At least 11 Indian high courts have pulled up various state governments and the centre over ongoing COVID-19 crisis. The Supreme Court of India has made it absolutely clear that the judiciary won't be a silent spectator in the current situation.

11 Indian high courts pull up state govts over COVID-19 crisis

As India battle its devastating surge in the pandemic, the first shipment of COVID-19 aid from US has arrived in India. A Super Galaxy military transporter carrying more than 400 oxygen cylinders and other hospital equipment and nearly 1 million rapid coronavirus tests landed at New Delhi's international airport today (April 30).

First shipment of COVID-19 aid from US arrives in India

Amid the panic on shortage of Remdesivir injections, experts have pointed out that certain steroids and blood thinners were saving life of moderate to severely affected COVID-19 stricken people.

Experts: Steroids & blood thinners crucial to save lives

Several Indian states, including Delhi, have indicated that they may have to delay the third phase of the vaccination drive for all adults in the country as jabs against the Coronavirus may not be immediately available due to shortage of stocks and delay in deliveries.

India: Phase 3 vaccination drive hampered in many states due to vaccine shortage

According to an observational study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine journal, a past COVID-19 infection does not completely protect young people from reinfection, and vaccination is still necessary to boost immune response and reduce disease transmission.

Study: Past COVID-19 infection does not fully protect against reinfection

New York City is all set to reopen fully from July 1 after more than a year of COVID-19 induced closures and capacity restrictions. Mayor Bill de Blasio cited strong Coronavirus vaccination numbers in the city as a reason for the reopening.

New York City plans to fully reopen July 1 says Mayor Bill de Blasio

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.

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 |&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>

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.

"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 |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bengaluru-lockdown-what-will-be-open-what-will-be-closed-380571">Bengaluru Lockdown: What will be open, what will be closed</a>

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 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

A new study has said that young people who have successfully recovered from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">novel coronavirus</a>&nbsp;still face the threat of reinfection and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccination</a>&nbsp;would be imperative to boost immunity and lower risks of transmission.&nbsp;

For the research, published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine journal, over 3,000 health members of the US Marines Corps were included, most of whom are in the age group 18-20.&nbsp;

Watch |

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/covid-19-situation-in-india-remains-grim-death-toll-surge-pass-200000-mark-381317/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"As vaccine rollouts continue to gain momentum it is important to remember that, despite a prior COVID-19 infection, young people can catch the virus again and may still transmit it to others," Professor Stuart Sealfon of Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, a senior author of the study was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.&nbsp;

"Immunity is not guaranteed by past infection, and vaccinations that provide additional protection are still needed for those who have had COVID-19."&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vaccinated-adults-65-and-older-94-less-likely-to-be-hospitalised-with-covid-19-says-us-cdc-381259">Vaccinated adults 65 and older 94% less likely to be hospitalised with COVID-19, says US CDC</a> 
&nbsp;

The study, conducted between May and November 2020, noted that nearly 10 per cent or 19 out of 189 participants who previously contracted SARS-CoV-2 got reinfected.&nbsp;

These findings were compared to new infections in 50 per cent (1,079 out of 2,247) of participants who had not earlier been infected with the deadly virus.&nbsp;

Though fit and majorly male Marine personnel were part of the study, the researchers stressed that the conclusions apply to many young people.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

A new study has said that young people who have successfully recovered from the novel coronavirus still face the threat of reinfection and vaccination would be imperative to boost immunity and lower risks of transmission.

A new study has said that young people who have successfully recovered from the novel coronavirus still face the threat of reinfection and vaccination would be imperative to boost immunity and lower risks of transmission. For the research, published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine journal, over 3,000 health members of the US Marines Corps were included, most of whom are in the age group 18-20. Watch | "As vaccine rollouts continue to gain momentum it is important to remember that, despite a prior COVID-19 infection, young people can catch the virus again and may still transmit it to others," Professor Stuart Sealfon of Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, a senior author of the study was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. "Immunity is not guaranteed by past infection, and vaccinations that provide additional protection are still needed for those who have had COVID-19." Also read | Vaccinated adults 65 and older 94% less likely to be hospitalised with COVID-19, says US CDC The study, conducted between May and November 2020, noted that nearly 10 per cent or 19 out of 189 participants who previously contracted SARS-CoV-2 got reinfected. These findings were compared to new infections in 50 per cent (1,079 out of 2,247) of participants who had not earlier been infected with the deadly virus. Though fit and majorly male Marine personnel were part of the study, the researchers stressed that the conclusions apply to many young people. (With inputs from agencies)

Young people who recovered from COVID-19 face risk of reinfection: Study

Indians from the millions-strong expat community in the UAE, stranded in their homeland during a catastrophic coronavirus surge, are swamping private jet operators with requests to whisk them back to safety.

Indian expats hire private jets to escape COVID-19 crisis

The COVID-19 pandemic in India continues to worsen as the country continues to report more than 300,000 cases everyday. The death toll surge has passed 200,000 and still there seems to be no end insight.

COVID-19 situation in India remains grim, death toll surge pass 200,000 mark

Turkey has been put under a nationwide full lockdown for three weeks in an attempt to curb a surge in COVID-19 infections and deaths. The lockdown starting Thursday (April 29) will last until the May 17.

Erdogan announces full lockdown from April 29 to curb COVID-19 surge in Turkey

Several Japanese towns and cities have decided to pull out from hosting teams for Tokyo Olympics due to COVID-19 spread. The western town of Okuizumo that spent $5 million on preparations to welcome Indian hockey team has now scrapped the visit.

Tokyo Olympics: Several Japanese towns & cities pull out from hosting teams

President Joe Biden said that the United States is sending a whole series of help that India needs in its battle against COVID-19, reiterating that New Delhi had done the same when his country was in need last year.

Biden: Immediately sending a whole series of help that India needed

US President Joe Biden said that fully vaccinated Americans can go outdoors without a face mask, but not in crowd. President Biden touted the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions as another reason for people to get vaccinated.

US: Biden says fully vaccinated people can go without masks outdoors

World leaders reaffirms commitment to helping India

5,000 people took part in an indoor trial concert last month in Barcelona seeking pandemic-safe ways to celebrate mass events and it didn't result in a surge in Coronavirus infections.

Coronavirus: No rise in infections after trial concert in Barcelona

India's second wave is not slowing down as the country in the last 24 hours has recorded more than 332,000 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus </a>cases.&nbsp;

Yesterday, India set a world record in daily infections and today it has broken its own record.

India's total caseload has surpassed 16 million and of these 2.4 million are active cases.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-indias-second-wave-regulators-approve-promising-drug-379602/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

More than 83 per cent of people in India have recovered from the virus.

Since last year, over 186,00 people have died, which is 1.15 per cent of the total cases.

The second wave has brought with it a crisis on every front.

Hospitals are taking to social media to complain about oxygen shortages and there's a crunch of beds and medicines too.

As many as 12 countries have imposed restrictions on travellers from India.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/13-patients-dead-in-fire-at-covid-hospital-in-maharashtras-palghar-379375">13 patients dead in fire at Covid hospital in Maharashtra's Palghar</a>

These measures include tough quarantine measures and even a ban on flights.

The UK, US, Canada, France, Australia, the UAE, Singapore, Hong Kong, Israel, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia are the 12 countries that have put restrictions.&nbsp;

However, there are some positive developments too. Let's take a look.&nbsp;

India has now administered more than 130 million doses of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccines </a>with over 109 million people getting one dose and more than 17 million being fully vaccinated.

India will open up its vaccination programme on May 1 and that should dramatically scale up the numbers.

Indian regulators today gave a restricted emergency use approval to a new drug called Virafin, made by India's Cadila Healthcare.

Virafin is actually a hepatitis C drug, but trials show its effectiveness in treating the Wuhan virus too.

Reports say about 91 per cent of the patients treated with this drug tested negative within seven days.

It also reduced the need for oxygen support.

Meanwhile, a hospital in Rome has begun treating patients in a radically new way.

They are using monoclonal antibodies for treatment.

Usually, when we fall sick, our antibodies attack the virus and prevent it from spreading, and the vaccine does the same.&nbsp;

Now, monoclonal antibodies are substitute antibodies, basically, lab-produced molecules that can enhance or mimic an immune system's response.

This therapy has been rolled out in several countries, but it has not been used widely.

The Castelli Hospital in Rome believes that monoclonal antibodies can stop infected patients from becoming sicker.

&nbsp;

India's second wave is not slowing down as the country in the last 24 hours has recorded more than 332,000 coronavirus cases. Yesterday, India set a world record in daily infections and today it has broken its own record.

India's second wave is not slowing down as the country in the last 24 hours has recorded more than 332,000 coronavirus cases. Yesterday, India set a world record in daily infections and today it has broken its own record. India's total caseload has surpassed 16 million and of these 2.4 million are active cases. Watch | More than 83 per cent of people in India have recovered from the virus. Since last year, over 186,00 people have died, which is 1.15 per cent of the total cases. The second wave has brought with it a crisis on every front. Hospitals are taking to social media to complain about oxygen shortages and there's a crunch of beds and medicines too. As many as 12 countries have imposed restrictions on travellers from India. Also read | 13 patients dead in fire at Covid hospital in Maharashtra's Palghar These measures include tough quarantine measures and even a ban on flights. The UK, US, Canada, France, Australia, the UAE, Singapore, Hong Kong, Israel, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia are the 12 countries that have put restrictions. However, there are some positive developments too. Let's take a look. India has now administered more than 130 million doses of vaccines with over 109 million people getting one dose and more than 17 million being fully vaccinated. India will open up its vaccination programme on May 1 and that should dramatically scale up the numbers. Indian regulators today gave a restricted emergency use approval to a new drug called Virafin, made by India's Cadila Healthcare. Virafin is actually a hepatitis C drug, but trials show its effectiveness in treating the Wuhan virus too. Reports say about 91 per cent of the patients treated with this drug tested negative within seven days. It also reduced the need for oxygen support. Meanwhile, a hospital in Rome has begun treating patients in a radically new way. They are using monoclonal antibodies for treatment. Usually, when we fall sick, our antibodies attack the virus and prevent it from spreading, and the vaccine does the same. Now, monoclonal antibodies are substitute antibodies, basically, lab-produced molecules that can enhance or mimic an immune system's response. This therapy has been rolled out in several countries, but it has not been used widely. The Castelli Hospital in Rome believes that monoclonal antibodies can stop infected patients from becoming sicker.

As India is troubled with fresh Covid wave, a drug and therapy bring hope

India has been breaking global record in daily Covid infections. More than 350,000&nbsp;new cases were detected on Monday. There have been more than 17 million cases since last year and there is no telling whether a peak has been reached or not.

India has close to three million active cases.

More than 14 million people have recovered. That's more than 82 per cent of the total caseload till date.

In the last 24 hours alone, more than 200,000 people have recovered. These numbers are promising, but there is a lot that definitely isn't.

The healthcare system is failing to cope. The shortages are proving to be deadly. Delayed medical response may be driving the toll. In the last 24 hours, more than 2,000 people have died.

The total number of deaths in India so far is close to the 200,000 mark.

The situation is devastating.

Patients are still struggling for medicines, beds and Oxygen. Critical patients are being turned away from hospitals because they've run out of capacity.&nbsp;

Around the world, countries are now turning away Indian travellers. At least 20 countries and regions have imposed travel restrictions on Indians.

The Maldives, Kuwait, Germany, Italy, Bangladesh, Iran and The Netherlands are among the latest to impose travel restrictions. The restrictions are ranging from tough quarantine measures to a complete ban.

So if you are planning to travel to any of these countries, check again.

India has been breaking global record in daily Covid infections. More than 350,000 new cases were detected on Monday. There have been more than 17 million cases since last year and there is no telling whether a peak has been reached or not.

India has been breaking global record in daily Covid infections. More than 350,000 new cases were detected on Monday. There have been more than 17 million cases since last year and there is no telling whether a peak has been reached or not. India has close to three million active cases. More than 14 million people have recovered. That's more than 82 per cent of the total caseload till date. In the last 24 hours alone, more than 200,000 people have recovered. These numbers are promising, but there is a lot that definitely isn't. The healthcare system is failing to cope. The shortages are proving to be deadly. Delayed medical response may be driving the toll. In the last 24 hours, more than 2,000 people have died. The total number of deaths in India so far is close to the 200,000 mark. The situation is devastating. Patients are still struggling for medicines, beds and Oxygen. Critical patients are being turned away from hospitals because they've run out of capacity. Around the world, countries are now turning away Indian travellers. At least 20 countries and regions have imposed travel restrictions on Indians. The Maldives, Kuwait, Germany, Italy, Bangladesh, Iran and The Netherlands are among the latest to impose travel restrictions. The restrictions are ranging from tough quarantine measures to a complete ban. So if you are planning to travel to any of these countries, check again.

COVID-19: These countries are latest to impose restrictions on Indian travellers

As COVID-19 second wave has ravaged India, the insurance industry is seeing a marked rise in the number of health insurance premiums. WION brings you the answers of all questions rising in the your mind regarding health insurance policy.

World Business Watch: Health insurance policy sale on rise amid COVID-19 pandemic

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to US President Joe Biden on the evolving COVID-19 situation in the country. PM Modi conveyed the support and discussed India's requirement and US efforts to meet them amid the ongoing pandemic.

Indian PM Modi thanks US President Joe Biden for offer of help over phone

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to US President Joe Biden on the evolving COVID situation in the country. PM Modi conveyed the support and discussed India's requirement and US efforts to meet them amid the ongoing pandemic.

Indian PM Modi speaks with Biden over phone after US lifts unofficial embargo

Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar received a call from his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu. Jaishankar said that Turkey is going through its own COVID-19 challenges.

Indian FM Jaishankar received call from Turkish counterpart

A new deadly and more potent variant of the Coronavirus has been detected in Sri Lanka, which has a dangerous potential to remain airborne for an hour and spreads very fast.

New deadly and more potent Coronavirus variant detected in Sri Lanka

After mounting global pressure, U.S. President Joe Biden promised to release vaccine raw materials to boost production in India. WION's Palki tells you how the controversy has taught India a lesson in self-reliance

Gravitas: Biden relents, permits export of vaccine raw materials

Oil prices eased slightly on Monday on concerns that a resurgence of COVID-19 infections in India and Japan, the world's third and fourth largest oil importers, would cut fuel demand in Asia.

World Business Watch: Oil inches lower on concerns over COVID-19 surge in India, Japan

US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have assured India of providing all assistance, including life-saving medical supplies and equipment, to help the country combat the deadly COVID-19 crisis.

US assures help to COVID-hit India after facing backlash

Social media platform Twitter has pulled down at least 50 posts including tweets criticizing Indian government's handling of pandemic. Twitter has notified the impacted account holders of its action taken in response to legal request from Indian government.

Twitter taken down posts critical of Indian govt's COVID-19 handling

UK has sent life-saving medical equipment to India including ventilators and oxygen concentrators as the country reels from record numbers of daily COVID-19 infections and deaths. This is the first shipment of urgent delivery from the country.

UK sends vital medical equipment to India to help fight COVID-19 surge

Biden, Harris offer India support  in fight against COVID-19 amid criticism

Vaccine-maker AstraZeneca said on Monday that European Union's (EU) legal action against it over delivery of Covid vaccines was "without merit"

"We believe any litigation is without merit and we welcome this opportunity to resolve this dispute as soon as possible," the company said in a statement after the European Commission launched proceedings.

AstraZeneca said it had "fully complied with the Advance Purchase Agreement with the European Commission".

It added that in line with AstraZeneca's forecast, the company is set to deliver almost 50 million doses to European nations by the end of April.

"AstraZeneca regrets the European Commission's decision to take legal action over the supply of Covid-19 vaccines," the statement said.

"We look forward to working constructively with the EU Commission to vaccinate as many people as possible."

Alleged shortfall in vaccine deliveries has had EU and AstraZeneca at loggerheads.

The Euopean Commission has been responsible to procure vaccines for the entire bloc. It conveyed member states last week about its decision to take legal action against AstraZeneca and has pressed for their support.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s spokesman said he was unaware of the specifics around the legal action.&nbsp;

"What I will say is that AstraZeneca has been a hugely strong partner for the UK and in fact, globally, for the work they're doing," he told reporters.

"They've been a vital part of our vaccine rollout programme, and we continue to look forward to working with them."

(With inputs from agencies)

Vaccine-maker AstraZeneca said on Monday that European Union's (EU) legal action against it over delivery of Covid vaccines was "without merit" "We believe any litigation is without merit and we welcome this opportunity to resolve this dispute as soon as possible," the company said in a statement after the European Commission launched proceedings.

Vaccine-maker AstraZeneca said on Monday that European Union's (EU) legal action against it over delivery of Covid vaccines was "without merit" "We believe any litigation is without merit and we welcome this opportunity to resolve this dispute as soon as possible," the company said in a statement after the European Commission launched proceedings. AstraZeneca said it had "fully complied with the Advance Purchase Agreement with the European Commission". It added that in line with AstraZeneca's forecast, the company is set to deliver almost 50 million doses to European nations by the end of April. "AstraZeneca regrets the European Commission's decision to take legal action over the supply of Covid-19 vaccines," the statement said. "We look forward to working constructively with the EU Commission to vaccinate as many people as possible." Alleged shortfall in vaccine deliveries has had EU and AstraZeneca at loggerheads. The Euopean Commission has been responsible to procure vaccines for the entire bloc. It conveyed member states last week about its decision to take legal action against AstraZeneca and has pressed for their support. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s spokesman said he was unaware of the specifics around the legal action. "What I will say is that AstraZeneca has been a hugely strong partner for the UK and in fact, globally, for the work they're doing," he told reporters. "They've been a vital part of our vaccine rollout programme, and we continue to look forward to working with them." (With inputs from agencies)

AstraZeneca says EU legal action over vaccines is 'without merit'

UK, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Russia extends help as India battles second wave of Covid

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