<p>Bollywood actor Sonakshi Sinha, on Monday, became the latest Indian celebrity to take the first jab of the COVID-19 vaccine.<br />
<br />
The 33-year-old star took to her Instagram handle and shared a picture of herself getting vaccinated. The snap features Sonakshi wearing a double face mask as she signalled a `victory` sign to the camera."#Vaccine manjhe #Victory!!!," (Vaccine means victory) she wrote in the caption.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-oscar-winning-film-minari-to-release-on-amazon-prime-on-this-date-384047" hreflang="en">Oscar-winning film 'Minari' to release on Amazon Prime on this date</a></p>

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<p>Earlier in the day, Bollywood couple Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia Deshmukh also took the vaccination jab as the drive opened up for those under 45. Sonakshi and the star couple are the latest addition to be vaccinated after Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Hema Malini, Mohanlal, Jeetendra, Kamal Haasan, Nagarjuna, among others.</p>

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<p>The second wave of coronavirus has infected many people, and the number of COVID-19 positive cases has been rapidly rising. In Bollywood, an array of celebrities like Kangana Ranaut, Arjun Rampal, Manish Malhotra among others got infected within a span of a few weeks.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-kangana-ranaut-claims-instagram-post-deleted-as-it-hurt-covid-fan-club-384033" hreflang="en">Kangana Ranaut claims Instagram post deleted as it hurt 'COVID fan club'</a><br />
<br />
India registered a total of 3,66,161 new COVID-19 cases being recorded in the last 24 hours. With this, the cumulative count of the cases has gone up to 2,26,62,575.<br />
<br />
As many as 3,754 people succumbed to the disease in the country in the last 24 hours, taking the cumulative death toll to 2,46,116. At present, there are 37,45,237 active cases of COVID-19 in the country.&nbsp;</p>


Bollywood actor Sonakshi Sinha, on Monday, became the latest Indian celebrity to take the first jab of the COVID-19 vaccine. The 33-year-old star took to her Instagram handle and shared a picture of herself getting vaccinated.

Bollywood actor Sonakshi Sinha, on Monday, became the latest Indian celebrity to take the first jab of the COVID-19 vaccine. The 33-year-old star took to her Instagram handle and shared a picture of herself getting vaccinated. The snap features Sonakshi wearing a double face mask as she signalled a `victory` sign to the camera."#Vaccine manjhe #Victory!!!," (Vaccine means victory) she wrote in the caption. Oscar-winning film 'Minari' to release on Amazon Prime on this date View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sonakshi Sinha (@aslisona) × Earlier in the day, Bollywood couple Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia Deshmukh also took the vaccination jab as the drive opened up for those under 45. Sonakshi and the star couple are the latest addition to be vaccinated after Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Hema Malini, Mohanlal, Jeetendra, Kamal Haasan, Nagarjuna, among others. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Riteish Deshmukh (@riteishd) × The second wave of coronavirus has infected many people, and the number of COVID-19 positive cases has been rapidly rising. In Bollywood, an array of celebrities like Kangana Ranaut, Arjun Rampal, Manish Malhotra among others got infected within a span of a few weeks. Kangana Ranaut claims Instagram post deleted as it hurt 'COVID fan club' India registered a total of 3,66,161 new COVID-19 cases being recorded in the last 24 hours. With this, the cumulative count of the cases has gone up to 2,26,62,575. As many as 3,754 people succumbed to the disease in the country in the last 24 hours, taking the cumulative death toll to 2,46,116. At present, there are 37,45,237 active cases of COVID-19 in the country.

Sonakshi Sinha receives COVID-19 vaccine shot in Mumbai

<p>The new US position in support of lifting&nbsp;patents&nbsp;on&nbsp;Covid-19&nbsp;vaccines&nbsp;has&nbsp;taken attention away from an equally significant change by Washington, which plans to open up trade in the raw materials used to make them.</p>

<p>After&nbsp;having recently taken heat for blocking such exports, Commerce Secretary Katherine Tai said Wednesday that the US government would "work to increase the raw materials needed to produce those&nbsp;vaccines".</p>

<p>The assertion was hidden at the bottom of the statement unveiling Washington's remarkable reversal of its position&nbsp;on&nbsp;Covid-19&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;patents, which coincides with a shortage of doses in emerging and developing nations as cases surge in some countries.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-backs-india-led-fight-to-waive-covid-vaccines-patents-383092">US backs India-led fight to waive Covid vaccines patents</a></strong></p>

<p>Long legal and economic policy debates likely lie ahead about waiving&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;patents, particularly at the World Trade Organisation (WTO).</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the difficulties faced by some laboratories in obtaining components to manufacture&nbsp;vaccines&nbsp;look set to stymie the drive to ramp up production.</p>

<p>Two labs have recently spoken out about their difficulties, laying the blame at Washington's door.</p>

<p>Germany's Curevac said it could&nbsp;not secure supplies of certain materials from the United States.</p>

<p>Several days earlier, India's Serum Institute, the world's largest&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;manufacturer, called&nbsp;on&nbsp;US President Joe Biden to step in.</p>

<p>"Respected @POTUS, if we are to truly unite in beating this virus,&nbsp;on&nbsp;behalf of the&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;industry outside the US, I humbly request you to lift the embargo of raw material exports out of the US so that&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;production can ramp up," the company's president Adar Poonawalla wrote&nbsp;on&nbsp;Twitter.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Respected <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>, if we are to truly unite in beating this virus, on behalf of the vaccine industry outside the U.S., I humbly request you to lift the embargo of raw material exports out of the U.S. so that vaccine production can ramp up. Your administration has the details. 🙏🙏</p>
— Adar Poonawalla (@adarpoonawalla) <a href="https://twitter.com/adarpoonawalla/status/1382978713302683653?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>There is no actual embargo&nbsp;on&nbsp;exporting&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;components. Instead, Biden, like his predecessor Donald Trump, invoked the Defense Production Act,&nbsp;which normally concerns wartime,&nbsp;to confront the pandemic.</p>

<p>While it does not explicitly ban exports, it puts the US government first in line to buy certain products made in the country.</p>

<p>US officials have previously played down the possible effect of the law&nbsp;on&nbsp;global&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;production.</p>

<p>"There's just more global manufacturing happening everywhere in the world than suppliers can currently support,"&nbsp;a US official told a White House briefing late last month&nbsp;on&nbsp;condition of anonymity.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/germany-opposes-us-backed-global-waiver-on-protection-for-covid-19-vaccines-383353/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p><strong>Dry ice and sorbitol</strong></p>

<p>Over the past two months, a number of public and private actors have noted the shrinking supply of components needed to manufacture&nbsp;vaccines.</p>

<p>At least 50 components, perhaps as many as 100, go into the jabs.</p>

<p>They include items like the glass vials to ship them, as well as certain types of plastics needed for containers used in the manufacturing process.</p>

<p>Then there are the ingredients themselves.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Curevac is particularly concerned about nucleotides, a building block for the messenger RNA&nbsp;vaccines&nbsp;like the one it is developing.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-germany-rift-on-covid-vaccine-waiver-endangers-fight-against-deadly-virus-383349">US-Germany rift on Covid vaccine waiver endangers fight against deadly virus</a></strong></p>

<p>The shortage of raw materials is hardly surprising as the pharmaceutical industry expects to double production to 10 billion doses this year.</p>

<p>Richard Hatchett, who heads the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), which along with the World Health Organization and Gavi co-runs the Covax&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;distribution initiative, spoke already in March of seeing "increasing signs of strain within supply chains".</p>

<p>Companies were "beginning to report spot shortages of critical materials, raw materials, critical consumables, even equipment that is necessary for&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;manufacturing," he said.</p>

<p>He was speaking at a meeting of the principal actors in the sector, including WHO and the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA).</p>

<p>Already the consensus was that the free circulation of&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;components was critical, given that a large number of countries are involved in their production.</p>

<p>OECD data from 2018 show how thoroughly&nbsp;component&nbsp;production is intertwined across the globe.</p>

<p>China dominates production of the glass storage vials, while the United States leads in the manufacturing of syringes.</p>

<p>France is a major producer of certain stabilisers like sorbitol, while Germany is big in the production of&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;preservatives, and Mexico and China both are important manufacturers of additives that enhance the effects of&nbsp;vaccines.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Netherlands is a leader in the production of dry ice used to transport&nbsp;vaccines&nbsp;that need to be kept at ultra-low temperatures.</p>


The new US position in support of lifting patents on Covid-19 vaccines has taken attention away from an equally significant change by Washington, which plans to open up trade in the raw materials used to make them.

The new US position in support of lifting patents on Covid-19 vaccines has taken attention away from an equally significant change by Washington, which plans to open up trade in the raw materials used to make them. After having recently taken heat for blocking such exports, Commerce Secretary Katherine Tai said Wednesday that the US government would "work to increase the raw materials needed to produce those vaccines". The assertion was hidden at the bottom of the statement unveiling Washington's remarkable reversal of its position on Covid-19 vaccine patents, which coincides with a shortage of doses in emerging and developing nations as cases surge in some countries. Also read | US backs India-led fight to waive Covid vaccines patents Long legal and economic policy debates likely lie ahead about waiving vaccine patents, particularly at the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Meanwhile, the difficulties faced by some laboratories in obtaining components to manufacture vaccines look set to stymie the drive to ramp up production. Two labs have recently spoken out about their difficulties, laying the blame at Washington's door. Germany's Curevac said it could not secure supplies of certain materials from the United States. Several days earlier, India's Serum Institute, the world's largest vaccine manufacturer, called on US President Joe Biden to step in. "Respected @POTUS, if we are to truly unite in beating this virus, on behalf of the vaccine industry outside the US, I humbly request you to lift the embargo of raw material exports out of the US so that vaccine production can ramp up," the company's president Adar Poonawalla wrote on Twitter. Respected @POTUS, if we are to truly unite in beating this virus, on behalf of the vaccine industry outside the U.S., I humbly request you to lift the embargo of raw material exports out of the U.S. so that vaccine production can ramp up. Your administration has the details. 🙏🙏 — Adar Poonawalla (@adarpoonawalla) April 16, 2021 × There is no actual embargo on exporting vaccine components. Instead, Biden, like his predecessor Donald Trump, invoked the Defense Production Act, which normally concerns wartime, to confront the pandemic. While it does not explicitly ban exports, it puts the US government first in line to buy certain products made in the country. US officials have previously played down the possible effect of the law on global vaccine production. "There's just more global manufacturing happening everywhere in the world than suppliers can currently support," a US official told a White House briefing late last month on condition of anonymity. Dry ice and sorbitol Over the past two months, a number of public and private actors have noted the shrinking supply of components needed to manufacture vaccines. At least 50 components, perhaps as many as 100, go into the jabs. They include items like the glass vials to ship them, as well as certain types of plastics needed for containers used in the manufacturing process. Then there are the ingredients themselves. Curevac is particularly concerned about nucleotides, a building block for the messenger RNA vaccines like the one it is developing. Also read | US-Germany rift on Covid vaccine waiver endangers fight against deadly virus The shortage of raw materials is hardly surprising as the pharmaceutical industry expects to double production to 10 billion doses this year. Richard Hatchett, who heads the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), which along with the World Health Organization and Gavi co-runs the Covax vaccine distribution initiative, spoke already in March of seeing "increasing signs of strain within supply chains". Companies were "beginning to report spot shortages of critical materials, raw materials, critical consumables, even equipment that is necessary for vaccine manufacturing," he said. He was speaking at a meeting of the principal actors in the sector, including WHO and the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA). Already the consensus was that the free circulation of vaccine components was critical, given that a large number of countries are involved in their production. OECD data from 2018 show how thoroughly component production is intertwined across the globe. China dominates production of the glass storage vials, while the United States leads in the manufacturing of syringes. France is a major producer of certain stabilisers like sorbitol, while Germany is big in the production of vaccine preservatives, and Mexico and China both are important manufacturers of additives that enhance the effects of vaccines. Meanwhile, the Netherlands is a leader in the production of dry ice used to transport vaccines that need to be kept at ultra-low temperatures.

After shift on vaccine patents, US backs freer flow of components

<p>The administrations of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have announced to enforce a complete lockdown in their respective regions from May 8 to 15 to contain the spread of coronavirus during the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays in Pakistan, a media report said on Thursday.</p>

<p>The announcements come as the country continues to witness a tremendous surge in the number of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;cases despite the measures being taken by the government, the Express Tribune reported.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-tightens-borders-as-covid-19-cases-soar-382597">Pakistan tightens borders as Covid-19 cases soar</a></strong></p>

<p>"The public transport, tourist destinations, parks, business and shopping malls and markets will remain closed during the eight-day lockdown," Punjab Health Minister Yasmin Rashid said.</p>

<p>She said to ensure complete lockdown police, Rangers, and Army personnel will be deployed in the province in line with the decision of the National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC) to restrict the movement of people during the Eid holidays.</p>

<p>Rashid said that pharmacies, medical stores, coronavirus vaccination centres, petrol pumps, food takeaways, small grocery stores, dairy, vegetable and fruit shops and meat shops will remain open during the lockdown.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hospitals-in-lahore-almost-out-of-oxygen-supply-amid-rising-covid-19-cases-377292">Hospitals in Lahore almost out of oxygen supply amid rising COVID-19 cases</a></strong></p>

<p>Notices regarding the lockdowns were also issued by the administration of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh and PoK.<br />
Planning Minister Asad Umar, who heads the NCOC, had said recently that stricter precautionary measures along with an expanded vaccination drive have had a positive impact.</p>

<p>The pandemic first emerged in the country in February last year. It started ebbing in July after seeing its peak in June, the report said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/covid-19-pakistanis-forced-to-opt-for-expensive-jabs-from-private-markets-amid-slow-govt-vaccination-drive-377310">COVID-19: Pakistanis forced to opt for expensive jabs from private markets amid slow govt vaccination drive</a></strong></p>

<p>However, the cases spiked towards the end of the year, dubbed by the experts as the second wave.</p>

<p>The third wave of the disease started in March, the report added.</p>

<p>So far over 18,537 COVID-19 deaths have been reported in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan">Pakistan</a> since the beginning of the pandemic last year while the number of active Covid-19 cases is 845,833 as of May 5, media reports said.</p>


The administrations of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have announced to enforce a complete lockdown in their respective regions from May 8 to 15 to contain the spread of coronavirus during the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays in Pakistan, a media report said on Thursday.

The administrations of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have announced to enforce a complete lockdown in their respective regions from May 8 to 15 to contain the spread of coronavirus during the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays in Pakistan, a media report said on Thursday. The announcements come as the country continues to witness a tremendous surge in the number of coronavirus cases despite the measures being taken by the government, the Express Tribune reported. Also read | Pakistan tightens borders as Covid-19 cases soar "The public transport, tourist destinations, parks, business and shopping malls and markets will remain closed during the eight-day lockdown," Punjab Health Minister Yasmin Rashid said. She said to ensure complete lockdown police, Rangers, and Army personnel will be deployed in the province in line with the decision of the National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC) to restrict the movement of people during the Eid holidays. Rashid said that pharmacies, medical stores, coronavirus vaccination centres, petrol pumps, food takeaways, small grocery stores, dairy, vegetable and fruit shops and meat shops will remain open during the lockdown. Also read | Hospitals in Lahore almost out of oxygen supply amid rising COVID-19 cases Notices regarding the lockdowns were also issued by the administration of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh and PoK. Planning Minister Asad Umar, who heads the NCOC, had said recently that stricter precautionary measures along with an expanded vaccination drive have had a positive impact. The pandemic first emerged in the country in February last year. It started ebbing in July after seeing its peak in June, the report said. Also read | COVID-19: Pakistanis forced to opt for expensive jabs from private markets amid slow govt vaccination drive However, the cases spiked towards the end of the year, dubbed by the experts as the second wave. The third wave of the disease started in March, the report added. So far over 18,537 COVID-19 deaths have been reported in Pakistan since the beginning of the pandemic last year while the number of active Covid-19 cases is 845,833 as of May 5, media reports said.

COVID-19: Several regions in Pakistan announce complete lockdown during Eid holidays

<p>Philippine&nbsp;President&nbsp;Rodrigo&nbsp;Duterte&nbsp;has ordered police to arrest anyone not wearing a mask properly, including below the nose, as the country battles to contain surging <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> infections.</p>

<p>Duterte&nbsp;issued the directive after a meeting with his COVID-19 task force,&nbsp;where everyone except him can be seen wearing the mandatory face covering,&nbsp;an official video released late Wednesday showed.</p>

<p>Thousands of people have been punished for violating COVID-19 rules since the end of March when restrictions were tightened in the capital and surrounding provinces after a spike in cases.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/philippines-becomes-latest-nation-to-report-10-lakh-covid-19-cases-380580/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The justice secretary and police chief have urged officers to fine offenders or make them do community service instead of arresting them, following the death of a man forced to do a hundred squats as punishment for breaking curfew.</p>

<p>But&nbsp;Duterte&nbsp;said police should get tough on rule-breakers and arrest those not wearing a mask properly, including those who leave their nose exposed.</p>

<p>"My orders to the police are those who are not wearing their masks properly... arrest them and detain them, investigate why they are doing it,"&nbsp;Duterte&nbsp;said.</p>

<p>"It's not for me, it's not for us. It's for the interest of the country so you won't infect and you won't be infected."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-lifts-suspension-on-astrazeneca-vaccine-for-under-60s-378678">Philippines lifts suspension on AstraZeneca vaccine for under 60s</a></strong></p>

<p>Duterte&nbsp;last year told security forces to shoot dead anyone causing "trouble" in areas under lockdown, drawing condemnation from rights groups.</p>

<p>Duterte's spokesman Harry Roque confirmed the arrest order on Thursday, saying violators could be held for up to 12 hours without charge.</p>

<p>Rights group Karapatan slammed the latest directive as "brazenly unscientific and ineffective" as well as a "disproportionate use of force".</p>

<p>"Overcongestion and inhumane conditions in the country's detention facilities already pose risks to the health of prisoners,&nbsp;and detaining hundreds of alleged violators in these cramped facilities where physical distancing is impossible to observe would only facilitate the rapid spread of infectious diseases such as COVID-19," it said in a statement.</p>

<p>Police and soldiers have played a key role in the country's pandemic response, setting up checkpoints and deploying thousands of personnel to enforce stay-at-home orders.</p>

<p>The Philippines' caseload of more a million infections is the second-highest in Southeast Asia.</p>


Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered police to arrest anyone not wearing a mask properly, including below the nose, as the country battles to contain surging coronavirus infections.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered police to arrest anyone not wearing a mask properly, including below the nose, as the country battles to contain surging coronavirus infections. Duterte issued the directive after a meeting with his COVID-19 task force, where everyone except him can be seen wearing the mandatory face covering, an official video released late Wednesday showed. Thousands of people have been punished for violating COVID-19 rules since the end of March when restrictions were tightened in the capital and surrounding provinces after a spike in cases. The justice secretary and police chief have urged officers to fine offenders or make them do community service instead of arresting them, following the death of a man forced to do a hundred squats as punishment for breaking curfew. But Duterte said police should get tough on rule-breakers and arrest those not wearing a mask properly, including those who leave their nose exposed. "My orders to the police are those who are not wearing their masks properly... arrest them and detain them, investigate why they are doing it," Duterte said. "It's not for me, it's not for us. It's for the interest of the country so you won't infect and you won't be infected." Also read | Philippines lifts suspension on AstraZeneca vaccine for under 60s Duterte last year told security forces to shoot dead anyone causing "trouble" in areas under lockdown, drawing condemnation from rights groups. Duterte's spokesman Harry Roque confirmed the arrest order on Thursday, saying violators could be held for up to 12 hours without charge. Rights group Karapatan slammed the latest directive as "brazenly unscientific and ineffective" as well as a "disproportionate use of force". "Overcongestion and inhumane conditions in the country's detention facilities already pose risks to the health of prisoners, and detaining hundreds of alleged violators in these cramped facilities where physical distancing is impossible to observe would only facilitate the rapid spread of infectious diseases such as COVID-19," it said in a statement. Police and soldiers have played a key role in the country's pandemic response, setting up checkpoints and deploying thousands of personnel to enforce stay-at-home orders. The Philippines' caseload of more a million infections is the second-highest in Southeast Asia.

COVID-19: Philippine President Duterte orders arrest of mask violators

<p>Amid a surge in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> cases, the Uttar Pradesh government on Wednesday decided to increase the duration of the weekend lockdown till 7 am on May 10, an official spokesman said here.</p>

<p>"The corona curfew from Friday 8 pm to Tuesday 7 am, which was extended on May 3 for 48 hours and is in force till May 6 till 7 am has been further extended till Monday (May 10) 7 am," an official spokesman said here.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-in-india-bihar-to-go-into-lockdown-night-curfew-to-continue-in-chandigarh-382759">COVID-19 in India: Bihar to go into lockdown; night curfew to continue in Chandigarh</a></strong></p>

<p>All shops and establishments will now remain closed till Monday 7 am.</p>

<p>The official said that further decision to extend the curfew will be taken on Sunday.</p>

<p>The decision for extension has been taken for breaking the chain of coronavirus.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-immediate-concern-is-to-break-the-chain-of-covid-infection-382627">India's immediate concern is to break the chain of Covid infection</a></strong></p>

<p>During this period, all essential services will be allowed and vaccination drive will continue, a senior official said, but refused to term it as a "lockdown", preferring "closure" instead.</p>

<p>On April 29, the state government had announced that weekend lockdowns will now cover Mondays too and on May 3 it was extended till May 6.</p>


Amid a surge in coronavirus cases, the Uttar Pradesh government on Wednesday decided to increase the duration of the weekend lockdown till 7 am on May 10, an official spokesman said here.

Amid a surge in coronavirus cases, the Uttar Pradesh government on Wednesday decided to increase the duration of the weekend lockdown till 7 am on May 10, an official spokesman said here. "The corona curfew from Friday 8 pm to Tuesday 7 am, which was extended on May 3 for 48 hours and is in force till May 6 till 7 am has been further extended till Monday (May 10) 7 am," an official spokesman said here. Also read | COVID-19 in India: Bihar to go into lockdown; night curfew to continue in Chandigarh All shops and establishments will now remain closed till Monday 7 am. The official said that further decision to extend the curfew will be taken on Sunday. The decision for extension has been taken for breaking the chain of coronavirus. Also read | India's immediate concern is to break the chain of Covid infection During this period, all essential services will be allowed and vaccination drive will continue, a senior official said, but refused to term it as a "lockdown", preferring "closure" instead. On April 29, the state government had announced that weekend lockdowns will now cover Mondays too and on May 3 it was extended till May 6.

COVID-19: Curfew in Uttar Pradesh extended till May 10

<p>The Supreme Court Wednesday stayed contempt proceedings initiated by the Delhi High Court against central government officials for non-compliance of the direction to supply 700 MT of medical grade oxygen for COVID-19 patients in the national capital.</p>

<p>The stay, however, will not restrain the high court from monitoring the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> management-related issues, a bench of Justices DY Chandrachud and MR Shah said.</p>

<p>The top court, in an urgent hearing, directed that a meeting be held between officials of the Centre and Delhi government by this evening to discuss various aspects of augmenting the oxygen supply to the national capital.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-crisis-over-180-cryogenic-oxygen-containers-transported-by-indian-air-force-382829">COVID-19 crisis: Over 180 cryogenic oxygen containers transported by Indian Air Force</a></strong></p>

<p>This is an all-India pandemic situation and we will have to find ways to ensure oxygen supply to the national capital as we are answerable to people of Delhi, it said.</p>

<p>"We are also in Delhi. We are helpless and have been on phone. We can imagine what citizens are going through," Justice Chandrachud said, adding that his office is hearing cries from people including lawyers seeking help.</p>

<p>The top court said it cannot review its order of April 30 and the Centre will have to inch towards the supply of 700 MT of oxygen daily for Delhi and asked the Union government to place before it a plan by Thursday morning as to how it will revamp the supply to 700MT.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-accounts-for-46-per-cent-of-worlds-new-covid-19-cases-quarter-of-deaths-who-382992">India accounts for 46 per cent of world's new COVID-19 cases, quarter of deaths: WHO</a></strong></p>

<p>It suggested that a committee of experts and doctors including those from the private sector may be constituted to ascertain the situation in Delhi and take into account the COVID-19 situation which had been prevailing in Mumbai.</p>

<p>The top court, in a nearly two-hour hearing, said that putting officers in jail is not going to bring oxygen to Delhi and questioned the Centre about the supply it has made to the national capital since May 3.</p>

<p>The bench said, "Let us ensure lives are saved" and by enhancing supply of around 150MT per day the quantity will come up to 700MT and number of lives will be saved.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/11-patients-die-at-government-hospital-in-chennai-probe-ordered-382886">11 patients die at government hospital in Chennai, probe ordered</a></strong></p>

<p>It was hearing the Centre's appeal against Delhi High Court's Tuesday order of issuing contempt notice and seeking personal appearance of its officials for non-compliance with the directions on supply of oxygen to treat COVID-19 patients.</p>

<p>The bench aid that it had ordered supply of 700 MT oxygen to Delhi daily from May 3 as the "pandemic in Delhi is at a very critical stage".</p>

<p>"Putting officers in jail is not going to bring oxygen to the city, let us ensure lives are saved," said the bench which also comprised justice MR Shah.</p>

<p>"This is not adversarial litigation. Centre, Delhi governments are elected and doing their best to serve COVID-19 patients,"&nbsp;Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said.</p>

<p>"Tell us how much oxygen you have allocated to Delhi in the last three days," the bench said.</p>


The Supreme Court Wednesday stayed contempt proceedings initiated by the Delhi High Court against central government officials for non-compliance of the direction to supply 700 MT of medical grade oxygen for COVID-19 patients in the national capital.

The Supreme Court Wednesday stayed contempt proceedings initiated by the Delhi High Court against central government officials for non-compliance of the direction to supply 700 MT of medical grade oxygen for COVID-19 patients in the national capital. The stay, however, will not restrain the high court from monitoring the COVID-19 management-related issues, a bench of Justices DY Chandrachud and MR Shah said. The top court, in an urgent hearing, directed that a meeting be held between officials of the Centre and Delhi government by this evening to discuss various aspects of augmenting the oxygen supply to the national capital. Also read | COVID-19 crisis: Over 180 cryogenic oxygen containers transported by Indian Air Force This is an all-India pandemic situation and we will have to find ways to ensure oxygen supply to the national capital as we are answerable to people of Delhi, it said. "We are also in Delhi. We are helpless and have been on phone. We can imagine what citizens are going through," Justice Chandrachud said, adding that his office is hearing cries from people including lawyers seeking help. The top court said it cannot review its order of April 30 and the Centre will have to inch towards the supply of 700 MT of oxygen daily for Delhi and asked the Union government to place before it a plan by Thursday morning as to how it will revamp the supply to 700MT. Also read | India accounts for 46 per cent of world's new COVID-19 cases, quarter of deaths: WHO It suggested that a committee of experts and doctors including those from the private sector may be constituted to ascertain the situation in Delhi and take into account the COVID-19 situation which had been prevailing in Mumbai. The top court, in a nearly two-hour hearing, said that putting officers in jail is not going to bring oxygen to Delhi and questioned the Centre about the supply it has made to the national capital since May 3. The bench said, "Let us ensure lives are saved" and by enhancing supply of around 150MT per day the quantity will come up to 700MT and number of lives will be saved. Also read | 11 patients die at government hospital in Chennai, probe ordered It was hearing the Centre's appeal against Delhi High Court's Tuesday order of issuing contempt notice and seeking personal appearance of its officials for non-compliance with the directions on supply of oxygen to treat COVID-19 patients. The bench aid that it had ordered supply of 700 MT oxygen to Delhi daily from May 3 as the "pandemic in Delhi is at a very critical stage". "Putting officers in jail is not going to bring oxygen to the city, let us ensure lives are saved," said the bench which also comprised justice MR Shah. "This is not adversarial litigation. Centre, Delhi governments are elected and doing their best to serve COVID-19 patients," Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said. "Tell us how much oxygen you have allocated to Delhi in the last three days," the bench said.

SC stays Delhi HC order on contempt proceedings against Centre's officials over oxygen supply

<p>India&nbsp;has given emergency use authorization for a&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;antibody-drug&nbsp;cocktail&nbsp;developed by&nbsp;Roche&nbsp;and&nbsp;Regeneron, expanding its arsenal of drugs to battle a massive second wave of infections.</p>

<p>The decision was taken based on data filed with the US&nbsp;regulators and the scientific opinion of a European regulatory panel, Roche's India distribution partner for the drug, Cipla, said on Wednesday.</p>

<p>The therapy is a&nbsp;cocktail&nbsp;of two antibodies Casirivimab and Imdevimab, which are synthetically manufactured copies of antibodies that the body produces after an infection.</p>

<p>It has been shown to reduce hospitalizations in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a>&nbsp;patients who are at a high risk of developing severe illness.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-accounts-for-46-per-cent-of-worlds-new-covid-19-cases-quarter-of-deaths-who-382992">India accounts for 46 per cent of world's new COVID-19 cases, quarter of deaths: WHO</a></strong></p>

<p>The drug already has similar authorization in the United States and is used in Europe non-hospitalised patients. Former US&nbsp;President Donald Trump had taken the drug when he contracted the disease.</p>

<p>Cipla said the drug is meant for people with mild-to-moderate infection who are at high risk of developing severe disease. The company did not provide a price or a launch date.</p>

<p>In the last 10 days, more than 33,000&nbsp;Indians have died of&nbsp;COVID-19, with the country facing a severe shortage of&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;medicine including Gilead's remdesivir and&nbsp;Roche's tocilizumab.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/regeneron-to-seek-us-approval-for-covid-19-cocktail-to-be-used-for-prevention-377212">Regeneron to seek US approval for COVID-19 cocktail to be used for prevention</a></strong></p>

<p>Both government and local manufacturers have said they are working to ramp up production. Smaller&nbsp;Indian drugmaker Natco Pharma said on Monday it received emergency use authorization for baricitinib, originally developed by Eli Lilly, to be used with remdesivir to&nbsp;treat&nbsp;COVID-19.</p>

<p>India's official tally of coronavirus infections has crossed 20 million and is second only to the United States. Deaths have reached 226,188, but experts say the real tally could be several times higher.</p>


India has given emergency use authorization for a COVID-19 antibody-drug cocktail developed by Roche and Regeneron, expanding its arsenal of drugs to battle a massive second wave of infections.

India has given emergency use authorization for a COVID-19 antibody-drug cocktail developed by Roche and Regeneron, expanding its arsenal of drugs to battle a massive second wave of infections. The decision was taken based on data filed with the US regulators and the scientific opinion of a European regulatory panel, Roche's India distribution partner for the drug, Cipla, said on Wednesday. The therapy is a cocktail of two antibodies Casirivimab and Imdevimab, which are synthetically manufactured copies of antibodies that the body produces after an infection. It has been shown to reduce hospitalizations in COVID-19 patients who are at a high risk of developing severe illness. Also read | India accounts for 46 per cent of world's new COVID-19 cases, quarter of deaths: WHO The drug already has similar authorization in the United States and is used in Europe non-hospitalised patients. Former US President Donald Trump had taken the drug when he contracted the disease. Cipla said the drug is meant for people with mild-to-moderate infection who are at high risk of developing severe disease. The company did not provide a price or a launch date. In the last 10 days, more than 33,000 Indians have died of COVID-19, with the country facing a severe shortage of COVID-19 medicine including Gilead's remdesivir and Roche's tocilizumab. Also read | Regeneron to seek US approval for COVID-19 cocktail to be used for prevention Both government and local manufacturers have said they are working to ramp up production. Smaller Indian drugmaker Natco Pharma said on Monday it received emergency use authorization for baricitinib, originally developed by Eli Lilly, to be used with remdesivir to treat COVID-19. India's official tally of coronavirus infections has crossed 20 million and is second only to the United States. Deaths have reached 226,188, but experts say the real tally could be several times higher.

India approves Roche/Regeneron antibody cocktail to treat COVID-19

<p>India&nbsp;accounted for 46 per cent&nbsp;of the new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> cases recorded worldwide last week and one in four deaths, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday.</p>

<p>The surge of the coronavirus in&nbsp;India, including of a highly infectious new variant first identified there, has seen hospitals runs out of beds and oxygen, and morgues and crematoriums overflowing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Worldwide, 5.7 million new cases were reported last week and more than 93,000 deaths, the WHO said in its weekly epidemiological report.&nbsp;India&nbsp;reported nearly 2.6 million new cases, a 20 per cent&nbsp;increase on the previous week, and 23,231 deaths.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-covid-19-cases-cross-20-million-382724">India's&nbsp;COVID-19 cases cross 20 million</a></strong>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The figures are based on official tallies, so&nbsp;India's proportion could be even larger if, as many experts believe, a large number of cases and deaths are not being recorded there as the system becomes overwhelmed.&nbsp;India&nbsp;accounts for almost 18 per cent&nbsp;of the world's population.</p>

<p>There are signs that&nbsp;India's outbreak is spreading to its neighbours. Nepal recorded a 137 per cent&nbsp;increase in cases to 31,088 last week, while Sri Lanka's COVID-19 outbreak was also growing, the WHO said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-coronavirus-variants-are-proving-to-be-fatal-for-patients-in-india-382809">Why coronavirus variants are proving to be fatal for patients in India</a></strong></p>

<p>On Tuesday&nbsp;India&nbsp;became the second country to record 20 million infections, after the United States.&nbsp;India's coronavirus deaths rose by a record 3,780 during the last 24 hours, with daily infections rising by 382,315 on Wednesday, health ministry data showed.</p>


India accounted for 46 per cent of the new COVID-19 cases recorded worldwide last week and one in four deaths, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday.

India accounted for 46 per cent of the new COVID-19 cases recorded worldwide last week and one in four deaths, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday. The surge of the coronavirus in India, including of a highly infectious new variant first identified there, has seen hospitals runs out of beds and oxygen, and morgues and crematoriums overflowing. Worldwide, 5.7 million new cases were reported last week and more than 93,000 deaths, the WHO said in its weekly epidemiological report. India reported nearly 2.6 million new cases, a 20 per cent increase on the previous week, and 23,231 deaths. Also read | India's COVID-19 cases cross 20 million The figures are based on official tallies, so India's proportion could be even larger if, as many experts believe, a large number of cases and deaths are not being recorded there as the system becomes overwhelmed. India accounts for almost 18 per cent of the world's population. There are signs that India's outbreak is spreading to its neighbours. Nepal recorded a 137 per cent increase in cases to 31,088 last week, while Sri Lanka's COVID-19 outbreak was also growing, the WHO said. Also read | Why coronavirus variants are proving to be fatal for patients in India On Tuesday India became the second country to record 20 million infections, after the United States. India's coronavirus deaths rose by a record 3,780 during the last 24 hours, with daily infections rising by 382,315 on Wednesday, health ministry data showed.

India accounts for 46 per cent of world's new COVID-19 cases, quarter of deaths: WHO

'Urgent situation', International celebs pledge support for India amid COVID-19 crisis

<p>Amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, India on Sunday received several essential medical supplies and equipment from France to help fight the second wave of the coronavirus.</p>

<p>According to sources, the medical supply from France was received on Sunday includes eight oxygen generators, 28 ventilators, 200 electric syringe pumps, 28 AFNOR/BS Flexible tubes, 500 anti-bacterial filters, 500 machine filters and 500 related patient circuits.</p>

<p>The total weight of these materials is more than 28 tonnes.These eight generators are Novair Premium RX 400 Hospital Level Oxygen Generators, with each unit capable of providing year-long oxygen for 250 beds.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="COVID-19: First lot of Russian vaccine Sputnik V arrives in Hyderabad">COVID-19: First lot of Russian vaccine Sputnik V arrives in Hyderabad</a></strong></p>

<p>These world-class generators would make 8 hospitals oxygen autonomous for over 10 years, informed sources.</p>

<p>"A testament to India-France strategic partnership &amp; friendship! 28 tonnes of medical equipment including 8 hospital-level oxygen generators and other medical supplies arrives from France. Deeply appreciate the support from France. Will bolster our oxygen capacities," tweeted Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi. According to a press release, this airfreight is the first phase of France's solidarity mission.</p>

<p>Furthermore, a second delivery of oxygen generators and medical equipment is underway due to the numerous contributions made by French companies in India with the active involvement of the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IFCCI).</p>

<p>Moreover, in the following days, French company Air Liquide will begin shipments of several hundred tonnes of oxygen through a dedicated logistical bridge organised by both governments and implemented with the Indian armed forces.</p>

<p>According to the release, the oxygen plants will be delivered to eight Indian hospitals, including six in Delhi, one in Haryana and one in Telangana, based on needs as identified by the Indian authorities.</p>

<p>The 28 ventilators and 200 electric syringe pumps will be distributed to several hospitals based on needs to enhance their ICU capacities.</p>

<p>This special cargo flight has been chartered free of charge by the French shipping and logistics group CMA CGM through its air cargo division.</p>

<p>Alongside CMA CGM, many other French companies present in India have stepped up to pool their contributions and resources with the French government to carry out this exceptional solidarity mission.</p>

<p>This support also falls within the framework of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). "We stand by India in these difficult times, just as India has always stood by France. In Spring 2020, when French hospitals were facing acute shortages, India provided lifesaving help through the export of critical medical drugs. The French people have not forgotten. India has, in fact, been at the forefront of international cooperation against the pandemic, including through sharing its massive vaccine production capacity with the countries most in need," said the Ambassador of France to India, Emmanuel Lenain, on this occasion.</p>

<p>Quoting French President Emmanuel Macron, Lenain said that solidarity is at the heart of the strategic partnership between France and India and that a partnership between sovereign countries that have built an exceptional mutual trust and work together to enhance each other's strategic autonomy.</p>

<p>"We know now that healthcare is also a pillar of sovereignty. And that is the meaning of our contribution: each of these oxygen generator plants will make an Indian hospital fully oxygen aatmanirbhar for more than 10 years.&nbsp;I believe healthcare can be a new field to develop our strategic partnership, building on our respective strengths. Together, we will prevail," he added. On April 27, Macron had conveyed the message of solidarity in Hindi via a social media post.</p>

<p>"No one is untouched by the epidemic we are going through. We know that India is going through a difficult period. France and India have always been united: we are ready to provide our support," he had said.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the MEA also announced that India has received a shipment of 9,000 vials of Remdesivir from Belgium. Earlier on Saturday night, India received several medical supplies from countries including Germany, the United States and Uzbekistan.</p>

<p>As India battles a devastating second wave of coronavirus, several countries around the globe including the United Kingdom and Russia have extended support as the country continues to struggle with the increase in its health infrastructure needs caused by the rising infections.</p>

<p>India for the first time reported more than four lakh new COVID-19 cases on Saturday. A total of 4,01,993 fresh COVID-19 cases were recorded on Saturday, taking the cumulative count of the cases to 1,91,64,969, the Union Health Ministry reported.</p>


Amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, India on Sunday received several essential medical supplies and equipment from France to help fight the second wave of the coronavirus.

Amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, India on Sunday received several essential medical supplies and equipment from France to help fight the second wave of the coronavirus. According to sources, the medical supply from France was received on Sunday includes eight oxygen generators, 28 ventilators, 200 electric syringe pumps, 28 AFNOR/BS Flexible tubes, 500 anti-bacterial filters, 500 machine filters and 500 related patient circuits. The total weight of these materials is more than 28 tonnes.These eight generators are Novair Premium RX 400 Hospital Level Oxygen Generators, with each unit capable of providing year-long oxygen for 250 beds. Also read: COVID-19: First lot of Russian vaccine Sputnik V arrives in Hyderabad These world-class generators would make 8 hospitals oxygen autonomous for over 10 years, informed sources. "A testament to India-France strategic partnership & friendship! 28 tonnes of medical equipment including 8 hospital-level oxygen generators and other medical supplies arrives from France. Deeply appreciate the support from France. Will bolster our oxygen capacities," tweeted Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi. According to a press release, this airfreight is the first phase of France's solidarity mission. Furthermore, a second delivery of oxygen generators and medical equipment is underway due to the numerous contributions made by French companies in India with the active involvement of the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IFCCI). Moreover, in the following days, French company Air Liquide will begin shipments of several hundred tonnes of oxygen through a dedicated logistical bridge organised by both governments and implemented with the Indian armed forces. According to the release, the oxygen plants will be delivered to eight Indian hospitals, including six in Delhi, one in Haryana and one in Telangana, based on needs as identified by the Indian authorities. The 28 ventilators and 200 electric syringe pumps will be distributed to several hospitals based on needs to enhance their ICU capacities. This special cargo flight has been chartered free of charge by the French shipping and logistics group CMA CGM through its air cargo division. Alongside CMA CGM, many other French companies present in India have stepped up to pool their contributions and resources with the French government to carry out this exceptional solidarity mission. This support also falls within the framework of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). "We stand by India in these difficult times, just as India has always stood by France. In Spring 2020, when French hospitals were facing acute shortages, India provided lifesaving help through the export of critical medical drugs. The French people have not forgotten. India has, in fact, been at the forefront of international cooperation against the pandemic, including through sharing its massive vaccine production capacity with the countries most in need," said the Ambassador of France to India, Emmanuel Lenain, on this occasion. Quoting French President Emmanuel Macron, Lenain said that solidarity is at the heart of the strategic partnership between France and India and that a partnership between sovereign countries that have built an exceptional mutual trust and work together to enhance each other's strategic autonomy. "We know now that healthcare is also a pillar of sovereignty. And that is the meaning of our contribution: each of these oxygen generator plants will make an Indian hospital fully oxygen aatmanirbhar for more than 10 years. I believe healthcare can be a new field to develop our strategic partnership, building on our respective strengths. Together, we will prevail," he added. On April 27, Macron had conveyed the message of solidarity in Hindi via a social media post. "No one is untouched by the epidemic we are going through. We know that India is going through a difficult period. France and India have always been united: we are ready to provide our support," he had said. Meanwhile, the MEA also announced that India has received a shipment of 9,000 vials of Remdesivir from Belgium. Earlier on Saturday night, India received several medical supplies from countries including Germany, the United States and Uzbekistan. As India battles a devastating second wave of coronavirus, several countries around the globe including the United Kingdom and Russia have extended support as the country continues to struggle with the increase in its health infrastructure needs caused by the rising infections. India for the first time reported more than four lakh new COVID-19 cases on Saturday. A total of 4,01,993 fresh COVID-19 cases were recorded on Saturday, taking the cumulative count of the cases to 1,91,64,969, the Union Health Ministry reported.

India receives essential medical supplies from France to combat COVID-19 surge

<p>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.<br />
<br />
The Centre has identified more than two dozen nitrogen generation plants for the production of medical oxygen.</p>

<p><strong>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></strong><br />
<br />
"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.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">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></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1388814026793123842?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>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.</p>

<p><strong>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;</strong><br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
"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.</p>

<p><strong>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></strong><br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Cabinet Secretary, Home Secretary, Secretary Road Transport and Highways and other senior officials participated in the meeting.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
Facilitation is being provided to these industries for completion of work at the earliest.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
In this regard, consultations have been held with potential industrial units and experts.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.</p>


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

<p>To break the chain of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> transmission in the state, the Haryana government on Sunday announced a weeklong lockdown starting Monday.</p>

<p>State Home and Health Minister Anil Vij announced the decision to impose "complete lockdown" in a tweet.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">3 मई दिन सोमवार से 7 दिन के लिए सारे हरियाणा में पूर्ण लॉक डाउन घोषित ।</p>
— ANIL VIJ MINISTER HARYANA (@anilvijminister) <a href="https://twitter.com/anilvijminister/status/1388786634057871362?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier, the government had ordered weekend lockdown in nine districts,&nbsp;Panchkula, Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonepat, Rohtak, Karnal, Hisar, Sirsa and Fatehabad, that would end at 5 am on Monday.<br />
<br />
Haryana had reported 13,588 new Covid cases and 125 fatalities on Saturday.</p>


To break the chain of coronavirus transmission in the state, the Haryana government on Sunday announced a weeklong lockdown starting Monday. State Home and Health Minister Anil Vij announced the decision to impose "complete lockdown" in a tweet.

To break the chain of coronavirus transmission in the state, the Haryana government on Sunday announced a weeklong lockdown starting Monday. State Home and Health Minister Anil Vij announced the decision to impose "complete lockdown" in a tweet. 3 मई दिन सोमवार से 7 दिन के लिए सारे हरियाणा में पूर्ण लॉक डाउन घोषित । — ANIL VIJ MINISTER HARYANA (@anilvijminister) May 2, 2021 × Earlier, the government had ordered weekend lockdown in nine districts, Panchkula, Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonepat, Rohtak, Karnal, Hisar, Sirsa and Fatehabad, that would end at 5 am on Monday. Haryana had reported 13,588 new Covid cases and 125 fatalities on Saturday.

Seven-day lockdown in Haryana from Monday

<p>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.</p>

<p>According to government sources, the Prime Minister reviewed the matter of augmenting human resources for effective management of COVID-19 in the country today.</p>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<p>During the meeting, several steps to incentivize students and pass-outs of medical and nursing courses to join Covid duty were taken.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Medical personnel doing Covid duty will be given preference in government recruitment as well as a financial incentive.</p>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<p>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;</p>

<p>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.</p>


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

<p>Indian government has placed orders for import of 4,50,000&nbsp;vials of antiviral drug Remdesivir with the first consignment of 75,000 vials expected to reach Indian shores on Friday, the Chemicals and Fertilisers Ministry said in a statement.</p>

<p>The government has started importing vital drug from other countries to ease its shortage in the country, it said.<br />
The first consignment of 75,000 vials will reach India on Friday, it added.</p>

<p>Demand for Remdesivir has gone up manifold in the country with a surge in COVID-19 cases.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/experts-steroids-blood-thinners-crucial-to-save-lives-381546/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The antiviral drug is being used in the treatment of infectious disease.</p>

<p>HLL Lifecare Ltd, a Government of India owned company has ordered 4,50,000 vials of Remdesivir from M/s Gilead Sciences Inc USA and Egyptian Pharma Company, M/s Eva Pharma, the release said.</p>

<p>It is expected that Gilead Sciences will dispatch 75,000 to 1,00,000 vials in the next one or two days, it noted.<br />
Further 1,00,000 vials will also be supplied before or by May 15, the release said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-covid-crisis-outpouring-of-solidarity-by-international-community-says-fs-shringla-381427">India covid crisis: Outpouring of solidarity by international community, says FS Shringla</a></strong></p>

<p>EVA Pharma will supply around 10,000 vials initially followed by 50,000 vials every 15 days or till July, it added.</p>

<p>The Chemicals and Fertilisers Ministry said it has also ramped up the production capacity of Remdesivir in the country.</p>

<p>As of April 27, the production capacity of the seven licensed domestic manufacturers has increased from 3.8 million vials per month to 10.3 million vials per month, it said.</p>

<p>Besides, a total of 1.373 million (13,73,000)&nbsp;vials have been supplied across the country by the drug companies in the last seven days (April 21-28). The daily supply has gone up from 67,900 vials on April 11 to 2,09,000&nbsp; vials on April 28, it added.</p>

<p>An advisory was also issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs to states and union territories to facilitate smooth movement of Remdesivir supplies, the ministry noted.</p>

<p>The government has also taken various steps, like a ban on exports and customs duty waiver, to enhance the availability of Remdesivir in the country, it said.</p>

<p>India saw 3,86,452 new coronavirus infections in a span of 24 hours, the highest single-day rise so far, pushing the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 1,87,62,976, while active cases crossed the 3.1-million&nbsp;mark.</p>

<p>The death toll increased to 2,08,330 with 3,498 new fatalities, as per the Union health ministry data.&nbsp;</p>


Indian government has placed orders for import of 4,50,000 vials of antiviral drug Remdesivir with the first consignment of 75,000 vials expected to reach Indian shores on Friday, the Chemicals and Fertilisers Ministry said in a statement.

Indian government has placed orders for import of 4,50,000 vials of antiviral drug Remdesivir with the first consignment of 75,000 vials expected to reach Indian shores on Friday, the Chemicals and Fertilisers Ministry said in a statement. The government has started importing vital drug from other countries to ease its shortage in the country, it said. The first consignment of 75,000 vials will reach India on Friday, it added. Demand for Remdesivir has gone up manifold in the country with a surge in COVID-19 cases. The antiviral drug is being used in the treatment of infectious disease. HLL Lifecare Ltd, a Government of India owned company has ordered 4,50,000 vials of Remdesivir from M/s Gilead Sciences Inc USA and Egyptian Pharma Company, M/s Eva Pharma, the release said. It is expected that Gilead Sciences will dispatch 75,000 to 1,00,000 vials in the next one or two days, it noted. Further 1,00,000 vials will also be supplied before or by May 15, the release said. Also read | India covid crisis: Outpouring of solidarity by international community, says FS Shringla EVA Pharma will supply around 10,000 vials initially followed by 50,000 vials every 15 days or till July, it added. The Chemicals and Fertilisers Ministry said it has also ramped up the production capacity of Remdesivir in the country. As of April 27, the production capacity of the seven licensed domestic manufacturers has increased from 3.8 million vials per month to 10.3 million vials per month, it said. Besides, a total of 1.373 million (13,73,000) vials have been supplied across the country by the drug companies in the last seven days (April 21-28). The daily supply has gone up from 67,900 vials on April 11 to 2,09,000 vials on April 28, it added. An advisory was also issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs to states and union territories to facilitate smooth movement of Remdesivir supplies, the ministry noted. The government has also taken various steps, like a ban on exports and customs duty waiver, to enhance the availability of Remdesivir in the country, it said. India saw 3,86,452 new coronavirus infections in a span of 24 hours, the highest single-day rise so far, pushing the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 1,87,62,976, while active cases crossed the 3.1-million mark. The death toll increased to 2,08,330 with 3,498 new fatalities, as per the Union health ministry data.

India to import 450,000 vials of antiviral drug Remdesivir amid spike in COVID-19 cases

<p>Karnataka Revenue Minister, R. Ashoka on Thursday said that ministers have unanimously decided to contribute their one year`s salary for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Covid</a> relief work in the state.</p>

<p>After attending the meetings convened by Chief Minister B.S. Yedyurappa at his home office, Ashoka said that Yediyurappa has also appealed to all legislators to contribute a month`s salary, but as ministers, they have voluntarily agreed to constitute a year`s salary to this work.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-14-days-of-lockdown-in-karnataka-starting-april-27-night-380509">COVID-19: 14 days of lockdown in Karnataka starting April 27 night</a></strong></p>

<p>He also stated that due to overburdening of&nbsp;existing crematoriums, the state government has identified land parcels measuring a total of 230.5 acres and it will be handed over to the Bengaluru civic body.</p>

<p>"Our basic aim is to reduce long queues in front of crematoriums and in any eventualities there should not be any shortage of space to cremate or bury," he said and added that already three crematoriums have developed problems following which three more are coming up at Mavallipura, Giddenahalli and Tavarekere on the city`s outskirts.</p>

<p><strong>Also read </strong>|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bengaluru-lockdown-what-will-be-open-what-will-be-closed-380571"><strong>Bengaluru Lockdown: What will be open, what will be closed</strong></a></p>

<p>Those at Giddenahalli and Tavarekere with a capacity to cremate 70 bodies have become operational while the one at Mavallipura with a capacity to burn 40 will start operations soon.</p>


Karnataka Revenue Minister, R. Ashoka on Thursday said that ministers have unanimously decided to contribute their one year`s salary for Covid relief work in the state.

Karnataka Revenue Minister, R. Ashoka on Thursday said that ministers have unanimously decided to contribute their one year`s salary for Covid relief work in the state. After attending the meetings convened by Chief Minister B.S. Yedyurappa at his home office, Ashoka said that Yediyurappa has also appealed to all legislators to contribute a month`s salary, but as ministers, they have voluntarily agreed to constitute a year`s salary to this work. Also read | COVID-19: 14 days of lockdown in Karnataka starting April 27 night He also stated that due to overburdening of existing crematoriums, the state government has identified land parcels measuring a total of 230.5 acres and it will be handed over to the Bengaluru civic body. "Our basic aim is to reduce long queues in front of crematoriums and in any eventualities there should not be any shortage of space to cremate or bury," he said and added that already three crematoriums have developed problems following which three more are coming up at Mavallipura, Giddenahalli and Tavarekere on the city`s outskirts. Also read | Bengaluru Lockdown: What will be open, what will be closed Those at Giddenahalli and Tavarekere with a capacity to cremate 70 bodies have become operational while the one at Mavallipura with a capacity to burn 40 will start operations soon.

Karnataka ministers to contribute year's salary for Covid relief

<p>Former prime minister Manmohan Singh was on Thursday discharged from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences here, where he was admitted after testing positive for COVID-19.</p>

<p>Sources close to the Congress leader said he was doing fine and returned home on Thursday afternoon.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-indian-pm-manmohan-singh-tests-positive-for-covid-19-378650">Former Indian PM Manmohan Singh tests positive for COVID-19</a></strong></p>

<p>Singh, 88, was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) trauma centre, a dedicated COVID-19 facility, on April 19 after he had mild fever and tested positive for the novel coronavirus infection.</p>

<p>He received the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine on March 4 and the second dose on April 3.</p>

<p>None of the other members of Singh's family have tested positive for the infection, the sources said.</p>

<p>Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said, "Good to know former PM Dr Manmohan Singh ji has been discharged from hospital and has recovered from COVID-19. My best wishes for his good health and well being."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-tests-positive-for-covid-19-says-has-mild-symptoms-378798">Rahul Gandhi tests positive for Covid-19, says has 'mild symptoms'</a></strong></p>

<p>Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram said that the nation is happy and relieved that Dr Manmohan Singh has recovered and has been discharged from hospital. "Nation wishes him a healthy and long life."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Concerned that CM, Rajasthan Ashok Gehlot has tested positive. Wish him a full and speedy recovery," Chidambaram said.</p>


Former prime minister Manmohan Singh was on Thursday discharged from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences here, where he was admitted after testing positive for COVID-19.

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh was on Thursday discharged from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences here, where he was admitted after testing positive for COVID-19. Sources close to the Congress leader said he was doing fine and returned home on Thursday afternoon. Also read | Former Indian PM Manmohan Singh tests positive for COVID-19 Singh, 88, was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) trauma centre, a dedicated COVID-19 facility, on April 19 after he had mild fever and tested positive for the novel coronavirus infection. He received the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine on March 4 and the second dose on April 3. None of the other members of Singh's family have tested positive for the infection, the sources said. Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said, "Good to know former PM Dr Manmohan Singh ji has been discharged from hospital and has recovered from COVID-19. My best wishes for his good health and well being." Also read | Rahul Gandhi tests positive for Covid-19, says has 'mild symptoms' Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram said that the nation is happy and relieved that Dr Manmohan Singh has recovered and has been discharged from hospital. "Nation wishes him a healthy and long life." "Concerned that CM, Rajasthan Ashok Gehlot has tested positive. Wish him a full and speedy recovery," Chidambaram said.

Ex-PM Manmohan Singh discharged from AIIMS

<p>A flight from New Delhi arrived Wednesday evening in Rome carrying 210 passengers, who will be placed in mandatory quarantine.</p>

<p>Officials said that a new ordinance signed earlier in the day by Health Minister Roberto Speranza requires that passengers arriving from India are quarantined for 10 days at a site indicated by Italian health officials, due to concerns about the deadly spike in that country.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-expats-hire-private-jets-to-escape-covid-19-crisis-381339"><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Indian expats hire private jets to escape COVID-19 crisis</strong></a></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-expats-hire-private-jets-to-escape-covid-19-crisis-381339/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The passengers were being tested upon arrival and anyone testing positive will be taken instead to a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID</a> hotel near Rome's main Leonardo da Vinci International Airport. The 210 passengers include children.</p>

<p>Officials indicated that they were primarily Indian nationals who are residents in Italy.</p>


A flight from New Delhi arrived Wednesday evening in Rome carrying 210 passengers, who will be placed in mandatory quarantine. Officials said that a new ordinance signed earlier in the day by Health Minister Roberto Speranza requires that passengers arriving from India are quarantined for 10 days at a site indicated by Italian health officials, due to concerns about the deadly spike in that country.

A flight from New Delhi arrived Wednesday evening in Rome carrying 210 passengers, who will be placed in mandatory quarantine. Officials said that a new ordinance signed earlier in the day by Health Minister Roberto Speranza requires that passengers arriving from India are quarantined for 10 days at a site indicated by Italian health officials, due to concerns about the deadly spike in that country. Also watch | Indian expats hire private jets to escape COVID-19 crisis The passengers were being tested upon arrival and anyone testing positive will be taken instead to a COVID hotel near Rome's main Leonardo da Vinci International Airport. The 210 passengers include children. Officials indicated that they were primarily Indian nationals who are residents in Italy.

Coronavirus: Italy to quarantine travellers from India

<p>Tainted batches of Russia's Sputnik V Covid vaccine sent to Brazil carried a live version of a common cold-causing virus, the South American country's health regulator reported in a presentation explaining its decision to ban the drug's import.</p>

<p>Top virologist Angela Rasmussen told AFP the finding "raises questions about the integrity of the manufacturing processes" and could be a safety issue for people with weaker immune systems if the problem was found to be widespread.</p>

<p>Russia's Gamaleya Institute, which developed the vaccine, has denied the reports.</p>

<p>The issue centres around an "adenovirus vector" -- a virus that normally causes mild respiratory illness but in vaccines is genetically modified so that it cannot replicate, and edited to carry the DNA instructions for human cells to develop the spike protein of the coronavirus.</p>

<p>This in turn trains the human system to be prepared in case it then encounters the real coronavirus.</p>

<p>The Sputnik V vaccine uses two different adenovirus vectors to accomplish this task: adenovirus type 26 (Ad26) for the first shot, and adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) for the second shot.</p>

<p>According to a slideshow uploaded online, scientists at Anvisa, Brazil's regulator, said they tested samples of the booster shot and found it was "replication-competent" -- meaning that once inside the body, the adenovirus can continue to multiply.</p>

<p>They added that this had likely occurred because of a manufacturing problem called "recombination," in which the modified adenovirus had gained back the genes it needed to replicate while it was being grown inside engineered human cells in a lab.</p>

<p>Brazilian regulators did not evaluate the first shot.</p>

<p><br />
Rasmussen, a research scientist at Canada's Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization, described the error as a quality control issue, rather than a problem inherent to the technology.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If batches used in the real world were tainted, then "for most people this probably won't be a big deal because adenoviruses are generally not thought of as really important human pathogens," she said.</p>

<p>"But in people who are immune-compromised... there could be a higher rate of adverse effects because of it, including potentially serious ones."</p>

<p>The bigger problem, she added, was the unfortunate impact on confidence over a vaccine that a study in The Lancet journal showed was safe and more than 90 per cent effective.</p>

<p>If people aren't sure that the vaccine they are receiving is the same that was studied in trials, then "I can imagine that some people might have their reservations about getting that vaccine at all," said Rasmussen.</p>

<p>Another unknown is whether the manufacturing problem that led to the adenovirus vector being able to replicate also knocks out the DNA code for the spike protein -- rendering the shot ineffective as a coronavirus vaccine.</p>

<p>Denis Logunov, deputy director of the Gamaleya Institute, has responded by saying "The statements I have read in the press have nothing to do with reality" and that the adenovirus vector was not able to replicate.</p>


Tainted batches of Russia's Sputnik V Covid vaccine sent to Brazil carried a live version of a common cold-causing virus, the South American country's health regulator reported in a presentation explaining its decision to ban the drug's import.

Tainted batches of Russia's Sputnik V Covid vaccine sent to Brazil carried a live version of a common cold-causing virus, the South American country's health regulator reported in a presentation explaining its decision to ban the drug's import. Top virologist Angela Rasmussen told AFP the finding "raises questions about the integrity of the manufacturing processes" and could be a safety issue for people with weaker immune systems if the problem was found to be widespread. Russia's Gamaleya Institute, which developed the vaccine, has denied the reports. The issue centres around an "adenovirus vector" -- a virus that normally causes mild respiratory illness but in vaccines is genetically modified so that it cannot replicate, and edited to carry the DNA instructions for human cells to develop the spike protein of the coronavirus. This in turn trains the human system to be prepared in case it then encounters the real coronavirus. The Sputnik V vaccine uses two different adenovirus vectors to accomplish this task: adenovirus type 26 (Ad26) for the first shot, and adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) for the second shot. According to a slideshow uploaded online, scientists at Anvisa, Brazil's regulator, said they tested samples of the booster shot and found it was "replication-competent" -- meaning that once inside the body, the adenovirus can continue to multiply. They added that this had likely occurred because of a manufacturing problem called "recombination," in which the modified adenovirus had gained back the genes it needed to replicate while it was being grown inside engineered human cells in a lab. Brazilian regulators did not evaluate the first shot. Rasmussen, a research scientist at Canada's Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization, described the error as a quality control issue, rather than a problem inherent to the technology. If batches used in the real world were tainted, then "for most people this probably won't be a big deal because adenoviruses are generally not thought of as really important human pathogens," she said. "But in people who are immune-compromised... there could be a higher rate of adverse effects because of it, including potentially serious ones." The bigger problem, she added, was the unfortunate impact on confidence over a vaccine that a study in The Lancet journal showed was safe and more than 90 per cent effective. If people aren't sure that the vaccine they are receiving is the same that was studied in trials, then "I can imagine that some people might have their reservations about getting that vaccine at all," said Rasmussen. Another unknown is whether the manufacturing problem that led to the adenovirus vector being able to replicate also knocks out the DNA code for the spike protein -- rendering the shot ineffective as a coronavirus vaccine. Denis Logunov, deputy director of the Gamaleya Institute, has responded by saying "The statements I have read in the press have nothing to do with reality" and that the adenovirus vector was not able to replicate.

Brazil says Russian Covid vaccine carried live cold virus

<p>The lockdown in Maharashtra will be extended by another 15 days beyond April 30, state Public Health Minister Rajesh Tope said on Wednesday.</p>

<p>He said all members of the cabinet, who participated in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, pitched for such extension.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-over-5-million-people-vaccinated-so-far-says-government-381045" hreflang="en">Tamil Nadu: Over 5 million people vaccinated so far, says government</a></strong></p>

<p>"It (the lockdown) will be extended by 15 days," Tope said.</p>

<p>In view of the alarming rise in the COVID-19 cases, the Maharashtra government on April 4 announced a weekend lockdown and restrictions on the movement of people in the night during the weekdays till April 30.</p>

<p>The government had also clamped other restrictions like the closure of private offices, theatres, and salons to curb the unprecedented surge in the cases.</p>

<p>Currently, the weekend lockdown is in force from 8 pm on Fridays and lasts till 7 am on Mondays.</p>

<p>The state government later directed groceries, vegetable shops, and dairies to remain open only for four hours, between 7 am and 11 am and banned home delivery after 8 pm till May 1.</p>


The lockdown in Maharashtra will be extended by another 15 days beyond April 30, state Public Health Minister Rajesh Tope said on Wednesday. He said all members of the cabinet, who participated in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, pitched for such extension.

The lockdown in Maharashtra will be extended by another 15 days beyond April 30, state Public Health Minister Rajesh Tope said on Wednesday. He said all members of the cabinet, who participated in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, pitched for such extension. Also read | Tamil Nadu: Over 5 million people vaccinated so far, says government "It (the lockdown) will be extended by 15 days," Tope said. In view of the alarming rise in the COVID-19 cases, the Maharashtra government on April 4 announced a weekend lockdown and restrictions on the movement of people in the night during the weekdays till April 30. The government had also clamped other restrictions like the closure of private offices, theatres, and salons to curb the unprecedented surge in the cases. Currently, the weekend lockdown is in force from 8 pm on Fridays and lasts till 7 am on Mondays. The state government later directed groceries, vegetable shops, and dairies to remain open only for four hours, between 7 am and 11 am and banned home delivery after 8 pm till May 1.

COVID-19: India's Maharashtra state to extend lockdown by 15 days beyond Apr 30

<p>Covid situation in India is horrific with shortages, death and panic. In Such times, global support counts for a lot. India demonstrated this last year. Hospitals in the West were swamped. They had no PPE kits, no masks and no medicines. It was India that came to their rescue.</p>

<p>This year, we are seeing a role reversal. India's caseload is steadily rising. But on the other side of the world, things are improving.</p>

<p>Europe and America are emerging from the pandemic. So naturally, you would expect them to repay the favour. Instead, we got snarky remarks and delays.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-indians-asked-to-mask-up-at-home-380631/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The US was the most curious case. Washington kept talking about the importance of US-India ties. At the same time, they were withholding critical raw materials. This action had consequences. Without raw materials from the US, Indian vaccine makers could not expand output. But the State Department saw things differently. They came up with the most bizarre defence when asked about the embargo.</p>

<p>The State Department believes getting Americans vaccinated is a global priority.</p>

<p>The US may be a superpower, but its people are not a superspecies. So there is no reason why Americans deserve the jab more than people in Asia or Africa or Latin America. But that's exactly what the US was doing until this weekend: hoarding vaccines, blocking raw materials, and telling the world it's in their best interest. Criticism followed, America changed track.</p>

<p>Countries like America play to the gallery. And in the last few days, the world's attention has turned to India. Every major newspaper was carrying the story.</p>

<p>People started talking about America's embargo. And its selfishness. So the tone changed. Suddenly, Joe Biden remembered how india had helped his country last year.</p>

<p>This is what the president tweeted on Monday:&nbsp;"Just as India sent assistance to the United States as our hospitals were strained early in the pandemic, we are determined to help India in its time of need."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Just as India sent assistance to the United States as our hospitals were strained early in the pandemic, we are determined to help India in its time of need. <a href="https://t.co/SzWRj0eP3y">https://t.co/SzWRj0eP3y</a></p>
— President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1386401947729633280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>America has finally relented. It is poised to send ventilators, PPE kits and vaccine raw materials to India. But it shouldn't have been this hard.</p>

<p>Since Biden imposed the embargo, India has added 6 million new infections and nearly 40,000 deaths. The fact is, when India needed the US, it vanished.&nbsp;Now that the world is watching, it is eager to help. Hardly the actions of an ally, let alone a friend.</p>

<p>So what's the lesson here? Was India wrong in depending on other countries? Has the spirit of globalisation failed the test of tragedy?</p>

<p>The biggest takeaway is this. There is no substitute for self-reliance. Even the champions of globalisation are dabbling in vaccine nationalism. They are shutting borders and stocking vaccines.</p>

<p>But India did the exact opposite. It gifted millions of doses to neighbours, took on the mission of vaccinating Africa and Europe. In hindsight, critics may question the wisdom. But hindsight is a dangerous place to dwell.</p>

<p>India can be proud of its vaccine diplomacy.&nbsp;The rest of the world is responding in kind. At the same time, the lesson is clear. India must build its own arsenal. Because when the next tragedy strikes, things won't be any different.&nbsp;The US And Europe will still put their citizens first.Many Indian firms are supplying raw materials for Pfizer and Moderna. New Delhi could have leveraged this. It chose not to. This is the language America understands. The language of power and arm-twisting.</p>

<p>And quite frankly, we shouldn't be surprised. The US has repeatedly failed, when India has sought help. And this wasn't a handout. India was buying raw materials for a vaccine. American companies were being paid.</p>

<p>Look at some instances in history.</p>

<p>In the 1990s, Americans refused to share the cryogenic technology for space missions. So India got down to building its own. It wasn't easy work. There were multiple setbacks on the way. But in 2017, India's home-grown cryogenic engine was tested successfully.</p>

<p>Here is another instance. This is from 1999, during the Kargil war.</p>

<p>Pakistani troops had taken up strategic positions. So India requested GPS data from the region.&nbsp;GPS could have been a gamechanger in Kargil.</p>

<p>But we'll never know, because the US government denied India's request. Two decades later, India has its own GPS. It's called the Navic system. Experts say Navic is even more accurate than GPS in the Indian sub-continent.</p>

<p>India has thrived in adversities. Some of our finest moments have come amid hardships. The Wuhan virus pandemic should be no different. A post-pandemic India must target self-reliance in public health.</p>


Covid situation in India is horrific with shortages, death and panic. In Such times, global support counts for a lot. India demonstrated this last year. Hospitals in the West were swamped.

Covid situation in India is horrific with shortages, death and panic. In Such times, global support counts for a lot. India demonstrated this last year. Hospitals in the West were swamped. They had no PPE kits, no masks and no medicines. It was India that came to their rescue. This year, we are seeing a role reversal. India's caseload is steadily rising. But on the other side of the world, things are improving. Europe and America are emerging from the pandemic. So naturally, you would expect them to repay the favour. Instead, we got snarky remarks and delays. The US was the most curious case. Washington kept talking about the importance of US-India ties. At the same time, they were withholding critical raw materials. This action had consequences. Without raw materials from the US, Indian vaccine makers could not expand output. But the State Department saw things differently. They came up with the most bizarre defence when asked about the embargo. The State Department believes getting Americans vaccinated is a global priority. The US may be a superpower, but its people are not a superspecies. So there is no reason why Americans deserve the jab more than people in Asia or Africa or Latin America. But that's exactly what the US was doing until this weekend: hoarding vaccines, blocking raw materials, and telling the world it's in their best interest. Criticism followed, America changed track. Countries like America play to the gallery. And in the last few days, the world's attention has turned to India. Every major newspaper was carrying the story. People started talking about America's embargo. And its selfishness. So the tone changed. Suddenly, Joe Biden remembered how india had helped his country last year. This is what the president tweeted on Monday: "Just as India sent assistance to the United States as our hospitals were strained early in the pandemic, we are determined to help India in its time of need." Just as India sent assistance to the United States as our hospitals were strained early in the pandemic, we are determined to help India in its time of need. https://t.co/SzWRj0eP3y — President Biden (@POTUS) April 25, 2021 × America has finally relented. It is poised to send ventilators, PPE kits and vaccine raw materials to India. But it shouldn't have been this hard. Since Biden imposed the embargo, India has added 6 million new infections and nearly 40,000 deaths. The fact is, when India needed the US, it vanished. Now that the world is watching, it is eager to help. Hardly the actions of an ally, let alone a friend. So what's the lesson here? Was India wrong in depending on other countries? Has the spirit of globalisation failed the test of tragedy? The biggest takeaway is this. There is no substitute for self-reliance. Even the champions of globalisation are dabbling in vaccine nationalism. They are shutting borders and stocking vaccines. But India did the exact opposite. It gifted millions of doses to neighbours, took on the mission of vaccinating Africa and Europe. In hindsight, critics may question the wisdom. But hindsight is a dangerous place to dwell. India can be proud of its vaccine diplomacy. The rest of the world is responding in kind. At the same time, the lesson is clear. India must build its own arsenal. Because when the next tragedy strikes, things won't be any different. The US And Europe will still put their citizens first.Many Indian firms are supplying raw materials for Pfizer and Moderna. New Delhi could have leveraged this. It chose not to. This is the language America understands. The language of power and arm-twisting. And quite frankly, we shouldn't be surprised. The US has repeatedly failed, when India has sought help. And this wasn't a handout. India was buying raw materials for a vaccine. American companies were being paid. Look at some instances in history. In the 1990s, Americans refused to share the cryogenic technology for space missions. So India got down to building its own. It wasn't easy work. There were multiple setbacks on the way. But in 2017, India's home-grown cryogenic engine was tested successfully. Here is another instance. This is from 1999, during the Kargil war. Pakistani troops had taken up strategic positions. So India requested GPS data from the region. GPS could have been a gamechanger in Kargil. But we'll never know, because the US government denied India's request. Two decades later, India has its own GPS. It's called the Navic system. Experts say Navic is even more accurate than GPS in the Indian sub-continent. India has thrived in adversities. Some of our finest moments have come amid hardships. The Wuhan virus pandemic should be no different. A post-pandemic India must target self-reliance in public health.

After pandemic, India should aim for self-reliance in public health

<p>Iconic British artist Marianne Faithfull fears she may never sing again after a brutal dose of Covid-19 last year, but a new album of poetry set to music has given her a beautiful outlet.</p>

<p>The 74-year-old spoke to AFP by phone from her home in London, but sounded even further away, her voice heavy with fatigue. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"I caught it really badly and nearly died and now I've got what they call long-term Covid," she said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's not the virus but it certainly feels like it. It's in my lungs so I can't talk for very long."</p>

<p>Asked if she will sing again, she is saddened: "Darling, I don't know. I hope I can. I do singing practice once a week. A friend comes over and plays my lovely guitar and I practice.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's an awful thought," she added. "Whatever happens, I can't change it."</p>

<p>But far from defeated, she has spent the past few months completing an album begun before the pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It features her reading some of her favourite poetry -- Byron, Shelley, Keats and other 19th century romantics -- with backing music from an all-star cast that includes Warren Ellis, Nick Cave and Brian Eno.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was Cave that suggested "She Walks In Beauty" as a title. She had wanted a different line from Byron -- "So We'll Go No More a Roving" -- "but Nick thought that was a bit negative," she said with a laugh.</p>

<p>She seems genuinely surprised that the album has worked out so well.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Warren and I listened to quite a few records that people have made with poetry and music behind them, and most of them are awful. It's quite hard to do it right. We were very lucky," she said.</p>

<p>- Survivor -</p>

<p>The poems have been close to her heart since her schooldays in 1950s England, for which she thanks a Mrs Simpson, one of the only teachers at her convent school who was not a nun.&nbsp;</p>

<p>That was before her famous entry into Swinging Sixties' London, spotted at a party by the manager of the Rolling Stones and becoming a muse to Mick Jagger, with all the sexist baggage that came along with that status.</p>

<p>She enjoyed the highs of sudden fame and fortune, but also deep lows of drug addiction and homelessness, and emerged on the other side with tales to tell.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She built a long career with more than 20 albums to her name, including the landmark "Broken English" from 1979 that has become a touchstone for dark, orchestral pop, ensuring a steady stream of younger artists keen to work with her, including PJ Harvey, Jarvis Cocker and Beck.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ever the survivor, she faced her hardest trial yet with the pandemic that nearly took her life last year, but she pushed through and managed to record the album at a distance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It was not as hard as I thought it would be," she told AFP.</p>

<p>"But it was a bit of a problem. When you're in the studio together you can tell a lot about what people are thinking from their body language. We didn't have that at all. It's incredibly lucky that it turned out as well as it did," she said.</p>

<p>Though she worries about losing her singing ability for good, perhaps the poetry offers a way forward. Would she consider a French version, in memory of the many years she spent in Paris?&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I'd love to do Baudelaire, Rimbaud, but I don't speak French well enough. I'll have to think about it..." she said.</p>


Iconic British artist Marianne Faithfull fears she may never sing again after a brutal dose of Covid-19 last year, but a new album of poetry set to music has given her a beautiful outlet.

Iconic British artist Marianne Faithfull fears she may never sing again after a brutal dose of Covid-19 last year, but a new album of poetry set to music has given her a beautiful outlet. The 74-year-old spoke to AFP by phone from her home in London, but sounded even further away, her voice heavy with fatigue. "I caught it really badly and nearly died and now I've got what they call long-term Covid," she said. "It's not the virus but it certainly feels like it. It's in my lungs so I can't talk for very long." Asked if she will sing again, she is saddened: "Darling, I don't know. I hope I can. I do singing practice once a week. A friend comes over and plays my lovely guitar and I practice. "It's an awful thought," she added. "Whatever happens, I can't change it." But far from defeated, she has spent the past few months completing an album begun before the pandemic. It features her reading some of her favourite poetry -- Byron, Shelley, Keats and other 19th century romantics -- with backing music from an all-star cast that includes Warren Ellis, Nick Cave and Brian Eno. It was Cave that suggested "She Walks In Beauty" as a title. She had wanted a different line from Byron -- "So We'll Go No More a Roving" -- "but Nick thought that was a bit negative," she said with a laugh. She seems genuinely surprised that the album has worked out so well. "Warren and I listened to quite a few records that people have made with poetry and music behind them, and most of them are awful. It's quite hard to do it right. We were very lucky," she said. - Survivor - The poems have been close to her heart since her schooldays in 1950s England, for which she thanks a Mrs Simpson, one of the only teachers at her convent school who was not a nun. That was before her famous entry into Swinging Sixties' London, spotted at a party by the manager of the Rolling Stones and becoming a muse to Mick Jagger, with all the sexist baggage that came along with that status. She enjoyed the highs of sudden fame and fortune, but also deep lows of drug addiction and homelessness, and emerged on the other side with tales to tell. She built a long career with more than 20 albums to her name, including the landmark "Broken English" from 1979 that has become a touchstone for dark, orchestral pop, ensuring a steady stream of younger artists keen to work with her, including PJ Harvey, Jarvis Cocker and Beck. Ever the survivor, she faced her hardest trial yet with the pandemic that nearly took her life last year, but she pushed through and managed to record the album at a distance. "It was not as hard as I thought it would be," she told AFP. "But it was a bit of a problem. When you're in the studio together you can tell a lot about what people are thinking from their body language. We didn't have that at all. It's incredibly lucky that it turned out as well as it did," she said. Though she worries about losing her singing ability for good, perhaps the poetry offers a way forward. Would she consider a French version, in memory of the many years she spent in Paris? "I'd love to do Baudelaire, Rimbaud, but I don't speak French well enough. I'll have to think about it..." she said.

Marianne Faithfull turns to poetry as Covid robs her of song

<p>The US is going to send up to 60 million doses of AstraZeneca Covid doses, officials announced on Monday as US President Joe Biden pledged to "be there" for India.</p>

<p>Critics have accused Washington of "hoarding" the British-developed vaccine, which is not authorized in the country and will likely not be required to vaccinate Americans.</p>

<p>In recent days, India has faced catastrophic new surge that has overwhelmed its health care system.</p>

<p>"U.S. to release 60 million Astra Zeneca doses to other countries as they become available," tweeted Andy Slavitt, senior advisor to the White House on Covid response.</p>

<p>An administration official told reporters the first 10 million doses could be available "in the coming weeks" after they pass a quality inspection by the Food and Drug Administration.</p>

<p>"Further, there's an estimated additional 50 million doses that are in various stages of production, and these could be completed in stages across May and June," she added.</p>

<p>White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said at a briefing that the recipient countries have not yet been decided and that the administration was still formulating its distribution plan.</p>

<p>But India appears to be a leading contender after Biden held a telephone call with his counterpart Prime Minister Narendra Modi, pledging US support to fight the Covid surge.</p>

<p>"Today, I spoke with Prime Minister @narendramodi and pledged America's full support to provide emergency assistance and resources in the fight against COVID-19. India was there for us, and we will be there for them," Biden tweeted.</p>

<p>Administration officials added Washington was looking at options to supply oxygen -- from direct shipments to generation systems -- as well as the antiviral drug Remdesivir, personal protective equipment, tests, and teams of experts.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The US is going to send up to 60 million doses of AstraZeneca Covid doses, officials announced on Monday as US President Joe Biden pledged to "be there" for India.

The US is going to send up to 60 million doses of AstraZeneca Covid doses, officials announced on Monday as US President Joe Biden pledged to "be there" for India. Critics have accused Washington of "hoarding" the British-developed vaccine, which is not authorized in the country and will likely not be required to vaccinate Americans. In recent days, India has faced catastrophic new surge that has overwhelmed its health care system. "U.S. to release 60 million Astra Zeneca doses to other countries as they become available," tweeted Andy Slavitt, senior advisor to the White House on Covid response. An administration official told reporters the first 10 million doses could be available "in the coming weeks" after they pass a quality inspection by the Food and Drug Administration. "Further, there's an estimated additional 50 million doses that are in various stages of production, and these could be completed in stages across May and June," she added. White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said at a briefing that the recipient countries have not yet been decided and that the administration was still formulating its distribution plan. But India appears to be a leading contender after Biden held a telephone call with his counterpart Prime Minister Narendra Modi, pledging US support to fight the Covid surge. "Today, I spoke with Prime Minister @narendramodi and pledged America's full support to provide emergency assistance and resources in the fight against COVID-19. India was there for us, and we will be there for them," Biden tweeted. Administration officials added Washington was looking at options to supply oxygen -- from direct shipments to generation systems -- as well as the antiviral drug Remdesivir, personal protective equipment, tests, and teams of experts. (With inputs from agencies)

US to export up to 60 million AstraZeneca Covid vaccine doses

<p>India's Ministry of Health reported 3,52,991 new cases of the COVID-19 on Sunday with 2812 deaths.</p>

<p>The country set a global record for a rise in daily coronavirus cases for a fifth straight day, while deaths from COVID-19 also jumped by an all-time high over the last 24 hours.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With 352,991 new cases, India's total caseload has crossed 17 million. Deaths rose by a record 2,812 to reach a total of 195,123, according to health ministry data.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CoronaVirusUpdates?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CoronaVirusUpdates</a>:<br />
<br />
State-wise details of Total Confirmed <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> cases (till 26 April, 2021, 8 AM)<br />
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➡️States with 1-40000 confirmed cases<br />
➡️States with 40001-370000 confirmed cases<br />
➡️States with 370000+ confirmed cases<br />
➡️Total no. of confirmed cases so far <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StaySafe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StaySafe</a> <a href="https://t.co/agrLwydakX">pic.twitter.com/agrLwydakX</a></p>
— #IndiaFightsCorona (@COVIDNewsByMIB) <a href="https://twitter.com/COVIDNewsByMIB/status/1386546772105826307?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India's Ministry of Health reported 3,52,991 new cases of the COVID-19 on Sunday with 2812 deaths. The country set a global record for a rise in daily coronavirus cases for a fifth straight day, while deaths from COVID-19 also jumped by an all-time high over the last 24 hours.

India's Ministry of Health reported 3,52,991 new cases of the COVID-19 on Sunday with 2812 deaths. The country set a global record for a rise in daily coronavirus cases for a fifth straight day, while deaths from COVID-19 also jumped by an all-time high over the last 24 hours. With 352,991 new cases, India's total caseload has crossed 17 million. Deaths rose by a record 2,812 to reach a total of 195,123, according to health ministry data. #CoronaVirusUpdates: State-wise details of Total Confirmed #COVID19 cases (till 26 April, 2021, 8 AM) ➡️States with 1-40000 confirmed cases ➡️States with 40001-370000 confirmed cases ➡️States with 370000+ confirmed cases ➡️Total no. of confirmed cases so far #StaySafe pic.twitter.com/agrLwydakX — #IndiaFightsCorona (@COVIDNewsByMIB) April 26, 2021 × (With inputs from agencies)

352,991 fresh COVID-19 cases, 2,812 deaths in a new record high for India

<p>Amid reports of shortage of oxygen in the hospitals during the second wave of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> across the country, four cryogenic oxygen containers are being transported from Singapore to India via Air Force transport plane."We stand with India in its fight against Covid-19.</p>

<p>"Through a bilateral and multi-agency effort, an @IAF_MCC transport plane picked up 4 cryogenic oxygen containers at Changi Airport in Singapore this morning," the Singapore embassy in India tweeted.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Pakistan PM expresses solidarity with India over COVID-19 crisis  ">Pakistan PM expresses solidarity with India over COVID-19 crisis</a></strong></p>

<p>On Friday, the Defence Ministry informed that 23 mobile oxygen generation plants are being airlifted from Germany. These will be deployed in Armed Forces Medical Sciences (AFMS) hospitals catering to COVID patients. These oxygen-generating plants are expected within a week, the ministry said.</p>

<p>Amid the record rise in COVID-19 cases, leaders from around the world have expressed their support to India. Earlier today, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison expressed their solidarity with the people of India.</p>

<p>India on Saturday recorded 3,46,786 new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19 </a>cases, the highest single-day spike since the pandemic broke out last year. According to the official data issued by the government, the country recorded 2,624 new deaths due to COVID-19 in the last 24 hours.</p>

<p>So far, 1,66,10,481 COVID-19 cases have been reported in India while 1,89,544 people have succumbed to the viral infection. Currently, there are 25,52,940 active cases of COVID-19 in the country.</p>


Amid reports of shortage of oxygen in the hospitals during the second wave of COVID-19 across the country, four cryogenic oxygen containers are being transported from Singapore to India via Air Force transport plane.

Amid reports of shortage of oxygen in the hospitals during the second wave of COVID-19 across the country, four cryogenic oxygen containers are being transported from Singapore to India via Air Force transport plane."We stand with India in its fight against Covid-19. "Through a bilateral and multi-agency effort, an @IAF_MCC transport plane picked up 4 cryogenic oxygen containers at Changi Airport in Singapore this morning," the Singapore embassy in India tweeted. Also read | Pakistan PM expresses solidarity with India over COVID-19 crisis On Friday, the Defence Ministry informed that 23 mobile oxygen generation plants are being airlifted from Germany. These will be deployed in Armed Forces Medical Sciences (AFMS) hospitals catering to COVID patients. These oxygen-generating plants are expected within a week, the ministry said. Amid the record rise in COVID-19 cases, leaders from around the world have expressed their support to India. Earlier today, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison expressed their solidarity with the people of India. India on Saturday recorded 3,46,786 new COVID-19 cases, the highest single-day spike since the pandemic broke out last year. According to the official data issued by the government, the country recorded 2,624 new deaths due to COVID-19 in the last 24 hours. So far, 1,66,10,481 COVID-19 cases have been reported in India while 1,89,544 people have succumbed to the viral infection. Currently, there are 25,52,940 active cases of COVID-19 in the country.

COVID-19: Indian Air Force transports four cryogenic oxygen containers from Singapore

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