Taiwan urged citizens to not hoard items and to avoid panic buying as new restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19 come into force in the country. The island nation is currently witnessing a spike in Covid infections, prompting authorities to raise alert level in the capital city of Taipei and its surrounding areas on Saturday.

A two-week period of restrictions has been put into place, shutting many venues and limiting gatherings. Taiwan has witnessed relatively low infections with only 1,475 cases since the pandemic began. But recent cases have scared people in the country, which has remain largely untouched from the virus and the restrictions it brings including lockdowns.

On Saturday, the country’s president, premier and the economy ministry wrote on Facebook to discourage people from panic buying supplies, especially instant noodles and toilet paper.

"After more than a year of preparation, the country's anti-pandemic materials, civilian goods and raw materials are sufficient, and the stores are also operating as usual to replenish goods," President Tsai Ing-wen said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/political-gain-taiwan-condemns-chinas-vaccine-diplomacy-with-its-diplomatic-ally-honduras-384496" hreflang="en">'Political gain': Taiwan condemns China's vaccine diplomacy with its diplomatic ally Honduras</a>

Carrefour, a French supermarket chain announced that it was limiting the purchase cap on items like masks and noodles in its Taiwan stores, urging people to buy only what they need.

The country’s economy ministry showed pictures of warehouses stocked with boxes of instant noodles, in a message to people that supplies were available in the country “like a mountain”. They added that there is enough stock of toilet paper and canned food as weed.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/taiwan-fights-to-attend-who-meeting-as-china-denies-entry-384144" hreflang="en">Taiwan fights to attend WHO meeting as China denies entry</a>

On his Facebook page, Su Tseng-chang made a similar appeal. Earlier in the year, he urged people to calm down when toilet paper was flying off the shelves. He said people “only have one butth*le”. The government has not ordered a lockdown yet, but has urged people to stay indoors as much as possible.

Taiwan urged citizens to not hoard items and to avoid panic buying as new restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19 come into force in the country. The island nation is currently witnessing a spike in Covid infections, prompting authorities to raise alert level in the capital city of Taipei and its surrounding areas on Saturday.

Taiwan urged citizens to not hoard items and to avoid panic buying as new restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19 come into force in the country. The island nation is currently witnessing a spike in Covid infections, prompting authorities to raise alert level in the capital city of Taipei and its surrounding areas on Saturday. A two-week period of restrictions has been put into place, shutting many venues and limiting gatherings. Taiwan has witnessed relatively low infections with only 1,475 cases since the pandemic began. But recent cases have scared people in the country, which has remain largely untouched from the virus and the restrictions it brings including lockdowns. On Saturday, the country’s president, premier and the economy ministry wrote on Facebook to discourage people from panic buying supplies, especially instant noodles and toilet paper. "After more than a year of preparation, the country's anti-pandemic materials, civilian goods and raw materials are sufficient, and the stores are also operating as usual to replenish goods," President Tsai Ing-wen said. Also read: 'Political gain': Taiwan condemns China's vaccine diplomacy with its diplomatic ally Honduras Carrefour, a French supermarket chain announced that it was limiting the purchase cap on items like masks and noodles in its Taiwan stores, urging people to buy only what they need. The country’s economy ministry showed pictures of warehouses stocked with boxes of instant noodles, in a message to people that supplies were available in the country “like a mountain”. They added that there is enough stock of toilet paper and canned food as weed. Also read: Taiwan fights to attend WHO meeting as China denies entry On his Facebook page, Su Tseng-chang made a similar appeal. Earlier in the year, he urged people to calm down when toilet paper was flying off the shelves. He said people “only have one butth*le”. The government has not ordered a lockdown yet, but has urged people to stay indoors as much as possible.

Taiwan discourages people from panic buying as Covid restrictions come into force

China cancels Everest climbs over COVID fears.

COVID-19: China cancels Everest expedition

Italy eases virus curbs as cases drop, reopens dog-friendly beach.

COVID-19: Italy eases virus curbs as cases drop

France has administered the first doses of Covid-19 vaccines to 20 million people, reaching its target days ahead of the reopening of catering businesses and cultural venues, French Prime Minister Jean Castex said on Saturday. 
 
Castex announced on Twitter the hitting of the 20-million mark, a number that represents some 30 per cent of the population, the Xinhua news agency reported. 
 
"This is a very important moment for the whole country because it supports our prospects for ending the crisis, reinforced by the evolution of the epidemic data, which is regressing everywhere in France," Castex said earlier in the day during a visit to the mass vaccination site at the Porte de Versailles conference center in Paris. 
 
"The next target is 30 million first doses. It is within our reach," he added. 
 
Covid-19 hospital admissions continued to decline in France on Saturday. In the past 24 hours, the number of hospitalized patients went down by 456 to 22,950 patients, continuing a negative trend for the second week in a row. 
 
The number of intensive care patients, a key gauge to evaluate the health system`s ability to cope with the epidemic, fell by 81 to 4,271. 
 
Since the epidemic outbreak, France has confirmed 5.86 million cases and 107,535 deaths. The two indicators grew by 15,685 and 112 in one day respectively. 
 
From May 19, non-essential shops will reopen in France. Restaurants and cafes will be allowed to take in half of their capacity on terraces with a maximum of six people per table. Museums, theatres, cinemas and sport facilities will also reopen, with a limit of 800 people indoors and 1,000 outdoors.

France has administered the first doses of Covid-19 vaccines to 20 million people, reaching its target days ahead of the reopening of catering businesses and cultural venues, French Prime Minister Jean Castex said on Saturday.

France has administered the first doses of Covid-19 vaccines to 20 million people, reaching its target days ahead of the reopening of catering businesses and cultural venues, French Prime Minister Jean Castex said on Saturday. Castex announced on Twitter the hitting of the 20-million mark, a number that represents some 30 per cent of the population, the Xinhua news agency reported. "This is a very important moment for the whole country because it supports our prospects for ending the crisis, reinforced by the evolution of the epidemic data, which is regressing everywhere in France," Castex said earlier in the day during a visit to the mass vaccination site at the Porte de Versailles conference center in Paris. "The next target is 30 million first doses. It is within our reach," he added. Covid-19 hospital admissions continued to decline in France on Saturday. In the past 24 hours, the number of hospitalized patients went down by 456 to 22,950 patients, continuing a negative trend for the second week in a row. The number of intensive care patients, a key gauge to evaluate the health system`s ability to cope with the epidemic, fell by 81 to 4,271. Since the epidemic outbreak, France has confirmed 5.86 million cases and 107,535 deaths. The two indicators grew by 15,685 and 112 in one day respectively. From May 19, non-essential shops will reopen in France. Restaurants and cafes will be allowed to take in half of their capacity on terraces with a maximum of six people per table. Museums, theatres, cinemas and sport facilities will also reopen, with a limit of 800 people indoors and 1,000 outdoors.

France hits target of 20mn first COVID-19 vaccinations: PM

In the last 24 hours India has reported 311,000+ COVID-19 cases. Country's positivity rate has dipped below 20% this week.

Coronavirus Update: India reports 311,000+ COVID-19 cases in 24 hours

Indian Premier League 2021 had to be suspended indefinitely after several cases emerged inside the bio-secure bubble. Sunrisers Hyderabad also were affected by the COVID-19 surge as their wicketkeeper, Wriddhiman Saha, tested positive for the dreaded virus.&nbsp;

SRH all-rounder Vijay Shankar revealed the reaction inside the team's camp after the news of positive COVID-19 cases broke. He said that the players were worried but did not panic.&nbsp;

"More than panic, it was just about being worried. A couple of guys tested positive, when someone tested positive in our team, it became a bit more," Shankar said in an interview with India Today.

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"Otherwise, we knew even the day they suspended the IPL, we were supposed to play a game. We were trying to prepare and keep ourselves motivated till we got the message, saying the IPL was suspended," he added.

He talked about life in bio-bubble and said that last it was a bit difficult.&nbsp;

"First year, last time, when we faced this, it was a bit difficult. Bio-bubble life is a bit difficult but if you ask me as a professional, it's important for us to adapt to it and follow the protocols. As a team, you need to be together. Only then you can spend those 1 and half two months together. Otherwise, it will be difficult for every individual," he added.

"At the end of the day, we want to play cricket and entertain the people. In this situation, there were a lot of people who were looking up to the IPL every evening to sit and watch and forget about every other thing. A tournament like this was helping take the viewers' mind off Covid. It definitely was (a source of motivation), we were trying to give our best," he added.

Indian Premier League 2021 had to be suspended indefinitely after several cases emerged inside the bio-secure bubble. Sunrisers Hyderabad also were affected by the COVID-19 surge as their wicketkeeper, Wriddhiman Saha, tested positive for the dreaded virus.

Indian Premier League 2021 had to be suspended indefinitely after several cases emerged inside the bio-secure bubble. Sunrisers Hyderabad also were affected by the COVID-19 surge as their wicketkeeper, Wriddhiman Saha, tested positive for the dreaded virus. SRH all-rounder Vijay Shankar revealed the reaction inside the team's camp after the news of positive COVID-19 cases broke. He said that the players were worried but did not panic. "More than panic, it was just about being worried. A couple of guys tested positive, when someone tested positive in our team, it became a bit more," Shankar said in an interview with India Today. ALSO READ: Cricket Australia releases statement after Cameron Bancroft's revelations "Otherwise, we knew even the day they suspended the IPL, we were supposed to play a game. We were trying to prepare and keep ourselves motivated till we got the message, saying the IPL was suspended," he added. He talked about life in bio-bubble and said that last it was a bit difficult. "First year, last time, when we faced this, it was a bit difficult. Bio-bubble life is a bit difficult but if you ask me as a professional, it's important for us to adapt to it and follow the protocols. As a team, you need to be together. Only then you can spend those 1 and half two months together. Otherwise, it will be difficult for every individual," he added. "At the end of the day, we want to play cricket and entertain the people. In this situation, there were a lot of people who were looking up to the IPL every evening to sit and watch and forget about every other thing. A tournament like this was helping take the viewers' mind off Covid. It definitely was (a source of motivation), we were trying to give our best," he added.

Vijay Shankar reveals Sunrisers Hyderabad players' reaction after COVID-19 cases emerged

Greece officially reopen for tourism becoming the latest sudden European nation to ease travel restrictions for international visitors.

Crete welcomes tourists as Greece reopens for tourism

WHO is urging wealthy countries to stop vaccinating children and instead are asking them to donate the doses to poorer nations and this comes as the UN Health Body warned that the pandemic second year would be more deadly.

WHO: Donate shots instead of vaccinating children

Black Fungus or Mucormycosis, a rare deadly fungal infection's multiple cases in patients of COVID-19 have been reported in India in the past few days.

COVID-19: Black fungal infections on a rise in India

India reported 326,098 cases of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours. 3,890 also succumbed to the virus in the same period. Several states have imposed lockdowns to curb the spread of the virus, and recoveries have now outnumbered fresh Covid infections.

COVID-19: India's positivity rate declines

Two individuals lost their lives and at least 120 prisoners tested positive for COVID-19, as per an official on Thursday.

While speaking to the reporters, DIG (Prisons), Subhakanta Mishra said, "Two individuals lost their lives and at least 120 prisoners tested positive for COVID-19.

Patients shifted to COVID-19 hospitals and 449 convicts released on 90-day parole.

"To curb the spread, Mishra informed, "Patnagarh Sub-Jail and a cell of Berhampur Jail has been converted into a COVID-19 care centre. We are looking into the matter." 
 
The COVID-19 caseload in Odisha mounted to 576, 297 as 10,649 more people tested positive for the virus and 19 new deaths pushed the total death toll to 2,251, informed the state health bulletin yesterday. 
 
Odisha has 100,313 active cases, as per the official data, adding that 473,680 patients have so far recovered from the infection.

Two individuals lost their lives and at least 120 prisoners tested positive for COVID-19, as per an official on Thursday. While speaking to the reporters, DIG (Prisons), Subhakanta Mishra said, "Two individuals lost their lives and at least 120 prisoners tested positive for COVID-19.

Two individuals lost their lives and at least 120 prisoners tested positive for COVID-19, as per an official on Thursday. While speaking to the reporters, DIG (Prisons), Subhakanta Mishra said, "Two individuals lost their lives and at least 120 prisoners tested positive for COVID-19. Patients shifted to COVID-19 hospitals and 449 convicts released on 90-day parole. "To curb the spread, Mishra informed, "Patnagarh Sub-Jail and a cell of Berhampur Jail has been converted into a COVID-19 care centre. We are looking into the matter." The COVID-19 caseload in Odisha mounted to 576, 297 as 10,649 more people tested positive for the virus and 19 new deaths pushed the total death toll to 2,251, informed the state health bulletin yesterday. Odisha has 100,313 active cases, as per the official data, adding that 473,680 patients have so far recovered from the infection.

COVID-19 in India: 120 prisoners test positive in Odisha jails

British and European Union officials have been sceptical about the usefulness of a US proposal to waive patent protections for COVID-19 vaccines, while saying they are prepared to discuss it.

China backs talks on Intellectual Property waiver for COVID-19 vaccines

Japan on Friday declared state of emergency in three more prefectures that are hit hard by COVID-19 pandemic. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga made an announcement in this regard. It is being viewed as a surprise move that reflects growing concern on spread of coronavirus.

Japan is grappling with surge of more infectious virus strain just 10 weeks before the Tokyo Olympics. The Olympics are due to start on July 23.

Hokkaido, Okayama and Hiroshima will join Tokyo, Osaka and four other prefectures on Sunday (May 16) under a state of emergency until May 31, Suga told a news conference, adding that this was due to a rapid increase of cases in those areas.

The government had originally decided on a more targetted "quasi-emergency" for five additional prefectures.

"We took experts' opinion into consideration," Suga said on the need for a state of emergency in the prefectures, adding that a stronger message had been needed.

The latest measures bring 19 of Japan's 47 prefectures, home to about 70% of the population, under curbs such as an 8 p.m. closing deadline for eateries and a ban on alcohol at most bars and restaurants.

The decision also came just over two months before the Olympics, postponed for a year due to the pandemic and now set to start on July 23. Suga reiterated that the Olympics could be held while ensuring the safety of both athletes and Japanese nationals, and that the government was considering measures on restricting the movements of foreign journalist."

(With inputs from agencies)

Japan on Friday declared state of emergency in three more prefectures that are hit hard by COVID-19 pandemic. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga made an announcement in this regard.

Japan on Friday declared state of emergency in three more prefectures that are hit hard by COVID-19 pandemic. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga made an announcement in this regard. It is being viewed as a surprise move that reflects growing concern on spread of coronavirus. Japan is grappling with surge of more infectious virus strain just 10 weeks before the Tokyo Olympics. The Olympics are due to start on July 23. Hokkaido, Okayama and Hiroshima will join Tokyo, Osaka and four other prefectures on Sunday (May 16) under a state of emergency until May 31, Suga told a news conference, adding that this was due to a rapid increase of cases in those areas. The government had originally decided on a more targetted "quasi-emergency" for five additional prefectures. "We took experts' opinion into consideration," Suga said on the need for a state of emergency in the prefectures, adding that a stronger message had been needed. The latest measures bring 19 of Japan's 47 prefectures, home to about 70% of the population, under curbs such as an 8 p.m. closing deadline for eateries and a ban on alcohol at most bars and restaurants. The decision also came just over two months before the Olympics, postponed for a year due to the pandemic and now set to start on July 23. Suga reiterated that the Olympics could be held while ensuring the safety of both athletes and Japanese nationals, and that the government was considering measures on restricting the movements of foreign journalist." (With inputs from agencies)

Japan widens COVID-19 emergency to three more prefectures

Pub and restaurant owners across England will breathe a sigh of relief&nbsp;on&nbsp;Monday, as months of coronavirus restrictions are lifted, allowing them to serve groups of six or two households inside.

For the last month, they have only been allowed to serve food and drinks outside, making indoors an attractive option for punters who have shivered during an exceptionally cold spring.

"I can't wait," said James Berridge, a television director. "When restaurants and&nbsp;pubs&nbsp;and clubs will really open, we're going to be there, indoors.

"On&nbsp;a beautiful day... it's fine outdoors. We're in the&nbsp;UK. As soon as it rains, we need to be inside, by the fire, having a pint."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-boris-johnson-announces-plans-to-reopen-shops-pubs-in-england-from-april-12-375554">PM Boris Johnson announces plans to reopen shops, pubs in England from April 12</a>

But just days before the long-expected&nbsp;reopening, Polina Minkova, the manager of The Guildford Arms in southeast London, has been struggling with a major problem.

"It has been very difficult to get staff," she told AFP. Qualified, experienced workers, in particular, are in short supply, including for senior positions in the kitchens.

Monday&nbsp;is a major step in the&nbsp;reopening&nbsp;of the badly hit hospitality and leisure sectors, with museums, hotels and sports stadiums all expected to welcome back visitors.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cautious-hugging-and-pints-uk-pm-johnson-to-ease-englands-lockdown-384041">'Cautious hugging' and pints: UK PM Johnson to ease England's lockdown</a>

A marked decline in Covid cases, driven by months of strict measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus, and a successful vaccination campaign, has allowed the move.&nbsp;

'Challenge'&nbsp;

The situation at The Guildford Arms, in upmarket Greenwich, is being played out across the sector, according to the British Beer and Pub Association, an industry body.

Chief executive Emma McClarkin, whose organisation represents 20,000&nbsp;pubs, said it was a "challenge" to make sure staff have "the right skill sets that we need to reopen fully".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-threatens-to-deport-european-union-citizens-failing-to-comply-residency-deadline-262035">Britain threatens to deport European Union citizens failing to comply residency deadline</a>

The pool of available staff has been reduced by ongoing coronavirus furlough schemes and by hospitality workers who have left the sector for jobs considered more stable.

Pubs, restaurants and cafes have also been hit by the departure of EU nationals from Britain, a phenomenon that started during Brexit and accelerated during the pandemic.

European nationals accounted for 12.3 per cent to 23.7 per cent of the workforce in 2017, before the&nbsp;UK's departure from the bloc, according to consultancy firm KPMG.

Britain's Office for Statistics has said the hotel and restaurant sector has been the hardest hit by the pandemic: 355,000 salaried jobs have been lost in one year since March 2020.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-achieves-key-vaccination-target-as-pubs-shops-and-salons-reopen-377224">UK achieves key vaccination target as pubs, shops and salons reopen</a>

"What employers in the sector are telling us is that between 10 and 20 per cent&nbsp;on&nbsp;average of their people who've been&nbsp;on&nbsp;furlough are deciding not to return," Kathy Dyball, director of the specialist recruitment site Caterer.com told AFP.

Her site had seen a steep rise in adverts seeking new employees, a sign of a worsening situation for the hospitality sector which she said had suffered from understaffing for "decades".&nbsp;

'A lot of competition'&nbsp;

Chefs have been among those in the highest demand, pushing up salaries.&nbsp;

Carol Cairnes, head of human resources at D&amp;D London which owns some 40 high-end restaurants in the&nbsp;UK, said there had been "a lot of competition out there to get the best candidates".

As she looks for between 250 to 300 additional staff in addition to the 1,400 positions across the business, Cairnes said she had seen an increase in British candidates and applicants with less experience looking for positions after Brexit.

"We've a lot of enquiries from overseas from people," Cairnes said. "We're not able to bring them over," she added, citing post-Brexit immigration rules.

The problem for hospitality has become all the more pressing as the sector looks to meet demand from customers who are keen to return to&nbsp;indoor&nbsp;dining.

By July, the McMullen pub chain plans to open new locations and hire 400 people in addition to the roughly 1,600 staff it currently employs.

The chain's joint managing director, Heydon Mizon, said while staffing would not be an obstacle to&nbsp;reopening&nbsp;next week, it could be a problem as the restaurants get busier.

"We expect it to be quite busy in June and July," he said, explaining at current staffing levels his teams would "have to work more hours and we don't want that".

Pub and restaurant owners across England will breathe a sigh of relief on Monday, as months of coronavirus restrictions are lifted, allowing them to serve groups of six or two households inside.

Pub and restaurant owners across England will breathe a sigh of relief on Monday, as months of coronavirus restrictions are lifted, allowing them to serve groups of six or two households inside. For the last month, they have only been allowed to serve food and drinks outside, making indoors an attractive option for punters who have shivered during an exceptionally cold spring. "I can't wait," said James Berridge, a television director. "When restaurants and pubs and clubs will really open, we're going to be there, indoors. "On a beautiful day... it's fine outdoors. We're in the UK. As soon as it rains, we need to be inside, by the fire, having a pint." Also read | PM Boris Johnson announces plans to reopen shops, pubs in England from April 12 But just days before the long-expected reopening, Polina Minkova, the manager of The Guildford Arms in southeast London, has been struggling with a major problem. "It has been very difficult to get staff," she told AFP. Qualified, experienced workers, in particular, are in short supply, including for senior positions in the kitchens. Monday is a major step in the reopening of the badly hit hospitality and leisure sectors, with museums, hotels and sports stadiums all expected to welcome back visitors. Also read | 'Cautious hugging' and pints: UK PM Johnson to ease England's lockdown A marked decline in Covid cases, driven by months of strict measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus, and a successful vaccination campaign, has allowed the move. 'Challenge' The situation at The Guildford Arms, in upmarket Greenwich, is being played out across the sector, according to the British Beer and Pub Association, an industry body. Chief executive Emma McClarkin, whose organisation represents 20,000 pubs, said it was a "challenge" to make sure staff have "the right skill sets that we need to reopen fully". Also read | Britain threatens to deport European Union citizens failing to comply residency deadline The pool of available staff has been reduced by ongoing coronavirus furlough schemes and by hospitality workers who have left the sector for jobs considered more stable. Pubs, restaurants and cafes have also been hit by the departure of EU nationals from Britain, a phenomenon that started during Brexit and accelerated during the pandemic. European nationals accounted for 12.3 per cent to 23.7 per cent of the workforce in 2017, before the UK's departure from the bloc, according to consultancy firm KPMG. Britain's Office for Statistics has said the hotel and restaurant sector has been the hardest hit by the pandemic: 355,000 salaried jobs have been lost in one year since March 2020. Also read | UK achieves key vaccination target as pubs, shops and salons reopen "What employers in the sector are telling us is that between 10 and 20 per cent on average of their people who've been on furlough are deciding not to return," Kathy Dyball, director of the specialist recruitment site Caterer.com told AFP. Her site had seen a steep rise in adverts seeking new employees, a sign of a worsening situation for the hospitality sector which she said had suffered from understaffing for "decades". 'A lot of competition' Chefs have been among those in the highest demand, pushing up salaries. Carol Cairnes, head of human resources at D&D London which owns some 40 high-end restaurants in the UK, said there had been "a lot of competition out there to get the best candidates". As she looks for between 250 to 300 additional staff in addition to the 1,400 positions across the business, Cairnes said she had seen an increase in British candidates and applicants with less experience looking for positions after Brexit. "We've a lot of enquiries from overseas from people," Cairnes said. "We're not able to bring them over," she added, citing post-Brexit immigration rules. The problem for hospitality has become all the more pressing as the sector looks to meet demand from customers who are keen to return to indoor dining. By July, the McMullen pub chain plans to open new locations and hire 400 people in addition to the roughly 1,600 staff it currently employs. The chain's joint managing director, Heydon Mizon, said while staffing would not be an obstacle to reopening next week, it could be a problem as the restaurants get busier. "We expect it to be quite busy in June and July," he said, explaining at current staffing levels his teams would "have to work more hours and we don't want that".

UK pubs face recruiting struggle ahead of indoor reopening on Monday

Nepal has sent out an SOS call. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has appealed for help through a newspaper writeup as his country witnesses a surge in COVID-19 cases. The prime minister wrote an opinion piece for a British daily and said that Nepal is being overwhelmed by Covid.

He said that it is in need of urgent assistance to combat the deadly second wave. Oli lost a vote of confidence on Monday. With the government in crisis, the Himalayan republic is battling a resurgent virus. The country which has a population of just 30 million was reporting around 100 cases a day last month.

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This month, the figure is nearing the 10,000 mark. On May 1, Nepal reported more than 5,000 new cases. The figure increased to 7,000 on May 4, followed by 8,000 on May 6. On May 11, it had reached 9,000. Now,&nbsp;the country is reporting 20 cases per 100,000 people a day.

Nepal is on the verge of a crisis that is as devastating as India if not worse. The prime minister of Nepal has appealed for help in an opinion piece published by The Guardian. KP Sharma Oli said,&nbsp;“As I write this, my country is battling a new and brutal wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The rise in the number of infections poses a serious challenge to our brave doctors, nurses, citizen volunteers and the entire health service system... I have, therefore, appealed to the international community to help us with vaccines, diagnostic tools, oxygen kits, critical care medicines and equipment, to support our efforts to save lives.”

Nepal is not ready for a second wave and the country's fragile healthcare system is already under immense pressure. According to the Oli government's COVID-19 response plan, Nepal has just 1,595 intensive care beds and 480 ventilators for 30 million people. There's also a shortage of doctors with just 0.7 physicians per 100,000 people according to World Bank data.

As of May 8, there were hospital bed shortages in 22 of the country's 77 districts and the vaccination rate is also abysmally low. As of last month, only 7.2 per cent of the population had received the first dose.

Nepal's health ministry has conceded that it is losing control of the situation. Critics blame the government for peddling unverified cures. Last month, the prime minister said the virus could be treated by gargling with guava and&nbsp;mango leaves. Earlier, he'd claimed that Nepalis had a very strong immunity because they consume a lot of spices.

With the wrong messaging from the top, people violated social distancing norms.

Many travelled to India to take part in the Kumbh Mela. This included Nepal's former King Gyanendra Shah and Queen Komal Shah who tested positive for the virus. Around the same time, thousands in Nepal celebrated festivals with placards that read “Our festival is dearer to us than our lives”.

Today, such is the crisis that even climbers at Everest base camp are testing positive.

The situation is indeed alarming and China has already sensed an opportunity.

Chinese planes have been flying to Kathmandu with medical assistance.

As the Chinese media pushes its propaganda with headlines like these - “COVID-19 epidemic shows who Nepal's good neighbour is”.

Nepal has sent out an SOS call. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has appealed for help through a newspaper writeup as his country witnesses a surge in COVID-19 cases.

Nepal has sent out an SOS call. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has appealed for help through a newspaper writeup as his country witnesses a surge in COVID-19 cases. The prime minister wrote an opinion piece for a British daily and said that Nepal is being overwhelmed by Covid. He said that it is in need of urgent assistance to combat the deadly second wave. Oli lost a vote of confidence on Monday. With the government in crisis, the Himalayan republic is battling a resurgent virus. The country which has a population of just 30 million was reporting around 100 cases a day last month. This month, the figure is nearing the 10,000 mark. On May 1, Nepal reported more than 5,000 new cases. The figure increased to 7,000 on May 4, followed by 8,000 on May 6. On May 11, it had reached 9,000. Now, the country is reporting 20 cases per 100,000 people a day. Nepal is on the verge of a crisis that is as devastating as India if not worse. The prime minister of Nepal has appealed for help in an opinion piece published by The Guardian. KP Sharma Oli said, “As I write this, my country is battling a new and brutal wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The rise in the number of infections poses a serious challenge to our brave doctors, nurses, citizen volunteers and the entire health service system... I have, therefore, appealed to the international community to help us with vaccines, diagnostic tools, oxygen kits, critical care medicines and equipment, to support our efforts to save lives.” Nepal is not ready for a second wave and the country's fragile healthcare system is already under immense pressure. According to the Oli government's COVID-19 response plan, Nepal has just 1,595 intensive care beds and 480 ventilators for 30 million people. There's also a shortage of doctors with just 0.7 physicians per 100,000 people according to World Bank data. As of May 8, there were hospital bed shortages in 22 of the country's 77 districts and the vaccination rate is also abysmally low. As of last month, only 7.2 per cent of the population had received the first dose. Nepal's health ministry has conceded that it is losing control of the situation. Critics blame the government for peddling unverified cures. Last month, the prime minister said the virus could be treated by gargling with guava and mango leaves. Earlier, he'd claimed that Nepalis had a very strong immunity because they consume a lot of spices. With the wrong messaging from the top, people violated social distancing norms. Many travelled to India to take part in the Kumbh Mela. This included Nepal's former King Gyanendra Shah and Queen Komal Shah who tested positive for the virus. Around the same time, thousands in Nepal celebrated festivals with placards that read “Our festival is dearer to us than our lives”. Today, such is the crisis that even climbers at Everest base camp are testing positive. The situation is indeed alarming and China has already sensed an opportunity. Chinese planes have been flying to Kathmandu with medical assistance. As the Chinese media pushes its propaganda with headlines like these - “COVID-19 epidemic shows who Nepal's good neighbour is”.

China senses opportunity in Nepal's devastating COVID-19 wave

Indian inflation eased to a three-month low in April as food costs rose more slowly, but lockdowns to contain the country`s raging coronavirus epidemic risk creating supply bottlenecks that could fuel price pressures in coming months. 
 
Annual retail inflation rose 4.29%, down from 5.52% in March and near the 4.20% forecast in a Reuters poll of economists. 
 
Food prices, which account for nearly half of the Ministry of Statistics` inflation basket, rose 2.02% compared with 4.87% in the previous month. 
 
"Any comfort from this could be illusory," Rupa Rege Nitsure, chief economist at L&amp;T Financial Services said, warning of a build-up of inflationary pressures that risked affecting wholesale prices first. 
 
Concern about high global commodity prices and supply chain disruptions amid widespread curbs on the movement led the central bank last month to raise its inflation projection for the six months to September to 5.2%. 
 
That still places it within the bank`s target range of 2-6%. 
 
India`s second COVID-19 wave, which official figures show is infecting around 350,000 people and killing around 4,000 per day, has forced nearly two-thirds of the country to introduce tough curbs that have slowed economic activity. 
 
The likelihood that India will receive an average amount of rain in the 2021 monsoon should however help ease inflationary pressure as a normal rainy season generally translates into higher farm output. 
 
April core inflation, excluding food and fuel costs, was estimated in the range of 5.4% to 5.43% by three economists, compared with 5.9% to 6.0% in March. India does not release official core inflation data.

Indian inflation eased to a three-month low in April as food costs rose more slowly, but lockdowns to contain the country`s raging coronavirus epidemic risk creating supply bottlenecks that could fuel price pressures in coming months.

Indian inflation eased to a three-month low in April as food costs rose more slowly, but lockdowns to contain the country`s raging coronavirus epidemic risk creating supply bottlenecks that could fuel price pressures in coming months. Annual retail inflation rose 4.29%, down from 5.52% in March and near the 4.20% forecast in a Reuters poll of economists. Food prices, which account for nearly half of the Ministry of Statistics` inflation basket, rose 2.02% compared with 4.87% in the previous month. "Any comfort from this could be illusory," Rupa Rege Nitsure, chief economist at L&T Financial Services said, warning of a build-up of inflationary pressures that risked affecting wholesale prices first. Concern about high global commodity prices and supply chain disruptions amid widespread curbs on the movement led the central bank last month to raise its inflation projection for the six months to September to 5.2%. That still places it within the bank`s target range of 2-6%. India`s second COVID-19 wave, which official figures show is infecting around 350,000 people and killing around 4,000 per day, has forced nearly two-thirds of the country to introduce tough curbs that have slowed economic activity. The likelihood that India will receive an average amount of rain in the 2021 monsoon should however help ease inflationary pressure as a normal rainy season generally translates into higher farm output. April core inflation, excluding food and fuel costs, was estimated in the range of 5.4% to 5.43% by three economists, compared with 5.9% to 6.0% in March. India does not release official core inflation data.

Indian inflation eases, but COVID-19 curbs risk stoking prices

India's Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has postponed the Civil Services preliminary exam 2021&nbsp;due to an unprecedented surge in the number of COVID-19 cases in the country.

The Prelims 2021 was scheduled for June 27, 2021, but now it will be held on October 10.

The commission conducts civil services examination annually in three stages — preliminary, main and interview — to select officers of Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Indian Police Service (IPS) among others.

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The Union Public Service Commission has deferred the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2021, which was scheduled to be held on 27th June 2021. 
 
✅Now, this Examination will be held on 10th October 2021. 
 
Read here: <a href="https://t.co/sAVDDfZjXv">https://t.co/sAVDDfZjXv</a>
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"Due to the prevailing conditions caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Union Public Service Commission has deferred the civil services (preliminary) examination, 2021, which was scheduled to be held on June 27, 2021. Now, this examination will be held on October 10, 2021," a statement issued by the commission said.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has postponed the Civil Services preliminary exam 2021 due to an unprecedented surge in the number of COVID-19 cases in the country.

India's Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has postponed the Civil Services preliminary exam 2021 due to an unprecedented surge in the number of COVID-19 cases in the country. The Prelims 2021 was scheduled for June 27, 2021, but now it will be held on October 10. The commission conducts civil services examination annually in three stages — preliminary, main and interview — to select officers of Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Indian Police Service (IPS) among others. The Union Public Service Commission has deferred the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2021, which was scheduled to be held on 27th June 2021. ✅Now, this Examination will be held on 10th October 2021. Read here: https://t.co/sAVDDfZjXv — PIB India (@PIB_India) May 13, 2021 × "Due to the prevailing conditions caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Union Public Service Commission has deferred the civil services (preliminary) examination, 2021, which was scheduled to be held on June 27, 2021. Now, this examination will be held on October 10, 2021," a statement issued by the commission said. (With inputs from agencies)

India's UPSC postpones civil services prelim exams to October 10 due to COVID-19

The Singapore Open, which was scheduled to take place between June 1 to 6, has been cancelled on Wednesday due to travel complications amidst the coronavirus pandemic, organisers said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/tokyo-2020-olympic-stadium-holds-track-and-field-test-event-without-fans-383869" hreflang="en">Tokyo 2020: Olympic Stadium holds track and field test event without fans</a>

The event was the last tournament on the BWF World Tour where players hopeful for Olympics could gather some vital points towards the Race to Tokyo rankings - a programme that decides who qualifies for the Summer Olympics which begin on July 23.

According to the Badminton World Federation (BWF), the tournament will not be rescheduled.

"All attempts were made by the organisers and BWF to provide a safe tournament environment for all participants," the BWF said in a statement.

"However, rising COVID-19 cases globally led to complex challenges in managing inbound travel. Thus, in the interests of all players, tournament personnel and the local community's health and safety, the event has been cancelled."

The Singapore Open has become the second consecutive tournament to be called off in view of the pandemic. The Race to Tokyo period will also conclude on June 15 and the BWF said it would provide further details on Olympic qualification at a later date.

(Inputs from Reuters)

The Singapore Open, which was scheduled to take place between June 1 to 6, has been cancelled on Wednesday due to travel complications amidst the coronavirus pandemic, organisers said.

The Singapore Open, which was scheduled to take place between June 1 to 6, has been cancelled on Wednesday due to travel complications amidst the coronavirus pandemic, organisers said. ALSO READ: Tokyo 2020: Olympic Stadium holds track and field test event without fans The event was the last tournament on the BWF World Tour where players hopeful for Olympics could gather some vital points towards the Race to Tokyo rankings - a programme that decides who qualifies for the Summer Olympics which begin on July 23. According to the Badminton World Federation (BWF), the tournament will not be rescheduled. "All attempts were made by the organisers and BWF to provide a safe tournament environment for all participants," the BWF said in a statement. "However, rising COVID-19 cases globally led to complex challenges in managing inbound travel. Thus, in the interests of all players, tournament personnel and the local community's health and safety, the event has been cancelled." The Singapore Open has become the second consecutive tournament to be called off in view of the pandemic. The Race to Tokyo period will also conclude on June 15 and the BWF said it would provide further details on Olympic qualification at a later date. (Inputs from Reuters)

Singapore Open cancelled due to travel complications amid COVID-19 pandemic: Organisers

India made the 'incorrect assumption' that it was finished with the COVID-19 pandemic and opened up prematurely that has left the country in such 'dire straits', America's top infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci has told senators.&nbsp;

India has been severely affected by the unprecedented second wave of the coronavirus and hospitals in several states are reeling under the shortage of health workers, vaccines, oxygen, drugs and beds.&nbsp;

"The reason that India is in such dire straits now is that they had an original surge and made the incorrect assumption that they were finished with it, and what happened, they opened up prematurely and wind up having a surge right now that we're all very well aware of is extremely devastating," Fauci told the Senate Health, Education, Labour and Pensions Committee during a hearing on Tuesday on the COVID-19 response.&nbsp;

Dr Fauci, who is the Director of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), is also the chief medical advisor to President Joe Biden.&nbsp;

Chairing the hearing, Senator Patty Murray said that the surge of COVID-19 that is devastating India is a painful reminder really that the US can't end the pandemic here until it ends it everywhere.&nbsp;

"I'm glad the Biden administration is leading that global fight by rejoining the World Health Organization and funding global vaccine efforts and committing to donate 60 million AstraZeneca vaccines to other countries by July 4," she said.&nbsp;

"India's outbreak underscores the need for a robust public health infrastructure in the US to respond appropriately to this pandemic and future outbreaks, as well," Senator Murray said as she asked Fauci what can the US learn from India's outbreak.&nbsp;

"One of the important things is don't ever underestimate the situation," Fauci said as he referred to India's incorrect assumption and premature opening up.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

India made the 'incorrect assumption' that it was finished with the COVID-19 pandemic and opened up prematurely that has left the country in such 'dire straits', America's top infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci has told senators.

India made the 'incorrect assumption' that it was finished with the COVID-19 pandemic and opened up prematurely that has left the country in such 'dire straits', America's top infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci has told senators. India has been severely affected by the unprecedented second wave of the coronavirus and hospitals in several states are reeling under the shortage of health workers, vaccines, oxygen, drugs and beds. "The reason that India is in such dire straits now is that they had an original surge and made the incorrect assumption that they were finished with it, and what happened, they opened up prematurely and wind up having a surge right now that we're all very well aware of is extremely devastating," Fauci told the Senate Health, Education, Labour and Pensions Committee during a hearing on Tuesday on the COVID-19 response. Dr Fauci, who is the Director of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), is also the chief medical advisor to President Joe Biden. Chairing the hearing, Senator Patty Murray said that the surge of COVID-19 that is devastating India is a painful reminder really that the US can't end the pandemic here until it ends it everywhere. "I'm glad the Biden administration is leading that global fight by rejoining the World Health Organization and funding global vaccine efforts and committing to donate 60 million AstraZeneca vaccines to other countries by July 4," she said. "India's outbreak underscores the need for a robust public health infrastructure in the US to respond appropriately to this pandemic and future outbreaks, as well," Senator Murray said as she asked Fauci what can the US learn from India's outbreak. "One of the important things is don't ever underestimate the situation," Fauci said as he referred to India's incorrect assumption and premature opening up. (With inputs from agencies)

India opened up prematurely, Dr Fauci on COVID-19 crisis 

The Indian government has been forced to issue a clarification that the recently approved 5G trials are not linked in any way to the sharp rise in COVID-19 infections, after rumours linking the two gained mileage in certain areas.&nbsp;

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) said there is no link between 5G technology and the spread of Covid, as it urged the public not to be misguided by baseless and false messages being circulated on social media platforms.

Several misleading messages are being circulated on various social media platforms, claiming that the second wave of coronavirus has been caused by the testing of the 5G mobile towers.

“...these messages are false and not correct...the general public is hereby informed that there is no link between 5G technology and spread of COVID-19 and they are urged not to be misguided by the false information and rumours spread in this matter. The claims linking the 5G technology with the COVID-19 pandemic are false and have no scientific basis,” DoT said in a statement.

The testing of the 5G network has not yet started anywhere in India, therefore the claim that 5G trials or networks are causing coronavirus in India is “baseless”, it said.

“Mobile towers emit non-ionising Radio frequencies having very minuscule power and are incapable of causing any kind of damage to living cells including human beings."

“DoT has prescribed norms for exposure limit for the Radio Frequency Field (i.e. Base Station Emissions) which are 10 times more stringent than the safe limits prescribed by International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and recommended by WHO (World Health Organization),” it said.

Outlining the initiatives already taken, the DoT said it has a well-structured process so that operators strictly adhere to these prescribed norms.

“However, any citizen having any apprehension about any mobile tower emitting radio waves beyond the safe limit prescribed by the department, a request for EMF measurements/testing can be made on Tarang Sanchar portal at https://tarangsanchar.gov.in/emfportal,” the department said.

Earlier on May 8, the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), an industry association representing India’s private telecom services providers such as Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, and Vodafone Idea, had put out a clarification on the same issue.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian government has been forced to issue a clarification that the recently approved 5G trials are not linked in any way to the sharp rise in COVID-19 infections, after rumours linking the two gained mileage in certain areas.

The Indian government has been forced to issue a clarification that the recently approved 5G trials are not linked in any way to the sharp rise in COVID-19 infections, after rumours linking the two gained mileage in certain areas. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) said there is no link between 5G technology and the spread of Covid, as it urged the public not to be misguided by baseless and false messages being circulated on social media platforms. Several misleading messages are being circulated on various social media platforms, claiming that the second wave of coronavirus has been caused by the testing of the 5G mobile towers. “...these messages are false and not correct...the general public is hereby informed that there is no link between 5G technology and spread of COVID-19 and they are urged not to be misguided by the false information and rumours spread in this matter. The claims linking the 5G technology with the COVID-19 pandemic are false and have no scientific basis,” DoT said in a statement. The testing of the 5G network has not yet started anywhere in India, therefore the claim that 5G trials or networks are causing coronavirus in India is “baseless”, it said. “Mobile towers emit non-ionising Radio frequencies having very minuscule power and are incapable of causing any kind of damage to living cells including human beings." “DoT has prescribed norms for exposure limit for the Radio Frequency Field (i.e. Base Station Emissions) which are 10 times more stringent than the safe limits prescribed by International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and recommended by WHO (World Health Organization),” it said. Outlining the initiatives already taken, the DoT said it has a well-structured process so that operators strictly adhere to these prescribed norms. “However, any citizen having any apprehension about any mobile tower emitting radio waves beyond the safe limit prescribed by the department, a request for EMF measurements/testing can be made on Tarang Sanchar portal at https://tarangsanchar.gov.in/emfportal,” the department said. Earlier on May 8, the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), an industry association representing India’s private telecom services providers such as Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, and Vodafone Idea, had put out a clarification on the same issue. (With inputs from agencies)

No link between 5G and COVID-19 as its testing not yet started, says Indian government

Antibodies against coronavirus remained in the blood of patients with Covid-19 for at least eight months after they were infected, Italian researchers said Tuesday.

They were present "regardless of the severity of the illness, the age of the patients or the presence of other pathologies," according to a statement from the San Raffaele hospital in Milan.

The researchers, working with Italy's ISS national health institute, studied 162 patients with symptomatic coronavirus who turned up at the emergency room during the country's first wave of infections last year.

Blood samples were taken in March and April and again at the end of November from those who survived. Some 29 patients died.

"The presence of neutralising antibodies, while reducing overtime, was very persistent -- eight months after diagnosis, there were only three patients who no longer showed positivity to the test," said the statement, issued jointly with the ISS.

The study, published in the Nature Communications scientific journal, also emphasised the importance of the development of antibodies in recovering from coronavirus.

"Those who failed to produce them within the first 15 days of infection are at greater risk of developing severe forms of Covid-19," it said.

Two-thirds of the patients surveyed were men, and the average age was 63. Some 57 per cent of them had a pre-existing pathology, notably hypertension and diabetes.

Antibodies against coronavirus remained in the blood of patients with Covid-19 for at least eight months after they were infected, Italian researchers said Tuesday.

Antibodies against coronavirus remained in the blood of patients with Covid-19 for at least eight months after they were infected, Italian researchers said Tuesday. They were present "regardless of the severity of the illness, the age of the patients or the presence of other pathologies," according to a statement from the San Raffaele hospital in Milan. The researchers, working with Italy's ISS national health institute, studied 162 patients with symptomatic coronavirus who turned up at the emergency room during the country's first wave of infections last year. Blood samples were taken in March and April and again at the end of November from those who survived. Some 29 patients died. "The presence of neutralising antibodies, while reducing overtime, was very persistent -- eight months after diagnosis, there were only three patients who no longer showed positivity to the test," said the statement, issued jointly with the ISS. The study, published in the Nature Communications scientific journal, also emphasised the importance of the development of antibodies in recovering from coronavirus. "Those who failed to produce them within the first 15 days of infection are at greater risk of developing severe forms of Covid-19," it said. Two-thirds of the patients surveyed were men, and the average age was 63. Some 57 per cent of them had a pre-existing pathology, notably hypertension and diabetes.

COVID-19 antibodies last 8 months after infection: Study

A man in the United States was arrested on Friday after federal authorities say he fraudulently obtained millions of dollars in coronavirus relief to buy luxurious cars, take lavish vacations and cover personal expenses.

Mustafa Qadiri, 38, obtained about $5 million in Paycheck Protection Program money after claiming to own four businesses, none of which are in business, according to a federal indictment.

The Southern California man has pleaded not guilty to charges he obtained USD 5 million in federal coronavirus-relief loans for phoney businesses. 
 
On May 7 the Official account of the US Attorney's Office for the Central District of California tweeted that "Federal agents have seized three luxury sports cars allegedly purchased by Mustafa Qadiri, 38, of Irvine, with fraudulently obtained COVID-19 Payment Protection Program (PPP) loans."

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Federal agents have seized three luxury sports cars allegedly purchased by Mustafa Qadiri, 38, of Irvine, with fraudulently obtained COVID-19 Payment Protection Program (PPP) loans. <a href="https://t.co/MIdkjFeZx2">pic.twitter.com/MIdkjFeZx2</a>
— US Attorney L.A. (@USAO_LosAngeles) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAO_LosAngeles/status/1390731502707744770?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Qadiri, of Irvine, pleaded not guilty on Friday to multiple charges including bank fraud, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering, according to the US Attorney’s Office.

Qadiri's lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Prosecutors said Qadiri listed one of four mortgage companies in multiple applications for PPP loans, and three banks awarded him a total of more than $5 million. The companies he listed do not exist now, prosecutors said.

He received US$5 million in loans that investigators said he used to pay for trips, sports cars and personal expenses.

(With inputs from agencies)

A man in the United States was arrested on Friday after federal authorities say he fraudulently obtained millions of dollars in coronavirus relief to buy luxurious cars, take lavish vacations and cover personal expenses.

A man in the United States was arrested on Friday after federal authorities say he fraudulently obtained millions of dollars in coronavirus relief to buy luxurious cars, take lavish vacations and cover personal expenses. Mustafa Qadiri, 38, obtained about $5 million in Paycheck Protection Program money after claiming to own four businesses, none of which are in business, according to a federal indictment. The Southern California man has pleaded not guilty to charges he obtained USD 5 million in federal coronavirus-relief loans for phoney businesses. On May 7 the Official account of the US Attorney's Office for the Central District of California tweeted that "Federal agents have seized three luxury sports cars allegedly purchased by Mustafa Qadiri, 38, of Irvine, with fraudulently obtained COVID-19 Payment Protection Program (PPP) loans." Federal agents have seized three luxury sports cars allegedly purchased by Mustafa Qadiri, 38, of Irvine, with fraudulently obtained COVID-19 Payment Protection Program (PPP) loans. pic.twitter.com/MIdkjFeZx2 — US Attorney L.A. (@USAO_LosAngeles) May 7, 2021 × Qadiri, of Irvine, pleaded not guilty on Friday to multiple charges including bank fraud, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering, according to the US Attorney’s Office. Qadiri's lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Prosecutors said Qadiri listed one of four mortgage companies in multiple applications for PPP loans, and three banks awarded him a total of more than $5 million. The companies he listed do not exist now, prosecutors said. He received US$5 million in loans that investigators said he used to pay for trips, sports cars and personal expenses. (With inputs from agencies)

US man buys Ferrari, Lamborghini using $5 million COVID-19 aid

A growing number of Japanese people are dying of COVID-19 at home as more infectious variants of the coronavirus fuel a fourth wave of infections and hospital resources are stretched to the verge of collapse. 
 
Public anger with the government over its handling of the crisis is growing as are doubts about the viability of holding the Olympic Games in just over 10 weeks, as a vaccination campaign struggles to build up steam. 
 
"Compared to the number of infections, the number of beds for severe cases is very limited in Japan," Yasutoshi Kido, a professor at Osaka City University`s Graduate School of Medicine, said on Tuesday. 
 
Eighteen people have died of COVID-19 at home in Osaka Prefecture, 17 of them since March 1, as highly infectious strains of the virus caused a spike in cases, the prefecture said late on Monday, reporting deaths outside hospital for the first time. 
 
Prefecture officials did not give details of why the 18 people had not been admitted to hospital but news of their deaths came as more than 96% of the prefecture`s critical care beds were occupied. 
 
Kido said hospitals in Osaka were turning away cancer and heart disease patients to make room for COVID-19 cases but their ability to reallocate resources had "almost collapsed". 
 
Osaka`s governor, Hirofumi Yoshimura, told a news conference that in light of the deaths at home amid the shortage of hospital beds, he had asked the medical association to arrange visits to house-bound patients. 
 
The western region has been particularly hard hit by the coronavirus and has become the epicentre of cases caused by a variant first identified in Britain that is more infectious and causes more serious conditions. 
 
Osaka had 974 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday while Tokyo had 925. 
 
At one Osaka nursing home, 61 residents were infected and 14 died while waiting to be hospitalised, public broadcaster NHK reported last Friday. 
 
VACCINATIONS LAG 
 
The government aims to bring infections under control with new restrictions and extended a state of emergency for much of the country late last week, a little more than two months before the opening of the Tokyo Olympics. 
 
The extended emergency covers Tokyo, Osaka, and four other prefectures and will last until May 31. 
 
The Games were postponed by a year as the coronavirus spread around the world last year and organisers are pressing ahead with plans to hold the sporting showpiece from July 23 despite mounting public opposition. 
 
Tennis player Kei Nishikori joined compatriot Naomi Osaka in expressing concern about the Olympic schedule, saying he feared an outbreak in the Athletes` Village. 
 
Some prefecture governors called for stronger emergency measures nationwide at an online meeting on Monday, the Kyodo news agency reported. 
 
Japan lags most wealthy countries in its vaccination campaign. Just 2.6% of the population has been inoculated, according to a Reuters tracker, and there are reports that people are finding it difficult to book shots. 
 
"Japan is behind. So our goal now is to really support an acceleration of the vaccination," said Christophe Weber, chief executive of Takeda Pharmaceutical Co, which is handling imports of Moderna Inc`s vaccine. 
 
Social media has simmered with discontent over the government`s handling of the pandemic. News that the deputy mayor of a central city had agreed to prioritise vaccine shots for the chairman of drug retailer Sugi Holdings Co and his wife drew thousands of angry posts on Twitter. 
 
A publishing company posted in newspapers a World War Two-era photograph of children preparing to defend the country with sticks to highlight what it saw as the government`s failure to defend the public from the virus.

A growing number of Japanese people are dying of COVID-19 at home as more infectious variants of the coronavirus fuel a fourth wave of infections and hospital resources are stretched to the verge of collapse.

A growing number of Japanese people are dying of COVID-19 at home as more infectious variants of the coronavirus fuel a fourth wave of infections and hospital resources are stretched to the verge of collapse. Public anger with the government over its handling of the crisis is growing as are doubts about the viability of holding the Olympic Games in just over 10 weeks, as a vaccination campaign struggles to build up steam. "Compared to the number of infections, the number of beds for severe cases is very limited in Japan," Yasutoshi Kido, a professor at Osaka City University`s Graduate School of Medicine, said on Tuesday. Eighteen people have died of COVID-19 at home in Osaka Prefecture, 17 of them since March 1, as highly infectious strains of the virus caused a spike in cases, the prefecture said late on Monday, reporting deaths outside hospital for the first time. Prefecture officials did not give details of why the 18 people had not been admitted to hospital but news of their deaths came as more than 96% of the prefecture`s critical care beds were occupied. Kido said hospitals in Osaka were turning away cancer and heart disease patients to make room for COVID-19 cases but their ability to reallocate resources had "almost collapsed". Osaka`s governor, Hirofumi Yoshimura, told a news conference that in light of the deaths at home amid the shortage of hospital beds, he had asked the medical association to arrange visits to house-bound patients. The western region has been particularly hard hit by the coronavirus and has become the epicentre of cases caused by a variant first identified in Britain that is more infectious and causes more serious conditions. Osaka had 974 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday while Tokyo had 925. At one Osaka nursing home, 61 residents were infected and 14 died while waiting to be hospitalised, public broadcaster NHK reported last Friday. VACCINATIONS LAG The government aims to bring infections under control with new restrictions and extended a state of emergency for much of the country late last week, a little more than two months before the opening of the Tokyo Olympics. The extended emergency covers Tokyo, Osaka, and four other prefectures and will last until May 31. The Games were postponed by a year as the coronavirus spread around the world last year and organisers are pressing ahead with plans to hold the sporting showpiece from July 23 despite mounting public opposition. Tennis player Kei Nishikori joined compatriot Naomi Osaka in expressing concern about the Olympic schedule, saying he feared an outbreak in the Athletes` Village. Some prefecture governors called for stronger emergency measures nationwide at an online meeting on Monday, the Kyodo news agency reported. Japan lags most wealthy countries in its vaccination campaign. Just 2.6% of the population has been inoculated, according to a Reuters tracker, and there are reports that people are finding it difficult to book shots. "Japan is behind. So our goal now is to really support an acceleration of the vaccination," said Christophe Weber, chief executive of Takeda Pharmaceutical Co, which is handling imports of Moderna Inc`s vaccine. Social media has simmered with discontent over the government`s handling of the pandemic. News that the deputy mayor of a central city had agreed to prioritise vaccine shots for the chairman of drug retailer Sugi Holdings Co and his wife drew thousands of angry posts on Twitter. A publishing company posted in newspapers a World War Two-era photograph of children preparing to defend the country with sticks to highlight what it saw as the government`s failure to defend the public from the virus.

Japanese region says deaths at home surge amid COVID-19 wave

New York City is still using refrigerated trucks to store bodies of coronavirus victims, more than a year after they were first set up as temporary morgues as deaths surged at the height of the pandemic.&nbsp;

The city’s medical examiner’s office said on Friday that 750 bodies are being kept in long-term storage in refrigerated trailers at a Brooklyn pier while family members sort out plans for their final resting places.&nbsp;

Dina Maniotis, a deputy commissioner with the Office of Chief Medical Examiner, told a city council committee on Wednesday that many of the bodies held at the 39th Street Pier could end up buried in the city’s potter’s field on Hart Island.&nbsp;

In April 2020, the city shortened the amount of time it would hold unclaimed remains to 14 days before burying them on Hart Island. At the time, officials said, they were exploring the option of interring unclaimed remains on the island temporarily so they could be moved later on.&nbsp;

Mark Desire, a spokesperson for the medical examiner’s office, said permanent burial on Hart Island is an option for the next-of-kin of COVID-19 victims whose bodies remain in refrigerated trucks.&nbsp;

“Long term storage was created at the height of the pandemic to ensure that families could lay their loved ones to rest as they see fit,” Desire said. “With sensitivity and compassion, we continue to work with individual families on a case by case basis during their period of mourning.&nbsp;

The non-profit news website The City reported on the matter this week. The website noted that between 500 and about 800 bodies have been kept in cold storage at any given time since April 2020.&nbsp;

Those figures were based on estimates by the medical examiner’s office compiled by the website and Columbia University’s Stabile Center for Investigative Reporting.&nbsp;

The Federal Emergency Management Agency sent 85 refrigerated trucks to serve as temporary morgues last year as COVID-19 deaths overwhelmed the city’s permanent morgues and filled storage spaces in many hospitals to capacity.&nbsp;

Many were parked outside hospitals and workers in protective gear used forklifts to place bodies inside in what became a grim, daily ritual.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

New York City is still using refrigerated trucks to store bodies of coronavirus victims, more than a year after they were first set up as temporary morgues as deaths surged at the height of the pandemic.

New York City is still using refrigerated trucks to store bodies of coronavirus victims, more than a year after they were first set up as temporary morgues as deaths surged at the height of the pandemic. The city’s medical examiner’s office said on Friday that 750 bodies are being kept in long-term storage in refrigerated trailers at a Brooklyn pier while family members sort out plans for their final resting places. Dina Maniotis, a deputy commissioner with the Office of Chief Medical Examiner, told a city council committee on Wednesday that many of the bodies held at the 39th Street Pier could end up buried in the city’s potter’s field on Hart Island. In April 2020, the city shortened the amount of time it would hold unclaimed remains to 14 days before burying them on Hart Island. At the time, officials said, they were exploring the option of interring unclaimed remains on the island temporarily so they could be moved later on. Mark Desire, a spokesperson for the medical examiner’s office, said permanent burial on Hart Island is an option for the next-of-kin of COVID-19 victims whose bodies remain in refrigerated trucks. “Long term storage was created at the height of the pandemic to ensure that families could lay their loved ones to rest as they see fit,” Desire said. “With sensitivity and compassion, we continue to work with individual families on a case by case basis during their period of mourning. The non-profit news website The City reported on the matter this week. The website noted that between 500 and about 800 bodies have been kept in cold storage at any given time since April 2020. Those figures were based on estimates by the medical examiner’s office compiled by the website and Columbia University’s Stabile Center for Investigative Reporting. The Federal Emergency Management Agency sent 85 refrigerated trucks to serve as temporary morgues last year as COVID-19 deaths overwhelmed the city’s permanent morgues and filled storage spaces in many hospitals to capacity. Many were parked outside hospitals and workers in protective gear used forklifts to place bodies inside in what became a grim, daily ritual. (With inputs from agencies)

NYC still storing COVID-19 victims in refrigerated trucks 

The World Health Organization on Monday said that the world is currently witnessing a decline in the number of COVID-19 cases and fatalities. The largest drop was reported in the Americas and Europe, which were the hardest hit regions in the world during the first wave.

"But it’s an unacceptably high plateau, with more than 5.4 million reported COVID-19 cases and almost 90,000 deaths last week," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said during a briefing.

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Currently, a second wave is ravaging South Asia with India reporting more than 300,000 daily cases over the last two weeks. Earlier on the same day, Dr David Nabarro, special envoy on COVID-19 for the World Health Organization (WHO) said that people should maintain social distancing and keep using face masks.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/covid-19-cant-keep-on-mothballing-ourselves-says-who-official-384089" hreflang="en">COVID-19: Can't keep on mothballing ourselves, says WHO official</a>

“I’m pleased with the reality that people are being quite cautious, perhaps even a little bit afraid, of what this virus might bring”, Dr Nabarro said. “But I think, at the same time, we’ve got to get on with life, and we can’t go on mothballing ourselves forever”, he added.

“So, finding a way to restart, despite this fear, is what I think we will have to do," he also said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/who-approves-chinas-sinopharm-covid-19-vaccine-for-emergency-use-383545" hreflang="en">WHO approves China's Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use</a>

The official added that a "very vigilant posture" must be maintained in the coming months. He also said that variants will appear for sure. He added, "at the same time, we have to get on with life so in our getting on with life, we have to just be on the lookout for new spikes of disease and deal with them when they come."

(With inputs from agencies)

The World Health Organization on Monday said that the world is currently witnessing a decline in the number of COVID-19 cases and fatalities. The largest drop was reported in the Americas and Europe, which were the hardest hit regions in the world during the first wave.

The World Health Organization on Monday said that the world is currently witnessing a decline in the number of COVID-19 cases and fatalities. The largest drop was reported in the Americas and Europe, which were the hardest hit regions in the world during the first wave. "But it’s an unacceptably high plateau, with more than 5.4 million reported COVID-19 cases and almost 90,000 deaths last week," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said during a briefing. Currently, a second wave is ravaging South Asia with India reporting more than 300,000 daily cases over the last two weeks. Earlier on the same day, Dr David Nabarro, special envoy on COVID-19 for the World Health Organization (WHO) said that people should maintain social distancing and keep using face masks. Also read: COVID-19: Can't keep on mothballing ourselves, says WHO official “I’m pleased with the reality that people are being quite cautious, perhaps even a little bit afraid, of what this virus might bring”, Dr Nabarro said. “But I think, at the same time, we’ve got to get on with life, and we can’t go on mothballing ourselves forever”, he added. “So, finding a way to restart, despite this fear, is what I think we will have to do," he also said. Also read: WHO approves China's Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use The official added that a "very vigilant posture" must be maintained in the coming months. He also said that variants will appear for sure. He added, "at the same time, we have to get on with life so in our getting on with life, we have to just be on the lookout for new spikes of disease and deal with them when they come." (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19 cases plateauing worldwide, says World Health Organization

An Australian court in Sydney on Monday dismissed the legal challenge filed by a 73-year old citizen stranded in Bengaluru against the federal government's controversial decision to temporarily ban the return of its citizens from COVID-19 stricken India. 
 
In its first hearing, Justice Thomas Thawley, who presided over the case, said the law was drafted with an appreciation that biosecurity emergencies might take a wide variety of forms and the precise nature of future threats could not be known. 
 
"It is tolerably clear that the chief medical officer thought further relief would come to Australia's quarantine endeavour by preventing further entry, even for those travelling indirectly through transit hubs,"&nbsp;the judge said. 
The application was filed by lawyers acting for Gary Newman last week, seeking to overturn an emergency declaration made by Health Minister Greg Hunt last month under the Biosecurity Act. 
 
Newman, who is stranded in Bengaluru since March last year, has said that the ban was "unconstitutional". 
The declaration had taken into effect last Monday making it punishable with a maximum USD 66,000 fine, five years' jail term, or both, for those who tried to return back to Australia and have been in India in the past 14 days. 
 
The temporary suspension was aimed to reduce the public health risk posed due to massive COVID-19 cases in India, the government said. The decision was widely criticised in the country, including by the Australian Indian diaspora. 
 
Last Friday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced lifting the ban on repatriation flights as of May 15th. 
According to media reports, the case was split into two parts with the court dealing first argument on if the government was acting outside the powers conferred on it by the Biosecurity Act. 
 
More arguments on if the ban was out of the Commonwealth Constitution, including if it acted as an impermissible fetter on implied freedom of citizens to enter Australia, were taken off to be dealt with at a later date if needed. 
 
The case may now proceed to hearing Newman's third and fourth arguments, which contend respectively that the travel ban was a disproportionate response in the circumstances and that it was unconstitutional. 
After recording over four lakh fresh cases for four consecutive days, India witnessed a single-day rise of 3,66,161 COVID-19 cases on Monday, which pushed its tally to 2,26,62,575, according to the health ministry. 
The death toll due to the viral disease climbed to 2,46,116 with 3,754 more people succumbing to it, the ministry's data updated at 8 am showed. 
 
In Australia, the total number of cases stand at 29,931 while the deaths due to the disease are 910, according to Johns Hopkins University.&nbsp;

An Australian court in Sydney on Monday dismissed the legal challenge filed by a 73-year old citizen stranded in Bengaluru against the federal government's controversial decision to temporarily ban the return of its citizens from COVID-19 stricken India.

An Australian court in Sydney on Monday dismissed the legal challenge filed by a 73-year old citizen stranded in Bengaluru against the federal government's controversial decision to temporarily ban the return of its citizens from COVID-19 stricken India. In its first hearing, Justice Thomas Thawley, who presided over the case, said the law was drafted with an appreciation that biosecurity emergencies might take a wide variety of forms and the precise nature of future threats could not be known. "It is tolerably clear that the chief medical officer thought further relief would come to Australia's quarantine endeavour by preventing further entry, even for those travelling indirectly through transit hubs," the judge said. The application was filed by lawyers acting for Gary Newman last week, seeking to overturn an emergency declaration made by Health Minister Greg Hunt last month under the Biosecurity Act. Newman, who is stranded in Bengaluru since March last year, has said that the ban was "unconstitutional". The declaration had taken into effect last Monday making it punishable with a maximum USD 66,000 fine, five years' jail term, or both, for those who tried to return back to Australia and have been in India in the past 14 days. The temporary suspension was aimed to reduce the public health risk posed due to massive COVID-19 cases in India, the government said. The decision was widely criticised in the country, including by the Australian Indian diaspora. Last Friday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced lifting the ban on repatriation flights as of May 15th. According to media reports, the case was split into two parts with the court dealing first argument on if the government was acting outside the powers conferred on it by the Biosecurity Act. More arguments on if the ban was out of the Commonwealth Constitution, including if it acted as an impermissible fetter on implied freedom of citizens to enter Australia, were taken off to be dealt with at a later date if needed. The case may now proceed to hearing Newman's third and fourth arguments, which contend respectively that the travel ban was a disproportionate response in the circumstances and that it was unconstitutional. After recording over four lakh fresh cases for four consecutive days, India witnessed a single-day rise of 3,66,161 COVID-19 cases on Monday, which pushed its tally to 2,26,62,575, according to the health ministry. The death toll due to the viral disease climbed to 2,46,116 with 3,754 more people succumbing to it, the ministry's data updated at 8 am showed. In Australia, the total number of cases stand at 29,931 while the deaths due to the disease are 910, according to Johns Hopkins University.

Australian court dismisses petition challenging ban on citizens from Covid-stricken India

As the world continues to battle with the pandemic, South Africa’s health minister has announced that two Covid variants of concern have been detected in the country.

According to the minister Dr Zweli Mkhize, the Network for Genomic Surveillance in South Africa (NGS-SA) confirmed that two variants of concern, other than the B.1.351 already dominating in the country, have been detected.

There were 11 cases of the B.1.1.7 variant which was first detected in the UK, while four cases of the B.1.617.2 variant, which was first found in India.

In addition, the B.1.351 (first detected in South Africa) has been sequenced from a patient travelling from Bangladesh.&nbsp;

Of the four cases of B.1.617.2, four were detected in Gauteng province, two in KwaZulu-Natal and all have a history of a recent arrival from India,&nbsp;the minister said.&nbsp;

Of the 11 cases of B.1.1.7, eight were detected in the Western Cape (with two having a history of travel from Bahrain), one was detected in KwaZulu-Natal and two&nbsp;in Gauteng.

“The B.1.1.7 has been detected in community samples and this, therefore, suggests that community transmission of B.1.1.7 has already set in. As the epidemic progresses, the detection of new variants is inevitable. The work of genomic surveillance assists us to detect the variants and understand their behaviour and to refine vaccines so they remain effective,” he said.

The minister added that all cases have been isolated and managed according to national Covid case management guidelines and contact tracing has been performed to limit the spread of this variant.

“It is important to emphasise that variants can develop at any time in any country so they do not have to be imported,” the minister added.&nbsp;

Mkhize said there is no need for panic, as the fundamentals of the public health response (testing, contact tracing, isolation and quarantine) have not changed.

“Travel restrictions will need to be balanced against the scientific realities to protect the economy. These findings are urgently being processed by the government and announcements about travel regulations will be made after all appropriate consultations have been undertaken by the cabinet,” the minister said.&nbsp;

As of Sunday, the country reported 1,596,595 positive cases, bringing the total death to 54,735.

A total of&nbsp;1,516,256 people have recovered. The number of new cases 1,778.

As the world continues to battle with the pandemic, South Africa’s health minister has announced that two Covid variants of concern have been detected in the country.

As the world continues to battle with the pandemic, South Africa’s health minister has announced that two Covid variants of concern have been detected in the country. According to the minister Dr Zweli Mkhize, the Network for Genomic Surveillance in South Africa (NGS-SA) confirmed that two variants of concern, other than the B.1.351 already dominating in the country, have been detected. There were 11 cases of the B.1.1.7 variant which was first detected in the UK, while four cases of the B.1.617.2 variant, which was first found in India. In addition, the B.1.351 (first detected in South Africa) has been sequenced from a patient travelling from Bangladesh. Of the four cases of B.1.617.2, four were detected in Gauteng province, two in KwaZulu-Natal and all have a history of a recent arrival from India, the minister said. Of the 11 cases of B.1.1.7, eight were detected in the Western Cape (with two having a history of travel from Bahrain), one was detected in KwaZulu-Natal and two in Gauteng. “The B.1.1.7 has been detected in community samples and this, therefore, suggests that community transmission of B.1.1.7 has already set in. As the epidemic progresses, the detection of new variants is inevitable. The work of genomic surveillance assists us to detect the variants and understand their behaviour and to refine vaccines so they remain effective,” he said. The minister added that all cases have been isolated and managed according to national Covid case management guidelines and contact tracing has been performed to limit the spread of this variant. “It is important to emphasise that variants can develop at any time in any country so they do not have to be imported,” the minister added. Mkhize said there is no need for panic, as the fundamentals of the public health response (testing, contact tracing, isolation and quarantine) have not changed. “Travel restrictions will need to be balanced against the scientific realities to protect the economy. These findings are urgently being processed by the government and announcements about travel regulations will be made after all appropriate consultations have been undertaken by the cabinet,” the minister said. As of Sunday, the country reported 1,596,595 positive cases, bringing the total death to 54,735. A total of 1,516,256 people have recovered. The number of new cases 1,778.

South Africa detects COVID-19 variants first found in India, UK

Sri Lanka has now become the first South Asian nation to approve Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Sri Lanka to order 5 Million Pfizer doses.

Coronavirus Update: Sri Lanka to order 5 Million Pfizer doses

An estimated 360 million Indians will get Russian covid vaccine Sputnik V's by the end of March 2022 as India will have approximately 361 million doses of vaccine, officials coordinating the entire vaccine measure in the country have said.&nbsp;

On May 1, India got the first consignment of 1.5 million doses of the vaccine, and second consignment will also reach soon. In total, India gets 18 million doses of Sputnik V, three million in May, five million in June and 10 million in July.

Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), which is the Russian sovereign wealth fund that has funded the vaccine, has signed pacts with five Indian companies to produce 850 million doses. The doses will not only be produced in India but also, exported to third country. Between June 2021 to March 2022, around 238 million doses will be produced in the country. India also expected to get 11 million doses in form of fill and finish.&nbsp;

Sputnik V vaccine is the third Covid vaccine after Covishield and Covaxin that Indian regulatory authorities have given approval to. More than 60 countries have given approval to Sputnik V and as of May 5, more than 20 million people globally have received the first injection of the Sputnik V vaccine. Interestingly, a combination of vaccines like Sputnik and AstraZeneca for use is being talked about.&nbsp;

With the announcement of Russia's single-dose Covid vaccine Sputnik Light, the volume of the vaccines, which is a variant of Sputnik V is expected to increase. Sputnik Light will also be produced in India."It will be produced in exactly the same countries where Sputnik V will be produced. So, it's India, Korea, and China," said Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian direct investment Fund (RDIF) told reporters last week in a virtual presser.&nbsp;

And it is just not that Sputnik V in the focus, India is looking at Moderna and the Quad Vaccine initiative under which vaccines will be produced in the country. When it comes to constraints for raw material for vaccines from the US, the issue has been resolved with Washington making an announcement on it days ago.&nbsp;

But perhaps the biggest breakthrough has been the US extending support to the proposal for waiver of intellectual property rights on Covid vaccines. Being termed as something that will make a 'huge difference' on the ground, it will help in the production of Covid vaccines at a huge scale as removes legal impediments. For example, India's Serum Institute can make vaccines under the licence by AstraZeneca, and these vaccines can’t be exported to some geographic areas. The matter was raised by PM Modi with US President during their talks on April 26. According to officials, the Indian PM had told President Biden that it is an opportunity to make a difference.&nbsp;

An estimated 360 million Indians will get Russian covid vaccine Sputnik V's by the end of March 2022 as India will have approximately 361 million doses of vaccine, officials coordinating the entire vaccine measure in the country have said.

An estimated 360 million Indians will get Russian covid vaccine Sputnik V's by the end of March 2022 as India will have approximately 361 million doses of vaccine, officials coordinating the entire vaccine measure in the country have said. On May 1, India got the first consignment of 1.5 million doses of the vaccine, and second consignment will also reach soon. In total, India gets 18 million doses of Sputnik V, three million in May, five million in June and 10 million in July. Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), which is the Russian sovereign wealth fund that has funded the vaccine, has signed pacts with five Indian companies to produce 850 million doses. The doses will not only be produced in India but also, exported to third country. Between June 2021 to March 2022, around 238 million doses will be produced in the country. India also expected to get 11 million doses in form of fill and finish. Sputnik V vaccine is the third Covid vaccine after Covishield and Covaxin that Indian regulatory authorities have given approval to. More than 60 countries have given approval to Sputnik V and as of May 5, more than 20 million people globally have received the first injection of the Sputnik V vaccine. Interestingly, a combination of vaccines like Sputnik and AstraZeneca for use is being talked about. With the announcement of Russia's single-dose Covid vaccine Sputnik Light, the volume of the vaccines, which is a variant of Sputnik V is expected to increase. Sputnik Light will also be produced in India."It will be produced in exactly the same countries where Sputnik V will be produced. So, it's India, Korea, and China," said Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian direct investment Fund (RDIF) told reporters last week in a virtual presser. And it is just not that Sputnik V in the focus, India is looking at Moderna and the Quad Vaccine initiative under which vaccines will be produced in the country. When it comes to constraints for raw material for vaccines from the US, the issue has been resolved with Washington making an announcement on it days ago. But perhaps the biggest breakthrough has been the US extending support to the proposal for waiver of intellectual property rights on Covid vaccines. Being termed as something that will make a 'huge difference' on the ground, it will help in the production of Covid vaccines at a huge scale as removes legal impediments. For example, India's Serum Institute can make vaccines under the licence by AstraZeneca, and these vaccines can’t be exported to some geographic areas. The matter was raised by PM Modi with US President during their talks on April 26. According to officials, the Indian PM had told President Biden that it is an opportunity to make a difference.

360 million Indians to get Sputnik V jabs by March 2022 

Ahead of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's vote of confidence scheduled for May 10 in Nepal, five ministers and around 25 Members of Parliament have tested positive for COVID19.

COVID-19: 25 Nepalese MPs test COVID positive

Doctors and nurses with fang stickers on their scrubs are offering free Pfizer shots to all-comers at 14th century Bran Castle, which is purported to be an inspiration for the vampire's towering home in Bram Stoker’s novel "Dracula".

COVID-19: 'Dracula's Castle' offers tourists COVID shots

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