Tibetan Buddhism has seen the heir to India's Nalanda tradition of Buddhism. Asked about Beijing's keenness to appoint the next Dalai Lama, President of the organisation Lochen Rimpoche told WION, "don't worry about the Chinese government, His Holiness Dalai Lama is the supreme spiritual leader of all the Buddhist, not only the Himalayan region but other countries..Chinese govt try something but will not impact the institution".

Unlike China, Indian govt so far has never made a comment on the appointment of Next Dalai Lama. The Vice President of the organisation,&nbsp;Venerable Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche highlighted that, "China is preparing a lot of things to take over the agenda. For us, Himalayan Buddhists, His Holiness, his institution, and continuing of this institution is very important point. His Holiness is very strongly connected to Himalayan region". The General Secretary of the council, Maling Gombo, further added, "issue of reincarnation of Dalai Lama is purely a religious and cultural issue, no other authority has any role to interfere in the process".

IHCNBT was first conceived by The Tawang Foundation, a strategic Think Tank body during a National Conference held on 29th 30th June 2018 at Gurugram. The organisation works for the Preservation of Indian Himalayan Nalanda Buddhist tradition and develops Institutions of learning amongst all the traditions of Nalanda Buddhism in the Indian Himalayan region. It has been organising a number of Buddhist conclaves as well in Ladakh, Himachal, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim.

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In a first, an Indian Buddhist organisation passed a resolution calling for no interference when it comes to the succession of the 14th Dalai Lama & appointment of the next (15th) Dalai Lama.

In a first, an Indian Buddhist organisation passed a resolution calling for no interference when it comes to the succession of the 14th Dalai Lama & appointment of the next (15th) Dalai Lama. The Indian Himalayan council of the Nalanda Buddhist Tradition (IHCNBT) in a resolution said," if the govt of the People's Republic of China, for political ends, chooses a candidate for the Dalai Lama, the people of the Himalayas will never accept it, never pay devotional obeisance to such a political appointee and publicly denounce such move by anyone". The one-page resolution explained, "system of recognizing reincarnated spiritual beings is a religious practice unique to Nalanda Buddhism and the philosophy of the principle of life after death", adding, "no government or any individual has the right to interfere in this matter". Important to remember that China's communist govt could interfere in the tradition and might appoint its own Dalai Lama which makes the resolution passed on Tuesday at the 2nd governing council meeting of the organisation even more important. IHCNBT was formed in 2018 and has the top Buddhist leadership of the Indian union territory of Ladakh and states like Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. These states and union territories bordering China administered Tibet. The name of the organisation was given by Dalai Lama. The resolution pointed out, "the sole authority on the reincarnation of his holiness the Dalai Lama is Gaden Phodang institution. No one, including China- should interfere with such a holy and devotional process". Tibetan Buddhism has seen the heir to India's Nalanda tradition of Buddhism. Asked about Beijing's keenness to appoint the next Dalai Lama, President of the organisation Lochen Rimpoche told WION, "don't worry about the Chinese government, His Holiness Dalai Lama is the supreme spiritual leader of all the Buddhist, not only the Himalayan region but other countries..Chinese govt try something but will not impact the institution". Unlike China, Indian govt so far has never made a comment on the appointment of Next Dalai Lama. The Vice President of the organisation, Venerable Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche highlighted that, "China is preparing a lot of things to take over the agenda. For us, Himalayan Buddhists, His Holiness, his institution, and continuing of this institution is very important point. His Holiness is very strongly connected to Himalayan region". The General Secretary of the council, Maling Gombo, further added, "issue of reincarnation of Dalai Lama is purely a religious and cultural issue, no other authority has any role to interfere in the process". IHCNBT was first conceived by The Tawang Foundation, a strategic Think Tank body during a National Conference held on 29th 30th June 2018 at Gurugram. The organisation works for the Preservation of Indian Himalayan Nalanda Buddhist tradition and develops Institutions of learning amongst all the traditions of Nalanda Buddhism in the Indian Himalayan region. It has been organising a number of Buddhist conclaves as well in Ladakh, Himachal, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

In a first, Indian Buddhist organisation passes resolution on succession of the 14th Dalai Lama

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