India has raised a strong objection to the WHO's excess covid death estimates in the country soon after the WHO released its report. The government has raised questions over the validity of the estimate model used by the international health body.

Coronavirus latest news updates: India objects to WHO's mathematics model

France and India are uniquely placed to push for a diplomatic solution to the war in Ukraine. Both PM Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron have direct lines of communication with Moscow & Kyiv. Can France & India bring peace to Ukraine? Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Can France and India bring peace to Ukraine?

Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi on Friday batted for the need to do more in terms of different dynamics exhibited on the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh and said the armed forces have learnt valuable lessons from 'Operation Snow Leopard' in Ladakh.

He stressed the need for better technologies for guarding the most sensitive operational area falling under Northern Command as it is 'always in combat'.

"The Northern Command exemplifies the notion of 'two-and-a-half front'. It has unique frontiers and varied terrain ranging from plains to super-high altitude, as also the normal to extreme weather conditions with temperatures going to as low as minus 50 to 70 degrees," Lt Gen Dwivedi said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/using-violence-as-a-political-resource-is-an-act-of-terrorism-says-tamil-nadu-governor-rn-ravi-476788">Using violence as a political resource is an act of terrorism, says Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi</a>

At a two-day 'North Tech Symposium 2022' at the Northern Command Headquarters here, he said the lessons of Operational Snow Leopard have been "fully assimilated and fused into our capacities of swift mobilisation, appropriate force posturing and infrastructure development in synergy with the Central Armed Police Forces and civil administration".

He said the solutions that the Army is seeking for border guarding and internal security challenges will lead to operational convergence of all forces co-employed within the Northern Command.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Amarnath Yatra terror plot busted

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Referring to the clash between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in June 2020, Lt Gen Dwivedi said, "There is still more that needs to be done considering the dynamics exhibited in terms of differing perceptions on the Line of Actual Control."

There is a need to be geared up at all times and be battle-hardened to counter the dynamic operational situations and challenges, and come out as winners, he said.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

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"This needs adaptability of our troops to the ever-changing battlefield environment as well as the adoption of innovative solutions to surprise the adversary, gain ascendancy and be always a step ahead in cognitive, virtual and physical space," he said.

The Northern Army Commander said the "eyeball to eyeball" deployment, from the plains of Jammu to the Siachen Glaciers and further to eastern Ladakh, and the dynamic internal security situation in the Jammu and Kashmir make Northern Command the most unique theatre.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-3-years-jet-airways-conducts-first-test-flight-in-hyderabad-476761">After 3 years, Jet Airways conducts first test flight in Hyderabad</a>

"Ever since its raising, the Northern Command has been 'Always in Combat', he said.

,.

Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi on Friday batted for the need to do more in terms of different dynamics exhibited on the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh and said the armed forces have learnt valuable lessons from 'Operation Snow Leopard' in Ladakh.

Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi on Friday batted for the need to do more in terms of different dynamics exhibited on the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh and said the armed forces have learnt valuable lessons from 'Operation Snow Leopard' in Ladakh. He stressed the need for better technologies for guarding the most sensitive operational area falling under Northern Command as it is 'always in combat'. "The Northern Command exemplifies the notion of 'two-and-a-half front'. It has unique frontiers and varied terrain ranging from plains to super-high altitude, as also the normal to extreme weather conditions with temperatures going to as low as minus 50 to 70 degrees," Lt Gen Dwivedi said. Also read | Using violence as a political resource is an act of terrorism, says Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi At a two-day 'North Tech Symposium 2022' at the Northern Command Headquarters here, he said the lessons of Operational Snow Leopard have been "fully assimilated and fused into our capacities of swift mobilisation, appropriate force posturing and infrastructure development in synergy with the Central Armed Police Forces and civil administration". He said the solutions that the Army is seeking for border guarding and internal security challenges will lead to operational convergence of all forces co-employed within the Northern Command. Watch | Gravitas: Amarnath Yatra terror plot busted Referring to the clash between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in June 2020, Lt Gen Dwivedi said, "There is still more that needs to be done considering the dynamics exhibited in terms of differing perceptions on the Line of Actual Control." There is a need to be geared up at all times and be battle-hardened to counter the dynamic operational situations and challenges, and come out as winners, he said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE: "This needs adaptability of our troops to the ever-changing battlefield environment as well as the adoption of innovative solutions to surprise the adversary, gain ascendancy and be always a step ahead in cognitive, virtual and physical space," he said. The Northern Army Commander said the "eyeball to eyeball" deployment, from the plains of Jammu to the Siachen Glaciers and further to eastern Ladakh, and the dynamic internal security situation in the Jammu and Kashmir make Northern Command the most unique theatre. Also read | After 3 years, Jet Airways conducts first test flight in Hyderabad "Ever since its raising, the Northern Command has been 'Always in Combat', he said. ,.

More needs to be done in terms of different dynamics on LAC, says Northern Army commander

PTI chief Imran Khan has alleged conspiracy against him and his associates. He said, now that Eid is over, you will see they are fully prepared for my character assassination. They have hired companies that are readying the material.

Pakistan: Former Pak PM Imran Khan prepares for 'Freedom Speech'

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi held meetings with prime ministers from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Iceland and Finland on Wednesday.

PM Modi at Nordic Summit: Indian PM meets leaders of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden & Norway

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) raised the repo rate - at which it lends money to commercial banks - by 40 basis points to 4.4%.

India's central bank RBI hikes interest rate

UN's food and agriculture organization said on Wednesday that the number of people facing hunger rose to 193 million in 2021 as conflict, climate change and economic crises destroyed people's livelihoods.

UN: 139 million people were food insecure in India

American Pharma giant Pfizer has operationalized its largest and only drug development centre in Asia in the Indian city of Chennai. Set up at a cost of USD20 million (approx INR150 crore), the facility will carry out the development of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and Finished Dosage Forms (FDFs) for a wide range of Prizer's offerings. While API refers to the component of the drug that causes the intended effect, FDF refers to the finished drug that is meant for consumption.&nbsp;

According to&nbsp;S. Sridhar, Country Manager, Pfizer India, their organisation is&nbsp;confident that the latest facility will allow for synergistic co-development of cutting-edge API and FDF processes under the same roof. The world-class scientific, technology and innovation-driven Research Park campus provides an ideal setting for our work, he said. Pfizer is also considering roping in talent from the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras and other academia (as employees or interns), collaborating with academia, and funding healthcare sector start-ups in India, among other activities.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizer-reports-record-profits-amid-growth-in-vaccine-paxlovid-pill-476179">Pfizer reports record profits amid growth in vaccine, Paxlovid pill</a>

Queried on the operational status of the new facility, Pfizer officials told WION that a majority of the Chennai facility was operational and that their work had started. However, only the qualification of some sophisticated equipment remains to be completed, in line with Good Manufacturing Practice, they added. "Our new facility is aimed at working on small molecule drug development and we have labs that are meant for chemistry, microbiology, process engineering, support labs, etc." they said.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Macron set to host Modi after re-election

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Simply put, a&nbsp;small-molecule drug is a synthetic chemical derived from or inspired by natural products produced by bacteria, fungi, and plants. These drugs use biochemical processes to diagnose, treat, or prevent diseases.

As per the company, the new centre integrates two essential functions under the export-oriented undertaking of Pfizer Inc.: Pharmaceutical Sciences (PharmSci) and Global Technology and Engineering (GT&amp;E) Center of Excellence. While PharmSci is dedicated to the development of anti-infectives, oncolytics, sterile injectables, anaesthesia products, hospital products, GT &amp; E pioneers next-generation API processing and manufacturing technology to supply medicines to patients around the globe.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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Situated at the IIT Madras Research Park in Chennai, this 61,000sq ft facility employs over 250 scientists and professionals from a range of domains, including formulation scientists and pharmacists, analytical scientists, life science specialists (Microbiologists, Biotechnologists), chemical engineers, data scientists, and programme managers.

This facility in Chennai is part of one of the 12 global centres that Pfizer operates around the world. In addition to this drug development centre, Pfizer also operates three plants that manufacture Pfizer Pharmaceutical products in the Indian cities of Visakhapatnam, Goa, and Ahmedabad, besides nearly thirty third-party manufacturing facilities.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizers-anti-covid-pill-gets-who-approval-heres-what-you-should-know-about-paxlovid-472896">Pfizer's anti-Covid pill gets WHO approval. Here's what you should know about Paxlovid</a>

"We believe that the proximity of Pfizer to IITM, scientists and students, the Tech Corridor, and other leading industry start-ups will foster greater collaboration between industry and academia. We are also sure that the academicians at IITM will benefit from having access to Pfizer’s centre," said Prof. Ashok Jhunjhunwala, President, IITM Research Park. 
&nbsp;

American Pharma giant Pfizer has operationalized its largest and only drug development centre in Asia in the Indian city of Chennai. Set up at a cost of USD20 million (approx INR150 crore), the facility will carry out the development of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and Finished Dosage Forms (FDFs) for a wide range of Prizer's offerings.

American Pharma giant Pfizer has operationalized its largest and only drug development centre in Asia in the Indian city of Chennai. Set up at a cost of USD20 million (approx INR150 crore), the facility will carry out the development of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and Finished Dosage Forms (FDFs) for a wide range of Prizer's offerings. While API refers to the component of the drug that causes the intended effect, FDF refers to the finished drug that is meant for consumption. According to S. Sridhar, Country Manager, Pfizer India, their organisation is confident that the latest facility will allow for synergistic co-development of cutting-edge API and FDF processes under the same roof. The world-class scientific, technology and innovation-driven Research Park campus provides an ideal setting for our work, he said. Pfizer is also considering roping in talent from the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras and other academia (as employees or interns), collaborating with academia, and funding healthcare sector start-ups in India, among other activities. Also read | Pfizer reports record profits amid growth in vaccine, Paxlovid pill Queried on the operational status of the new facility, Pfizer officials told WION that a majority of the Chennai facility was operational and that their work had started. However, only the qualification of some sophisticated equipment remains to be completed, in line with Good Manufacturing Practice, they added. "Our new facility is aimed at working on small molecule drug development and we have labs that are meant for chemistry, microbiology, process engineering, support labs, etc." they said. Watch | Gravitas: Macron set to host Modi after re-election Simply put, a small-molecule drug is a synthetic chemical derived from or inspired by natural products produced by bacteria, fungi, and plants. These drugs use biochemical processes to diagnose, treat, or prevent diseases. As per the company, the new centre integrates two essential functions under the export-oriented undertaking of Pfizer Inc.: Pharmaceutical Sciences (PharmSci) and Global Technology and Engineering (GT&E) Center of Excellence. While PharmSci is dedicated to the development of anti-infectives, oncolytics, sterile injectables, anaesthesia products, hospital products, GT & E pioneers next-generation API processing and manufacturing technology to supply medicines to patients around the globe. WATCH WION LIVE HERE: Situated at the IIT Madras Research Park in Chennai, this 61,000sq ft facility employs over 250 scientists and professionals from a range of domains, including formulation scientists and pharmacists, analytical scientists, life science specialists (Microbiologists, Biotechnologists), chemical engineers, data scientists, and programme managers. This facility in Chennai is part of one of the 12 global centres that Pfizer operates around the world. In addition to this drug development centre, Pfizer also operates three plants that manufacture Pfizer Pharmaceutical products in the Indian cities of Visakhapatnam, Goa, and Ahmedabad, besides nearly thirty third-party manufacturing facilities. Also read | Pfizer's anti-Covid pill gets WHO approval. Here's what you should know about Paxlovid "We believe that the proximity of Pfizer to IITM, scientists and students, the Tech Corridor, and other leading industry start-ups will foster greater collaboration between industry and academia. We are also sure that the academicians at IITM will benefit from having access to Pfizer’s centre," said Prof. Ashok Jhunjhunwala, President, IITM Research Park.

Pfizer's largest drug development centre in Asia is situated in this Indian city

Elaborating on a Venus Orbiter mission that has been on the drawing board of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Chairman Dr S. Somanath said that its project report has been made, the plan is prepared, and the budget has been identified.

While explaining the potential of Venus exploration, studies, and future science missions of the state-run Indian space agency, Somanath urged scientists and academia to think of unique, larger outcomes from such missions and how they could benefit India and the world.&nbsp;

Speaking at the ISRO-organized national meet on Venus Science, Somanath, who also serves as Secretary, Department of Space, said that right from inception, ISRO had been seeing space as a platform for conducting experiments and understanding the universe. However, over the years, the organisation evolved to perform operational activities such as building and launching satellites and rockets and performing national missions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/what-is-isros-gagan-which-can-aid-gps-and-enable-precise-navigation-of-aircraft-474733">What is ISRO's 'Gagan', which can aid GPS and enable precise navigation of aircraft?</a>

"Building some instruments (integrating them on a satellite), launching them, and taking them to Venus may be possible within a short period of time, because the capability exists in ISRO to do that. Building a Venus mission satellite is definitely possible, the mission management to reach there is definitely possible, and we have a launch vehicle to reach there (Venus)", Somanath said, on ISRO's current capabilities.

However, he also wanted scientists and academia to ponder over questions such as: what are you going to provide as a result to society? What is going to be your contribution to global knowledge? How effectively will the mission be utilised for the goals set in the beginning?&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;All the times humanity tried to communicate with aliens

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On performing impactful science missions, he said that unique mission outcomes are necessary and that merely repeating what other countries have done is not sufficient. He stressed the necessity of reviewing the additional information, knowledge, and observations that a mission would offer, with regard to what has not been done by other agencies. While he added that repeating some experiments and re-validating what is done by other countries (space agencies) is not wrong, he emphasized that a mission needed to have unique outcomes.&nbsp;

"From my position of Chairman, ISRO, I am faced with conflicting requirements when planning science missions. Most importantly, it is a costly affair that involves an expensive rocket and satellite, besides the years-long efforts of a lot of people, "Somanath explained to the scientists. He touched upon how it was extremely important to have adequate "selling points" to convince the decision-makers (government) regarding the value of performing such missions.&nbsp;

Watch WION LIVE HERE:

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Elaborating on futuristic concepts like having a human colony on Venus, Somanath spoke about the possibility and challenges of having balloons floating in the harsh Venusian atmosphere amid acid clouds and supporting human life. He also pointed out the necessity of India taking first steps in that direction, in a manner that benefits the entire nation. "Scientists have a responsibility to satisfy their inner desire to prove science and also a responsibility to prove to the nation that your (scientific) work is worth doing for the nation," he concluded.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/were-great-admirers-of-isro-says-omran-sharaf-project-manager-of-emirates-mars-mission-473814">We’re great admirers of ISRO, says Omran Sharaf, project director of Emirates Mars Mission</a>

Regarding the fundamental challenges in the exploration of Venus, Dr. Maria Antonita from ISRO's Space Science Programme Office said that Venus has a maximum surface temperature of 462 degrees Celsius, which is even capable of melting rocks. Besides the hot and dry weather, the planet's atmospheric composition was dominated by carbon dioxide, which amounts to 96.5 per cent. In addition to this, the pressure on Venus, is more than 90 times as much as that on Earth. She added that as a planet that is considered a twin of Earth and one that is relatively close to Earth, Venus continues to intrigue scientists, thus leading to many science missions since the 1960s) to study the planet.

Elaborating on a Venus Orbiter mission that has been on the drawing board of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Chairman Dr S. Somanath said that its project report has been made, the plan is prepared, and the budget has been identified.

Elaborating on a Venus Orbiter mission that has been on the drawing board of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Chairman Dr S. Somanath said that its project report has been made, the plan is prepared, and the budget has been identified. While explaining the potential of Venus exploration, studies, and future science missions of the state-run Indian space agency, Somanath urged scientists and academia to think of unique, larger outcomes from such missions and how they could benefit India and the world. Speaking at the ISRO-organized national meet on Venus Science, Somanath, who also serves as Secretary, Department of Space, said that right from inception, ISRO had been seeing space as a platform for conducting experiments and understanding the universe. However, over the years, the organisation evolved to perform operational activities such as building and launching satellites and rockets and performing national missions. Also read | What is ISRO's 'Gagan', which can aid GPS and enable precise navigation of aircraft? "Building some instruments (integrating them on a satellite), launching them, and taking them to Venus may be possible within a short period of time, because the capability exists in ISRO to do that. Building a Venus mission satellite is definitely possible, the mission management to reach there is definitely possible, and we have a launch vehicle to reach there (Venus)", Somanath said, on ISRO's current capabilities. However, he also wanted scientists and academia to ponder over questions such as: what are you going to provide as a result to society? What is going to be your contribution to global knowledge? How effectively will the mission be utilised for the goals set in the beginning? Watch | All the times humanity tried to communicate with aliens On performing impactful science missions, he said that unique mission outcomes are necessary and that merely repeating what other countries have done is not sufficient. He stressed the necessity of reviewing the additional information, knowledge, and observations that a mission would offer, with regard to what has not been done by other agencies. While he added that repeating some experiments and re-validating what is done by other countries (space agencies) is not wrong, he emphasized that a mission needed to have unique outcomes. "From my position of Chairman, ISRO, I am faced with conflicting requirements when planning science missions. Most importantly, it is a costly affair that involves an expensive rocket and satellite, besides the years-long efforts of a lot of people, "Somanath explained to the scientists. He touched upon how it was extremely important to have adequate "selling points" to convince the decision-makers (government) regarding the value of performing such missions. Watch WION LIVE HERE: Elaborating on futuristic concepts like having a human colony on Venus, Somanath spoke about the possibility and challenges of having balloons floating in the harsh Venusian atmosphere amid acid clouds and supporting human life. He also pointed out the necessity of India taking first steps in that direction, in a manner that benefits the entire nation. "Scientists have a responsibility to satisfy their inner desire to prove science and also a responsibility to prove to the nation that your (scientific) work is worth doing for the nation," he concluded. Also read | We’re great admirers of ISRO, says Omran Sharaf, project director of Emirates Mars Mission Regarding the fundamental challenges in the exploration of Venus, Dr. Maria Antonita from ISRO's Space Science Programme Office said that Venus has a maximum surface temperature of 462 degrees Celsius, which is even capable of melting rocks. Besides the hot and dry weather, the planet's atmospheric composition was dominated by carbon dioxide, which amounts to 96.5 per cent. In addition to this, the pressure on Venus, is more than 90 times as much as that on Earth. She added that as a planet that is considered a twin of Earth and one that is relatively close to Earth, Venus continues to intrigue scientists, thus leading to many science missions since the 1960s) to study the planet.

'Focus on how it will benefit India and the world' ISRO Chairman tells scientists, on upcoming Venus Mission

Iceland prime minister Katrin Jakobsdottir said that they are willing to help India in any way when it comes to dealing with the climate crisis. In an exclusive interview with Sidhant Sibal of WION, Jakobsdottir spoke about the bilateral ties between the countries and expressed hope for a prolonged partnership between India and Iceland when it comes to tackling climate crisis.

It (the conversation) was very good. We were talking about our bilateral relations and the possibilities to deepen those relations. Not least when it comes to climate, what we can do together, for example, in the areas of geothermal energy, carbon binding and more areas to achieve more results in dealing with the climate crisis,” Jakobsdottir said in the interview.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-woman-pinned-down-as-healthcare-workers-forcibly-conduct-covid-19-test-watch-476497" hreflang="en">Chinese woman pinned down as COVID-19 test conducted forcibly - WATCH</a>

“We are very happy to be able to share knowledge and innovation with India. There has been some collaboration between Icelandic and Indian companies. I think we should do more in that field and we can do more in the sector of carbon binding where Iceland is doing some innovations.”

“India has an ambitious goal to achieve net zero emissions in carbon neutrality and I think that when it comes to climate, all nations should work together in order to achieve results,” she added.

Jakobsdottir met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the second Indo-Nordic summit in Copenhagen as the two countries celebrated 50 years of their diplomatic relations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-pm-modi-french-president-macron-hold-talks-call-for-end-to-russia-ukraine-war-476483">Indian PM, French president hold talks, call for end to Russia-Ukraine war</a>

When asked about India’s stance about the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Jakobsdottir said that Modi has made his stance clear about the matter and India want peace in the region.

“It has shocked Europe and Iceland has condemned the invasion. It is brutal and terrible to see a sovereign country being invaded by another. We talked about the importance to achieve a peaceful solution. Not many people are optimistic right now, but it has really changed everything.”

“Everybody should do their bit really to find some solution and Mr Modi was clear about India’s vision that there needs to be peace in the area,” she concluded. &nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;WION Exclusive: India, Iceland to work together on climate solutions, says PM Katrin Jakobsdottir

&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-exclusive-india-iceland-to-work-together-on-climate-solutions-says-pm-katrin-jakobsdottir-476387/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Iceland prime minister Katrin Jakobsdottir said that they are willing to help India in any way when it comes to dealing with the climate crisis. In an exclusive interview with Sidhant Sibal of WION, Jakobsdottir spoke about the bilateral ties between the countries and expressed hope for a prolonged partnership between India and Iceland when it comes to tackling climate crisis.

Iceland prime minister Katrin Jakobsdottir said that they are willing to help India in any way when it comes to dealing with the climate crisis. In an exclusive interview with Sidhant Sibal of WION, Jakobsdottir spoke about the bilateral ties between the countries and expressed hope for a prolonged partnership between India and Iceland when it comes to tackling climate crisis. It (the conversation) was very good. We were talking about our bilateral relations and the possibilities to deepen those relations. Not least when it comes to climate, what we can do together, for example, in the areas of geothermal energy, carbon binding and more areas to achieve more results in dealing with the climate crisis,” Jakobsdottir said in the interview. Also read | Chinese woman pinned down as COVID-19 test conducted forcibly - WATCH “We are very happy to be able to share knowledge and innovation with India. There has been some collaboration between Icelandic and Indian companies. I think we should do more in that field and we can do more in the sector of carbon binding where Iceland is doing some innovations.” “India has an ambitious goal to achieve net zero emissions in carbon neutrality and I think that when it comes to climate, all nations should work together in order to achieve results,” she added. Jakobsdottir met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the second Indo-Nordic summit in Copenhagen as the two countries celebrated 50 years of their diplomatic relations. Also read | Indian PM, French president hold talks, call for end to Russia-Ukraine war When asked about India’s stance about the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Jakobsdottir said that Modi has made his stance clear about the matter and India want peace in the region. “It has shocked Europe and Iceland has condemned the invasion. It is brutal and terrible to see a sovereign country being invaded by another. We talked about the importance to achieve a peaceful solution. Not many people are optimistic right now, but it has really changed everything.” “Everybody should do their bit really to find some solution and Mr Modi was clear about India’s vision that there needs to be peace in the area,” she concluded. WATCH | WION Exclusive: India, Iceland to work together on climate solutions, says PM Katrin Jakobsdottir

Exclusive | Iceland to help India when it comes to climate solutions, says PM Katrin Jakobsdottir

French President Emmanuel Macron will host Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, days after securing his second term in office. What is the cornerstone of the India-France relationship? Can France become India's top defence supplier? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Macron set to host Modi after re-election

The Reserve Bank of India hiked lending rates to tame inflation after two years of massive public spending. Central banks around the world are doing the same after inflation hit multi-decade highs. Is the pandemic-era spending spree over? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: India's Central Bank hikes interest rates

Adar Poonawalla, CEO of the Serum Institute of India (SII) in Pune, confirmed on Wednesday (May 4) in his tweet that the COVID-19 vaccination Covovax will now be available to everyone above the age of 12 years.

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A lot of you have asked if Covovax is available for adults. The answer is yes, it is available for everyone above the age of 12.
— Adar Poonawalla (@adarpoonawalla) <a href="https://twitter.com/adarpoonawalla/status/1521908211577618437?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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This confirmation came a day after Poonawalla stated on Twitter that Covovax is now available for children in India. In the country, Covovax (Novavax) will be available for children. This is the only Indian-made vaccine that is also available in Europe, and it boasts a 90 per cent efficacy rate. The CEO even mentioned the vision of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s aim of delivering another vaccine to protect the children.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-as-severe-as-previous-covid-variants-large-study-finds-476450">Omicron as severe as previous Covid variants, large study finds</a>

The Indian government last year in December approved use of Covovax for an emergency case.

Watch |&nbsp;Cognitive abilities can decline due to severe covid: Reports

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Last Monday (May 2), the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) authorised the Covovax COVID-19 vaccine from the Serum Institute of India for the age group of 12-17 years.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

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However, many Twitter users expressed their dissatisfaction with the fact that the Covovax option is not available on the CoWIN app for vaccine recipients for the age group of 18 years and above.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/severe-covid-may-result-in-cognitive-ability-dropping-by-10-iq-points-study-476336">Severe Covid infection may affect thinking similar to 20 years of ageing: Study</a>

Another user tweeted with a screenshot of the app and said, “Check this out, when we select 18 &amp; above option in CoWIN app, automatically Covovax option gets faded i.e disabled while 4 other options are highlighted i.e Covishield, Covaxin, Sputnik, ZyCov-D."

(With inputs&nbsp;from agencies)

Adar Poonawalla, CEO of the Serum Institute of India (SII) in Pune, confirmed on Wednesday (May 4) in his tweet that the COVID-19 vaccination Covovax will now be available to everyone above the age of 12 years.

Adar Poonawalla, CEO of the Serum Institute of India (SII) in Pune, confirmed on Wednesday (May 4) in his tweet that the COVID-19 vaccination Covovax will now be available to everyone above the age of 12 years. A lot of you have asked if Covovax is available for adults. The answer is yes, it is available for everyone above the age of 12. — Adar Poonawalla (@adarpoonawalla) May 4, 2022 × This confirmation came a day after Poonawalla stated on Twitter that Covovax is now available for children in India. In the country, Covovax (Novavax) will be available for children. This is the only Indian-made vaccine that is also available in Europe, and it boasts a 90 per cent efficacy rate. The CEO even mentioned the vision of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s aim of delivering another vaccine to protect the children. Also read | Omicron as severe as previous Covid variants, large study finds The Indian government last year in December approved use of Covovax for an emergency case. Watch | Cognitive abilities can decline due to severe covid: Reports Last Monday (May 2), the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) authorised the Covovax COVID-19 vaccine from the Serum Institute of India for the age group of 12-17 years. WATCH WION LIVE HERE: However, many Twitter users expressed their dissatisfaction with the fact that the Covovax option is not available on the CoWIN app for vaccine recipients for the age group of 18 years and above. Also read | Severe Covid infection may affect thinking similar to 20 years of ageing: Study Another user tweeted with a screenshot of the app and said, “Check this out, when we select 18 & above option in CoWIN app, automatically Covovax option gets faded i.e disabled while 4 other options are highlighted i.e Covishield, Covaxin, Sputnik, ZyCov-D." (With inputs from agencies)

Covovax vaccine available for everyone above 12 years: Adar Poonawalla

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday met his Iceland counterpart Katrin Jakobsdottir and discussed ways to boost ties in areas like trade and energy. Following the meeting, Iceland PM Katrin Jakobsdottir spoke exclusively with WION's Sidhant Sibbal.

WION Exclusive: India, Iceland to work together on climate solutions, says PM Katrin Jakobsdottir

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Swedish counterpart Eva Magdalena Andersson on Wednesday. The two leaders discussed ways to deepen bilateral ties, the progress in the Joint Action Plan and exchanged views on regional and global developments. Following the meeting, Swedish PM Eva Magdalena Andersson spoke exclusively with WION's Sidhant Sibbal.

WION Exclusive: Swedish PM Eva Magdalena Andersson speaks on India-Nordic relations

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday met Norwegian PM Jonas Gahr Store in Copenhagen to discuss bilateral relations and ways to deepen developmental cooperation.

Final leg of Indian PM's Europe tour: PM Modi held talks with Norway on green energy

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's most significant engagement is taking place today, it's the second India-Nordic summit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Norway PM.

Big push for India-Norway relations: MEA briefing on India-Nordic Summit 2022

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the second India-Nordic Summit today along with Prime Ministers of Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Sweden and Norway. The summit is being hosted by Denmark.

Indian PM Narendra Modi to participate in second India-Nordic Summit in Denmark today

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in Copenhagen on Wednesday. Two leaders spoke on a variety of subjects. Following his meeting with Prime Minister Modi, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre spoke exclusively with Sidhant Sibbal, WION's Principle Diplomatic Correspondent.

Exclusive: Norway Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre speaks to WION after meeting with PM Modi

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's most significant engagement will take place today, it's the second India-Nordic summit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold meetings with the leaders of Sweden, Finland, Iceland and Norway together.

PM Narendra Modi to attend India-Nordic summit today

After successful trips to Germany and Denmark, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will today conclude his three-day Europe visit with France and hold talks with French President Emmanuel Macron.

Indian PM Modi in Europe: Prime Minister Modi to meet with Emmanuel Macron later today

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's three nation Europe tour wherein he met his Danish counterpart Mette Frederiksen and held high-level bilateral talks in capital Copenhagen. The Ukraine war featured prominently in the meetings, PM Mette Frederiksen said that she hoped India will be able to influence Russia and discussions to end the conflict.

Danish PM Mette Frederiksen: India should influence Russia to stop Ukraine war

In Denmark today, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen urged India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi to influence Russia to end the war in Ukraine. What was PM Modi's response? Palki Sharma gets you the details.

Gravitas: Denmark to India: Use your influence to stop war in Ukraine

Addressing the Indian community in Denmark, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that "Our Green Strategic Partnership is guided by PM Frederiksen's personal priorities & values, this shows the strengthening of India-Denmark relations.

PM Modi Europe Visit: Indian PM Narendra Modi lauds India-Denmark green strategic partnership

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