Australia's decision to penalise own citizen returning to country within 14 days of their stay in India has drawn deep criticism from inside Australia. There are signs that there will be legal challenge to this decision.&nbsp;

Refusal to allow Australian citizens to come back to own country has put Australians in India in a situation. Those stranded also include high-profile cricketers.

From Monday, any traveller into Australia who has been in India in the past 14 days could face fines and jail time, adding to a temporary ban announced earlier this week, which will remain in place until at least May 15.

"The government should be looking for ways to safely quarantine Australians returning from India, instead of focusing their efforts on prison sentences and harsh punishments," Human Rights Watch Australia Director Elaine Pearson said.

Austalia's Health Minister defended the decision saying the government has not taken the decision lightly and that it intends to protect "the integrity of the Australian public health and quarantine systems"

Australian Chief Medical Officer Prof Paul Kelly has warned that Australian citizens stranded in India may face serious illness or even death in "worst-case scenario", reported Guardian.

Guardian further quoted CEO of a law firm who said that he was "actively looking into" this government decision and a court case was "very likely".

Australia's decision to penalise own citizen returning to country within 14 days of their stay in India has drawn deep criticism from inside Australia. There are signs that there will be legal challenge to this decision.

Australia's decision to penalise own citizen returning to country within 14 days of their stay in India has drawn deep criticism from inside Australia. There are signs that there will be legal challenge to this decision. Refusal to allow Australian citizens to come back to own country has put Australians in India in a situation. Those stranded also include high-profile cricketers. From Monday, any traveller into Australia who has been in India in the past 14 days could face fines and jail time, adding to a temporary ban announced earlier this week, which will remain in place until at least May 15. "The government should be looking for ways to safely quarantine Australians returning from India, instead of focusing their efforts on prison sentences and harsh punishments," Human Rights Watch Australia Director Elaine Pearson said. Austalia's Health Minister defended the decision saying the government has not taken the decision lightly and that it intends to protect "the integrity of the Australian public health and quarantine systems" Australian Chief Medical Officer Prof Paul Kelly has warned that Australian citizens stranded in India may face serious illness or even death in "worst-case scenario", reported Guardian. Guardian further quoted CEO of a law firm who said that he was "actively looking into" this government decision and a court case was "very likely".

Australia: Decision to ban travel from India may be challenged legally

The daily COVID-19 cases in India showed a slight dip with 3,68,147 new coronavirus infections being reported in a day, taking the total tally of cases to 1,99,25,604, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday.&nbsp;

The death toll increased to 2,18,959 with 3,417 daily new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed. &nbsp;

While the country recorded 4,01,993 new cases on May 1, it had registered 3,92,488 fresh cases on May 2. &nbsp;

Registering a steady increase, the active cases have increased to 34,13,642 comprising 17.13 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate stands at 81.77 per cent. &nbsp;

The number of people, who have recuperated from the disease surged to 1,62,93,003, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.10 per cent, the data stated. &nbsp;

According to the ICMR, 29,16,47,037 samples have been tested up to May 2 with 15,04,698 samples being tested on Sunday. &nbsp;

The 3,417 new fatalities include 669 from Maharashtra, 407 from Delhi, 288 from Uttar Pradesh, 217 from Karnataka, 199 from Chhattisgarh, 159 from Rajasthan, 157 from Punjab, 153 each from Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, 145 from Haryana and 115 from Jharkhand.&nbsp;

A total of 2,18,959 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 70,284 from Maharashtra, 16,966 from Delhi, 16,011 from Karnataka, 14,346 from Tamil Nadu, 13,162 from Uttar Pradesh, 11,539 from West Bengal, 9,317 from Punjab and 9,009 from Chhattisgarh.&nbsp;

The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.&nbsp;

"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The daily COVID-19 cases in India showed a slight dip with 3,68,147 new coronavirus infections being reported in a day, taking the total tally of cases to 1,99,25,604, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday.

The daily COVID-19 cases in India showed a slight dip with 3,68,147 new coronavirus infections being reported in a day, taking the total tally of cases to 1,99,25,604, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday. The death toll increased to 2,18,959 with 3,417 daily new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed. While the country recorded 4,01,993 new cases on May 1, it had registered 3,92,488 fresh cases on May 2. Registering a steady increase, the active cases have increased to 34,13,642 comprising 17.13 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate stands at 81.77 per cent. The number of people, who have recuperated from the disease surged to 1,62,93,003, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.10 per cent, the data stated. According to the ICMR, 29,16,47,037 samples have been tested up to May 2 with 15,04,698 samples being tested on Sunday. The 3,417 new fatalities include 669 from Maharashtra, 407 from Delhi, 288 from Uttar Pradesh, 217 from Karnataka, 199 from Chhattisgarh, 159 from Rajasthan, 157 from Punjab, 153 each from Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, 145 from Haryana and 115 from Jharkhand. A total of 2,18,959 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 70,284 from Maharashtra, 16,966 from Delhi, 16,011 from Karnataka, 14,346 from Tamil Nadu, 13,162 from Uttar Pradesh, 11,539 from West Bengal, 9,317 from Punjab and 9,009 from Chhattisgarh. The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: India records 3,68,147 new cases and 3,417 fatalities in single day  

New Zealand's quarantine-free travel arrangement with Western Australia faces disruption for the second time in eight days following fresh Covid cases in Perth. A worker at a managed isolation facility in the city and two people he shares accommodation with have tested positive, authorities said.

Mark McGowan, Premier of Western Australia said the state won't go into lockdown "at this point".

However, New Zealand health ministry officials said they had conducted "rapid" assessment and had "determined scheduled direct flights from Western Australia to New Zealand should be immediately paused while a further assessment is carried out."

A flight scheduled to arrive in Auckland from Perth at 5:50am Sunday (1750 GMT Saturday) has been cancelled, but travel to other Australian states and territories is not affected.

This is a second disruption since Australia and New Zealand opened their quarantine-free travel bubble on April 18. This step came 400 days after both had closed their international borders due to the pandemic. Flights between New Zealand and Western Australia were suspended less than a week later, when the Perth and Peel regions were sent into a three-day lockdown after recording a case of community transmission on April 23.

The bubble, which followed months of negotiations between the largely coronavirus-free neighbours, was hailed as a major milestone in restarting a global travel industry that has been crippled by the Covid-19 pandemic.

New Zealand's tourism industry was its biggest export industry before Covid-19, with Australians accounting for about 40 percent of the international visitors.

(With inputs from agencies)

New Zealand's quarantine-free travel arrangement with Western Australia faces disruption for the second time in eight days following fresh Covid cases in Perth. A worker at a managed isolation facility in the city and two people he shares accommodation with have tested positive, authorities said.

New Zealand's quarantine-free travel arrangement with Western Australia faces disruption for the second time in eight days following fresh Covid cases in Perth. A worker at a managed isolation facility in the city and two people he shares accommodation with have tested positive, authorities said. Mark McGowan, Premier of Western Australia said the state won't go into lockdown "at this point". However, New Zealand health ministry officials said they had conducted "rapid" assessment and had "determined scheduled direct flights from Western Australia to New Zealand should be immediately paused while a further assessment is carried out." A flight scheduled to arrive in Auckland from Perth at 5:50am Sunday (1750 GMT Saturday) has been cancelled, but travel to other Australian states and territories is not affected. This is a second disruption since Australia and New Zealand opened their quarantine-free travel bubble on April 18. This step came 400 days after both had closed their international borders due to the pandemic. Flights between New Zealand and Western Australia were suspended less than a week later, when the Perth and Peel regions were sent into a three-day lockdown after recording a case of community transmission on April 23. The bubble, which followed months of negotiations between the largely coronavirus-free neighbours, was hailed as a major milestone in restarting a global travel industry that has been crippled by the Covid-19 pandemic. New Zealand's tourism industry was its biggest export industry before Covid-19, with Australians accounting for about 40 percent of the international visitors. (With inputs from agencies)

New Zealand-Australia travel bubble faces disruption due to fresh Covid cases

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a meeting today&nbsp;morning at 9:30 am to review the measures taken amid the raging second wave across the country. 
 
The Prime Minister will review the allocation of human resources as well as the availability of oxygen and medicines, sources said.

Apart from this, the Prime Minister will also review the human resource situation, in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, and ways to augment it.

A total of 3,92,488 fresh COVID-19 cases were recorded in the last 24 hours taking the cumulative count of the cases to 1,95,57,457, the Union Health Ministry reported on Sunday.

Currently, there are 33,49,644 active cases of COVID-19 in India.

Meanwhile, the advisor to Prime Minister Bhaskar Khulbe, on Saturday, wrote to the Union Health Ministry to provide 150 ventilators to the Sardar Patel COVID Care Centre in Delhi.

The ventilators have been provided to the COVID Care Centre under PM-CARES Fund after a request was made by the Director-General of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) SS Deswal.

The ITBP run Sardar Patel COVID Care Centre at the Radha Soami Satsang Beas facility in Delhi started functioning on April 26 with 500 oxygen beds.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a meeting today morning at 9:30 am to review the measures taken amid the raging second wave across the country. The Prime Minister will review the allocation of human resources as well as the availability of oxygen and medicines, sources said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a meeting today morning at 9:30 am to review the measures taken amid the raging second wave across the country. The Prime Minister will review the allocation of human resources as well as the availability of oxygen and medicines, sources said. Apart from this, the Prime Minister will also review the human resource situation, in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, and ways to augment it. A total of 3,92,488 fresh COVID-19 cases were recorded in the last 24 hours taking the cumulative count of the cases to 1,95,57,457, the Union Health Ministry reported on Sunday. Currently, there are 33,49,644 active cases of COVID-19 in India. Meanwhile, the advisor to Prime Minister Bhaskar Khulbe, on Saturday, wrote to the Union Health Ministry to provide 150 ventilators to the Sardar Patel COVID Care Centre in Delhi. The ventilators have been provided to the COVID Care Centre under PM-CARES Fund after a request was made by the Director-General of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) SS Deswal. The ITBP run Sardar Patel COVID Care Centre at the Radha Soami Satsang Beas facility in Delhi started functioning on April 26 with 500 oxygen beds. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: PM Modi to meet experts over oxygen, medicine availability, India reports slight dip in cases

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday reviewed the progress of conversion of existing nitrogen plants to produce oxygen - a feasibility explored by the Centre considering the requirement of medical oxygen amidst the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus?page=1">Covid-19</a> pandemic. 
 
The Centre has identified more than two dozen nitrogen generation plants for the production of medical oxygen.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/while-india-fights-oxygen-shortage-another-challenge-lurks-in-the-shadows-381228">While India fights oxygen shortage, another challenge lurks in the shadows</a> 
 
"In order to ramp up oxygen supplies, the government is working on converting nitrogen plants into oxygen plants. Potential industries where current nitrogen plants could be spared, are being identified and converted," the Prime Minister tweeted after the review meeting.

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In order to ramp up oxygen supplies, the Government is working on converting nitrogen plants into oxygen plants. Potential industries where current nitrogen plants could be spared, are being identified &amp; converted. <a href="https://t.co/Gl9E6a7sCl">https://t.co/Gl9E6a7sCl</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1388814026793123842?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The process of converting the existing Pressure Swing Absorption (PSA) nitrogen plants for production of oxygen was discussed in the meeting, said a statement issued by the Prime Minister`s Office.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-india-records-highest-ever-401993-new-cases-3523-deaths-381832">COVID-19: India records highest-ever 4,01,993 new cases, 3,523 deaths</a>&nbsp; 
 
In the nitrogen plants Carbon Molecular Sieve (CMS) is used whereas Zeolite Molecular Sieve (ZMS) is required for producing oxygen. Therefore, by replacing CMS with ZMS and carrying out a few other changes such as oxygen analyzer, control panel system and flow valves, existing nitrogen plants can be modified to produce oxygen. 
 
"On deliberation with the industries, so far 14 industries have been identified where conversion of plants is under progress. Further 37 nitrogen plants have been also identified with the help of industry associations," said the statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/oxygen-aid-arrives-in-india-amid-record-break-covid-numbers-382312">Oxygen aid arrives in India amid record-break Covid numbers</a> 
 
A nitrogen plant modified for the production of oxygen can be either shifted to a nearby hospital or, in case it is not feasible to shift the plant, it can be used for on-site production of oxygen, which can be transported to hospital through specialized vessels or cylinders. 
 
Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Cabinet Secretary, Home Secretary, Secretary Road Transport and Highways and other senior officials participated in the meeting. 
 
Oxygen produced in on-site plants has to be compressed and filled in cylinders or special vessels using a high-pressure compressor for transporting to hospitals. 
 
Facilitation is being provided to these industries for completion of work at the earliest. 
 
The Centre had earlier asked the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), which has a comprehensive database of industrial units, to identify the industries having spare nitrogen plants and explore the feasibility of converting existing nitrogen plants to produce oxygen. 
 
The CPCB with the help of the State Pollution Control Boards has identified such potential industries, wherein existing nitrogen generation plants may be spared for production of oxygen. 
 
In this regard, consultations have been held with potential industrial units and experts. 
 
The Centre`s step comes as India has been hit by a devastating wave of Covid infections -- the daily new cases crossed the four-lakh mark on Saturday and 3,92,488 new Covid-19 cases were reported on Sunday morning. The surge in cases has left hospitals overwhelmed, doctors traumatised, and resources like beds, medicines and oxygen in perilously short supply. 
 
The scale of the crisis has prompted the global community to step in with oxygen concentrators, tankers and other equipment being flown in by the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore, the European Union and other countries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday reviewed the progress of conversion of existing nitrogen plants to produce oxygen - a feasibility explored by the Centre considering the requirement of medical oxygen amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday reviewed the progress of conversion of existing nitrogen plants to produce oxygen - a feasibility explored by the Centre considering the requirement of medical oxygen amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. The Centre has identified more than two dozen nitrogen generation plants for the production of medical oxygen. Also read | While India fights oxygen shortage, another challenge lurks in the shadows "In order to ramp up oxygen supplies, the government is working on converting nitrogen plants into oxygen plants. Potential industries where current nitrogen plants could be spared, are being identified and converted," the Prime Minister tweeted after the review meeting. In order to ramp up oxygen supplies, the Government is working on converting nitrogen plants into oxygen plants. Potential industries where current nitrogen plants could be spared, are being identified & converted. https://t.co/Gl9E6a7sCl — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 2, 2021 × The process of converting the existing Pressure Swing Absorption (PSA) nitrogen plants for production of oxygen was discussed in the meeting, said a statement issued by the Prime Minister`s Office. Also read | COVID-19: India records highest-ever 4,01,993 new cases, 3,523 deaths In the nitrogen plants Carbon Molecular Sieve (CMS) is used whereas Zeolite Molecular Sieve (ZMS) is required for producing oxygen. Therefore, by replacing CMS with ZMS and carrying out a few other changes such as oxygen analyzer, control panel system and flow valves, existing nitrogen plants can be modified to produce oxygen. "On deliberation with the industries, so far 14 industries have been identified where conversion of plants is under progress. Further 37 nitrogen plants have been also identified with the help of industry associations," said the statement. Also read | Oxygen aid arrives in India amid record-break Covid numbers A nitrogen plant modified for the production of oxygen can be either shifted to a nearby hospital or, in case it is not feasible to shift the plant, it can be used for on-site production of oxygen, which can be transported to hospital through specialized vessels or cylinders. Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Cabinet Secretary, Home Secretary, Secretary Road Transport and Highways and other senior officials participated in the meeting. Oxygen produced in on-site plants has to be compressed and filled in cylinders or special vessels using a high-pressure compressor for transporting to hospitals. Facilitation is being provided to these industries for completion of work at the earliest. The Centre had earlier asked the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), which has a comprehensive database of industrial units, to identify the industries having spare nitrogen plants and explore the feasibility of converting existing nitrogen plants to produce oxygen. The CPCB with the help of the State Pollution Control Boards has identified such potential industries, wherein existing nitrogen generation plants may be spared for production of oxygen. In this regard, consultations have been held with potential industrial units and experts. The Centre`s step comes as India has been hit by a devastating wave of Covid infections -- the daily new cases crossed the four-lakh mark on Saturday and 3,92,488 new Covid-19 cases were reported on Sunday morning. The surge in cases has left hospitals overwhelmed, doctors traumatised, and resources like beds, medicines and oxygen in perilously short supply. The scale of the crisis has prompted the global community to step in with oxygen concentrators, tankers and other equipment being flown in by the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore, the European Union and other countries.

PM reviews progress of converting nitrogen plants to produce oxygen

Serum Institute of India CEO Aadar Poonawalla has said that the production of COVID-19 vaccine Covishield is in full swing in Pune and he will review the operations once he is back in the country.

Poonawalla is currently in the UK to meet his family members.

"Had an excellent meeting with all our partners &amp; stakeholders in the UK. Meanwhile, pleased to state that COVISHIELD's production is in full swing in Pune. I look forward to reviewing operations upon my return in a few days," Poonawalla said in a tweet.

India rolled out the third phase of its COVID-19 vaccination drive for those in the age group of 18-45 years on Saturday though the inoculation process failed to take off in some states due to a shortage of vaccines.

While Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Jammu and Kashmir among other states and union territories launched the vaccination drive, Karnataka and Odisha made only a symbolic start to it.

Poonawalla on Saturday had spoken out about the pressures he was under over the production of COVID-19 vaccines to meet the ever-increasing demand in India as the country battles through a devastating second wave of the coronavirus pandemic.

In his first comments since he was provided with Y category security by the government earlier this week, Poonawalla told 'The Times' in an interview about receiving aggressive calls from some of the most powerful people in India, demanding supplies of Covishield -- the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine that the Serum Institute is producing in India.

That pressure is largely behind his decision to fly into London to be with his wife and children, the 40-year-old entrepreneur had said.

The businessman indicated in the interview that his move to London is also linked to business plans to expand vaccine manufacturing to countries outside India, which may include the likes of the UK.

Last week, SII announced a cut in the price of the jab it plans to sell to states to Rs 300 per dose from the earlier Rs 400.

The price cut came after widespread criticism of its pricing policy as it had sold the initial doses of Covishield to the central government at Rs 150 per dose. 
 
Covishield is the most used COVID-19 vaccine in India. It along with Bharat Biotech's Covaxin is being used by the government for vaccination in the country.&nbsp;

Serum Institute of India CEO Aadar Poonawalla has said that the production of COVID-19 vaccine Covishield is in full swing in Pune and he will review the operations once he is back in the country.

Serum Institute of India CEO Aadar Poonawalla has said that the production of COVID-19 vaccine Covishield is in full swing in Pune and he will review the operations once he is back in the country. Poonawalla is currently in the UK to meet his family members. "Had an excellent meeting with all our partners & stakeholders in the UK. Meanwhile, pleased to state that COVISHIELD's production is in full swing in Pune. I look forward to reviewing operations upon my return in a few days," Poonawalla said in a tweet. India rolled out the third phase of its COVID-19 vaccination drive for those in the age group of 18-45 years on Saturday though the inoculation process failed to take off in some states due to a shortage of vaccines. While Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Jammu and Kashmir among other states and union territories launched the vaccination drive, Karnataka and Odisha made only a symbolic start to it. Poonawalla on Saturday had spoken out about the pressures he was under over the production of COVID-19 vaccines to meet the ever-increasing demand in India as the country battles through a devastating second wave of the coronavirus pandemic. In his first comments since he was provided with Y category security by the government earlier this week, Poonawalla told 'The Times' in an interview about receiving aggressive calls from some of the most powerful people in India, demanding supplies of Covishield -- the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine that the Serum Institute is producing in India. That pressure is largely behind his decision to fly into London to be with his wife and children, the 40-year-old entrepreneur had said. The businessman indicated in the interview that his move to London is also linked to business plans to expand vaccine manufacturing to countries outside India, which may include the likes of the UK. Last week, SII announced a cut in the price of the jab it plans to sell to states to Rs 300 per dose from the earlier Rs 400. The price cut came after widespread criticism of its pricing policy as it had sold the initial doses of Covishield to the central government at Rs 150 per dose. Covishield is the most used COVID-19 vaccine in India. It along with Bharat Biotech's Covaxin is being used by the government for vaccination in the country.

COVID-19: Covishield production in full swing in Pune, says Poonawalla

More emergency aid including medical Oxygen arrived in India on Sunday. The daily Covid death toll Covid attained a new high. India is setting new highs almost daily. On Sunday, 3689 deaths were reported. This is the highest single-day rise yet in the pandemic. The overall death toll has gone above 215,000.

The latest figures came as medical equipment -- including oxygen-generation plants -- was flown into the capital New Delhi from France and Germany as part of a huge international effort.

"We are here because we are bringing help that... will save lives," Germany's ambassador to India, Walter J. Lindner, said as 120 ventilators arrived late Saturday.

"Out there the hospitals are full. People are sometimes dying in front of the hospitals. They have no more oxygen. Sometimes (they are dying) in their cars."

French ambassador Emmanuel Lenain said his country wanted to show solidarity with India.

"The world won't be safe until we are all safe. So it's a matter of urgency," he said early Sunday following the delivery of eight oxygen-generation plants and dozens of ventilators from France.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/domestic-travel-curbs-can-lead-to-more-covid-19-cases-study-382216">Domestic travel curbs can lead to more COVID-19 cases: Study</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said late Sunday his government was investigating whether nitrogen plants could be used to produce oxygen instead.&nbsp;

More lockdowns

India's eastern state of Odisha on Sunday became the latest region to order a lockdown to slow the spread of the pathogen.

Capital New Delhi, the worst-hit city in the country extended its lockdown by another week.

Hospitals in the capital continued to issue SOS calls for oxygen on social media, with the latest appeal posted by a children's hospital on Twitter on Sunday.

The plea came a day after up to a dozen patients died at a Delhi hospital amid an oxygen shortage, local media reported.

There are growing fears about the pandemic ravaging smaller towns and rural regions where health infrastructure is already patchy and limited.

India on Saturday opened up its inoculation drive to all adults, but supplies are running low and only online enrolments are allowed for the under-45s.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-pm-modi-reviews-oxygen-and-medicine-availability-382200">COVID-19: PM Modi reviews oxygen and medicine availability</a>

"It is a necessity now. We are seeing so many people testing positive," data scientist Megha Srivastava, 35, told AFP outside a Delhi vaccination centre.

The head of the world's largest vaccine maker, Serum Institute chief Adar Poonawalla, told The Times newspaper on Saturday during a business trip to Britain that he was being hounded by political and business leaders for more supplies.

"'Threats' is an understatement," he told the paper. "The level of expectation and aggression is really unprecedented. It's overwhelming. Everyone feels they should get the vaccine."

Experts have called on the government to allow more flexibility in India's vaccine rollout, particularly in poorer rural areas where there is lower internet penetration.

"We should procure sufficient vaccines, then plan bottom-up through... the primary health centre level," Bangalore-based public health expert Hemant Shewade told AFP.

(With inputs from agencies)

More emergency aid including medical Oxygen arrived in India on Sunday. The daily Covid death toll Covid attained a new high. India is setting new highs almost daily.

More emergency aid including medical Oxygen arrived in India on Sunday. The daily Covid death toll Covid attained a new high. India is setting new highs almost daily. On Sunday, 3689 deaths were reported. This is the highest single-day rise yet in the pandemic. The overall death toll has gone above 215,000. The latest figures came as medical equipment -- including oxygen-generation plants -- was flown into the capital New Delhi from France and Germany as part of a huge international effort. "We are here because we are bringing help that... will save lives," Germany's ambassador to India, Walter J. Lindner, said as 120 ventilators arrived late Saturday. "Out there the hospitals are full. People are sometimes dying in front of the hospitals. They have no more oxygen. Sometimes (they are dying) in their cars." French ambassador Emmanuel Lenain said his country wanted to show solidarity with India. "The world won't be safe until we are all safe. So it's a matter of urgency," he said early Sunday following the delivery of eight oxygen-generation plants and dozens of ventilators from France. Also Read | Domestic travel curbs can lead to more COVID-19 cases: Study Prime Minister Narendra Modi said late Sunday his government was investigating whether nitrogen plants could be used to produce oxygen instead. More lockdowns India's eastern state of Odisha on Sunday became the latest region to order a lockdown to slow the spread of the pathogen. Capital New Delhi, the worst-hit city in the country extended its lockdown by another week. Hospitals in the capital continued to issue SOS calls for oxygen on social media, with the latest appeal posted by a children's hospital on Twitter on Sunday. The plea came a day after up to a dozen patients died at a Delhi hospital amid an oxygen shortage, local media reported. There are growing fears about the pandemic ravaging smaller towns and rural regions where health infrastructure is already patchy and limited. India on Saturday opened up its inoculation drive to all adults, but supplies are running low and only online enrolments are allowed for the under-45s. Also Read | COVID-19: PM Modi reviews oxygen and medicine availability "It is a necessity now. We are seeing so many people testing positive," data scientist Megha Srivastava, 35, told AFP outside a Delhi vaccination centre. The head of the world's largest vaccine maker, Serum Institute chief Adar Poonawalla, told The Times newspaper on Saturday during a business trip to Britain that he was being hounded by political and business leaders for more supplies. "'Threats' is an understatement," he told the paper. "The level of expectation and aggression is really unprecedented. It's overwhelming. Everyone feels they should get the vaccine." Experts have called on the government to allow more flexibility in India's vaccine rollout, particularly in poorer rural areas where there is lower internet penetration. "We should procure sufficient vaccines, then plan bottom-up through... the primary health centre level," Bangalore-based public health expert Hemant Shewade told AFP. (With inputs from agencies)

Oxygen aid arrives in India amid record-break Covid numbers

The US sends over 1,000 oxygen cylinders, and regulators, among others on Sunday; Germany sent 120 ventilators on Saturday.

COVID-19: Nations continue to send aid as India fights a massive battle against coronavirus

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday held a virtual meeting with experts to review oxygen and medicine availability. He also reviewed the human resource situation, in relation to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19 pandemic</a>, and ways to augment it.

According to government sources, the Prime Minister reviewed the matter of augmenting human resources for effective management of COVID-19 in the country today.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-receives-essential-medical-supplies-from-france-to-combat-covid-19-surge-382096">India receives essential medical supplies from France to combat COVID-19 surge</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/taiwans-first-batch-of-covid-19-aid-leaves-for-india-382139">Taiwan's first batch of COVID-19 aid leaves for India</a>

During the meeting, several steps to incentivize students and pass-outs of medical and nursing courses to join Covid duty were taken.

The decisions which were taken in the meeting may include delaying the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) examination and incentivizing MBBS pass-outs studying for it to join Covid duty. It might also include utilising services of final year MBBS and nursing students in Covid Duty.

Medical personnel doing Covid duty will be given preference in government recruitment as well as a financial incentive.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/taiwans-first-batch-of-covid-19-aid-leaves-for-india-382139">Taiwan's first batch of COVID-19 aid leaves for India</a>

India reported 3,92,488 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, down from yesterday`s high of over 4 lakh cases, taking the cumulative count of the cases to 1,95,57,457, the Union Health Ministry said today.&nbsp;

Currently, there are 33,49,644 active cases of COVID-19 in the country and the death toll has mounted to 2,15,542. The total doses of the COVID-19 vaccine administered stand at over 15,68,16,031, informed the health ministry.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday held a virtual meeting with experts to review oxygen and medicine availability. He also reviewed the human resource situation, in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, and ways to augment it.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday held a virtual meeting with experts to review oxygen and medicine availability. He also reviewed the human resource situation, in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, and ways to augment it. According to government sources, the Prime Minister reviewed the matter of augmenting human resources for effective management of COVID-19 in the country today. Also read | India receives essential medical supplies from France to combat COVID-19 surge Taiwan's first batch of COVID-19 aid leaves for India During the meeting, several steps to incentivize students and pass-outs of medical and nursing courses to join Covid duty were taken. The decisions which were taken in the meeting may include delaying the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) examination and incentivizing MBBS pass-outs studying for it to join Covid duty. It might also include utilising services of final year MBBS and nursing students in Covid Duty. Medical personnel doing Covid duty will be given preference in government recruitment as well as a financial incentive. Also read | Taiwan's first batch of COVID-19 aid leaves for India India reported 3,92,488 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, down from yesterday`s high of over 4 lakh cases, taking the cumulative count of the cases to 1,95,57,457, the Union Health Ministry said today. Currently, there are 33,49,644 active cases of COVID-19 in the country and the death toll has mounted to 2,15,542. The total doses of the COVID-19 vaccine administered stand at over 15,68,16,031, informed the health ministry.

COVID-19: PM Modi reviews oxygen and medicine availability

Provinces across Canada report single day records of new COVID 19 cases. Tens of thousands of protesters marched in Montreal against restrictions imposed by the government to stem a third wave of the virus in Canada.

Coronavirus Update: No masks, social distancing in Montreal protest

India has crossed the grim milestone of recording over 400,000 cases in a single day. India has reported 401,993 cases and 3523 deaths in the last 24 hours.

India: 401,993 cases, 3523 deaths in last 24 hours

India has opened up its vaccination drive to everyone above the age of 18 but the shortage of vaccines has hampered the drive in many states.

India: States begin phase 3 of vaccination in limited manner

The United States has now successfully vaccinated over 100 million people against the deadly Coronavirus.

Coronavirus Update: US becomes the first nation to vaccinate 100 Million people

A new investigation conducted by scientists has found the probability of individuals experiencing side effects after getting the COVID-19 vaccine. King’s College London found that one out of four individuals experience mild, short-lived side effects after taking the vaccines.

These symptoms include cerebral pain, tiredness and tenderness. Most of these were reported among people who took the Pfizer and AstraZeneca jabs. Researchers also found that most side effects peaked within 24 hours after vaccination and lasted for 1-2 days on average.

The study was published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases on Saturday is the first large scale study attempting to understand the prevalence of side effects based on data from UK’s vaccination programme.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/influenza-has-virtually-disappeared-worldwide-during-the-covid-pandemic-381544" hreflang="en">Influenza has virtually disappeared worldwide during the Covid pandemic</a>

The data was sourced from the ZOE COVID Symptom Study mobile application and took into account the experiences of 627,383 users who had received the jabs and self-reported side effects after receiving one or both the doses of Pfizer vaccine or single dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine between December 8, 2020 and March 10, 2021.

Results suggested that there were fewer instances of side effects in real life than during trials.

In addition, the study tracked the rate of infection among people post-inoculation. It was found that the rates of infection dropped between 12-21 days after the first dose of Pfizer (58 per cent) and AstraZeneca (39 percent). In 21 days, the drop in infection for Pfizer and AstraZeneca was 69 per cent and 60 per cent respectively.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/young-people-who-recovered-from-covid-19-face-risk-of-reinfection-study-381384" hreflang="en">Young people who recovered from COVID-19 face risk of reinfection: Study</a>

Out of the vaccination people mentioned above, 25.4 per cent reported systemic side effects which show up as a result of the vaccine. 66.2 per cent reported local side effects which happen at the site of the injection.

(With inputs from agencies)

A new investigation conducted by scientists has found the probability of individuals experiencing side effects after getting the COVID-19 vaccine. King’s College London found that one out of four individuals experience mild, short-lived side effects after taking the vaccines.

A new investigation conducted by scientists has found the probability of individuals experiencing side effects after getting the COVID-19 vaccine. King’s College London found that one out of four individuals experience mild, short-lived side effects after taking the vaccines. These symptoms include cerebral pain, tiredness and tenderness. Most of these were reported among people who took the Pfizer and AstraZeneca jabs. Researchers also found that most side effects peaked within 24 hours after vaccination and lasted for 1-2 days on average. The study was published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases on Saturday is the first large scale study attempting to understand the prevalence of side effects based on data from UK’s vaccination programme. Also read: Influenza has virtually disappeared worldwide during the Covid pandemic The data was sourced from the ZOE COVID Symptom Study mobile application and took into account the experiences of 627,383 users who had received the jabs and self-reported side effects after receiving one or both the doses of Pfizer vaccine or single dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine between December 8, 2020 and March 10, 2021. Results suggested that there were fewer instances of side effects in real life than during trials. In addition, the study tracked the rate of infection among people post-inoculation. It was found that the rates of infection dropped between 12-21 days after the first dose of Pfizer (58 per cent) and AstraZeneca (39 percent). In 21 days, the drop in infection for Pfizer and AstraZeneca was 69 per cent and 60 per cent respectively. Also read: Young people who recovered from COVID-19 face risk of reinfection: Study Out of the vaccination people mentioned above, 25.4 per cent reported systemic side effects which show up as a result of the vaccine. 66.2 per cent reported local side effects which happen at the site of the injection. (With inputs from agencies)

One in four people experience side effects after Covid vaccines, large-scale study finds

Coronavirus cases in India hit a record daily high with over 4,00,000 new infections being reported in the last 24 hours, while the active cases crossed the 32,00,000 mark, according to date updated by the Union Health Ministry on Saturday.&nbsp;

The infection tally rose to 1,91,64,969 with 4,01,993 new cases, while the death toll increased to 2,11,853 with 3,523 daily new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.&nbsp;

Registering a steady increase, the active cases have increased to 32,68,710, accounting for 17.06 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has further dropped to 81.84 per cent.&nbsp;

The number of people, who have recuperated from the disease, surged to 1,56,84,406, while the case fatality rate stands 1.11 per cent, the data stated.&nbsp;

India crossed the grim milestone of 15,000,000 on April 19.&nbsp;

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 28,83,37,385 samples have been tested up to April 30, of which 19,45,299 were done on Friday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Coronavirus cases in India hit a record daily high with over 4,00,000 new infections being reported in the last 24 hours, while the active cases crossed the 32,00,000 mark, according to date updated by the Union Health Ministry on Saturday.

Coronavirus cases in India hit a record daily high with over 4,00,000 new infections being reported in the last 24 hours, while the active cases crossed the 32,00,000 mark, according to date updated by the Union Health Ministry on Saturday. The infection tally rose to 1,91,64,969 with 4,01,993 new cases, while the death toll increased to 2,11,853 with 3,523 daily new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed. Registering a steady increase, the active cases have increased to 32,68,710, accounting for 17.06 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has further dropped to 81.84 per cent. The number of people, who have recuperated from the disease, surged to 1,56,84,406, while the case fatality rate stands 1.11 per cent, the data stated. India crossed the grim milestone of 15,000,000 on April 19. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 28,83,37,385 samples have been tested up to April 30, of which 19,45,299 were done on Friday. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: India records highest-ever 4,01,993 new cases, 3,523 deaths 

A flight carrying the first lot of Sputnik V vaccines from Russia landed in Hyderabad, Telangana on Saturday. Last month, the Drug Controller General (DCGI) had issued permission for Dr. Reddy`s Laboratories to import the Russian vaccine to India for emergency use.

COVID-19: First lot of Russian vaccine Sputnik V arrives in India

Coronavirus cases in India hit a record daily high with over 4,00,000 new infections being reported in the last 24 hours.

COVID-19: India records highest-ever 4,01,993 new cases

COVID-19: World comes together to help India

Due to the surge in Coronavirus cases, several countries have restricted travel to and from India.

Coronavirus Update: US to restrict travel from India May 4

Top US infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci on Saturday urged India to go into a nationwide lockdown in response to the ongoing surge in COVID-19 cases.

"I think the most important thing in the immediate is to get oxygen, get supplies, get medication, get PPE, those kinds of things," The Indian Express quoted Fauci as saying.

Related video:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/videos/us-may-not-need-astrazeneca-covid-vaccine-says-anthony-fauci-374992" hreflang="en">'US may not need AstraZeneca Covid vaccine', says Anthony Fauci</a>

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an address following the surge in cases had said that he was not going to impose a national lockdown but left the onus on states to take the call. "But also, one of the immediate things to do is to essentially call a shutdown of the country," Fauci&nbsp;said during the interview.

He further said that the COVID-19 lockdown need not be extremely long. "And if you shut down, you don't have to shut down for six months. You can shut down temporarily to put an end to the cycle of transmission," he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/world-has-failed-india-amid-record-surge-in-covid-19-cases-says-top-us-disease-expert-fauci-381019" hreflang="en">World has failed India amid record surge in COVID-19 cases, says top US disease expert Fauci</a>

Fauci also said that “no one likes likes to lock down the country”, while urging Indian authorities to lock down the country for a “few weeks”, which in his opinion would have a considerable impact on the degree of the outbreak.

Currently, India is witnessing the worst surge reported among any country in the world with over 400,000 new cases reported nationwide on May 1. In April alone, India recorded over seven million infections which has overwhelmed healthcare system in the country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/us-contemplating-changing-3-foot-social-distancing-rule-anthony-fauci-370452" hreflang="en">US contemplating changing 3-foot social distancing rule: Anthony Fauci</a>

New states and regions in the country have imposed lockdowns - namely the state of Maharashtra and the Union Territory of Delhi. On Saturday, Delhi extended its lockdown by a week for the second time.

(With inputs from agencies)

Top US infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci on Saturday urged India to go into a nationwide lockdown in response to the ongoing surge in COVID-19 cases. "I think the most important thing in the immediate is to get oxygen, get supplies, get medication, get PPE, those kinds of things," The Indian Express quoted Fauci as saying.

Top US infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci on Saturday urged India to go into a nationwide lockdown in response to the ongoing surge in COVID-19 cases. "I think the most important thing in the immediate is to get oxygen, get supplies, get medication, get PPE, those kinds of things," The Indian Express quoted Fauci as saying. Related video: 'US may not need AstraZeneca Covid vaccine', says Anthony Fauci Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an address following the surge in cases had said that he was not going to impose a national lockdown but left the onus on states to take the call. "But also, one of the immediate things to do is to essentially call a shutdown of the country," Fauci said during the interview. He further said that the COVID-19 lockdown need not be extremely long. "And if you shut down, you don't have to shut down for six months. You can shut down temporarily to put an end to the cycle of transmission," he said. Also read: World has failed India amid record surge in COVID-19 cases, says top US disease expert Fauci Fauci also said that “no one likes likes to lock down the country”, while urging Indian authorities to lock down the country for a “few weeks”, which in his opinion would have a considerable impact on the degree of the outbreak. Currently, India is witnessing the worst surge reported among any country in the world with over 400,000 new cases reported nationwide on May 1. In April alone, India recorded over seven million infections which has overwhelmed healthcare system in the country. Also read: US contemplating changing 3-foot social distancing rule: Anthony Fauci New states and regions in the country have imposed lockdowns - namely the state of Maharashtra and the Union Territory of Delhi. On Saturday, Delhi extended its lockdown by a week for the second time. (With inputs from agencies)

Top US disease expert Dr Fauci urges India to impose nationwide lockdown for 'few weeks'

A group of scientific advisers working for the Indian government reportedly told authorities that minor mutations have been reported in many samples of coronavirus. A leader of the group told Reuters that these mutations could “possible evade immune response” and would require further enquiry.

Even then, the group added that though mutations are being flagged by the authorities, there currently exists no reason to believe these could be dangerous or were expanding. Currently, India is witnessing the worst surge reported among any country in the world with over 400,000 new cases reported nationwide on May 1.

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Scientists are attempting to understand whether the surge was caused by a variant which was first detected in the country - B.1.617. The World Health Organization so far has not declared the variant as “of concern”. It had declared mutations first emerging in Britain, Brazil, and South Africa as “variants of concern”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/covaxin-found-to-neutralise-the-617-variant-of-covid-19-dr-fauci-381032" hreflang="en">Covaxin found to neutralise the 617 variant of COVID-19: Dr Fauci</a>

On April 27, the WHO said that its modelling based on genome sequencing suggest that the variant had a higher growth rate than any other mutations that are spreading in India.

The forum of advisers to the Indian government is known as the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genetics Consortium or INSACOG. The group has traced more variants in the country that it feels need to be tracked.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/a-variant-proof-french-vaccine-may-be-key-to-fight-against-covid-381386" hreflang="en">A 'variant-proof' French vaccine may be key to fight against Covid</a>

"We are seeing some mutation coming up in some samples that could possibly evade immune responses," Shahid Jameel, chair of the scientific advisory group of INSACOG told Reuters.

"Unless you culture those viruses and test them in the lab, you can't say for sure. At this point, there is no reason to believe that they are expanding or if they can be dangerous, but we flagged it so that we keep our eye on the ball," he further said.

(With inputs from agencies)

A group of scientific advisers working for the Indian government reportedly told authorities that minor mutations have been reported in many samples of coronavirus.

A group of scientific advisers working for the Indian government reportedly told authorities that minor mutations have been reported in many samples of coronavirus. A leader of the group told Reuters that these mutations could “possible evade immune response” and would require further enquiry. Even then, the group added that though mutations are being flagged by the authorities, there currently exists no reason to believe these could be dangerous or were expanding. Currently, India is witnessing the worst surge reported among any country in the world with over 400,000 new cases reported nationwide on May 1. Scientists are attempting to understand whether the surge was caused by a variant which was first detected in the country - B.1.617. The World Health Organization so far has not declared the variant as “of concern”. It had declared mutations first emerging in Britain, Brazil, and South Africa as “variants of concern”. Also read: Covaxin found to neutralise the 617 variant of COVID-19: Dr Fauci On April 27, the WHO said that its modelling based on genome sequencing suggest that the variant had a higher growth rate than any other mutations that are spreading in India. The forum of advisers to the Indian government is known as the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genetics Consortium or INSACOG. The group has traced more variants in the country that it feels need to be tracked. Also read: A 'variant-proof' French vaccine may be key to fight against Covid "We are seeing some mutation coming up in some samples that could possibly evade immune responses," Shahid Jameel, chair of the scientific advisory group of INSACOG told Reuters. "Unless you culture those viruses and test them in the lab, you can't say for sure. At this point, there is no reason to believe that they are expanding or if they can be dangerous, but we flagged it so that we keep our eye on the ball," he further said. (With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus mutations that could 'evade immune response' flagged by Indian scientists: Report

Vaccine rollout began in the rebel-held part of northern Syria and residents received Covid vaccines on Saturday, said AFP. Authorities in Idlib and northern Aleppo received an initial batch of 53,800 AstraZeneca Covid-19 jabs on April 21, under the Covax programme for poorer nations.

In Idlib, a doctor was the first to receive the vaccine at Ibn Sina children's hospital, one of the city's biggest medical facilities.

Yasser Najib, the head of a committee running the vaccine drive, said the first doses would go to medical staff at Ibn Sina and the national hospital in Azaz, in northern Aleppo.

He said that by Monday the campaign would reach "all medical facilities, including those in the camps" on the border with Turkey, which shelter hundreds of thousands of displaced people.

Humanitarian workers are also among the first to be inoculated. This will be followed by the elderly and people with chronic diseases.

The committee said it had set up more than 90 mobile teams to administer the vaccines.

The campaign covers both areas of northwestern Syria controlled by former Al-Qaeda affiliate Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, and border regions of northern Aleppo province held by Turkish and pro-Turkish forces.

The area, which hosts some four million people, has recorded over 21,000 cases of Covid-19 including 641 deaths.

"The aim... is to vaccinate 20 percent of the population of northwestern Syria, so around 855,000 people," said Najib.

Last month, Damascus received an initial batch of 203,000 AstraZeneca vaccine doses, out of 912,000 it is set to receive for distribution in government and Kurdish-dominated parts of Syria.&nbsp;

The World Health Organization is hoping a fifth of Syria's population will be vaccinated by the end of the year.

Syria's civil war has killed more than 388,000 people and displaced millions at home and abroad since starting in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.

(With inputs from agencies)

Vaccine rollout began in the rebel-held part of northern Syria and residents received Covid vaccines on Saturday, said AFP. Authorities in Idlib and northern Aleppo received an initial batch of 53,800 AstraZeneca Covid-19 jabs on April 21, under the Covax programme for poorer nations.

Vaccine rollout began in the rebel-held part of northern Syria and residents received Covid vaccines on Saturday, said AFP. Authorities in Idlib and northern Aleppo received an initial batch of 53,800 AstraZeneca Covid-19 jabs on April 21, under the Covax programme for poorer nations. In Idlib, a doctor was the first to receive the vaccine at Ibn Sina children's hospital, one of the city's biggest medical facilities. Yasser Najib, the head of a committee running the vaccine drive, said the first doses would go to medical staff at Ibn Sina and the national hospital in Azaz, in northern Aleppo. He said that by Monday the campaign would reach "all medical facilities, including those in the camps" on the border with Turkey, which shelter hundreds of thousands of displaced people. Humanitarian workers are also among the first to be inoculated. This will be followed by the elderly and people with chronic diseases. The committee said it had set up more than 90 mobile teams to administer the vaccines. The campaign covers both areas of northwestern Syria controlled by former Al-Qaeda affiliate Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, and border regions of northern Aleppo province held by Turkish and pro-Turkish forces. The area, which hosts some four million people, has recorded over 21,000 cases of Covid-19 including 641 deaths. "The aim... is to vaccinate 20 percent of the population of northwestern Syria, so around 855,000 people," said Najib. Last month, Damascus received an initial batch of 203,000 AstraZeneca vaccine doses, out of 912,000 it is set to receive for distribution in government and Kurdish-dominated parts of Syria. The World Health Organization is hoping a fifth of Syria's population will be vaccinated by the end of the year. Syria's civil war has killed more than 388,000 people and displaced millions at home and abroad since starting in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests. (With inputs from agencies)

Residents in rebel-held northern Syria receive Covid vaccine

At the Patel COVID hospital in Gujarat's Bharuch, at least 18 COVID patients were killed in a fire. The fire broke out in the ICU wing of the hospital due to a short circuit.

India: Fire kills 18 in a COVID Hospital in Gujarat

Real Madrid star Sergio Ramos on Friday took to social media to express his concerns about India's severe COVID-19 crisis. The Madrid skipper shared a link to the UNICEF website and urged people to donate some amount to help with the raging pandemic in India.&nbsp;

IN PICS:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-pat-cummins-to-sachin-tendulkar-cricketing-stalwarts-who-donated-in-indias-fight-against-covid-19-381735" hreflang="en">From Pat Cummins to Sachin Tendulkar: Cricketing stalwarts who donated in India's fight against COVID-19</a>

Ramos tweeted: "Deaths and infections continue to rise in India. UNICEF fears that India will become the country with the highest death rate among children under 5 in the world. They urgently need our help."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Deaths and infections continue to rise in India.<a href="https://twitter.com/UNICEF?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UNICEF</a> fears that India will become the country with the highest death rate among children under 5 in the world. 
They urgently need our help. 
➡️ <a href="https://t.co/wcsNoB3Q1i">https://t.co/wcsNoB3Q1i</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EmergenciaIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EmergenciaIndia</a>
— Sergio Ramos (@SergioRamos) <a href="https://twitter.com/SergioRamos/status/1387861742861144070?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The star defender tested positive for Coronavirus two weeks ago while recovering from a calf injury. He was quarantined for 10 days. The skipper missed out on the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinals against Chelsea but he may feature in the second-leg at Stamford Bridge.&nbsp;

Coronavirus cases in India hit a record daily high with over 4,00,000 new infections being reported in the last 24 hours, while the active cases crossed the 32,00,000 mark, according to a date updated by the Union Health Ministry on Saturday.&nbsp;

The infection tally rose to 1,91,64,969 with 4,01,993 new cases, while the death toll increased to 2,11,853 with 3,523 daily new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.&nbsp;

Registering a steady increase, the active cases have increased to 32,68,710, accounting for 17.06 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has further dropped to 81.84 per cent.&nbsp;

The number of people, who have recuperated from the disease, surged to 1,56,84,406, while the case fatality rate stands 1.11 per cent, the data stated.&nbsp;

India crossed the grim milestone of 15,000,000 on April 19.&nbsp;

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 28,83,37,385 samples have been tested up to April 30, of which 19,45,299 were done on Friday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Real Madrid star Sergio Ramos on Friday took to social media to express his concerns about India's severe COVID-19 crisis. The Madrid skipper shared a link to the UNICEF website and urged people to donate some amount to help with the raging pandemic in India.

Real Madrid star Sergio Ramos on Friday took to social media to express his concerns about India's severe COVID-19 crisis. The Madrid skipper shared a link to the UNICEF website and urged people to donate some amount to help with the raging pandemic in India. IN PICS: From Pat Cummins to Sachin Tendulkar: Cricketing stalwarts who donated in India's fight against COVID-19 Ramos tweeted: "Deaths and infections continue to rise in India. UNICEF fears that India will become the country with the highest death rate among children under 5 in the world. They urgently need our help." Deaths and infections continue to rise in India.@UNICEF fears that India will become the country with the highest death rate among children under 5 in the world. They urgently need our help. ➡️ https://t.co/wcsNoB3Q1i#EmergenciaIndia — Sergio Ramos (@SergioRamos) April 29, 2021 × The star defender tested positive for Coronavirus two weeks ago while recovering from a calf injury. He was quarantined for 10 days. The skipper missed out on the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinals against Chelsea but he may feature in the second-leg at Stamford Bridge. Coronavirus cases in India hit a record daily high with over 4,00,000 new infections being reported in the last 24 hours, while the active cases crossed the 32,00,000 mark, according to a date updated by the Union Health Ministry on Saturday. The infection tally rose to 1,91,64,969 with 4,01,993 new cases, while the death toll increased to 2,11,853 with 3,523 daily new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed. Registering a steady increase, the active cases have increased to 32,68,710, accounting for 17.06 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has further dropped to 81.84 per cent. The number of people, who have recuperated from the disease, surged to 1,56,84,406, while the case fatality rate stands 1.11 per cent, the data stated. India crossed the grim milestone of 15,000,000 on April 19. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 28,83,37,385 samples have been tested up to April 30, of which 19,45,299 were done on Friday.

'They urgently need our help': Real Madrid star Sergio Ramos expresses concerns about India's COVID-19 crisis

Mutants Strains Variants How has Coronavirus evolved in the last 15 months? Are these new mutants more dangerous? How many of them exist? Are they resistant to COVID vaccines? Is the worst yet to come? Watch what experts have to say on WION Wideangle.

WION Wideangle | Coronavirus Mutants

Several Indian states have said that they can not start the nationwide coronavirus inoculation drive within their territories due to shortage of vaccines. The nationwide drive is due to start on May 1. New infections in India surged to another daily record.

India reported 386,452 news cases in the past 24 hours, while deaths from COVID-19 jumped by 3,498 over the last 24 hours, according to health ministry data.

However, medical experts believe actual COVID-19 numbers may be five to 10 times greater than the official tally.

Only about 9% of India's 1.4 billion people have received a vaccine dose since January.

Innoculation centres in Mumbai, the capital of the western state of Maharashtra will be shut for three days starting Friday because of vaccine shortage.

In the southern state of Karnataka, home to the tech hub of Bengaluru, state health minister said Karnataka's vaccination drive for adults will not begin on May 1.

Punjab and Madhya Pradesh state also said they will not be able to commence the vaccination drive due to the unavailability of doses.

In Gujarat, officials said vaccination for the 18-45 age group is expected to start in a fortnight, as the state expects to receive vaccines by then.

Officials in the eastern state of Odisha said they hoped to start vaccinations on Monday if vaccine stocks arrive.

World aid has started arriving in India as it struggles to combat what has been described as a humanitarian disaster.

(With inputs from agencies)

Several Indian states have said that they can not start the nationwide coronavirus inoculation drive within their territories due to shortage of vaccines. The nationwide drive is due to start on May 1.

Several Indian states have said that they can not start the nationwide coronavirus inoculation drive within their territories due to shortage of vaccines. The nationwide drive is due to start on May 1. New infections in India surged to another daily record. India reported 386,452 news cases in the past 24 hours, while deaths from COVID-19 jumped by 3,498 over the last 24 hours, according to health ministry data. However, medical experts believe actual COVID-19 numbers may be five to 10 times greater than the official tally. Only about 9% of India's 1.4 billion people have received a vaccine dose since January. Innoculation centres in Mumbai, the capital of the western state of Maharashtra will be shut for three days starting Friday because of vaccine shortage. In the southern state of Karnataka, home to the tech hub of Bengaluru, state health minister said Karnataka's vaccination drive for adults will not begin on May 1. Punjab and Madhya Pradesh state also said they will not be able to commence the vaccination drive due to the unavailability of doses. In Gujarat, officials said vaccination for the 18-45 age group is expected to start in a fortnight, as the state expects to receive vaccines by then. Officials in the eastern state of Odisha said they hoped to start vaccinations on Monday if vaccine stocks arrive. World aid has started arriving in India as it struggles to combat what has been described as a humanitarian disaster. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian states delay vaccination drive due to vaccine shortage

India posted a record daily rise in coronavirus cases of 386,452 on Friday, while deaths from COVID-19 jumped by 3,498 over the last 24 hours, according to health ministry data.

India has added about 7.7 million cases to its total caseload since the end of February, when its second wave picked up steam, according to a Reuters tally. In contrast, it took India nearly six months to add the previous 7.7 million cases. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-crisis-like-in-india-could-happen-anywhere-warns-who-381419">Also read | Covid crisis like in India could 'happen anywhere', warns WHO</a> 
 
The current rapid surge of COVID-19 cases has put immense pressure on the Indian health systems, already overburdened since the start of the pandemic.

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India reports 3,86,452 new <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> cases, 3498 deaths and 2,97,540 discharges in the last 24 hours, as per Union Health Ministry 
 
Total cases: 1,87,62,976 
Total recoveries: 1,53,84,418 
Death toll: 2,08,330 
Active cases: 31,70,228 
 
Total vaccination: 15,22,45,179 <a href="https://t.co/mRsifO2IMP">pic.twitter.com/mRsifO2IMP</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1387979313551527939?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2021</a></blockquote>
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To make available additional hospital beds and critical equipment for India, WHO is procuring mobile field hospitals with a capacity of 20-30 beds, which could be set up in the most affected areas.&nbsp; 
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The bed capacity at these field hospitals can be increased to a maximum of 50, if needed, without impacting infection prevention and control protocols, and water and sanitation, the WHO release had added.

(With inputs from agencies)

India posted a record daily rise in coronavirus cases of 386,452 on Friday, while deaths from COVID-19 jumped by 3,498 over the last 24 hours, according to health ministry data.

India posted a record daily rise in coronavirus cases of 386,452 on Friday, while deaths from COVID-19 jumped by 3,498 over the last 24 hours, according to health ministry data. India has added about 7.7 million cases to its total caseload since the end of February, when its second wave picked up steam, according to a Reuters tally. In contrast, it took India nearly six months to add the previous 7.7 million cases. Also read | Covid crisis like in India could 'happen anywhere', warns WHO The current rapid surge of COVID-19 cases has put immense pressure on the Indian health systems, already overburdened since the start of the pandemic. India reports 3,86,452 new #COVID19 cases, 3498 deaths and 2,97,540 discharges in the last 24 hours, as per Union Health Ministry Total cases: 1,87,62,976 Total recoveries: 1,53,84,418 Death toll: 2,08,330 Active cases: 31,70,228 Total vaccination: 15,22,45,179 pic.twitter.com/mRsifO2IMP — ANI (@ANI) April 30, 2021 × To make available additional hospital beds and critical equipment for India, WHO is procuring mobile field hospitals with a capacity of 20-30 beds, which could be set up in the most affected areas. The bed capacity at these field hospitals can be increased to a maximum of 50, if needed, without impacting infection prevention and control protocols, and water and sanitation, the WHO release had added. (With inputs from agencies)

India records biggest-ever surge of 386,452 COVID-19 cases, 3498 deaths in a day

Sri Lanka announced on Friday that its economy shrank by 3.6 per cent last year. This marks the worst economic downturn for the country since independence from Britain since 1948.

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka said in its annual report that it hoped that the economy would rebound in 2021 and record an optimistic six per cent growth on the back of improved local manufacturing and services.

"The pandemic has also offered an opportunity to reset the economy's focus and to address longstanding structural weaknesses and establish a production-based, productivity-driven economy," the bank said.

Coronavirus pandemic hit Sri Lanka's tourism sector. Sharp contractions were seen in construction, manufacturing and in services, said the bank.

The bank also said that central government's debt also rose to 101 per cent of GDP last year. It was 86.8 per cent in the year before that.

International rating agencies have expressed fears for Sri Lanka's ability to service its huge foreign debt as the country's foreign reserves fell sharply in the past year.

The island's economy was trying to recover from the effects of the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings that killed 279 people when the pandemic hit in early 2020.

Two weeks ago, Sri Lanka secured a $500 million loan from China to shore up its foreign exchange reserves as the local currency came under intense pressure and fell to a record low.

Chinese influence in the South Asian nation has been growing in recent years through loans and projects under its vast Belt and Road infrastructure initiative, raising concerns among regional powers and Western nations.

(With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka announced on Friday that its economy shrank by 3.6 per cent last year. This marks the worst economic downturn for the country since independence from Britain since 1948.

Sri Lanka announced on Friday that its economy shrank by 3.6 per cent last year. This marks the worst economic downturn for the country since independence from Britain since 1948. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka said in its annual report that it hoped that the economy would rebound in 2021 and record an optimistic six per cent growth on the back of improved local manufacturing and services. "The pandemic has also offered an opportunity to reset the economy's focus and to address longstanding structural weaknesses and establish a production-based, productivity-driven economy," the bank said. Coronavirus pandemic hit Sri Lanka's tourism sector. Sharp contractions were seen in construction, manufacturing and in services, said the bank. The bank also said that central government's debt also rose to 101 per cent of GDP last year. It was 86.8 per cent in the year before that. International rating agencies have expressed fears for Sri Lanka's ability to service its huge foreign debt as the country's foreign reserves fell sharply in the past year. The island's economy was trying to recover from the effects of the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings that killed 279 people when the pandemic hit in early 2020. Two weeks ago, Sri Lanka secured a $500 million loan from China to shore up its foreign exchange reserves as the local currency came under intense pressure and fell to a record low. Chinese influence in the South Asian nation has been growing in recent years through loans and projects under its vast Belt and Road infrastructure initiative, raising concerns among regional powers and Western nations. (With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka: Country facing worst economic downturn in 73 years, says central bank

This summer's virus-postponed Olympics could be held behind closed doors,&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;2020 president Seiko Hashimoto told AFP on Friday, pledging to ensure the Games will be safe.

Former Olympian Hashimoto said the Games could only be a success if organisers "completely protect" athletes and people in Japan, and that she is hopeful people will "be glad" the event went ahead.

Overseas spectators have already been barred from the Games, and this week a decision on domestic fans was delayed until June, with organisers citing a new wave of infections in Japan.

"There might be a situation where we can't allow any spectators to attend," Hashimoto conceded in an interview.

"The only way that we can call the Games a success is if we completely protect the lives and health of athletes and the people of Japan."

Most people in Japan back either a further delay of the Games or an outright cancellation, and a recent surge in virus cases has prompted a state of emergency in&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;and other parts of the country.

With the medical system already under pressure, Olympic organisers have been criticised for requesting volunteer medical staff for the Games.

Hashimoto said cutting spectators could ease pressure on the medical system.

"If the event itself does change, I think it will be with regard to spectators," she said.

"That is one area where we might be able to reduce the anxiety of people who are worried about the medical system."&nbsp;

The Games have never been cancelled outside of wartime and organisers have made it clear that they see no possibility of either further delay or a cancellation.

In a bid to win public confidence, they have released rulebooks mandating daily testing for athletes and limiting their movement.

But there will be no quarantine required for athletes, and vaccines will not be mandatory.

Hashimoto said the rules would continue to be refined, and she felt "a big responsibility to show the Games can be held safely".

"I want to show that clearly as we work towards the Games," she said.

When the Games were postponed last year, officials said the delayed event would be held as proof that humanity had triumphed over the virus.

But with the pandemic still raging, Hashimoto said the emphasis would be on hope and unity.

"It will show that the world can come together no matter how hard times are. I think this is a time when we can show that we are united," she said.

Japan has experienced a smaller virus outbreak than many countries, with just over 10,000 deaths despite avoiding the harsh lockdowns seen elsewhere.

But the recent spike in infections has played havoc with Olympic preparations, forcing changes to test events and qualifiers and prompting several regions to take the nationwide torch relay off public roads.

Hashimoto said organisers accepted that the situation would continue to change, and that they were running simulations to adapt as necessary.

"The organising committee is thinking about what needs to be done to make sure the event is not cancelled," she said.

Olympic officials have defended their determination to continue with the Games despite the pandemic and public opposition, and Hashimoto said she wants "lots of people to be glad that we held the Games".

"My big goal is to prepare for the Games in a way that makes people feel that way."

Hashimoto, 56, is former athlete who competed at seven consecutive winter and summer Games in speed skating and as a sprint cyclist.

She took over as&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;2020 president in February, after her predecessor was forced to resign over sexist comments.

She was previously Olympic minister and one of just two women in the cabinet, and has pushed for better gender equality at&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;2020.

But she said Japan is still not a place where women can feel they want to get involved in politics or business.

"I want to see an environment where it's easier for a woman to put her hand up and say she wants to do that," she added.

"I think my position is to clear the way for more women of the next generation to be able to do that."

This summer's virus-postponed Olympics could be held behind closed doors, Tokyo 2020 president Seiko Hashimoto told AFP on Friday, pledging to ensure the Games will be safe.

This summer's virus-postponed Olympics could be held behind closed doors, Tokyo 2020 president Seiko Hashimoto told AFP on Friday, pledging to ensure the Games will be safe. Former Olympian Hashimoto said the Games could only be a success if organisers "completely protect" athletes and people in Japan, and that she is hopeful people will "be glad" the event went ahead. Overseas spectators have already been barred from the Games, and this week a decision on domestic fans was delayed until June, with organisers citing a new wave of infections in Japan. "There might be a situation where we can't allow any spectators to attend," Hashimoto conceded in an interview. "The only way that we can call the Games a success is if we completely protect the lives and health of athletes and the people of Japan." Most people in Japan back either a further delay of the Games or an outright cancellation, and a recent surge in virus cases has prompted a state of emergency in Tokyo and other parts of the country. With the medical system already under pressure, Olympic organisers have been criticised for requesting volunteer medical staff for the Games. Hashimoto said cutting spectators could ease pressure on the medical system. "If the event itself does change, I think it will be with regard to spectators," she said. "That is one area where we might be able to reduce the anxiety of people who are worried about the medical system." The Games have never been cancelled outside of wartime and organisers have made it clear that they see no possibility of either further delay or a cancellation. In a bid to win public confidence, they have released rulebooks mandating daily testing for athletes and limiting their movement. But there will be no quarantine required for athletes, and vaccines will not be mandatory. Hashimoto said the rules would continue to be refined, and she felt "a big responsibility to show the Games can be held safely". "I want to show that clearly as we work towards the Games," she said. When the Games were postponed last year, officials said the delayed event would be held as proof that humanity had triumphed over the virus. But with the pandemic still raging, Hashimoto said the emphasis would be on hope and unity. "It will show that the world can come together no matter how hard times are. I think this is a time when we can show that we are united," she said. Japan has experienced a smaller virus outbreak than many countries, with just over 10,000 deaths despite avoiding the harsh lockdowns seen elsewhere. But the recent spike in infections has played havoc with Olympic preparations, forcing changes to test events and qualifiers and prompting several regions to take the nationwide torch relay off public roads. Hashimoto said organisers accepted that the situation would continue to change, and that they were running simulations to adapt as necessary. "The organising committee is thinking about what needs to be done to make sure the event is not cancelled," she said. Olympic officials have defended their determination to continue with the Games despite the pandemic and public opposition, and Hashimoto said she wants "lots of people to be glad that we held the Games". "My big goal is to prepare for the Games in a way that makes people feel that way." Hashimoto, 56, is former athlete who competed at seven consecutive winter and summer Games in speed skating and as a sprint cyclist. She took over as Tokyo 2020 president in February, after her predecessor was forced to resign over sexist comments. She was previously Olympic minister and one of just two women in the cabinet, and has pushed for better gender equality at Tokyo 2020. But she said Japan is still not a place where women can feel they want to get involved in politics or business. "I want to see an environment where it's easier for a woman to put her hand up and say she wants to do that," she added. "I think my position is to clear the way for more women of the next generation to be able to do that."

Tokyo Olympics could be held without fans: Games chief

Supreme Court of India said on Friday that high courts in India should avoid "off-the-cuff" remarks during hearings as they may have serious ramifications.

Supreme Court's advice came during hearings on COVID-19 related pleas. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and senior advocate Ranjit Kumar, appearing for the Centre and the Bihar government respectively said during the hearing that such remarks (from the high courts) gave impression as if authorities were doing nothing.

High courts of Madras and Delhi have been critical of Central government and various authorities for the way they have been handling Covid pandemic in India.

A bench headed by Justice D Y Chandrachud, hearing the suo motu case on COVID-19 management in the country, took note of the submissions of the Centre and Bihar government and cautioned restraint to High Courts.

"Even when we are criticising a judgement of a High Court, we do not say exactly what is in our heart and we exercise a degree of restraint. We would only expect that as freedom has been given to the High Courts to deal with these issues, certain of-the-cuff remarks, which are not necessary may be avoided," said the bench which also comprised Justices L Nageswara Rao and S Ravindra Bhat.

Government officials, including those who are COVID-19 infected, are working tirelessly to deal with the pandemic situation, the lawyers said.

Castigating officers on duty is "very demoralising", Kumar said.

The bench said judges also know that this is a new time where, every word said by them become part of social media.

"All we can say that we expect a degree of respect and restraint", the bench said.

The top court said particularly, in sensitive matters, it tended to exercise some caution and restraint.

"It is not because we are fearful of our remarks. Of course, we are independent. It is only because of the serious ramifications which off-the-cuff remarks about private citizens may have," Justice Chandrachud said.

"Sometimes judges make some observations to elicit proper response from lawyers, which should not be considered as those remarks against anyone," it said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Supreme Court of India said on Friday that high courts in India should avoid "off-the-cuff" remarks during hearings as they may have serious ramifications. Supreme Court's advice came during hearings on COVID-19 related pleas.

Supreme Court of India said on Friday that high courts in India should avoid "off-the-cuff" remarks during hearings as they may have serious ramifications. Supreme Court's advice came during hearings on COVID-19 related pleas. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and senior advocate Ranjit Kumar, appearing for the Centre and the Bihar government respectively said during the hearing that such remarks (from the high courts) gave impression as if authorities were doing nothing. High courts of Madras and Delhi have been critical of Central government and various authorities for the way they have been handling Covid pandemic in India. A bench headed by Justice D Y Chandrachud, hearing the suo motu case on COVID-19 management in the country, took note of the submissions of the Centre and Bihar government and cautioned restraint to High Courts. "Even when we are criticising a judgement of a High Court, we do not say exactly what is in our heart and we exercise a degree of restraint. We would only expect that as freedom has been given to the High Courts to deal with these issues, certain of-the-cuff remarks, which are not necessary may be avoided," said the bench which also comprised Justices L Nageswara Rao and S Ravindra Bhat. Government officials, including those who are COVID-19 infected, are working tirelessly to deal with the pandemic situation, the lawyers said. Castigating officers on duty is "very demoralising", Kumar said. The bench said judges also know that this is a new time where, every word said by them become part of social media. "All we can say that we expect a degree of respect and restraint", the bench said. The top court said particularly, in sensitive matters, it tended to exercise some caution and restraint. "It is not because we are fearful of our remarks. Of course, we are independent. It is only because of the serious ramifications which off-the-cuff remarks about private citizens may have," Justice Chandrachud said. "Sometimes judges make some observations to elicit proper response from lawyers, which should not be considered as those remarks against anyone," it said. (With inputs from agencies)

High courts should avoid 'off-the-cuff' remarks, says Supreme Court during Covid hearing

Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) Anil Baijal has tested positive for Covid-19 on Friday.

"I have tested positive for COVID with mild symptoms. Have isolated me since the onset of symptoms and all those who were in contact with me have been tested. Will continue to function and monitor the situation in Delhi from my residence." he tweeted. 
&nbsp;

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I have tested positive for COVID with mild symptoms. 
Have isolated myself since the onset of symptoms and all those who were in contact with me have been tested. 
Will continue to function and monitor the situation in Delhi from my residence.
— LG Delhi (@LtGovDelhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/LtGovDelhi/status/1388056768022937602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2021</a></blockquote>
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On Thursday,&nbsp;Baijal sought a report from Chief Secretary Vijay Dev on the city's preparedness for the vaccination of people above 18 years of age against COVID-19

That was&nbsp;his first significant move since the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Act, 2021, which mandates that the Delhi "government" means the LG, came into force. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) Anil Baijal has tested positive for Covid-19 on Friday. "I have tested positive for COVID with mild symptoms. Have isolated me since the onset of symptoms and all those who were in contact with me have been tested.

Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) Anil Baijal has tested positive for Covid-19 on Friday. "I have tested positive for COVID with mild symptoms. Have isolated me since the onset of symptoms and all those who were in contact with me have been tested. Will continue to function and monitor the situation in Delhi from my residence." he tweeted. I have tested positive for COVID with mild symptoms. Have isolated myself since the onset of symptoms and all those who were in contact with me have been tested. Will continue to function and monitor the situation in Delhi from my residence. — LG Delhi (@LtGovDelhi) April 30, 2021 × On Thursday, Baijal sought a report from Chief Secretary Vijay Dev on the city's preparedness for the vaccination of people above 18 years of age against COVID-19 That was his first significant move since the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Act, 2021, which mandates that the Delhi "government" means the LG, came into force. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal tests positive for Covid-19

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