Have you recovered from a Wuhan virus infection? A new study has found that you could make antibodies for years, possibly even your lifetime. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Had COVID? You could possibly make antibodies for years

US President Joe Biden has asked his intelligence agencies to "redouble" efforts to find the origins of the Wuhan virus. The White House hasn't ruled out the "lab leak" theory. What does America know about the pandemic's origins? Palki Sharma brings you a report?

Gravitas: What the United States knows about COVID-19

UK on Friday approved the single-shot Covid vaccine developed by Johnson &amp; Johnson, as per the announcement by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).&nbsp;

"This is a further boost to the UK's hugely successful vaccination programme, which has already saved over 13,000 lives, and means that we now have four safe and effective vaccines approved to help protect people from this awful virus," said Health Secretary Matt Hancock.

He added that the government hoped that the single-dose jab "will play an important role in the months to come". Britain has ordered 20 million doses of the vaccine.

Johnson &amp; Johnson Covid vaccine was found to be 72 per cent effective in preventing moderate to severe coronavirus infection, according to a US trial.

Britain has administered more than 62 million shots so far, mainly using the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines. It has also approved the use of the Moderna vaccine.

After months of falling cases, infections have started to rise again due to the emergence of the Indian variant, which has put in doubt plans for a full reopening of the country on June 21.

(With inputs from agencies)

UK on Friday approved the single-shot Covid vaccine developed by Johnson & Johnson, as per the announcement by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

UK on Friday approved the single-shot Covid vaccine developed by Johnson & Johnson, as per the announcement by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). "This is a further boost to the UK's hugely successful vaccination programme, which has already saved over 13,000 lives, and means that we now have four safe and effective vaccines approved to help protect people from this awful virus," said Health Secretary Matt Hancock. He added that the government hoped that the single-dose jab "will play an important role in the months to come". Britain has ordered 20 million doses of the vaccine. Johnson & Johnson Covid vaccine was found to be 72 per cent effective in preventing moderate to severe coronavirus infection, according to a US trial. Britain has administered more than 62 million shots so far, mainly using the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines. It has also approved the use of the Moderna vaccine. After months of falling cases, infections have started to rise again due to the emergence of the Indian variant, which has put in doubt plans for a full reopening of the country on June 21. (With inputs from agencies)

UK approves single shot Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine

Germany plans to open COVID-19 vaccination for children aged 12 to 16-years from June 7. The decision comes after German Chancellor Angela Merkel held a meeting with state leaders on Thursday.

Germany plans to open vaccination for 12 to 16-year-olds from June 7

There are stories that are inspiring even in this difficult time. Two nurses from the Kashmir Valley are setting new standards of dedication to their work. One such story is of Shagufta Khan, Shagufta has managed to deliver more than 100 children in a hospital, caring for COVID positive mothers.

J&K: One nurse deliver 100 babies of COVID-19 patients, while another vaccinates 6,000 people

The Coronavirus vaccine developed by AstraZeneca has faced criticism because some people developed 'blood clots' after jaw clenching. However, a group of German scientists have found a way to avoid the fatal side effect.

Vaccines may be redesigned to avoid blood clots, German scientists claim

Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli on Thursday called on international community to supply the nation with Covid vaccines. He said that the Himalayan nation would need about 40 million vaccines.&nbsp;

The country of nearly 30 million people has so far received just over three million doses from various sources, with another million promised by Beijing.

A new wave of infections has overwhelmed hospitals in Nepal.

"We appeal to the international community to make vaccines available... We are ready to purchase if donations are not possible," KP Sharma Oli told reporters.

"It is difficult to take small numbers because double doses are required. So we hope that vaccines arrive in large quantities. We have to vaccinate about 20 million people, so we need almost 40 million vaccines."

Number of Covid infections started soaring in Nepal in early April and peaked in mid-May. At this time, the country was recording more than 9000 infections a day.

The healthcare system in Nepal remains under pressure though the daily rises have declined slightly.

"The situation is heading towards being controlled but we are not yet in a situation where we can say (the cases) are decreasing," Oli added.

Nepal began its vaccination campaign in January with a gift of one million doses of AstraZeneca-Oxford jabs from India.

The government had ordered two million more AstraZeneca-Oxford shots from India but a spike in cases saw New Delhi freeze its exports, leaving Nepal with only the million delivered in January.

China donated 800,000 Sinopharm shots, while a further 348,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine had arrived under the Covax programme to help poorer countries in March. Media reports said up to 13 million shots were meant to be sent by Covax.

China said on Wednesday that it would send another million vaccine doses under a grant.

Epidemiologist Lhamo Sherpa said developing countries like Nepal badly needed more shots.

"It is important to pressure the international community for vaccines," he told AFP.

Western nations "are talking about wearing or not wearing masks or vaccinating children, while here even the old, vulnerable population have not received it," Sherpa said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli on Thursday called on international community to supply the nation with Covid vaccines. He said that the Himalayan nation would need about 40 million vaccines.

Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli on Thursday called on international community to supply the nation with Covid vaccines. He said that the Himalayan nation would need about 40 million vaccines. The country of nearly 30 million people has so far received just over three million doses from various sources, with another million promised by Beijing. A new wave of infections has overwhelmed hospitals in Nepal. "We appeal to the international community to make vaccines available... We are ready to purchase if donations are not possible," KP Sharma Oli told reporters. "It is difficult to take small numbers because double doses are required. So we hope that vaccines arrive in large quantities. We have to vaccinate about 20 million people, so we need almost 40 million vaccines." Number of Covid infections started soaring in Nepal in early April and peaked in mid-May. At this time, the country was recording more than 9000 infections a day. The healthcare system in Nepal remains under pressure though the daily rises have declined slightly. "The situation is heading towards being controlled but we are not yet in a situation where we can say (the cases) are decreasing," Oli added. Nepal began its vaccination campaign in January with a gift of one million doses of AstraZeneca-Oxford jabs from India. The government had ordered two million more AstraZeneca-Oxford shots from India but a spike in cases saw New Delhi freeze its exports, leaving Nepal with only the million delivered in January. China donated 800,000 Sinopharm shots, while a further 348,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine had arrived under the Covax programme to help poorer countries in March. Media reports said up to 13 million shots were meant to be sent by Covax. China said on Wednesday that it would send another million vaccine doses under a grant. Epidemiologist Lhamo Sherpa said developing countries like Nepal badly needed more shots. "It is important to pressure the international community for vaccines," he told AFP. Western nations "are talking about wearing or not wearing masks or vaccinating children, while here even the old, vulnerable population have not received it," Sherpa said. (With inputs from agencies)

Nepal PM sends SOS to the world for Covid vaccines

Deadly waves of COVID-19 are sweeping across South Asia. Families are losing loved ones, & vaccines are running out. WION correspondents show you what's happening in 4 different countries.

COVID-19 in South Asia: 4 countries, 4 Ground reports

Boris Johnson's former aide Dominic Cummings ripped into his former boss - blaming him for mishandling the pandemic. Cummings says the UK PM offered to get the virus injected on live TV to assure his citizens that it wasn't deadly. Why is Johnson's former right-hand man exposing him? How has the PM responded? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Did Boris Johnson ask to be injected with COVID on TV?

The Lab Leak Theory is getting bigger & serious. The US is seeking 'Phase 2' of an investigation into Wuhan Virus origins. WHO's top virologist Marion Koopmans says a 'follow-up' probe is needed. Where are things headed? Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: US seeks 'Phase 2' of investigation into COVID-origins

UK Health Minister Matt Hancock has published the allegations made by the Prime Minister's former chief aide who accused him of lying. Speaking in the House of Commons Hancock said that Dominic Cummings' allegations were unsubstantiated.

Hancock: Did everything to save lives, Cummings' claims unsubstantiated

More than five million people in Australia's second-biggest city of Melbourne were ordered into a snap week-long lockdown Thursday over an another Coronavirus outbreak in the city.

Melbourne goes under 7-days long snap lockdown

Seeking a fast-track approval for its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> vaccine, US major <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/pfizer">Pfizer</a> has told Indian authorities that its jab has shown "high effectiveness" against the SARS-CoV-2 variant found in India and on people of Indian ethnicity or nationality, while it is suitable for everyone aged 12 years or above and can be stored for a month at 2-8 degrees, sources said on Wednesday.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modernas-single-dose-vaccine-in-india-likely-next-year-pfizer-ready-with-50-mn-doses-for-2021-387438">Moderna's single-dose vaccine in India likely next year; Pfizer ready with 50 mn doses for 2021</a>

Pfizer, which is ready to offer 50 million doses to India between July and October this year and has sought certain relaxations including indemnification, has held a series of interactions with the Indian government authorities recently including one this week, during which it shared the most recent data points regarding efficacy trials and approvals for its vaccine in various countries and by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

"The current situation in India, and across the world, is not 'business as usual'&nbsp;and we must not respond to it with processes as usual too," a source quoted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/pfizer">Pfizer</a> as having communicated to the Indian government.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pfizer-and-moderna-dont-want-to-deal-with-indian-states-for-vaccines-387168">Pfizer and Moderna don't want to deal with Indian states for vaccines</a>

Another source privy to the discussions said that following recent meetings between the Indian government and Pfizer's Chairman and CEO Albert Bourla, they have agreed to jointly work on three key issues to accelerate approval for the company's COVID-19 vaccine in India, namely procurement through a central government pathway; indemnity and liability; and the regulatory requirement for post-approval bridging studies.

While India has administered over 20 crore doses so far since the launch of its vaccination drive in mid-January, it is still a long way to reach the vaccination for the entire population, more so in the backdrop of many states having flagged shortage of vaccines and the gap between supply and requirement widening amid the deadly second wave.

India is currently using mainly two 'made-in India' jabs,&nbsp;Covishield manufactured by the Serum Institute and Covaxin of Bharat Biotech,&nbsp;and Russian-made Sputnik V at a smaller scale to inoculate its population, all of which are approved only for those aged 18 years and above.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-cant-india-get-covid-vaccines-from-pfizer-and-moderna-387165/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In its latest communication to the government, Pfizer has also thanked the Government of India to have agreed to its request for procurement through a central government pathway and to discuss "the Indemnity and Liability protection".

"The timely alignment and execution of the draft Heads of Terms will enable Pfizer to reserve the allocation of doses and pave the pathway for executing the Distribution and Supply Agreement," the company told the government while seeking fast-tracking the regulatory pathway to help it supply "Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine as expeditiously as possible to India".

Pfizer has said India should "rely on the 44 authorizations, including WHO approval, facilitate a EUA (Emergency Use Authorisation)/Restricted Use pathway for the Pfizer vaccine in India, and not seek a local PSA (Post Approval Commitment) study."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-approves-pfizer-biontechs-covid-vaccine-for-children-aged-12-15-384195">US approves Pfizer-BioNTech's Covid vaccine for children aged 12-15</a>

The company is, however, open to considering safety surveillance of the first 100 subjects after understanding the process to be followed.

It has also stated that the Pfizer vaccine has undergone significant development over the last six months which includes improvement in storage conditions at 208 degrees for over one month (31 days) at the site of vaccination.

"Recent data points confirm the high effectiveness of BNT612b2 2-dose regimen against SARS-CoV-2 variants, and among individuals of Indian ethnicity," Pfizer has said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/two-doses-of-covid-vaccines-offer-significant-protection-against-b16172-variant-study-finds-386812">Two doses of Covid vaccines offer significant protection against B.1.617.2 variant, study finds</a>

Providing data, it said UK's Public Health England (PHE) has reported high vaccine effectiveness (87.9 per cent) against the B.1.617.2 variant, most reported in India, in an observational study (concluded on May 22, 2021).

It further said 26 per cent of study participants overall were of "Indian or British Indian" ethnicity, and also included Bangladeshi (1.4 per cent), Pakistani (5.9 per cent) and any other Asian background (5.7 per cent), indicating that the observed vaccine effectiveness applies to these groups as well.

Also, the data from Qatar's nationwide immunization program demonstrated high vaccine effectiveness - 89 per cent against B.1.1.7 variant (first detected in the UK) and 75 per cent against B.1.351 variant (first detected in South Africa).

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizer-ceo-says-oral-drug-to-treat-coronavirus-could-be-ready-by-end-of-2021-381159" hreflang="en">Pfizer CEO says oral drug to treat coronavirus could be ready by end of 2021</a>

It said 24 per cent of study participants were of Indian nationality (more than 6,000), and others included Nepalese (6-12 per cent), Bangladeshi (4-11 per cent), Sri Lankan (3-4 per cent), Pakistani (4-6 per cent), indicating that the observed vaccine effectiveness applies to these groups as well.

Pfizer has urged the Government of India to rely upon WHO's testing pathways of reliance on testing certificates from country of origin instead of mandating local testing and batch release stating will also help fast track vaccine introduction and prevent vaccine wastage.

Pfizer has also shared the most recent data on the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine, the phase 3 clinical trial showing vaccine efficacy six months after the second dose from the pivotal registration trial, as also for variants in vitro neutralization, clinically efficacy data and real-world vaccine effectiveness against emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2. The data shared with Indian authorities also include "real-world evidence of BNT162b2 vaccine effectiveness and safety from national immunization programmes".

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-becomes-first-country-to-authorise-pfizer-covid-vaccine-for-kids-age-12-and-up-383033" hreflang="en">Canada becomes first country to authorise Pfizer Covid vaccine for kids age 12 and up</a>

The shared data points include trials showing nearly 95 per cent effectiveness against COVID-19, 100 per cent efficacy against severe disease and also 100 per cent vaccine efficacy in 12-15-year-old adolescents.

Seeking a fast-track approval for its COVID-19 vaccine, US major Pfizer has told Indian authorities that its jab has shown "high effectiveness" against the SARS-CoV-2 variant found in India and on people of Indian ethnicity or nationality, while it is suitable for everyone aged 12 years or above and can be stored for a month at 2-8 degrees, sources said on Wednesday.

Seeking a fast-track approval for its COVID-19 vaccine, US major Pfizer has told Indian authorities that its jab has shown "high effectiveness" against the SARS-CoV-2 variant found in India and on people of Indian ethnicity or nationality, while it is suitable for everyone aged 12 years or above and can be stored for a month at 2-8 degrees, sources said on Wednesday. Also Read | Moderna's single-dose vaccine in India likely next year; Pfizer ready with 50 mn doses for 2021 Pfizer, which is ready to offer 50 million doses to India between July and October this year and has sought certain relaxations including indemnification, has held a series of interactions with the Indian government authorities recently including one this week, during which it shared the most recent data points regarding efficacy trials and approvals for its vaccine in various countries and by the World Health Organisation (WHO). "The current situation in India, and across the world, is not 'business as usual' and we must not respond to it with processes as usual too," a source quoted Pfizer as having communicated to the Indian government. Also Read | Pfizer and Moderna don't want to deal with Indian states for vaccines Another source privy to the discussions said that following recent meetings between the Indian government and Pfizer's Chairman and CEO Albert Bourla, they have agreed to jointly work on three key issues to accelerate approval for the company's COVID-19 vaccine in India, namely procurement through a central government pathway; indemnity and liability; and the regulatory requirement for post-approval bridging studies. While India has administered over 20 crore doses so far since the launch of its vaccination drive in mid-January, it is still a long way to reach the vaccination for the entire population, more so in the backdrop of many states having flagged shortage of vaccines and the gap between supply and requirement widening amid the deadly second wave. India is currently using mainly two 'made-in India' jabs, Covishield manufactured by the Serum Institute and Covaxin of Bharat Biotech, and Russian-made Sputnik V at a smaller scale to inoculate its population, all of which are approved only for those aged 18 years and above. In its latest communication to the government, Pfizer has also thanked the Government of India to have agreed to its request for procurement through a central government pathway and to discuss "the Indemnity and Liability protection". "The timely alignment and execution of the draft Heads of Terms will enable Pfizer to reserve the allocation of doses and pave the pathway for executing the Distribution and Supply Agreement," the company told the government while seeking fast-tracking the regulatory pathway to help it supply "Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine as expeditiously as possible to India". Pfizer has said India should "rely on the 44 authorizations, including WHO approval, facilitate a EUA (Emergency Use Authorisation)/Restricted Use pathway for the Pfizer vaccine in India, and not seek a local PSA (Post Approval Commitment) study." Also Read | US approves Pfizer-BioNTech's Covid vaccine for children aged 12-15 The company is, however, open to considering safety surveillance of the first 100 subjects after understanding the process to be followed. It has also stated that the Pfizer vaccine has undergone significant development over the last six months which includes improvement in storage conditions at 208 degrees for over one month (31 days) at the site of vaccination. "Recent data points confirm the high effectiveness of BNT612b2 2-dose regimen against SARS-CoV-2 variants, and among individuals of Indian ethnicity," Pfizer has said. Also Read | Two doses of Covid vaccines offer significant protection against B.1.617.2 variant, study finds Providing data, it said UK's Public Health England (PHE) has reported high vaccine effectiveness (87.9 per cent) against the B.1.617.2 variant, most reported in India, in an observational study (concluded on May 22, 2021). It further said 26 per cent of study participants overall were of "Indian or British Indian" ethnicity, and also included Bangladeshi (1.4 per cent), Pakistani (5.9 per cent) and any other Asian background (5.7 per cent), indicating that the observed vaccine effectiveness applies to these groups as well. Also, the data from Qatar's nationwide immunization program demonstrated high vaccine effectiveness - 89 per cent against B.1.1.7 variant (first detected in the UK) and 75 per cent against B.1.351 variant (first detected in South Africa). Also Read | Pfizer CEO says oral drug to treat coronavirus could be ready by end of 2021 It said 24 per cent of study participants were of Indian nationality (more than 6,000), and others included Nepalese (6-12 per cent), Bangladeshi (4-11 per cent), Sri Lankan (3-4 per cent), Pakistani (4-6 per cent), indicating that the observed vaccine effectiveness applies to these groups as well. Pfizer has urged the Government of India to rely upon WHO's testing pathways of reliance on testing certificates from country of origin instead of mandating local testing and batch release stating will also help fast track vaccine introduction and prevent vaccine wastage. Pfizer has also shared the most recent data on the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine, the phase 3 clinical trial showing vaccine efficacy six months after the second dose from the pivotal registration trial, as also for variants in vitro neutralization, clinically efficacy data and real-world vaccine effectiveness against emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2. The data shared with Indian authorities also include "real-world evidence of BNT162b2 vaccine effectiveness and safety from national immunization programmes". Also Read | Canada becomes first country to authorise Pfizer Covid vaccine for kids age 12 and up The shared data points include trials showing nearly 95 per cent effectiveness against COVID-19, 100 per cent efficacy against severe disease and also 100 per cent vaccine efficacy in 12-15-year-old adolescents.

Our vaccine highly effective on COVID-19 variant found in India, suitable for 12 yrs and above: Pfizer to Govt

A leading scientist on the&nbsp;WHO's COVID-19 mission to&nbsp;China&nbsp;said on Tuesday that a follow-up trip could be helpful to gather additional research on the origins of the disease, but should be separate from any audit of information provided by Beijing.

The comments from Dutch virologist Marion Koopmans came after the United States called on Tuesday for international experts to be allowed to evaluate the source of the coronavirus and the early days of the outbreak in a second phase of the&nbsp;WHO's investigation into the origins of the coronavirus.

Koopmans was part of the&nbsp;WHO-led team which spent four weeks in&nbsp;China&nbsp;earlier this year and in March published a report jointly with Chinese scientists that said the virus had probably been transmitted from bats to humans through another animal.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-lab-origin-theory-gains-traction-in-united-states-387436">Covid lab origin theory gains traction in United States</a>

"Introduction through a laboratory incident was considered to be an extremely unlikely pathway," its report said.

Discussions about the outbreak gained renewed attention this week as US&nbsp;intelligence agencies examine reports that researchers at a Chinese virology laboratory in Wuhan were seriously ill in 2019 a month before the first cases of COVID-19 were reported.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fauci-admits-wuhan-lab-received-modest-funds-from-us-amid-calls-for-probe-into-covid-origins-387497">Fauci admits Wuhan lab received 'modest' funds from US amid calls for probe into Covid origins</a>

US&nbsp;government sources have said there is still no proof the disease originated at the lab.

Koopmans said the team would be eager to carry out additional research in&nbsp;China&nbsp;in a number of areas and was awaiting the outcome of&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;discussions. She stressed the need for a clear mandate to conduct research, not to carry out an audit.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wuhan-virus-lab-leak-theory-why-china-has-blocked-access-to-yunnan-mine-387360">Wuhan virus lab leak theory: Why China has blocked access to Yunnan mine</a>

"I think these cannot be combined. So we believe that is a combination that will not work. In that case you say we are going to carry out an inspection, or we are going to do the follow-up research, or both, but through different mechanisms, otherwise you simply will not make any progress," she said.

A leading scientist on the WHO's COVID-19 mission to China said on Tuesday that a follow-up trip could be helpful to gather additional research on the origins of the disease, but should be separate from any audit of information provided by Beijing.

A leading scientist on the WHO's COVID-19 mission to China said on Tuesday that a follow-up trip could be helpful to gather additional research on the origins of the disease, but should be separate from any audit of information provided by Beijing. The comments from Dutch virologist Marion Koopmans came after the United States called on Tuesday for international experts to be allowed to evaluate the source of the coronavirus and the early days of the outbreak in a second phase of the WHO's investigation into the origins of the coronavirus. Koopmans was part of the WHO-led team which spent four weeks in China earlier this year and in March published a report jointly with Chinese scientists that said the virus had probably been transmitted from bats to humans through another animal. Also Read | Covid lab origin theory gains traction in United States "Introduction through a laboratory incident was considered to be an extremely unlikely pathway," its report said. Discussions about the outbreak gained renewed attention this week as US intelligence agencies examine reports that researchers at a Chinese virology laboratory in Wuhan were seriously ill in 2019 a month before the first cases of COVID-19 were reported. Also Read | Fauci admits Wuhan lab received 'modest' funds from US amid calls for probe into Covid origins US government sources have said there is still no proof the disease originated at the lab. Koopmans said the team would be eager to carry out additional research in China in a number of areas and was awaiting the outcome of WHO discussions. She stressed the need for a clear mandate to conduct research, not to carry out an audit. Also Read | Wuhan virus lab leak theory: Why China has blocked access to Yunnan mine "I think these cannot be combined. So we believe that is a combination that will not work. In that case you say we are going to carry out an inspection, or we are going to do the follow-up research, or both, but through different mechanisms, otherwise you simply will not make any progress," she said.

WHO expert say new research mission to China would be helpful

Will there be a 'TRANSPARENT' new probe into virus lab leak theory? Can the global powers ever join hands to crush the COVID-19 surge? Palki Sharma discusses with the following guests: - Ritva Koukku-Ronde, Finland's Ambassador to India - Federico Salas, Mexico's Ambassador to India - Barry O’Farrell; Australia's High Commissioner to India - Hugo Javier Gobbi; Argentina's Ambassador to India

Ambassadors' Roundtable: Fighting The Pandemic | Can global powers join hands to crush COVID surge?

A UK-based study has found that dogs can quickly and accurately detect COVID-19 patients. Thanks to their keen sense of smell, dogs can detect a specific odour that comes from infected patients. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Study finds dogs can sniff out COVID-19

India has got a new drug to treat Wuhan virus patients. It can help mild to moderate patients recover quickly. Palki Sharma tells you all about it.

Gravitas: India gets a new drug to treat Wuhan virus

India was not an exception. Several countries are running out of oxygen. They are staring at high death rates because of slow vaccination and oxygen shortage. Palki Sharma brings you the details.

Gravitas: Osaka crumbles under rising COVID-19 cases

In 2012, 6 miners in China had fallen ill after a visit to a mine. Scientists from the Wuhan lab were called in to investigate the "mysterious illness". Is there a connection between this mine and the pandemic? Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: Does COVID-19 have a connection with an abandoned mine in China?

Students have been the silent sufferers of this pandemic. Graduating students in India are staring at uncertainty. In Mexico, students are protesting in-person learning. Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: New York to open schools in full capacity

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is being accused by his former adviser Dominic Cummings of overseeing a chaotic government whose failure to act quickly against the coronavirus caused thousands of unnecessary deaths.

PM Boris Johnson's former ally slams UK response to Coronavirus pandemic

The COVID-19 variant known as B.1.617 has spread to a dozen countries ever since it was discovered in India last year. Researchers have identified three subtypes each with a slightly different genetic make-up of the mutant.

Researchers have identified three subtypes of COVID-19 mutant

The CBSE board exam 2021 will not be canceled and the exam is most likely to be held in July, as in the previous year, between the COVID protocol, sources confirmed the decision taken at a high-level meeting between the Center and the states. Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal will share final decision on June 1.

Indian Govt to take final call on June 1 regarding class 12th exams amidst ravaging pandemic

A Pakistani nurse narrates how her time inside a COVID-19 ward in Karachi resulted in mental trauma over the last year. Mariam Wardak gets you the story.

South Asia Diary: Pak nurse recounts trauma from working in COVID ward

The third wave of COVID-19 is predicted to hit India later this year. WION tells you how the country is preparing for the deadly third wave and will this wave hit children?

COVID-19 third wave to hit India later this year; Will third wave hit children?

Why can't India get vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna? Big Pharma firms say they want to negotiate directly with the Central government and set the terms. Some demands go beyond money. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Why can't India get COVID vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna?

What happened inside the Wuhan Lab in November 2019? A report claims that 3 researchers from the Wuhan Institute of Virology had to be taken to a hospital. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas | COVID Origins: What happened inside the Wuhan Lab in November 2019?

An official warned on Tuesday that Hong Kong may soon have to throw away millions of Coronavirus vaccine supplements as they are approaching their expiration date and not enough people have signed up for the jabs.

Hong Kong: Lack of trust in govt fuels vaccine hesitancy, only 19% of population received first dose

According to the Wall Street Journal report, three researchers from Wuhan Institute of Virology sought hospital care in November 2019, months before China disclosed the COVID-19 pandemic, citing a previously undisclosed US intelligence report.

Report says Wuhan lab staff sought hospital care before COVID-19 outbreak disclosed

India continues to witness a consistent drop in daily case load of COVID-19 pandemic with 2,22,315 in the last 24 hrs, However, the situation in India is still severe as India has now passed the grim milestone 3,00,000 deaths from the virus.

New COVID-19 cases dip to lowest since April 16 in India

covid-19

Covid 19, News on Covid 19, stories on Covid 19, articles on Covid 19, Covid 19 stories at Wion, Covid 19 news, Covid 19 latest news

covid 19

Gravitas: Had COVID? You could possibly make antibodies for years

Gravitas: What the United States knows about COVID-19

UK approves single shot Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine

Germany plans to open vaccination for 12 to 16-year-olds from June 7

J&K: One nurse deliver 100 babies of COVID-19 patients, while another vaccinates 6,000 people

Vaccines may be redesigned to avoid blood clots, German scientists claim

Nepal PM sends SOS to the world for Covid vaccines

COVID-19 in South Asia: 4 countries, 4 Ground reports

Gravitas: Did Boris Johnson ask to be injected with COVID on TV?

Gravitas: US seeks 'Phase 2' of investigation into COVID-origins

Hancock: Did everything to save lives, Cummings' claims unsubstantiated

Hancock: Did everything to save lives, Cummings' claims unsubstantiated

Melbourne goes under 7-days long snap lockdown

Our vaccine highly effective on COVID-19 variant found in India, suitable for 12 yrs and above: Pfizer to Govt

WHO expert say new research mission to China would be helpful

Ambassadors' Roundtable: Fighting The Pandemic | Can global powers join hands to crush COVID surge?

Gravitas: Study finds dogs can sniff out COVID-19

Gravitas: India gets a new drug to treat Wuhan virus

Gravitas: Osaka crumbles under rising COVID-19 cases

Gravitas: Does COVID-19 have a connection with an abandoned mine in China?

Gravitas: New York to open schools in full capacity

PM Boris Johnson's former ally slams UK response to Coronavirus pandemic

Researchers have identified three subtypes of COVID-19 mutant

Indian Govt to take final call on June 1 regarding class 12th exams amidst ravaging pandemic