Indian skipper Virat Kohli took to Twitter to express his "gratitude" towards the healthcare and frontline workers who are tirelessly working amidst the COVID-19 crisis wreaking havoc across India.&nbsp;

IN PICS|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-pat-cummins-to-virat-kohli-cricketing-stalwarts-who-contributed-in-indias-fight-against-covid-19-381735" hreflang="en">From Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli: Cricketing stalwarts who contributed in India's fight against COVID-19</a>

He took to social media and wrote: "I have nothing but gratitude for all the healthcare &amp; frontline workers, I am in awe of their spirit and dedication. I also want to thank all the people who came forward in such difficult times &amp; helped each other. India is grateful to have heroes like you."

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I have nothing but gratitude for all the healthcare &amp; frontline workers, I am in awe of their spirit and dedication. I also want to thank all the people who came forward in such difficult times &amp; helped each other. India is grateful to have heroes like you.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/InThisTogether?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#InThisTogether</a>🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/2YywzjRN4C">pic.twitter.com/2YywzjRN4C</a>
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/1391257413400080385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, Kohli and Anushka Sharma launched a fundraiser for COVID-19 relief. The Indian skipper, while declaring the launch of his fundraiser drive, revealed that all donations will go to ACT Grants, who are attempting to take care of the issue of deficiency of oxygen supply. ACT Grants is additionally putting forth attempts to address the deficiency of medical staff and hospital beds while helping with increasing India's vaccination endeavours.

Virat Kohli pled to his fans and family to contribute towards the fundraiser. Despite the fact that Virat Kohli didn't reveal the amount that he and his wife donated, the pledge drive site said that the couple donated Rs 2 crore.

India recorded 4,03,738 fresh COVID-19 cases in a day, which pushed the tally to 2,22,96,414, according to the Union health ministry data updated on Sunday.&nbsp;

The death toll climbed to 2,42,362 with 4,092 daily deaths, the data updated at 8 am showed. &nbsp;

Registering a steady increase, the active cases have increased to 37,36,648, comprising 16.76 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 82.15 per cent.&nbsp;

The number of people, who have recuperated from the disease, surged to 1,83,17,404 with 3,86,444 patients recovering in a day, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.09 per cent, the data stated.&nbsp;

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 30,22,75,471 samples have been tested up to May 8 with 18,65,428 samples being tested on Saturday. &nbsp;

Indian skipper Virat Kohli took to Twitter to express his "gratitude" towards the healthcare and frontline workers who are tirelessly working amidst the COVID-19 crisis wreaking havoc across India.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli took to Twitter to express his "gratitude" towards the healthcare and frontline workers who are tirelessly working amidst the COVID-19 crisis wreaking havoc across India. IN PICS| From Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli: Cricketing stalwarts who contributed in India's fight against COVID-19 He took to social media and wrote: "I have nothing but gratitude for all the healthcare & frontline workers, I am in awe of their spirit and dedication. I also want to thank all the people who came forward in such difficult times & helped each other. India is grateful to have heroes like you." I have nothing but gratitude for all the healthcare & frontline workers, I am in awe of their spirit and dedication. I also want to thank all the people who came forward in such difficult times & helped each other. India is grateful to have heroes like you.#InThisTogether🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/2YywzjRN4C — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) May 9, 2021 × Earlier, Kohli and Anushka Sharma launched a fundraiser for COVID-19 relief. The Indian skipper, while declaring the launch of his fundraiser drive, revealed that all donations will go to ACT Grants, who are attempting to take care of the issue of deficiency of oxygen supply. ACT Grants is additionally putting forth attempts to address the deficiency of medical staff and hospital beds while helping with increasing India's vaccination endeavours. Virat Kohli pled to his fans and family to contribute towards the fundraiser. Despite the fact that Virat Kohli didn't reveal the amount that he and his wife donated, the pledge drive site said that the couple donated Rs 2 crore. India recorded 4,03,738 fresh COVID-19 cases in a day, which pushed the tally to 2,22,96,414, according to the Union health ministry data updated on Sunday. The death toll climbed to 2,42,362 with 4,092 daily deaths, the data updated at 8 am showed. Registering a steady increase, the active cases have increased to 37,36,648, comprising 16.76 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 82.15 per cent. The number of people, who have recuperated from the disease, surged to 1,83,17,404 with 3,86,444 patients recovering in a day, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.09 per cent, the data stated. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 30,22,75,471 samples have been tested up to May 8 with 18,65,428 samples being tested on Saturday.

Virat Kohli expresses his 'gratitude' towards frontline workers amidst COVID-19 crisis

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.

India to receive 360 million Sputnik jabs by March 2022

In order to curb the rising number of coronavirus infections, authorities in Pakistan are imposing a complete countrywide lockdown from May 8.

Pakistan: 9-Day long lockdown imposed as cases soar

Spain has lifted a state of emergency in place since October to fight the pandemic, allowing Spaniards to travel between regions for the first time in months.

"It's like New Year's," said 28-year-old Oriol Corbella in Barcelona, where the lifting of the curfew was met with shouts, applause and music.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Spain to open tourism, but only for 'Covid passport' holders">Spain to open tourism, but only for 'Covid passport' holders</a>

"We're getting a bit of normality back, of freedom, but we have to keep in mind that the virus is still around," he added.

"I was fed up with not being able to get out of Madrid," jewellery designer Blaca Valls told AFP on Saturday, echoing the relief of many in the country over the easing of restrictions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Spain to enforce quarantine on travellers from India">Spain to enforce quarantine on travellers from India</a>

"I felt frustrated, locked down, with no freedom," added the 46-year-old who plans to go to Galicia, in northwest Spain, next weekend to celebrate a birthday.

Argentina Enriquez, a 37-year-old Mexican student, said she was impatiently waiting to head to the countryside to enjoy barbecues with friends, play the guitar and go for walks.

"Just being together... a lot of emotions," she said.

Although the emergency measure, which expired at midnight (2200 GMT Saturday) will lead to more freedoms, it is a headache for the country's 17 regional governments responsible for health care.

The state of emergency provided them with a legal framework to impose measures -- such as nighttime curfews or a ban on non-essential travel between regions -- that limited freedoms.

Except for a few days over Christmas when the restrictions were lifted, people have not been able to travel to other regions, go on holiday, or see family.

Discouraged by the surge in infections after Christmas, the authorities did not loosen internal travel restrictions during Easter week, normally a peak travel period in Spain.

But what really angered Spaniards was the fact that foreign tourists were able to pour into the country on holiday while they were banned from travelling to the beach or visiting loved ones.

While intra-regional travel bans have ended and curfews have been lifted, not all of the restrictions are being relaxed in Spain, one of Europe's hardest-hit nations with nearly 79,000 deaths and 3.5 million infections.

Regions can still restrict opening hours and impose capacity limits in bars and restaurants.

They can also seek court approval for stricter measures such as reimposing curfews, capping the number allowed at home gatherings or extending a ban on internal travel.

But the courts have offered different rulings, leading to a patchwork of measures across the country.

A court in the eastern Valencia region approved a midnight-to-6:00 am curfew, while the top court in the northern Basque Country said the area could not keep its nighttime curfew.

To avoid this scenario, several regions have lobbied Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's government to extend the emergency.

But his administration has refused, saying the measures could not remain in place indefinitely, pointing out that the infection rate was stable and that Spain's vaccination programme was progressing rapidly.

Even so, it passed a decree allowing regions the right to appeal to the Supreme Court if a local court strikes down a proposed measure.&nbsp;

At the head of a minority government, Sanchez had faced an uphill struggle to cobble together enough support to approve an extension of the state of emergency.

State-owned rail operator&nbsp;Renfe says ticket sales for next week are up 13 percent over the last seven days.

But after more than a year of restrictions, and with the weather turning hot and sunny, the authorities have warned people against letting down their guard.&nbsp;

Spaniards must be careful "not to get the wrong impression about what ending the state of emergency means... it doesn't mean an end to the restrictions," the health ministry's emergencies coordinator Fernando Simon said on Thursday.

Everyone must continue to behave responsibly, he insisted.

"Nothing can be ruled out in terms of the evolution of the pandemic."

Spain has lifted a state of emergency in place since October to fight the pandemic, allowing Spaniards to travel between regions for the first time in months. "It's like New Year's," said 28-year-old Oriol Corbella in Barcelona, where the lifting of the curfew was met with shouts, applause and music.

Spain has lifted a state of emergency in place since October to fight the pandemic, allowing Spaniards to travel between regions for the first time in months. "It's like New Year's," said 28-year-old Oriol Corbella in Barcelona, where the lifting of the curfew was met with shouts, applause and music. Also read | Spain to open tourism, but only for 'Covid passport' holders "We're getting a bit of normality back, of freedom, but we have to keep in mind that the virus is still around," he added. "I was fed up with not being able to get out of Madrid," jewellery designer Blaca Valls told AFP on Saturday, echoing the relief of many in the country over the easing of restrictions. Also read | Spain to enforce quarantine on travellers from India "I felt frustrated, locked down, with no freedom," added the 46-year-old who plans to go to Galicia, in northwest Spain, next weekend to celebrate a birthday. Argentina Enriquez, a 37-year-old Mexican student, said she was impatiently waiting to head to the countryside to enjoy barbecues with friends, play the guitar and go for walks. "Just being together... a lot of emotions," she said. Although the emergency measure, which expired at midnight (2200 GMT Saturday) will lead to more freedoms, it is a headache for the country's 17 regional governments responsible for health care. The state of emergency provided them with a legal framework to impose measures -- such as nighttime curfews or a ban on non-essential travel between regions -- that limited freedoms. Except for a few days over Christmas when the restrictions were lifted, people have not been able to travel to other regions, go on holiday, or see family. Discouraged by the surge in infections after Christmas, the authorities did not loosen internal travel restrictions during Easter week, normally a peak travel period in Spain. But what really angered Spaniards was the fact that foreign tourists were able to pour into the country on holiday while they were banned from travelling to the beach or visiting loved ones. While intra-regional travel bans have ended and curfews have been lifted, not all of the restrictions are being relaxed in Spain, one of Europe's hardest-hit nations with nearly 79,000 deaths and 3.5 million infections. Regions can still restrict opening hours and impose capacity limits in bars and restaurants. They can also seek court approval for stricter measures such as reimposing curfews, capping the number allowed at home gatherings or extending a ban on internal travel. But the courts have offered different rulings, leading to a patchwork of measures across the country. A court in the eastern Valencia region approved a midnight-to-6:00 am curfew, while the top court in the northern Basque Country said the area could not keep its nighttime curfew. To avoid this scenario, several regions have lobbied Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's government to extend the emergency. But his administration has refused, saying the measures could not remain in place indefinitely, pointing out that the infection rate was stable and that Spain's vaccination programme was progressing rapidly. Even so, it passed a decree allowing regions the right to appeal to the Supreme Court if a local court strikes down a proposed measure. At the head of a minority government, Sanchez had faced an uphill struggle to cobble together enough support to approve an extension of the state of emergency. State-owned rail operator Renfe says ticket sales for next week are up 13 percent over the last seven days. But after more than a year of restrictions, and with the weather turning hot and sunny, the authorities have warned people against letting down their guard. Spaniards must be careful "not to get the wrong impression about what ending the state of emergency means... it doesn't mean an end to the restrictions," the health ministry's emergencies coordinator Fernando Simon said on Thursday. Everyone must continue to behave responsibly, he insisted. "Nothing can be ruled out in terms of the evolution of the pandemic."

COVID 19 : Spain ends Covid state of emergency

The overall global Covid-19 caseload has topped 157.2 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 3.27 million, according to the Johns Hopkins University.&nbsp;

In its latest update on Sunday morning, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload and death toll stood at 157,250,537 and 3,278,007, respectively. &nbsp;

The US continues to be the worst-hit country with the world's highest number of cases and deaths at 32,685,864 and 581,511, respectively, according to the CSSE.&nbsp;

In terms of infections, India follows in the second place with 21,892,676 cases.&nbsp;

The other countries with more than two million confirmed coronavirus cases are Brazil (15,145,879), France (5,829,166), Turkey (5,016,141), Russia (4,816,331), the UK (4,448,808), Italy (4,102,921), Spain (3,567,408), Germany (3,520,392), Argentina (3,136,158), Colombia (2,985,536), Poland (2,829,196), Iran (2,640,670), Mexico (2,361,874) and Ukraine (2,169,650), the CSSE figures showed.&nbsp;

In terms of deaths, Brazil comes second with 421,316 fatalities. Nations with a death toll of over 50,000 are India (238,270), Mexico (218,657), the UK (127,863), Italy (122,694), Russia (111,097), France (106,438), Germany (84,668), Spain (78,792), Colombia (77,359), Iran (74,241), Poland (74,524), Argentina (69,866), Peru (67,042) and South Africa (54,687).

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The overall global Covid-19 caseload has topped 157.2 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 3.27 million, according to the Johns Hopkins University.

The overall global Covid-19 caseload has topped 157.2 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 3.27 million, according to the Johns Hopkins University. In its latest update on Sunday morning, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload and death toll stood at 157,250,537 and 3,278,007, respectively. The US continues to be the worst-hit country with the world's highest number of cases and deaths at 32,685,864 and 581,511, respectively, according to the CSSE. In terms of infections, India follows in the second place with 21,892,676 cases. The other countries with more than two million confirmed coronavirus cases are Brazil (15,145,879), France (5,829,166), Turkey (5,016,141), Russia (4,816,331), the UK (4,448,808), Italy (4,102,921), Spain (3,567,408), Germany (3,520,392), Argentina (3,136,158), Colombia (2,985,536), Poland (2,829,196), Iran (2,640,670), Mexico (2,361,874) and Ukraine (2,169,650), the CSSE figures showed. In terms of deaths, Brazil comes second with 421,316 fatalities. Nations with a death toll of over 50,000 are India (238,270), Mexico (218,657), the UK (127,863), Italy (122,694), Russia (111,097), France (106,438), Germany (84,668), Spain (78,792), Colombia (77,359), Iran (74,241), Poland (74,524), Argentina (69,866), Peru (67,042) and South Africa (54,687). (With inputs from agencies)

Global Covid-19 caseload tops 157.2 million 

Ahead of the of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's vote of confidence scheduled for May 10, five ministers and around 25 Members of Parliament have tested positive for COVID-19, Lila Nath Shrestha, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs confirmed the WION.&nbsp;

Minister of women, children and senior citizens Julie Kumari Mahato, minister for energy, water resources and irrigation, Top Bahadur Rayamajhi, culture, tourism and civil aviation minister Bhanu Bhakte Dhakal are among the five ministers, who have tested positive. &nbsp;

RT-PCR (Real Time- Polymerase Chain Reaction) tests conducted from Wednesday to Friday ahead of Monday's special session confirmed the infection in around 25 members of parliament.&nbsp;

“A total five ministers and around 25 Members of Parliament have tested positive. It is sure that they will cast their vote, but we are trying to arrange a way for them to be able to vote,” Lila Nath Shrestha told WION. &nbsp;

Speaking to WION, Nepali Congress leader Padam Narayan Chaudhary said that an 18-member committee will hold a meeting today to arrange a way for the leaders to vote. &nbsp;

“A committee comprising of leaders from all parties, Chief Ministers will hold a meeting today. There is a chance that online voting might take place for the leaders, who have tested positive. The coronavirus will not stop the voting,” said Chaudhary. &nbsp;

The House of Representatives will decide the fate of Oli if he continues to reign or loses power. &nbsp;

The Maoist Centre has a total of 49 lawmakers, Nepali Congress has 61 and the Samajbadi Party has 31 in the lower house. Since the ruling CPN-UML has a total of 121 lawmakers, Prime Minister Oli is short of 15 lawmakers to save his government in the 275-member House.&nbsp;

Ahead of the of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's vote of confidence scheduled for May 10, five ministers and around 25 Members of Parliament have tested positive for COVID-19, Lila Nath Shrestha, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs confirmed the WION.

Ahead of the of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's vote of confidence scheduled for May 10, five ministers and around 25 Members of Parliament have tested positive for COVID-19, Lila Nath Shrestha, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs confirmed the WION. Minister of women, children and senior citizens Julie Kumari Mahato, minister for energy, water resources and irrigation, Top Bahadur Rayamajhi, culture, tourism and civil aviation minister Bhanu Bhakte Dhakal are among the five ministers, who have tested positive. RT-PCR (Real Time- Polymerase Chain Reaction) tests conducted from Wednesday to Friday ahead of Monday's special session confirmed the infection in around 25 members of parliament. “A total five ministers and around 25 Members of Parliament have tested positive. It is sure that they will cast their vote, but we are trying to arrange a way for them to be able to vote,” Lila Nath Shrestha told WION. Speaking to WION, Nepali Congress leader Padam Narayan Chaudhary said that an 18-member committee will hold a meeting today to arrange a way for the leaders to vote. “A committee comprising of leaders from all parties, Chief Ministers will hold a meeting today. There is a chance that online voting might take place for the leaders, who have tested positive. The coronavirus will not stop the voting,” said Chaudhary. The House of Representatives will decide the fate of Oli if he continues to reign or loses power. The Maoist Centre has a total of 49 lawmakers, Nepali Congress has 61 and the Samajbadi Party has 31 in the lower house. Since the ruling CPN-UML has a total of 121 lawmakers, Prime Minister Oli is short of 15 lawmakers to save his government in the 275-member House.

Five ministers, 25 MPs test COVID-19 positive ahead of Nepal PM’s floor test

Describing the surge of COVID-19 infections and deaths in India as "nothing short of heartbreaking", Vice President Kamala Harris said on Friday that the country's welfare is critically important to the United States.

Pledging that the Biden administration is determined to help India in its hour of need, Harris said that the entire government machinery has been galvanised to help the country in this hour of crisis.

India is struggling with a second wave of the pandemic with more than 4,00,000 daily new coronavirus cases being reported in the past few days, and hospitals are reeling under a shortage of medical oxygen and beds.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="US stands with India: First of $100 million Covid aid from US arrives in India ">US stands with India: First of $100 million Covid aid from US arrives in India&nbsp;</a>

"At the beginning of the pandemic, when our hospital beds were stretched, India sent assistance. And today, we are determined to help India in its hour of need", Harris said in her remarks at the State Department's Diaspora outreach event on US COVID Relief for India.

"We do this as friends of India, as members of the Asian Quad, and as part of the global community. I believe that if we continue to work together across nations and sectors we will all get through this",&nbsp;Harris said.

The Biden-Harris Administration has announced $100 million assistance to India to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. In about a week's time, as many as six plane loads of COVID-19 assistance have landed in India.

The entire administration has been galvanized to help India in this hour of crisis. The White House and the State Department is coordinating with the corporate sector, which has mounted an unprecedented private sector relief for any country ever.

Indian-Americans have been raising millions of dollars and have been sending life-saving health care equipment and medicines to India.

Sewa International USA has raised more than USD 10 million, American Association of Physicians of Indian-Origin or AAPI have raised $3.5 million and Indiaspora more than $2 million, to name some of them.

In her remarks, Harris recognised the contribution of Indian-Americans on the issue.

"For years, diaspora groups like Indiaspora and the American India Foundation have built bridges between the United States and India. And this past year, you have provided vital contributions to COVID-19 relief efforts. Thank you for your work," said the vice president.

"As many of you know, generations of my family come from India. My mother was born and raised in India. And I have family members who live in India today. The welfare of India is critically important to the United States,&nbsp;Harris said.

"The surge of COVID-19 infections and deaths in India is nothing short of heartbreaking. To those of you who have lost loved ones, I send my deepest condolences. As soon as the dire nature of the situation became apparent, our Administration took action", she said, referring to the steps that the Biden-Harris Administration has taken to help India in this hour of crisis.

On April 26, President Joe Biden spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to offer America's support.

By April 30, US military members and civilians were delivering relief on the ground, she said, referring to the whole-of-government approach that the administration has taken to help India.&nbsp;

Describing the surge of COVID-19 infections and deaths in India as "nothing short of heartbreaking", Vice President Kamala Harris said on Friday that the country's welfare is critically important to the United States.

Describing the surge of COVID-19 infections and deaths in India as "nothing short of heartbreaking", Vice President Kamala Harris said on Friday that the country's welfare is critically important to the United States. Pledging that the Biden administration is determined to help India in its hour of need, Harris said that the entire government machinery has been galvanised to help the country in this hour of crisis. India is struggling with a second wave of the pandemic with more than 4,00,000 daily new coronavirus cases being reported in the past few days, and hospitals are reeling under a shortage of medical oxygen and beds. Also read | US stands with India: First of $100 million Covid aid from US arrives in India "At the beginning of the pandemic, when our hospital beds were stretched, India sent assistance. And today, we are determined to help India in its hour of need", Harris said in her remarks at the State Department's Diaspora outreach event on US COVID Relief for India. "We do this as friends of India, as members of the Asian Quad, and as part of the global community. I believe that if we continue to work together across nations and sectors we will all get through this", Harris said. The Biden-Harris Administration has announced $100 million assistance to India to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. In about a week's time, as many as six plane loads of COVID-19 assistance have landed in India. The entire administration has been galvanized to help India in this hour of crisis. The White House and the State Department is coordinating with the corporate sector, which has mounted an unprecedented private sector relief for any country ever. Indian-Americans have been raising millions of dollars and have been sending life-saving health care equipment and medicines to India. Sewa International USA has raised more than USD 10 million, American Association of Physicians of Indian-Origin or AAPI have raised $3.5 million and Indiaspora more than $2 million, to name some of them. In her remarks, Harris recognised the contribution of Indian-Americans on the issue. "For years, diaspora groups like Indiaspora and the American India Foundation have built bridges between the United States and India. And this past year, you have provided vital contributions to COVID-19 relief efforts. Thank you for your work," said the vice president. "As many of you know, generations of my family come from India. My mother was born and raised in India. And I have family members who live in India today. The welfare of India is critically important to the United States, Harris said. "The surge of COVID-19 infections and deaths in India is nothing short of heartbreaking. To those of you who have lost loved ones, I send my deepest condolences. As soon as the dire nature of the situation became apparent, our Administration took action", she said, referring to the steps that the Biden-Harris Administration has taken to help India in this hour of crisis. On April 26, President Joe Biden spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to offer America's support. By April 30, US military members and civilians were delivering relief on the ground, she said, referring to the whole-of-government approach that the administration has taken to help India.

COVID-19 surge in India heartbreaking; US determined to help the country: VP Kamala Harris

As India is battering a new wave of the novel coronavirus, the situation in neighbouring Nepal is also grim.

COVID-19: Nepal's Coronavirus tally hits new high

India has recorded more than 400,000 fresh COVID-19 cases for a second consecutive day and more than 3900 COVID deaths has been reported in a single day. The United Kingdom is sending an additional thousand ventilators and three oxygen producing units to India.

COVID-19 Updates: United Kingdom sends 3 oxygen producing units to India

The pandemic has forced working women to double up as full-time caregivers. It has also forced them to choose between career and family. Most working women are burned out, many are being forced to quit their jobs. WION’s Palki Sharma has the grim details.

Gravitas: Pandemic takes a toll on women professionals

From Padikkal to Hussey: IPL members who tested positive for COVID-19

From Pat Cummins to Virat Kohli: Cricketing stalwarts who contributed in India's fight against COVID-19

You could hear the music from the sidewalk, high-spirited renditions of “Ice Ice Baby” and “MMMBop.”

It was ’90s night at Rumi, a ballroom and event space in the Chelsea section of Manhattan in New York City, and millennials and Gen Zers lined up to get inside. They dressed the part in tracksuits, neon crop tops, denim overalls and scrunchies.

To enter, they had to pass two checkpoints. First, a bouncer verified IDs and took temperatures. Then, Joseph Ko, one of the ballroom’s owners, confirmed that each person had been fully vaccinated for COVID-19. The process took about five minutes.

The crowd seemed happy, eager even, to comply. Some flashed their paper vaccination cards, protected in a plastic case or folded into their wallets. “I carry it around with me everywhere,” said Tom Allen, 25, a lawyer in Chelsea, pulling the card out from his passport. He was with eight friends who had been texting days earlier to make sure everyone had the proper documentation.

Catherine Fiorentino, 35, a lawyer who lives in downtown Brooklyn, used an Excelsior Pass, a digital “vaccine passport” created by New York state. “This is the first time I’m going to an Excelsior Pass event. It’s so cool,” she said. “I’m not just excited to get to my first party post-COVID, but I’m excited to spend it with other people who are also vaccinated.”

Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now advises that fully vaccinated people can gather indoors without masks (and stand closer than 6 feet apart), the ballroom took extra precaution, per state guidelines: Each group was assigned to a designated area marked off by white tape. But within each group, it felt like old times: Patrons were dancing, singing at the top of their lungs and smooching on the dance floor.

“I feel like I can drink without a mask on, dance without a mask on and be a little less cautious,” Fiorentino said.

Vaccinated-only parties have started to pop up across the country, especially in and around New York City, where anyone over 16 has been eligible for vaccination since April 6.

Bar and club owners in New York are not required to check for vaccine cards, but there are benefits to doing so. On May 3, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that places where proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test is required can operate at a greater capacity.

Some partygoers say they feel safer knowing that others are vaccinated. That was the case at the Bear Party, a sex-positive gathering for men held in a midtown Manhattan loft. To its long list of house rules (no shirts, no pants, no alcohol) comes a new one: Patrons must be fully vaccinated.

In addition to a CDC card or an Excelsior Pass, patrons can also show documentation proving they “were part of a vaccine trial, were unblinded and did indeed receive real vaccine,” according to the Bear Party website. “Foreign vaccine card equivalents, Green Passes, etc. will be accepted too.”

At 6 p.m. on a recent Friday, about a dozen guests in gym clothes and jeans arrived at a nondescript door at a building in the West 30s between a construction site and a South American restaurant. Like well-behaved schoolchildren, they had their vaccine cards out and ready to show before entering the building.

“I will have more fun knowing everybody inside is vaccinated,” said a 35-year-old man who declined to give his name. He kept his vaccine card in a Ziploc bag. “Especially with sex, it’s important that people feel as safe as possible.”

Some patrons likened the process at some venues to showing off their IDs on their 21st birthday. Time will tell whether vaccine cards become the new velvet rope, or whether the novelty will last.

While New York state is encouraging bars and clubs to ask for proof of vaccination, other states are handling the situation differently. California does not have its own vaccine passport, but it does allow indoor events that check for vaccinations (or negative COVID tests) to operate at greater capacity. In Florida, however, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation this week making it illegal for businesses, schools and government offices to require proof of vaccination, with fines of up to $5,000.

Legal experts say that absent such a law, public establishments are allowed to require proof of vaccination for entry. “If you are a bar or club you can legally discriminate on the basis of someone’s vaccination status, but the law requires you to give reasonable accommodation to those persons who have a medical disability or sincerely held religious beliefs,” said Lee Jacobs, a partner at Helbraun Levey, a law firm that represents restaurants, bars and hotels.

Private parties are different. “If you are a private citizen, you can mandate everyone is vaccinated,” Jacobs added.

John Seitz, 45, an anesthesiologist in Manhattan, was invited to such a party last month. A friend was moving out of his apartment and invited 70 people for a last hurrah. “He sent out a thing on Facebook that said you have to have a vaccine or a negative COVID test,” Seitz said.

At the party, he was greeted by a bouncer who asked for a vaccine card. He showed him a photo on his phone in lieu of the real thing. (“If you lose it you are screwed,” he said.) Guests gathered around a bar stocked with beer, wine and liquor. A DJ played house music until 3 a.m.

Some hosts have resorted to more elaborate procedures, and have hired medical professionals to verify the vaccination status of guests.

“These are elite parties thrown by companies or people with a lot of money,” said Dr. Asma Rashid, who runs a medical concierge service in the Hamptons that was hired to vet guests for 10 events last month. “They are birthday parties, weddings, conferences. They send out invitations and have people send a proof of vaccination to us.”

“If you want to be in the social circle and you want to party it up,” she added, “you need to be vaccinated.”

You could hear the music from the sidewalk, high-spirited renditions of “Ice Ice Baby” and “MMMBop.” It was ’90s night at Rumi, a ballroom and event space in the Chelsea section of Manhattan in New York City, and millennials and Gen Zers lined up to get inside.

You could hear the music from the sidewalk, high-spirited renditions of “Ice Ice Baby” and “MMMBop.” It was ’90s night at Rumi, a ballroom and event space in the Chelsea section of Manhattan in New York City, and millennials and Gen Zers lined up to get inside. They dressed the part in tracksuits, neon crop tops, denim overalls and scrunchies. To enter, they had to pass two checkpoints. First, a bouncer verified IDs and took temperatures. Then, Joseph Ko, one of the ballroom’s owners, confirmed that each person had been fully vaccinated for COVID-19. The process took about five minutes. The crowd seemed happy, eager even, to comply. Some flashed their paper vaccination cards, protected in a plastic case or folded into their wallets. “I carry it around with me everywhere,” said Tom Allen, 25, a lawyer in Chelsea, pulling the card out from his passport. He was with eight friends who had been texting days earlier to make sure everyone had the proper documentation. Catherine Fiorentino, 35, a lawyer who lives in downtown Brooklyn, used an Excelsior Pass, a digital “vaccine passport” created by New York state. “This is the first time I’m going to an Excelsior Pass event. It’s so cool,” she said. “I’m not just excited to get to my first party post-COVID, but I’m excited to spend it with other people who are also vaccinated.” Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now advises that fully vaccinated people can gather indoors without masks (and stand closer than 6 feet apart), the ballroom took extra precaution, per state guidelines: Each group was assigned to a designated area marked off by white tape. But within each group, it felt like old times: Patrons were dancing, singing at the top of their lungs and smooching on the dance floor. “I feel like I can drink without a mask on, dance without a mask on and be a little less cautious,” Fiorentino said. Vaccinated-only parties have started to pop up across the country, especially in and around New York City, where anyone over 16 has been eligible for vaccination since April 6. Bar and club owners in New York are not required to check for vaccine cards, but there are benefits to doing so. On May 3, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that places where proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test is required can operate at a greater capacity. Some partygoers say they feel safer knowing that others are vaccinated. That was the case at the Bear Party, a sex-positive gathering for men held in a midtown Manhattan loft. To its long list of house rules (no shirts, no pants, no alcohol) comes a new one: Patrons must be fully vaccinated. In addition to a CDC card or an Excelsior Pass, patrons can also show documentation proving they “were part of a vaccine trial, were unblinded and did indeed receive real vaccine,” according to the Bear Party website. “Foreign vaccine card equivalents, Green Passes, etc. will be accepted too.” At 6 p.m. on a recent Friday, about a dozen guests in gym clothes and jeans arrived at a nondescript door at a building in the West 30s between a construction site and a South American restaurant. Like well-behaved schoolchildren, they had their vaccine cards out and ready to show before entering the building. “I will have more fun knowing everybody inside is vaccinated,” said a 35-year-old man who declined to give his name. He kept his vaccine card in a Ziploc bag. “Especially with sex, it’s important that people feel as safe as possible.” Some patrons likened the process at some venues to showing off their IDs on their 21st birthday. Time will tell whether vaccine cards become the new velvet rope, or whether the novelty will last. While New York state is encouraging bars and clubs to ask for proof of vaccination, other states are handling the situation differently. California does not have its own vaccine passport, but it does allow indoor events that check for vaccinations (or negative COVID tests) to operate at greater capacity. In Florida, however, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation this week making it illegal for businesses, schools and government offices to require proof of vaccination, with fines of up to $5,000. Legal experts say that absent such a law, public establishments are allowed to require proof of vaccination for entry. “If you are a bar or club you can legally discriminate on the basis of someone’s vaccination status, but the law requires you to give reasonable accommodation to those persons who have a medical disability or sincerely held religious beliefs,” said Lee Jacobs, a partner at Helbraun Levey, a law firm that represents restaurants, bars and hotels. Private parties are different. “If you are a private citizen, you can mandate everyone is vaccinated,” Jacobs added. John Seitz, 45, an anesthesiologist in Manhattan, was invited to such a party last month. A friend was moving out of his apartment and invited 70 people for a last hurrah. “He sent out a thing on Facebook that said you have to have a vaccine or a negative COVID test,” Seitz said. At the party, he was greeted by a bouncer who asked for a vaccine card. He showed him a photo on his phone in lieu of the real thing. (“If you lose it you are screwed,” he said.) Guests gathered around a bar stocked with beer, wine and liquor. A DJ played house music until 3 a.m. Some hosts have resorted to more elaborate procedures, and have hired medical professionals to verify the vaccination status of guests. “These are elite parties thrown by companies or people with a lot of money,” said Dr. Asma Rashid, who runs a medical concierge service in the Hamptons that was hired to vet guests for 10 events last month. “They are birthday parties, weddings, conferences. They send out invitations and have people send a proof of vaccination to us.” “If you want to be in the social circle and you want to party it up,” she added, “you need to be vaccinated.”

Want to party? You might need a ‘vaccine passport.’

India's deadly COVID-19 second wave is making global headlines. India's young generation has turned to applications to save lives.

Coronavirus Update: India's young turn to apps to save lives

The ongoing COVID-19 crisis in India has garnered global attention, with support from all corners of the world. Hollywood A-lister Drew Barrymore too has shared a personal, heartfelt message dedicated to the people of India.

Coronavirus: Actress Drew Barrymore on India's COVID crisis

Maldives&nbsp;began a&nbsp;night-time&nbsp;curfew&nbsp;from Thursday to control a doubling of daily coronavirus&nbsp;infections&nbsp;that was fuelled by crowds at a local election and family gatherings during the ongoing Muslim fasting month of Ramzan.

The Health Protection Agency announced the&nbsp;curfew&nbsp;on Wednesday&nbsp;after&nbsp;government data showed daily cases grew to 734 from 318 a week ago. Most of the cases reported on Wednesday were in the crowded capital Male.

Restrictions have been placed on movement between islands, although there are no curbs on tourists headed to private island resorts if they can produce a negative&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;test. The health agency also ordered mandatory physical distancing in mosques.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Former President of Maldives Mohamed Nasheed injured in a suspected bomb attack">Former President of Maldives Mohamed Nasheed injured in a suspected bomb attack</a>

"The numbers are very high. If we are not able to significantly lower these numbers, we are going to face very difficult days. So we have to get ready," said Mabrook Azeez, the spokesman for the President's Office.

There were large gatherings during the council elections held on April 10, and mass groupings have only increased during Ramzan, with communal prayers being held without any physical distancing in the capital Male.

Australian cricketers and staff involved in the Indian Premier League are headed to the&nbsp;Maldives&nbsp;after&nbsp;the tournament's abrupt suspension over the coronavirus crisis in India. They will quarantine there before heading home.

Vaccination queues in the&nbsp;Maldives&nbsp;have also lengthened during Ramadan due to shortened hours, with thousands lining up without any physical distancing to get their shots.

Azeez said the government is looking for foreign medical workers and local volunteers to staff the main public hospital in Male.

Maldives began a night-time curfew from Thursday to control a doubling of daily coronavirus infections that was fuelled by crowds at a local election and family gatherings during the ongoing Muslim fasting month of Ramzan.

Maldives began a night-time curfew from Thursday to control a doubling of daily coronavirus infections that was fuelled by crowds at a local election and family gatherings during the ongoing Muslim fasting month of Ramzan. The Health Protection Agency announced the curfew on Wednesday after government data showed daily cases grew to 734 from 318 a week ago. Most of the cases reported on Wednesday were in the crowded capital Male. Restrictions have been placed on movement between islands, although there are no curbs on tourists headed to private island resorts if they can produce a negative COVID-19 test. The health agency also ordered mandatory physical distancing in mosques. Also read: Former President of Maldives Mohamed Nasheed injured in a suspected bomb attack "The numbers are very high. If we are not able to significantly lower these numbers, we are going to face very difficult days. So we have to get ready," said Mabrook Azeez, the spokesman for the President's Office. There were large gatherings during the council elections held on April 10, and mass groupings have only increased during Ramzan, with communal prayers being held without any physical distancing in the capital Male. Australian cricketers and staff involved in the Indian Premier League are headed to the Maldives after the tournament's abrupt suspension over the coronavirus crisis in India. They will quarantine there before heading home. Vaccination queues in the Maldives have also lengthened during Ramadan due to shortened hours, with thousands lining up without any physical distancing to get their shots. Azeez said the government is looking for foreign medical workers and local volunteers to staff the main public hospital in Male.

Maldives imposes night curfew after steep jump in COVID-19 infections

Switzerland joined the league of countries who are extending assistance to India by sending 600 oxygen concentrators and 50 respirators worth approx. USD 3.3 million. The Swiss assistance comes even as India battles the 2nd wave of the COVID pandemic.

Envoy Dr Ralf Heckner speaks to WION on assistance, Vaccine Patent Wavier

Chhota Rajan, the gangster of Mumbai underworld, has died of COVID-19, according to reports.

An official confirmation is yet to be made.

Rajan died in New Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), the reports said.

He was admitted to AIIMS on April 26.

Born Rajendra Nikalje, he&nbsp;was arrested from Indonesia in 2015 and was lodged in Delhi's high security Tihar Jail since then.

He is an accused in some 70 criminal cases including extortion and murder in the western state of Maharashtra.

A special court was created for trial on pending cases in Delhi after they were tranferred to Central Bureau of Investigation.

In 2018, Rajan was sentenced to life in prison in the 2011 murder case of journalist Jyotirmoy Dey.

Chhota Rajan, the gangster of Mumbai underworld, has died of COVID-19, according to reports. An official confirmation is yet to be made. Rajan died in New Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), the reports said.

Chhota Rajan, the gangster of Mumbai underworld, has died of COVID-19, according to reports. An official confirmation is yet to be made. Rajan died in New Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), the reports said. He was admitted to AIIMS on April 26. Born Rajendra Nikalje, he was arrested from Indonesia in 2015 and was lodged in Delhi's high security Tihar Jail since then. He is an accused in some 70 criminal cases including extortion and murder in the western state of Maharashtra. A special court was created for trial on pending cases in Delhi after they were tranferred to Central Bureau of Investigation. In 2018, Rajan was sentenced to life in prison in the 2011 murder case of journalist Jyotirmoy Dey.

Mumbai gangster Chhota Rajan dies of COVID-19 in Delhi: Reports

Russia has registered Sputnik Light, the single-dose vaccine against COVID-19, which has an efficacy of 79.4 per cent, the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) said.

"The Russian Ministry of Health, the Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology and the Russian Direct Investment Fund announce that Sputnik Light, a single dose COVID-19 vaccine, has received authorization for use in Russia. The single-dose Sputnik Light vaccine demonstrated 79.4% efficacy according to analyzed data taken from 28 days after the injection was administered. An efficacy level of near 80% is higher than that of many two-dose vaccines," the RDIF said in a statement.

According to the statement, the efficacy of Sputnik Light was calculated based on data obtained from Russians "vaccinated with a single injection, having not received the second one for any reason during the mass vaccination program between December 5, 2020, and April 15, 2021." 
&nbsp;

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Sputnik Light is the first component (recombinant human adenovirus serotype number 26 (rAd26)) of the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine, according to the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), the sovereign wealth fund marketing the vaccine abroad.

"The Sputnik Light vaccine significantly reduces the possibility of severe cases leading to hospitalization, with only one injection needed. The single-dose regimen solves the challenge of immunizing large groups in a shorter time, which is especially important during the acute phase of the spread of coronavirus, achieving herd immunity faster," said Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of RDIF.

Dmitriev said that the Sputnik Light vaccine will be exported to the international partners "to help increase the rate of vaccinations in several countries in the face of the ongoing fight with the pandemic and new strains of coronavirus".&nbsp;

The Sputnik Light vaccine has received authorization for use in Russia, according to the Russian Ministry of Health, the Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology and the RDIF.On February 21, the Gamaleya Center and RDIF launched a global efficacy study of Sputnik Light.&nbsp;

The Phase III clinical study involving 7,000 people was conducted in multiple countries including Russia, the UAE and Ghana. The RDIF said that the Sputnik Light vaccine is based on a well-studied human adenoviral vector platform that has proven to be safe and effective.&nbsp;

As of May 5, more than 20 million people globally have received the first injection of the Sputnik V vaccine, containing the first component.&nbsp;

"The cost of the Sputnik Light vaccine globally will be less than USD10, while it has simple storage requirements, at +2 +8, which provide for easy logistics. The one-shot regimen allows for the vaccination of large groups of the population in a short time, helping to speed up the fight against the pandemic during the acute phase," the statement read.&nbsp;

Alexander Gintsburg, Director of the Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, said that Sputnik Light offers strong value in initial vaccination and re-vaccination, as well as boosting efficacy when taken in combination with other vaccines"Sputnik Light will help to prevent the spread of coronavirus through the faster immunization of larger population groups, as well as supporting high immunity levels in those who have already been infected previously," Gintsburg said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia has registered Sputnik Light, the single-dose vaccine against COVID-19, which has an efficacy of 79.4 per cent, the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) said.

Russia has registered Sputnik Light, the single-dose vaccine against COVID-19, which has an efficacy of 79.4 per cent, the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) said. "The Russian Ministry of Health, the Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology and the Russian Direct Investment Fund announce that Sputnik Light, a single dose COVID-19 vaccine, has received authorization for use in Russia. The single-dose Sputnik Light vaccine demonstrated 79.4% efficacy according to analyzed data taken from 28 days after the injection was administered. An efficacy level of near 80% is higher than that of many two-dose vaccines," the RDIF said in a statement. According to the statement, the efficacy of Sputnik Light was calculated based on data obtained from Russians "vaccinated with a single injection, having not received the second one for any reason during the mass vaccination program between December 5, 2020, and April 15, 2021." Sputnik Light is the first component (recombinant human adenovirus serotype number 26 (rAd26)) of the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine, according to the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), the sovereign wealth fund marketing the vaccine abroad. "The Sputnik Light vaccine significantly reduces the possibility of severe cases leading to hospitalization, with only one injection needed. The single-dose regimen solves the challenge of immunizing large groups in a shorter time, which is especially important during the acute phase of the spread of coronavirus, achieving herd immunity faster," said Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of RDIF. Dmitriev said that the Sputnik Light vaccine will be exported to the international partners "to help increase the rate of vaccinations in several countries in the face of the ongoing fight with the pandemic and new strains of coronavirus". The Sputnik Light vaccine has received authorization for use in Russia, according to the Russian Ministry of Health, the Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology and the RDIF.On February 21, the Gamaleya Center and RDIF launched a global efficacy study of Sputnik Light. The Phase III clinical study involving 7,000 people was conducted in multiple countries including Russia, the UAE and Ghana. The RDIF said that the Sputnik Light vaccine is based on a well-studied human adenoviral vector platform that has proven to be safe and effective. As of May 5, more than 20 million people globally have received the first injection of the Sputnik V vaccine, containing the first component. "The cost of the Sputnik Light vaccine globally will be less than USD10, while it has simple storage requirements, at +2 +8, which provide for easy logistics. The one-shot regimen allows for the vaccination of large groups of the population in a short time, helping to speed up the fight against the pandemic during the acute phase," the statement read. Alexander Gintsburg, Director of the Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, said that Sputnik Light offers strong value in initial vaccination and re-vaccination, as well as boosting efficacy when taken in combination with other vaccines"Sputnik Light will help to prevent the spread of coronavirus through the faster immunization of larger population groups, as well as supporting high immunity levels in those who have already been infected previously," Gintsburg said. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: Russia okays single-dose Sputnik Light vaccine, has 79.4% efficacy

BCCI president Sourav Ganguly on Thursday talked about the COVID-19 outbreak inside the Indian Premier League bio-bubble. The former Indian skipper said that the reason behind the outbreak remains unclear.&nbsp;

IN PICS|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-padikkal-to-hussey-people-from-ipl-who-tested-positive-for-covid-19-383015" hreflang="en">From Padikkal to Hussey: IPL members who tested positive for COVID-19</a>

The 14th edition of the Indian Premier League was suspended on Tuesday after a number of cases for coronavirus were detected across the franchises. In an interview with the Indian Express, Sourav Ganguly was asked whether a breach in the bio-bubble the reason behind the surge in cases in IPL.&nbsp;

"I don’t think so. The report we got is that there’s no breach of the bubble. How it happened is very difficult to say. How so many people are getting (infected) in the country is also very difficult to say," Ganguly said in response.

Ganguly went on to say that the decision to host the cash-rich T20 league across multiple cities in India as there were only a few cases in the country at that time.&nbsp;

"When we decided, the number was not even close to this. We did the England tour successfully," Ganguly said.

"It (holding the tournament in the UAE) was discussed, but the (COVID-19 cases) in India in February was (virtually) nothing. It has just gone through the roof in the last three weeks. Before that it was nothing. We discussed about the UAE but then decided to do it in India," he added.

"As I said, when we decided all this, there was no (Covid spike) in India. So it’s very easy to say now (that tournament could have been held in only one city), but when this tournament was organised, Covid numbers (in India) were nothing. We started with Mumbai and finished there without any case. And Mumbai was very high (number of active Covid cases) then," he further said.

BCCI chief further assured safe travel for all the foreign contingent part of IPL to their countries.&nbsp;

"They will all be fine. They are all looked after and they will all reach home. The Australians will reach the Maldives tomorrow, finish their quarantine and then reach Australia safely. So I don’t see any issue," the former India captain said.

On being asked if the BCCI have any window in mind to resume the IPL season, Ganguly replied: "We will see. It’s too early to say."

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to lose over INR 2000 crore (US$ 217 million) of the broadcast and sponsorship money from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, which was indefinitely postponed on Tuesday owing to a rise in COVID-19 cases across teams.

The BCCI was forced to postpone the IPL 2021 after multiple cases of COVID-19 were reported among players and support staff from Ahmedabad and New Delhi in the last couple of days.

BCCI president Sourav Ganguly on Thursday talked about the COVID-19 outbreak inside the Indian Premier League bio-bubble. The former Indian skipper said that the reason behind the outbreak remains unclear.

BCCI president Sourav Ganguly on Thursday talked about the COVID-19 outbreak inside the Indian Premier League bio-bubble. The former Indian skipper said that the reason behind the outbreak remains unclear. IN PICS| From Padikkal to Hussey: IPL members who tested positive for COVID-19 The 14th edition of the Indian Premier League was suspended on Tuesday after a number of cases for coronavirus were detected across the franchises. In an interview with the Indian Express, Sourav Ganguly was asked whether a breach in the bio-bubble the reason behind the surge in cases in IPL. "I don’t think so. The report we got is that there’s no breach of the bubble. How it happened is very difficult to say. How so many people are getting (infected) in the country is also very difficult to say," Ganguly said in response. Ganguly went on to say that the decision to host the cash-rich T20 league across multiple cities in India as there were only a few cases in the country at that time. "When we decided, the number was not even close to this. We did the England tour successfully," Ganguly said. "It (holding the tournament in the UAE) was discussed, but the (COVID-19 cases) in India in February was (virtually) nothing. It has just gone through the roof in the last three weeks. Before that it was nothing. We discussed about the UAE but then decided to do it in India," he added. "As I said, when we decided all this, there was no (Covid spike) in India. So it’s very easy to say now (that tournament could have been held in only one city), but when this tournament was organised, Covid numbers (in India) were nothing. We started with Mumbai and finished there without any case. And Mumbai was very high (number of active Covid cases) then," he further said. BCCI chief further assured safe travel for all the foreign contingent part of IPL to their countries. "They will all be fine. They are all looked after and they will all reach home. The Australians will reach the Maldives tomorrow, finish their quarantine and then reach Australia safely. So I don’t see any issue," the former India captain said. On being asked if the BCCI have any window in mind to resume the IPL season, Ganguly replied: "We will see. It’s too early to say." The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to lose over INR 2000 crore (US$ 217 million) of the broadcast and sponsorship money from the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, which was indefinitely postponed on Tuesday owing to a rise in COVID-19 cases across teams. The BCCI was forced to postpone the IPL 2021 after multiple cases of COVID-19 were reported among players and support staff from Ahmedabad and New Delhi in the last couple of days.

'No breach of the bubble': BCCI president Sourav Ganguly talks about COVID-19 cases in IPL 2021

Amid the devastating COVID-19 crisis in the country, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has transported as many as 180 empty cryogenic oxygen containers and other relief material like oxygen cylinders, oxygen plant equipment, essential medicines and hospital equipment.&nbsp;

The Airlift of the IAF's RAMT (Rapid Action Medical Team) and medical officers and personnel of the Indian Navy has also been undertaken.&nbsp;

A total of eight C-17, four IL-76, ten C-130, and 20 An-32 aircraft, as well as Mi-17V5 and Chinook helicopters, have been employed by the IAF and have together clocked over 360 hours of flying.

The country is currently witnessing a catastrophic COVID-19 wave. Over the last few weeks, hospitals have repeatedly flagged shortages in medical supplies including medical oxygen. As many as 3,57,229 new COVID-19 cases, 3,20,289 discharges and 3,449 deaths were reported in the country on Tuesday, the Union Health Ministry informed.

The total cases stand at 2,02,82,833, while 1,66,13,292 recoveries have been reported so far. The death toll stands at 2,22,408. There are currently 34,47,133 active cases in the country.

Amid the devastating COVID-19 crisis in the country, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has transported as many as 180 empty cryogenic oxygen containers and other relief material like oxygen cylinders, oxygen plant equipment, essential medicines and hospital equipment.

Amid the devastating COVID-19 crisis in the country, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has transported as many as 180 empty cryogenic oxygen containers and other relief material like oxygen cylinders, oxygen plant equipment, essential medicines and hospital equipment. The Airlift of the IAF's RAMT (Rapid Action Medical Team) and medical officers and personnel of the Indian Navy has also been undertaken. A total of eight C-17, four IL-76, ten C-130, and 20 An-32 aircraft, as well as Mi-17V5 and Chinook helicopters, have been employed by the IAF and have together clocked over 360 hours of flying. The country is currently witnessing a catastrophic COVID-19 wave. Over the last few weeks, hospitals have repeatedly flagged shortages in medical supplies including medical oxygen. As many as 3,57,229 new COVID-19 cases, 3,20,289 discharges and 3,449 deaths were reported in the country on Tuesday, the Union Health Ministry informed. The total cases stand at 2,02,82,833, while 1,66,13,292 recoveries have been reported so far. The death toll stands at 2,22,408. There are currently 34,47,133 active cases in the country.

COVID-19 crisis: Over 180 cryogenic oxygen containers transported by Indian Air Force

Employees of a pharmaceutical company have been arrested in Indonesia for allegedly reusing nasal swab kits intended for Covid testing. According to local police, at least 9,000 passengers may have been tested with the swabs which were reportedly washed and reused.

Given the risks of catching the virus owing to this, the state-owned company Kimia Farma is now facing a lawsuit on behalf of the travellers. Most countries undertake nasal swab testing at airports to limit the transmission of the virus which is now wreaking havoc across Asia.

The police were reported by BBC as saying that the scam had been going on since December 2020 at the Kualanamu airport in Medan, North Sumatra. It is mandatory for passengers to carry Covid negative reports before flying. In the absence of this, the airport offers swab testing on the site to passengers. The authorities had been using antigen rapid test kits supplied by Kimia Farma.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/china-refutes-reports-that-said-it-used-covid-19-anal-swabs-on-us-diplomats-366176" hreflang="en">China refutes reports that said it used Covid-19 anal swabs on US diplomats</a>

Suspicion began after passengers reported that they were getting false positive test results. Due to this, police sent an undercover officer to pose as a passenger last week, local media reported. He was swabbed and reported positive, after which officers raided the test site. They found that the test kit used on the police officer was recycled.

Just a week back, five employees of Kimia Farma were arrested for being accused of washing nasal swabs and repackaging them for sale.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/china-deploys-anal-swabs-to-test-for-coronavirus-359649" hreflang="en">China deploys anal swabs to test for coronavirus</a>

Authorities have taken into account reports 23 witnesses to estimate that a profit of $124,800 (1.88 billion rupiah) may have been made through this scam. They believe the money was used to construct a lavish house for one of the suspects.

Since the revelation, Kimia Farma has fired the staff involved in the scam with promises to tighten internal regulations.

Employees of a pharmaceutical company have been arrested in Indonesia for allegedly reusing nasal swab kits intended for Covid testing. According to local police, at least 9,000 passengers may have been tested with the swabs which were reportedly washed and reused.

Employees of a pharmaceutical company have been arrested in Indonesia for allegedly reusing nasal swab kits intended for Covid testing. According to local police, at least 9,000 passengers may have been tested with the swabs which were reportedly washed and reused. Given the risks of catching the virus owing to this, the state-owned company Kimia Farma is now facing a lawsuit on behalf of the travellers. Most countries undertake nasal swab testing at airports to limit the transmission of the virus which is now wreaking havoc across Asia. The police were reported by BBC as saying that the scam had been going on since December 2020 at the Kualanamu airport in Medan, North Sumatra. It is mandatory for passengers to carry Covid negative reports before flying. In the absence of this, the airport offers swab testing on the site to passengers. The authorities had been using antigen rapid test kits supplied by Kimia Farma. Also read: China refutes reports that said it used Covid-19 anal swabs on US diplomats Suspicion began after passengers reported that they were getting false positive test results. Due to this, police sent an undercover officer to pose as a passenger last week, local media reported. He was swabbed and reported positive, after which officers raided the test site. They found that the test kit used on the police officer was recycled. Just a week back, five employees of Kimia Farma were arrested for being accused of washing nasal swabs and repackaging them for sale. Also read: China deploys anal swabs to test for coronavirus Authorities have taken into account reports 23 witnesses to estimate that a profit of $124,800 (1.88 billion rupiah) may have been made through this scam. They believe the money was used to construct a lavish house for one of the suspects. Since the revelation, Kimia Farma has fired the staff involved in the scam with promises to tighten internal regulations.

Indonesia: Reused COVID-19 nasal swabs scam busted at airport

An Australian court on Wednesday agreed to hear a challenge to the country's controversial ban on citizens returning home from coronavirus-hit India.

A federal court said it would urgently hear a case brought by a 73-year-old man living in Bangalore who wishes to return.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/73-yr-old-australian-stuck-in-bengaluru-sues-morrison-govt-for-ban-on-flights-from-india-382952">73-yr-old Australian stuck in Bengaluru sues Morrison govt for ban on flights from India </a>&nbsp;

Prime Minister Scott Morrison this week banned arrivals from India, which is recording hundreds of thousands of new coronavirus infections each day.

Under the measures, Australian citizens who return home face jail time and heavy fines.

The move has caused widespread outrage, with Morrison's own allies describing it as racist and an abandonment of vulnerable Australians overseas.

The conservative government has argued the ban is necessary to prevent&nbsp;Australia's quarantine facilities from being overwhelmed with Covid-positive arrivals.

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Christopher Ward, the lawyer representing the 73-year-old man, said his client was challenging the ban on several grounds of constitutionality, "proportionality and reasonableness".&nbsp;

Justice Stephen Burley ordered that a further hearing date would be set in the next 24 to 48 hours.

Australia&nbsp;has no widespread community transmission of COVID-19&nbsp;but has seen several outbreaks emerge from hotel quarantine facilities, causing disruptive city lockdowns.

There are estimated to be around 9,000 Australian citizens in India, including high-profile cricketers playing the now-suspended Indian Premier League.

Morrison on Tuesday refused to amend the ban but insisted it was "highly unlikely" the punishment would ever be meted out.&nbsp;

The ban is currently scheduled to run until May 15.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-accuses-australia-of-violating-human-rights-over-india-travel-ban-382933">UN accuses Australia of violating human rights over India travel ban</a>

Monash University constitutional law professor Luke Beck predicted it would be difficult for the challenge to succeed, and even a temporary injunction is unlikely.

"The Australian constitution doesn't set out very many rights that individuals have," he told AFP, adding that there is no explicit right to return home.

The challenge may be trying to convince the court that the measures are disproportionate to the threat, but "judges tend to side with the government's public health expert", he said.

"It's quite unlikely that this challenge will succeed."

An Australian court on Wednesday agreed to hear a challenge to the country's controversial ban on citizens returning home from coronavirus-hit India. A federal court said it would urgently hear a case brought by a 73-year-old man living in Bangalore who wishes to return.

An Australian court on Wednesday agreed to hear a challenge to the country's controversial ban on citizens returning home from coronavirus-hit India. A federal court said it would urgently hear a case brought by a 73-year-old man living in Bangalore who wishes to return. Also read | 73-yr-old Australian stuck in Bengaluru sues Morrison govt for ban on flights from India Prime Minister Scott Morrison this week banned arrivals from India, which is recording hundreds of thousands of new coronavirus infections each day. Under the measures, Australian citizens who return home face jail time and heavy fines. The move has caused widespread outrage, with Morrison's own allies describing it as racist and an abandonment of vulnerable Australians overseas. The conservative government has argued the ban is necessary to prevent Australia's quarantine facilities from being overwhelmed with Covid-positive arrivals. Christopher Ward, the lawyer representing the 73-year-old man, said his client was challenging the ban on several grounds of constitutionality, "proportionality and reasonableness". Justice Stephen Burley ordered that a further hearing date would be set in the next 24 to 48 hours. Australia has no widespread community transmission of COVID-19 but has seen several outbreaks emerge from hotel quarantine facilities, causing disruptive city lockdowns. There are estimated to be around 9,000 Australian citizens in India, including high-profile cricketers playing the now-suspended Indian Premier League. Morrison on Tuesday refused to amend the ban but insisted it was "highly unlikely" the punishment would ever be meted out. The ban is currently scheduled to run until May 15. Also read | UN accuses Australia of violating human rights over India travel ban Monash University constitutional law professor Luke Beck predicted it would be difficult for the challenge to succeed, and even a temporary injunction is unlikely. "The Australian constitution doesn't set out very many rights that individuals have," he told AFP, adding that there is no explicit right to return home. The challenge may be trying to convince the court that the measures are disproportionate to the threat, but "judges tend to side with the government's public health expert", he said. "It's quite unlikely that this challenge will succeed."

Australian court to examine contentious India travel ban

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has retreated from a threat to fine and imprison Australians returning from Covid-wracked India.

Morrison on Tuesday said it was "highly unlikely" that travellers from India would face the maximum penalties of five years jail and a A$66,000 fine for breaking border rules as he faces pressure to overturn them.&nbsp;

"I think the likelihood of any of that occurring is pretty much zero," Morrison said.

Australia had temporarily banned its citizens from entering if they have been in India within two weeks of their arrival. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that there are about 9,000 Australians living in India who want to come home.

The decision has&nbsp;been widely criticised, with some describing it as "immoral and un-Australian" and others questioning the legality of banning citizens from coming home.

Among those trapped are some of Australia's most high profile sporting stars, cricketers playing in the lucrative Indian Premier League.

Commentator and former Test cricket star Michael Slater were among those who pilloried Morrison's decision, saying it was a "disgrace".

"Blood on your hands PM. How dare you treat us like this," he tweeted. "If our Government cared for the safety of Aussies they would allow us to get home."

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If our Government cared for the safety of Aussies they would allow us to get home. It's a disgrace!! Blood on your hands PM. How dare you treat us like this. How about you sort out quarantine system. I had government permission to work on the IPL but I now have government neglect
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Morrison said the idea he had blood on his hands was "absurd".&nbsp;

"The buck stops here when it comes to these decisions, and I'm going to make decisions that I believe are going to protect Australia from a third wave," he said.

"I'm working to bring them home safely," he added, indicating that repatriation flights could begin soon after May 15.

The decision came into force on Monday and was denounced by rights groups and some of Morrison's most prominent allies including Sky News commentator Andrew Bolt who said it "stinks of racism".

Australia has largely avoided the worst of the pandemic through some of the strictest border controls in the world.&nbsp;

There is a blanket ban on travel to-and-from the country unless an exemption is secured.

Non-residents are mostly banned from entering and anyone who does come into the country must carry out a mandatory 14-day hotel quarantine.

But that system has come under increasing strain as the virus has jumped from quarantine facilities and caused a series of outbreaks in the largely unvaccinated community.&nbsp;

The conservative prime minister faces re-election in the next 12 months and had hoped Australia's relatively successful handling of the pandemic would propel him to victory.

But the India travel ban and a glacial vaccine rollout have prompted criticism.

Australia has administered 2.2 million vaccine doses out of a population of 25 million people, who each need two doses to be fully immunised.

(With inputs from agencies)

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has retreated from a threat to fine and imprison Australians returning from Covid-wracked India. Morrison on Tuesday said it was "highly unlikely" that travellers from India would face the maximum penalties of five years jail and a A$66,000 fine for breaking border rules as he faces pressure to overturn them.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has retreated from a threat to fine and imprison Australians returning from Covid-wracked India. Morrison on Tuesday said it was "highly unlikely" that travellers from India would face the maximum penalties of five years jail and a A$66,000 fine for breaking border rules as he faces pressure to overturn them. "I think the likelihood of any of that occurring is pretty much zero," Morrison said. Australia had temporarily banned its citizens from entering if they have been in India within two weeks of their arrival. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that there are about 9,000 Australians living in India who want to come home. The decision has been widely criticised, with some describing it as "immoral and un-Australian" and others questioning the legality of banning citizens from coming home. Among those trapped are some of Australia's most high profile sporting stars, cricketers playing in the lucrative Indian Premier League. Commentator and former Test cricket star Michael Slater were among those who pilloried Morrison's decision, saying it was a "disgrace". "Blood on your hands PM. How dare you treat us like this," he tweeted. "If our Government cared for the safety of Aussies they would allow us to get home." If our Government cared for the safety of Aussies they would allow us to get home. It's a disgrace!! Blood on your hands PM. How dare you treat us like this. How about you sort out quarantine system. I had government permission to work on the IPL but I now have government neglect — Michael Slater (@mj_slats) May 3, 2021 × Morrison said the idea he had blood on his hands was "absurd". "The buck stops here when it comes to these decisions, and I'm going to make decisions that I believe are going to protect Australia from a third wave," he said. "I'm working to bring them home safely," he added, indicating that repatriation flights could begin soon after May 15. The decision came into force on Monday and was denounced by rights groups and some of Morrison's most prominent allies including Sky News commentator Andrew Bolt who said it "stinks of racism". Australia has largely avoided the worst of the pandemic through some of the strictest border controls in the world. There is a blanket ban on travel to-and-from the country unless an exemption is secured. Non-residents are mostly banned from entering and anyone who does come into the country must carry out a mandatory 14-day hotel quarantine. But that system has come under increasing strain as the virus has jumped from quarantine facilities and caused a series of outbreaks in the largely unvaccinated community. The conservative prime minister faces re-election in the next 12 months and had hoped Australia's relatively successful handling of the pandemic would propel him to victory. But the India travel ban and a glacial vaccine rollout have prompted criticism. Australia has administered 2.2 million vaccine doses out of a population of 25 million people, who each need two doses to be fully immunised. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Morrison retreats from threat to jail Australians escaping Covid-wracked India

India is currently witnessing its worst surge in COVID-19 cases since the beginning of the pandemic and countries have stepped up efforts to assist India to deal with shortages.&nbsp;

The Canadian government is currently identifying equipment which may be sent to India to help with the crisis. The Canadian province of Ontario is sending a consignment of ventilators worth&nbsp;₹144 crore.

“Ontario will always stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our friends,” the premier of Ontario Doug Ford said in a tweet. Doug mentioned that Ontario will send 3,000 medical ventilators made in the province worth&nbsp;$8,000 Canadian dollars each.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/covid-aid-to-india-oxygen-production-plant-20-ventilators-arrive-from-italy-382569" hreflang="en">Covid aid to India: Oxygen production plant, 20 ventilators arrive from Italy</a>

The ventilators being dispatched are manufactured by the company called O-Two Medical Technologies Inc which is headquartered in Brampton in the Greater Toronto Area.

Earlier, India had sent 500,000 AstraZeneca vaccines to Ontario in March when the province was witnessing a supply crunch.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/one-of-most-important-partners-uk-envoy-alex-ellis-says-on-covid-aid-to-india-382390" hreflang="en">'One of most important partners', UK envoy Alex Ellis says on Covid aid to India</a>

The Canadian federal government is also sending equipment, including the donation of 10 million Canadian dollars to the Canadian Red Cross to India. Currently, the country identifying the material which may be sent from its emergency stockpile. These include ventilators, oxygen concentrators and generators.

The Canadian Red Cross has launched its India Covid Response and is currently coordinating with the Indian Red Cross Society.

India is currently witnessing its worst surge in COVID-19 cases since the beginning of the pandemic and countries have stepped up efforts to assist India to deal with shortages.

India is currently witnessing its worst surge in COVID-19 cases since the beginning of the pandemic and countries have stepped up efforts to assist India to deal with shortages. The Canadian government is currently identifying equipment which may be sent to India to help with the crisis. The Canadian province of Ontario is sending a consignment of ventilators worth ₹144 crore. “Ontario will always stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our friends,” the premier of Ontario Doug Ford said in a tweet. Doug mentioned that Ontario will send 3,000 medical ventilators made in the province worth $8,000 Canadian dollars each. Also read: Covid aid to India: Oxygen production plant, 20 ventilators arrive from Italy The ventilators being dispatched are manufactured by the company called O-Two Medical Technologies Inc which is headquartered in Brampton in the Greater Toronto Area. Earlier, India had sent 500,000 AstraZeneca vaccines to Ontario in March when the province was witnessing a supply crunch. Also read: 'One of most important partners', UK envoy Alex Ellis says on Covid aid to India The Canadian federal government is also sending equipment, including the donation of 10 million Canadian dollars to the Canadian Red Cross to India. Currently, the country identifying the material which may be sent from its emergency stockpile. These include ventilators, oxygen concentrators and generators. The Canadian Red Cross has launched its India Covid Response and is currently coordinating with the Indian Red Cross Society.

Canada's Ontario province to send 3,000 ventilators to India amid Covid crisis

India's pandemic nightmare refuses to end. Deadly shortages continue. Hoarding and black marketing of essential supplies are making matters worse.

Is a peak in sight? What do the numbers say? Is a national lockdown inevitable?

The numbers are not getting any better. The deadly second wave gripped the country in April.

That's last month. In one month, nearly seven million people were infected. More than 48,000 have died.

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&nbsp;

And the virus is still spreading. In the last 24 hours, India has again reported more than 300,000 new cases. On Saturday, over 400,000 people had tested positive. That's the highest ever.

For 12 straight days now, India has been adding more than 300,000&nbsp; cases everyday. This takes india's total caseload close to 20 million now. India now has more than 3.4 million active cases. They now represent over 17 per cent of the caseload. 10 states and union territories account for more than 73 per cent of the new cases.

More than 16 million people have recovered. Over 300,000 people tested negative in the last 24 hours. The recovery rate remains steady at over 80 percent.

But the number of causalities is alarmingly high. More than 3,400 people died in the last 24 hours.

Is this the worst case scenario? Scientists say it could be.

New infections could peak this week. A team of scientists that is advising the government has come up with a mathematical model to make predictions. They're trying to answer the question that is on everyone's mind.

When will this surge end?

They believe the curve will touch its peak this week, between the third and the fifth of May.&nbsp;

On what basis do they say this? The fall in positivity rate.

What is that?

It's basically the percentage of all Wuhan virus tests that came back positive. So if 100 people test and 30 of them are positive, then the positivity rate is 30 per cent.

Right now, India's positivity rate is 21.19 per cent. On Sunday, it was 21.25 per cent. So there's a very very slight dip.

The difference is barely 0.06&nbsp;per cent.

Does it even dent the surge?

Last year, the WHO had recommended that positivity levels must remain at five per cent or less for at least 14 days for governments to unlock and for people to resume their lives.

India's positivity rate is well over 20 per cent. So we have a long way to go before we can say that the pandemic is under control. In fact, the road ahead doesn't look easy.

Pharma companies say there will be a drug shortage. That's because the cases have exploded, and the supply is limited. At least two reports say that the prices of active pharmaceutical ingredients or API have shot up.

These are basically raw materials used to make medicines.

The price of these raw materials have gone up by 30 to 200 per cent.

What explains this? Two things.

One, the rising demand has led to hoarding.

And two, supply disruptions from China.

Remember, India still imports 70 per cent of its pharmaceutical raw materials from China.

Last week, China's state-run Sichuan Airlines suspended 11 cargo flights to India. Their cargo included raw materials for pharma companies. China insists there's no disruption in exports to India.

But this airline is yet to announce a schedule for its India flights. And that means India is staring at a drug shortage.

What about vaccines?

They're still locked up in patents.

Last week, we told you how countries like the US and the UK were blocking India's bid to get patent waivers. Today, we can tell you they still haven't changed their minds. The United States remains non-committal on a waiver. Today, the govt was asked about it.

It said America is still discussing all options with its partners. There was no mention of the waiver.

"We are working with our global partners to explore pragmatic and effective steps to surge production and equitable distribution of vaccines," a United States Trade Representative official told VOA.

While this battle continues, India's immediate concern is to control the caseload and break the chain of infection.

Is another lockdown the only option?

India's leading industry body, Confederation of Indian Industry's (CII) president Uday Kotak endorsed another lockdown today.

"The CII calls for maximal measures at the national level including curtailing economic activity to reduce suffering," he said

Already at least 11 states and union territories have imposed some form of restrictions.

But there's no word on a national lockdown.

It's a tough decision to make aftet all. Lives and livelihoods, both must be protected.

India's pandemic nightmare refuses to end. Deadly shortages continue. Hoarding and black marketing of essential supplies are making matters worse. Is a peak in sight?

India's pandemic nightmare refuses to end. Deadly shortages continue. Hoarding and black marketing of essential supplies are making matters worse. Is a peak in sight? What do the numbers say? Is a national lockdown inevitable? The numbers are not getting any better. The deadly second wave gripped the country in April. That's last month. In one month, nearly seven million people were infected. More than 48,000 have died. × And the virus is still spreading. In the last 24 hours, India has again reported more than 300,000 new cases. On Saturday, over 400,000 people had tested positive. That's the highest ever. For 12 straight days now, India has been adding more than 300,000 cases everyday. This takes india's total caseload close to 20 million now. India now has more than 3.4 million active cases. They now represent over 17 per cent of the caseload. 10 states and union territories account for more than 73 per cent of the new cases. More than 16 million people have recovered. Over 300,000 people tested negative in the last 24 hours. The recovery rate remains steady at over 80 percent. But the number of causalities is alarmingly high. More than 3,400 people died in the last 24 hours. Is this the worst case scenario? Scientists say it could be. New infections could peak this week. A team of scientists that is advising the government has come up with a mathematical model to make predictions. They're trying to answer the question that is on everyone's mind. When will this surge end? They believe the curve will touch its peak this week, between the third and the fifth of May. On what basis do they say this? The fall in positivity rate. What is that? It's basically the percentage of all Wuhan virus tests that came back positive. So if 100 people test and 30 of them are positive, then the positivity rate is 30 per cent. Right now, India's positivity rate is 21.19 per cent. On Sunday, it was 21.25 per cent. So there's a very very slight dip. The difference is barely 0.06 per cent. Does it even dent the surge? Last year, the WHO had recommended that positivity levels must remain at five per cent or less for at least 14 days for governments to unlock and for people to resume their lives. India's positivity rate is well over 20 per cent. So we have a long way to go before we can say that the pandemic is under control. In fact, the road ahead doesn't look easy. Pharma companies say there will be a drug shortage. That's because the cases have exploded, and the supply is limited. At least two reports say that the prices of active pharmaceutical ingredients or API have shot up. These are basically raw materials used to make medicines. The price of these raw materials have gone up by 30 to 200 per cent. What explains this? Two things. One, the rising demand has led to hoarding. And two, supply disruptions from China. Remember, India still imports 70 per cent of its pharmaceutical raw materials from China. Last week, China's state-run Sichuan Airlines suspended 11 cargo flights to India. Their cargo included raw materials for pharma companies. China insists there's no disruption in exports to India. But this airline is yet to announce a schedule for its India flights. And that means India is staring at a drug shortage. What about vaccines? They're still locked up in patents. Last week, we told you how countries like the US and the UK were blocking India's bid to get patent waivers. Today, we can tell you they still haven't changed their minds. The United States remains non-committal on a waiver. Today, the govt was asked about it. It said America is still discussing all options with its partners. There was no mention of the waiver. "We are working with our global partners to explore pragmatic and effective steps to surge production and equitable distribution of vaccines," a United States Trade Representative official told VOA. While this battle continues, India's immediate concern is to control the caseload and break the chain of infection. Is another lockdown the only option? India's leading industry body, Confederation of Indian Industry's (CII) president Uday Kotak endorsed another lockdown today. "The CII calls for maximal measures at the national level including curtailing economic activity to reduce suffering," he said Already at least 11 states and union territories have imposed some form of restrictions. But there's no word on a national lockdown. It's a tough decision to make aftet all. Lives and livelihoods, both must be protected.

India's immediate concern is to break the chain of Covid infection

The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB ) has found that eight Asiatic lions of the city's Nehru Zoological Park (Hyderabad Zoo) are COVID-19 positive.&nbsp;

However, as of now, none of them is in serious condition and all are on road to recovery. Fortunately, all these lions are now normal and eating their food.

In an exclusive interview with WION, CCMB director Dr Rakesh Mishra disclosed the following facts:

How did it happen?

"It seems to have transmitted from humans ( zookeepers ) through meat that's provided to these lions."

What do these results ( COVID-19 positive ) among animals indicate?

"The mammals are as vulnerable as humans. It seems to be the first such instance in India but elsewhere in New York, Spain and other places, there are cases wherein animals ( mammals ) are found Covid-19 positive."

What was the covid-19 variant found in these lions?

"It is not the new one but the earlier "A2A" variant."

Any guidelines issued to Zoos across the country after this particular development?

"We have already given our findings to concerned Central authorities and have advised to close Zoos for visitors all across the country, test all the employees and also the care with which the food is to be checked and given to the animals. Also, we are giving SoPs (Standard Operating Procedures ) for all the Zoos across the country in this regard."

The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB ) has found that eight Asiatic lions of the city's Nehru Zoological Park (Hyderabad Zoo) are COVID-19 positive.

The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB ) has found that eight Asiatic lions of the city's Nehru Zoological Park (Hyderabad Zoo) are COVID-19 positive. However, as of now, none of them is in serious condition and all are on road to recovery. Fortunately, all these lions are now normal and eating their food. In an exclusive interview with WION, CCMB director Dr Rakesh Mishra disclosed the following facts: How did it happen? "It seems to have transmitted from humans ( zookeepers ) through meat that's provided to these lions." What do these results ( COVID-19 positive ) among animals indicate? "The mammals are as vulnerable as humans. It seems to be the first such instance in India but elsewhere in New York, Spain and other places, there are cases wherein animals ( mammals ) are found Covid-19 positive." What was the covid-19 variant found in these lions? "It is not the new one but the earlier "A2A" variant." Any guidelines issued to Zoos across the country after this particular development? "We have already given our findings to concerned Central authorities and have advised to close Zoos for visitors all across the country, test all the employees and also the care with which the food is to be checked and given to the animals. Also, we are giving SoPs (Standard Operating Procedures ) for all the Zoos across the country in this regard."

COVID-19: Eight Asiatic lions test positive in Hyderabad zoo, a first in India

While some countries have started looking toward relaxing mitigation measures in the not-so-distant future, but the crisis in India highlights that the pandemic is still far from over.&nbsp;

Today, the total tally of coronavirus cases in India mounted to 2,02,82,833 with 3,57,229 new infections being reported in a day, while the death toll increased to 2,22,408 with 3,449 new fatalities, according to the Union Health Ministry data.&nbsp;

According to the University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, "the number of cases that are being detected needs to be multiplied by 20 or more to get the number of infections that are occurring in India."&nbsp;

"Without drastic measures to bolster the health system to deal with this onslaught, decreased social mixing, and increased effective face mask use, the situation currently looks quite grim for India," IHME researchers wrote in a briefing.

The institute projects that India will report over 1 million deaths by the start of August. The country's official death toll currently stands at 2,22,408. 
 
It also said that the cumulative death toll due to COVID-19 could rise to 6,65,000 by the end of July, with around 3,29,000 additional deaths between April 12 to August 1. However, a universal mask coverage (95 per cent) by the end of the third week of April can bring down this figure by 70,000.&nbsp;

India's massive population deepens the challenge of containing a highly transmissible virus.

The rate of known coronavirus infections per capita is still less than the United States endured at its peak.&nbsp;

In India, there have been nearly 19 million known infections since the start of the pandemic, or roughly 1.3% of the total population – compared with more than 32 million, or almost 10% of the U.S. population.&nbsp;

A total of 2,22,408 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 70,851 from Maharashtra, 17,414 from Delhi, 16,250 from Karnataka, 14,468 from Tamil Nadu, 13,447 from Uttar Pradesh, 11,637 from West Bengal, 9,472 from Punjab and 9,275 from Chhattisgarh.

The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

While some countries have started looking toward relaxing mitigation measures in the not-so-distant future, but the crisis in India highlights that the pandemic is still far from over.

While some countries have started looking toward relaxing mitigation measures in the not-so-distant future, but the crisis in India highlights that the pandemic is still far from over. Today, the total tally of coronavirus cases in India mounted to 2,02,82,833 with 3,57,229 new infections being reported in a day, while the death toll increased to 2,22,408 with 3,449 new fatalities, according to the Union Health Ministry data. According to the University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, "the number of cases that are being detected needs to be multiplied by 20 or more to get the number of infections that are occurring in India." "Without drastic measures to bolster the health system to deal with this onslaught, decreased social mixing, and increased effective face mask use, the situation currently looks quite grim for India," IHME researchers wrote in a briefing. The institute projects that India will report over 1 million deaths by the start of August. The country's official death toll currently stands at 2,22,408. It also said that the cumulative death toll due to COVID-19 could rise to 6,65,000 by the end of July, with around 3,29,000 additional deaths between April 12 to August 1. However, a universal mask coverage (95 per cent) by the end of the third week of April can bring down this figure by 70,000. India's massive population deepens the challenge of containing a highly transmissible virus. The rate of known coronavirus infections per capita is still less than the United States endured at its peak. In India, there have been nearly 19 million known infections since the start of the pandemic, or roughly 1.3% of the total population – compared with more than 32 million, or almost 10% of the U.S. population. A total of 2,22,408 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 70,851 from Maharashtra, 17,414 from Delhi, 16,250 from Karnataka, 14,468 from Tamil Nadu, 13,447 from Uttar Pradesh, 11,637 from West Bengal, 9,472 from Punjab and 9,275 from Chhattisgarh. The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. (With inputs from agencies)

India to see over 1 million deaths by the start of August: US study projects

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Considering the pandemic situation in the country, vaccines are on top of India's wish list. There are more than 3,000 pharma companies in India. Together they run 10,500 manufacturing facilities. It's an industry valued at more than 30 billion dollars.

However, Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech are the only two companies out of 3,000 that are producing vaccines. The rest don't have licenses. The lack of license is because of the patents.

Vaccines are patented. Their recipes are locked away. Pharma giants are unwilling to publicly share knowledge. So a handful of companies are doing all the heavy lifting and are producing all the vaccines with their limited capacity.

How likely is a patent waiver?

In October, India and South Africa proposed this at the World Trade Organisation. It split the world along expected lines.

Most of the developing world supports the proposal. But the West is not budging. Australia, Canada, the EU, Britain and the US are opposing it.

They want to keep vaccine formulas locked away.

But what exactly is their motivation? After all, these countries are heading towards a vaccine surplus. They have enough for themselves, so it makes no sense for them to block a patent waiver.

However, when lobbying by pharma companies is taken into account, it makes sense. If the West gives in vaccine formulas could become a global common. Every pharma company could be producing vaccines.

And there is precedent for this. In 2001, the WTO waived patents on drugs for LDCs or least developed countries. In 2015, this waiver was extended for another 17 years. So patents are important but not absolute.

But can india wait around for the WTO?

This pandemic has taught us that global solidarity exists only in theory.

Is compulsory licensing an option?

This is basically an override of patents. Regulators can authorise companies to produce a patented product without the patent owner's permission.

All vaccines are patented by their makers. It is the government's job to protect these patents. But sometimes during emergencies, governments themselves can override these patents.

In India, compulsory licensing is permitted under the patents act of 1970. Specifically, Section 92 of the act empowers the Central government to issue compulsory licenses. But there are three conditions.

One, there must be a national emergency.

Two, the requirement must be extremely urgent.

Three, it must be for public non-commercial use.

A deadly virus killing 3,000 Indians a day, does qualify for all three. So theoretically India can do this. India can override patents on Pfizer and AstraZeneca and other vaccines.

All of Indian companies can be producing Wuhan virus vaccines. This practice is approved by the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

Countries are free to issue compulsory licenses during emergencies. They are also free to decide what constitutes an emergency.&nbsp;

There is only one caveat.

The patent owner must be suitably compensated. So there is no scope of a backlash from Geneva. Even the Supreme Court of India is asking the centre to consider this option.

If the government does opt for compulsory licensing, a good start would be Bharat Biotech's Covaxin. It is a homegrown jab. So making it available to other producers would set a great example for the world.

But is overriding patents a sure-shot solution?

It is certainly the first step. Patent waiving is not the same as patent sharing. Indian companies will still have to reverse-engineer the vaccines, not to mention run clinical trials all over again.

So in the long run, patent waivers are the way to go.

But to beat the immediate bottleneck, there is an even better solution. Voluntary licenses.

AstraZeneca's vaccine is patented. But India's Serum Institute has been producing it by the millions. This is because Astrazeneca has issued a voluntary license for their jab.

They have shared their formula with Serum Institute. Sputnik-V has done the same with Dr Reddy's

Voluntary licenses save time and money.

To step up vaccine production, two things need to happen.

One, Indian pharma companies must reach out for licenses. They can't sit out this vaccination drive.

And two, foreign jab makers need to loosen the reins.

Either make their formulas public or issue more voluntary licenses.

These are decisions that usually involves a lot of haggling. But India needs to make these decisions right now.

Considering the pandemic situation in the country, vaccines are on top of India's wish list. There are more than 3,000 pharma companies in India. Together they run 10,500 manufacturing facilities.

Considering the pandemic situation in the country, vaccines are on top of India's wish list. There are more than 3,000 pharma companies in India. Together they run 10,500 manufacturing facilities. It's an industry valued at more than 30 billion dollars. However, Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech are the only two companies out of 3,000 that are producing vaccines. The rest don't have licenses. The lack of license is because of the patents. Vaccines are patented. Their recipes are locked away. Pharma giants are unwilling to publicly share knowledge. So a handful of companies are doing all the heavy lifting and are producing all the vaccines with their limited capacity. How likely is a patent waiver? In October, India and South Africa proposed this at the World Trade Organisation. It split the world along expected lines. Most of the developing world supports the proposal. But the West is not budging. Australia, Canada, the EU, Britain and the US are opposing it. They want to keep vaccine formulas locked away. But what exactly is their motivation? After all, these countries are heading towards a vaccine surplus. They have enough for themselves, so it makes no sense for them to block a patent waiver. However, when lobbying by pharma companies is taken into account, it makes sense. If the West gives in vaccine formulas could become a global common. Every pharma company could be producing vaccines. And there is precedent for this. In 2001, the WTO waived patents on drugs for LDCs or least developed countries. In 2015, this waiver was extended for another 17 years. So patents are important but not absolute. But can india wait around for the WTO? This pandemic has taught us that global solidarity exists only in theory. Is compulsory licensing an option? This is basically an override of patents. Regulators can authorise companies to produce a patented product without the patent owner's permission. All vaccines are patented by their makers. It is the government's job to protect these patents. But sometimes during emergencies, governments themselves can override these patents. In India, compulsory licensing is permitted under the patents act of 1970. Specifically, Section 92 of the act empowers the Central government to issue compulsory licenses. But there are three conditions. One, there must be a national emergency. Two, the requirement must be extremely urgent. Three, it must be for public non-commercial use. A deadly virus killing 3,000 Indians a day, does qualify for all three. So theoretically India can do this. India can override patents on Pfizer and AstraZeneca and other vaccines. All of Indian companies can be producing Wuhan virus vaccines. This practice is approved by the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Countries are free to issue compulsory licenses during emergencies. They are also free to decide what constitutes an emergency. There is only one caveat. The patent owner must be suitably compensated. So there is no scope of a backlash from Geneva. Even the Supreme Court of India is asking the centre to consider this option. If the government does opt for compulsory licensing, a good start would be Bharat Biotech's Covaxin. It is a homegrown jab. So making it available to other producers would set a great example for the world. But is overriding patents a sure-shot solution? It is certainly the first step. Patent waiving is not the same as patent sharing. Indian companies will still have to reverse-engineer the vaccines, not to mention run clinical trials all over again. So in the long run, patent waivers are the way to go. But to beat the immediate bottleneck, there is an even better solution. Voluntary licenses. AstraZeneca's vaccine is patented. But India's Serum Institute has been producing it by the millions. This is because Astrazeneca has issued a voluntary license for their jab. They have shared their formula with Serum Institute. Sputnik-V has done the same with Dr Reddy's Voluntary licenses save time and money. To step up vaccine production, two things need to happen. One, Indian pharma companies must reach out for licenses. They can't sit out this vaccination drive. And two, foreign jab makers need to loosen the reins. Either make their formulas public or issue more voluntary licenses. These are decisions that usually involves a lot of haggling. But India needs to make these decisions right now.

India needs to take some decisions to ease pandemic situation

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