The Global Elites want to keep vaccine patents locked. The US remains non-committal on waivers. Now, Bill Gates has said no to lifting patents to share vaccine formulas with the developing world. WION's Palki tells you how patents on vaccines are the biggest roadblock towards recovery.

Gravitas: Bill Gates says no to sharing vaccine formulas to developing world

ADB on Wednesday said the Indian economy is projected to grow at 11 per cent in the current financial year on the back of the strong vaccination programme, but cautioned that second wave of Covid is worrying.&nbsp;

"India's economy is expected to grow 11 per cent in fiscal year (FY) 2021, which ends on March 31, 2022, amid a strong vaccine drive. However, the recent surge in COVID-19 cases may put this recovery at risk," said the Asian Development Outlook (ADO) 2021.&nbsp;

Continued economic recovery boosted by increased public investment, vaccine rollout and a surge in domestic demand will trigger this strong rebound, ADB said.&nbsp;

The predictions are based on assumption that there is extensive vaccine deployment across the country and the second wave of coronavirus is contained.&nbsp;

According to ADB's flagship publication Asian Development Outlook, "the second wave of COVID-19 cases is worrying, especially if vaccine rollout faulters or fails to contain it."&nbsp;

Another risk is the further tightening of global financial conditions, which would apply pressure on India's market interest rates and therefore affect economic normalisation, the report added.&nbsp;

Going further, ADB forecasts India's economic growth to moderate to seven per cent in FY2022, on account of disappearance of base effect.&nbsp;

The economy is expected to have contracted by eight per cent in FY2020, in line with the government's second advance estimate, it said.&nbsp;

ADB Country Director for India Takeo Konishi said India's economy faced its worst contraction in FY2020 due to the COVID-19 shock.&nbsp;

"With large government stimulus and the ongoing vaccination drive, we expect economic activity will continue its recovery that started from the third quarter of FY2020 and rebound strongly in the current fiscal year with an uptick in domestic demand, especially in urban services," said Konishi.&nbsp;

The government's boost to public investment through its infrastructure push, incentives for manufacturing, and continued support to boost rural incomes will support India's accelerated recovery, Konishi said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

ADB on Wednesday said the Indian economy is projected to grow at 11 per cent in the current financial year on the back of the strong vaccination programme, but cautioned that second wave of Covid is worrying.

ADB on Wednesday said the Indian economy is projected to grow at 11 per cent in the current financial year on the back of the strong vaccination programme, but cautioned that second wave of Covid is worrying. "India's economy is expected to grow 11 per cent in fiscal year (FY) 2021, which ends on March 31, 2022, amid a strong vaccine drive. However, the recent surge in COVID-19 cases may put this recovery at risk," said the Asian Development Outlook (ADO) 2021. Continued economic recovery boosted by increased public investment, vaccine rollout and a surge in domestic demand will trigger this strong rebound, ADB said. The predictions are based on assumption that there is extensive vaccine deployment across the country and the second wave of coronavirus is contained. According to ADB's flagship publication Asian Development Outlook, "the second wave of COVID-19 cases is worrying, especially if vaccine rollout faulters or fails to contain it." Another risk is the further tightening of global financial conditions, which would apply pressure on India's market interest rates and therefore affect economic normalisation, the report added. Going further, ADB forecasts India's economic growth to moderate to seven per cent in FY2022, on account of disappearance of base effect. The economy is expected to have contracted by eight per cent in FY2020, in line with the government's second advance estimate, it said. ADB Country Director for India Takeo Konishi said India's economy faced its worst contraction in FY2020 due to the COVID-19 shock. "With large government stimulus and the ongoing vaccination drive, we expect economic activity will continue its recovery that started from the third quarter of FY2020 and rebound strongly in the current fiscal year with an uptick in domestic demand, especially in urban services," said Konishi. The government's boost to public investment through its infrastructure push, incentives for manufacturing, and continued support to boost rural incomes will support India's accelerated recovery, Konishi said. (With inputs from agencies)

India's GDP to grow at 11pc this fiscal; second wave of Covid a worry: ADB  

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

India has registered 352,000&nbsp;new coronavirus cases and more than 2,800 deaths in 24 hours. There is a critical shortage of oxygen and hospital beds. There is a long waiting list for last rites. And never-ending SOS calls. The crisis has overwhelmed India's health infrastructure. The centre and&nbsp;states are struggling.

Over 17 million cases. 195,000 deaths and counting. The COVID-19 situation in India remains grim. It's a devastating reminder of what the virus can do if left unchecked.

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"We are deeply concerned about the increasing number of cases and deaths in india right now. We know that the situation is complex and requires different responses in different parts of the country," World Health Organization Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said.

On Monday, India reported 352,000 new cases. This is the highest single-day spike for the fifth consecutive day.

The tally of total active cases has now reached 2.8 million. 2,812 deaths have also been registered in the last 24 hours.

Till date, over 14 million people have recovered from the virus. 141 million doses of vaccine have been administered. but there's still work to do.

"Coronavirus is testing our patience. It is testing the limits of all of us at enduring misery. Many of our near and dear ones have left us untimely," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his monthly address Mann Ki Baat.

The crisis has overwhelmed the health infrastructure. The situation is particularly alarming in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, New Delhi, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh and Kerala.

These six regions contributed to 64 per cent of the new cases in April.

In New Delhi, there's a desperate rush for oxygen as supplies run out. Families are ferrying their kin from hospital to hospital in search of a treatment.

"I don't know what the government is doing. If we can do it, why are the government not doing it?" said Gurpreet Singh, from&nbsp; a Sikh temple in East Delhi.

The story is same in Ahmedabad, the capital of Gujarat. Hospitals are running out of beds, patients are lining up outside hospitals. They are waiting to be admitted, carrying their own limited supply of oxygen.

"We brought the oxygen on our own. The treatment has started but we don't know what time our number will come to get inside the hospital. There is a huge line of patients waiting," said a person who was accompanying a friend to hospital.

In Mumbai, the financial capital of India, oxygen refilling plants are running dry due to short supply. those in need are returning disappointed and&nbsp;empty-handed. India is gasping for Oxygen. The toll is rising.

In New Delhi, makeshift crematoriums are being set up. They're still not enough to cope with the influx of victims. There's now a waiting list for last rites. It extends from several hours to two days.

The Indian Railways has become the nation's lifeline. 'Oxygen express trains' are running across the country.

In some places, train coaches have been turned into isolation wards. The centre and&nbsp;states are struggling. But in the near-absence of repositories for available supplies,&nbsp;social media platforms have become virtual command centres, ground zero for distress calls.

On Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Whatsapp, ordinary Indians are going out of their way to help each other. Influencers are amplifying SOS calls.

"Twitter, specifically, if you pick any, if you pick 100 posts from my feed, at least 95 of them will be about people looking for resources or people sharing resources. And these resources include icu beds, ventilators, oxygen cylinders, contacts of people that could provide them and things like that," said Umang Galaiya, a 25-year-old employee in a start-up firm.

Their solidarity and promptness is moving. It is also a proof of a monumental failure. The failure of a system to provide basic healthcare facilities when pandemic strikes.

India has registered 352,000 new coronavirus cases and more than 2,800 deaths in 24 hours. There is a critical shortage of oxygen and hospital beds. There is a long waiting list for last rites.

India has registered 352,000 new coronavirus cases and more than 2,800 deaths in 24 hours. There is a critical shortage of oxygen and hospital beds. There is a long waiting list for last rites. And never-ending SOS calls. The crisis has overwhelmed India's health infrastructure. The centre and states are struggling. Over 17 million cases. 195,000 deaths and counting. The COVID-19 situation in India remains grim. It's a devastating reminder of what the virus can do if left unchecked. "We are deeply concerned about the increasing number of cases and deaths in india right now. We know that the situation is complex and requires different responses in different parts of the country," World Health Organization Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said. On Monday, India reported 352,000 new cases. This is the highest single-day spike for the fifth consecutive day. The tally of total active cases has now reached 2.8 million. 2,812 deaths have also been registered in the last 24 hours. Till date, over 14 million people have recovered from the virus. 141 million doses of vaccine have been administered. but there's still work to do. "Coronavirus is testing our patience. It is testing the limits of all of us at enduring misery. Many of our near and dear ones have left us untimely," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his monthly address Mann Ki Baat. The crisis has overwhelmed the health infrastructure. The situation is particularly alarming in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, New Delhi, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh and Kerala. These six regions contributed to 64 per cent of the new cases in April. In New Delhi, there's a desperate rush for oxygen as supplies run out. Families are ferrying their kin from hospital to hospital in search of a treatment. "I don't know what the government is doing. If we can do it, why are the government not doing it?" said Gurpreet Singh, from a Sikh temple in East Delhi. The story is same in Ahmedabad, the capital of Gujarat. Hospitals are running out of beds, patients are lining up outside hospitals. They are waiting to be admitted, carrying their own limited supply of oxygen. "We brought the oxygen on our own. The treatment has started but we don't know what time our number will come to get inside the hospital. There is a huge line of patients waiting," said a person who was accompanying a friend to hospital. In Mumbai, the financial capital of India, oxygen refilling plants are running dry due to short supply. those in need are returning disappointed and empty-handed. India is gasping for Oxygen. The toll is rising. In New Delhi, makeshift crematoriums are being set up. They're still not enough to cope with the influx of victims. There's now a waiting list for last rites. It extends from several hours to two days. The Indian Railways has become the nation's lifeline. 'Oxygen express trains' are running across the country. In some places, train coaches have been turned into isolation wards. The centre and states are struggling. But in the near-absence of repositories for available supplies, social media platforms have become virtual command centres, ground zero for distress calls. On Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Whatsapp, ordinary Indians are going out of their way to help each other. Influencers are amplifying SOS calls. "Twitter, specifically, if you pick any, if you pick 100 posts from my feed, at least 95 of them will be about people looking for resources or people sharing resources. And these resources include icu beds, ventilators, oxygen cylinders, contacts of people that could provide them and things like that," said Umang Galaiya, a 25-year-old employee in a start-up firm. Their solidarity and promptness is moving. It is also a proof of a monumental failure. The failure of a system to provide basic healthcare facilities when pandemic strikes.

Covid pandemic tests India's health infrastructure

Australia was the latest country on Tuesday to announce support for India even as it battles the Covid pandemic, reporting over 3,00,000 cases in the last days. The initial package announced by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison includes rapid deployment of 500 non-invasive ventilators, with the capacity to deploy up to a total of 3,000 ventilators. &nbsp;

Addressing a presser after the National Security Committee meeting, PM Scott said, "we recognise that this has been a very significant outbreak in India....scenes we are seeing from India, they are truly heartbreaking. We share so much in common as peoples, as democratic nations, and we extend our deepest sympathies and condolences and our support to the nation of India and the people of India and the Prime Minister of India, Prime Minister Modi." &nbsp;

Other than ventilators, Australia will supply personal protective equipment (PPE), including one million surgical masks, 500,000 P2/N95 masks, 100,000 surgical gowns, 100,000 goggles, 100,000 pairs of gloves, and 20,000 face shields. The Australian Government has also agreed to commence procurement of 100 oxygen concentrators, along with tanks and consumables. The supplies are expected to start from next week. &nbsp;

In another significant development, Australia has also announced to pause direct passenger flights between both countries till May 15. The third-country entry points into Australia from India via Dubai (United Arab Emirates), Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) have also been blocked. Whenever the flights resume in the future, the passenger will have to carry a negative PCR test and a negative rapid antigen prior to boarding. &nbsp;

The Australian PM said, "We are standing with those Australians in India and recognise the very serious difficulties that they face", lauding Australian High commissioner to India Barry O'Farrell for the "great work he and all his consular team are doing in India right now". &nbsp;

19,400 Australians have returned from India since March of last year and as of now 9,000 Australians are registered in India, 650 of whom are registered as vulnerable. &nbsp;

Asked about any prioritisation for Australian cricketers, who are currently playing in the IPL in India, PM Scott said, "they’ve travelled there privately under those arrangements. This wasn't part of an Australian tour, and they're there under their own resources and they'll be using those resources to, I'm sure, to see them return to Australia in accordance with their own arrangements."&nbsp;

Australia was the latest country on Tuesday to announce support for India even as it battles the Covid pandemic, reporting over 3,00,000 cases in the last days. The initial package announced by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison includes rapid deployment of 500 non-invasive ventilators, with the capacity to deploy up to a total of 3,000 ventilators.

Australia was the latest country on Tuesday to announce support for India even as it battles the Covid pandemic, reporting over 3,00,000 cases in the last days. The initial package announced by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison includes rapid deployment of 500 non-invasive ventilators, with the capacity to deploy up to a total of 3,000 ventilators. Addressing a presser after the National Security Committee meeting, PM Scott said, "we recognise that this has been a very significant outbreak in India....scenes we are seeing from India, they are truly heartbreaking. We share so much in common as peoples, as democratic nations, and we extend our deepest sympathies and condolences and our support to the nation of India and the people of India and the Prime Minister of India, Prime Minister Modi." Other than ventilators, Australia will supply personal protective equipment (PPE), including one million surgical masks, 500,000 P2/N95 masks, 100,000 surgical gowns, 100,000 goggles, 100,000 pairs of gloves, and 20,000 face shields. The Australian Government has also agreed to commence procurement of 100 oxygen concentrators, along with tanks and consumables. The supplies are expected to start from next week. In another significant development, Australia has also announced to pause direct passenger flights between both countries till May 15. The third-country entry points into Australia from India via Dubai (United Arab Emirates), Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) have also been blocked. Whenever the flights resume in the future, the passenger will have to carry a negative PCR test and a negative rapid antigen prior to boarding. The Australian PM said, "We are standing with those Australians in India and recognise the very serious difficulties that they face", lauding Australian High commissioner to India Barry O'Farrell for the "great work he and all his consular team are doing in India right now". 19,400 Australians have returned from India since March of last year and as of now 9,000 Australians are registered in India, 650 of whom are registered as vulnerable. Asked about any prioritisation for Australian cricketers, who are currently playing in the IPL in India, PM Scott said, "they’ve travelled there privately under those arrangements. This wasn't part of an Australian tour, and they're there under their own resources and they'll be using those resources to, I'm sure, to see them return to Australia in accordance with their own arrangements."

India's Covid surge: Australia announces support, calls crisis heartbreaking

Nepal's former King Gyanendra Shah and Queen Komal Shah, undergoing treatment for COVID-19, are 'normal and stable' though they are still positive for the disease, days after they returned from India, a senior hospital official said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The 73-year-old former King and 70-year-old former Queen were diagnosed with the disease on April 20 and were admitted along with their daughter Prerana Shah to the Norvic International Hospital for treatment of COVID-19 on Saturday.&nbsp;

The couple had recently returned from India where they had taken a holy dip at Haridwar's Har Ki Pauri during the Maha Kumbh, a religious congregation of Hindu seers and devotees.&nbsp;

"Their condition is normal and stable. They have been put on oxygen support from the day they have been admitted to the hospital," Somnath Bastola, Corporate Communication and PR head of the hospital, said.&nbsp;

He said that even though the couple is still Covid positive, they do not have fever.&nbsp;

"Due to the Covid risk, the doctor had advised to put the couple on oxygen support as a precautionary measure," he said.&nbsp;

Bastola said that the couple's daughter Prerana is not on oxygen support as her condition is better.&nbsp;

According to the health ministry, Nepal on Tuesday reported 4,364 new cases, taking the national tally to 307,925 Covid infections. The death toll in the country reached 3,194 as 18 more fatalities were reported.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Nepal's former King Gyanendra Shah and Queen Komal Shah, undergoing treatment for COVID-19, are 'normal and stable' though they are still positive for the disease, days after they returned from India, a senior hospital official said on Tuesday.

Nepal's former King Gyanendra Shah and Queen Komal Shah, undergoing treatment for COVID-19, are 'normal and stable' though they are still positive for the disease, days after they returned from India, a senior hospital official said on Tuesday. The 73-year-old former King and 70-year-old former Queen were diagnosed with the disease on April 20 and were admitted along with their daughter Prerana Shah to the Norvic International Hospital for treatment of COVID-19 on Saturday. The couple had recently returned from India where they had taken a holy dip at Haridwar's Har Ki Pauri during the Maha Kumbh, a religious congregation of Hindu seers and devotees. "Their condition is normal and stable. They have been put on oxygen support from the day they have been admitted to the hospital," Somnath Bastola, Corporate Communication and PR head of the hospital, said. He said that even though the couple is still Covid positive, they do not have fever. "Due to the Covid risk, the doctor had advised to put the couple on oxygen support as a precautionary measure," he said. Bastola said that the couple's daughter Prerana is not on oxygen support as her condition is better. According to the health ministry, Nepal on Tuesday reported 4,364 new cases, taking the national tally to 307,925 Covid infections. The death toll in the country reached 3,194 as 18 more fatalities were reported. (With inputs from agencies)

Nepal's former royal couple 'normal and stable' after contracting COVID-19: Hospital 

In the backdrop of Washington announcing assistance to India amid the Covid crisis, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden spoke to each other on Monday. India has been reporting over 300,000 daily Covid cases in the last few days. Countries all over the world are rushing to help India.

After his conversation with President Joe Biden, PM Narendra Modi tweeted saying that the interaction was "fruitful".

"Had a fruitful conversation with @POTUS @JoeBiden today. We discussed the evolving COVID situation in both countries in detail. I thanked President Biden for the support being provided by the United States to India," read the tweet.

"My discussion with @POTUS @JoeBiden also underscored the importance of smooth and efficient supply chains of vaccine raw materials and medicines. India-US healthcare partnership can address the global challenge of COVID-19," added PM Modi.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
My discussion with <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeBiden</a> also underscored the importance of smooth and efficient supply chains of vaccine raw materials and medicines. India-US healthcare partnership can address the global challenge of COVID-19.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1386723540678807552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The US on Sunday agreed to provide the specific raw material for Indian Covishield vaccine manufacturers to increase its production as Covid crisis wreaked havoc across the world and India.

US President Biden, after the development had tweeted, "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."

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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>
— President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1386401947729633280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The breakthrough on raw material for Covid vaccines manufacture in India came after India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and American National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke to each other. Other than that, US will be supplying therapeutics, rapid diagnostic test kits, ventilators, PPE kits and Oxygen generators. It will also deploy an expert team of health advisors from Center for Disease Control and Prevention and USAID to help India.

A US readout of Doval-Sullivan talks said,"Building on the seven-decade health partnership between the United States and India—including battles against Smallpox, Polio, and HIV — they resolved that India and the United States will continue to fight the global COVID-19 pandemic together."

Top officials from the US tweeted in a massive show of support for India as it battled the Covid pandemic. Vice President Kamala Harris, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, US envoy to UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield, were some of those who tweeted.

In the backdrop of Washington announcing assistance to India amid the Covid crisis, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden spoke to each other on Monday.

In the backdrop of Washington announcing assistance to India amid the Covid crisis, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden spoke to each other on Monday. India has been reporting over 300,000 daily Covid cases in the last few days. Countries all over the world are rushing to help India. After his conversation with President Joe Biden, PM Narendra Modi tweeted saying that the interaction was "fruitful". "Had a fruitful conversation with @POTUS @JoeBiden today. We discussed the evolving COVID situation in both countries in detail. I thanked President Biden for the support being provided by the United States to India," read the tweet. "My discussion with @POTUS @JoeBiden also underscored the importance of smooth and efficient supply chains of vaccine raw materials and medicines. India-US healthcare partnership can address the global challenge of COVID-19," added PM Modi. My discussion with @POTUS @JoeBiden also underscored the importance of smooth and efficient supply chains of vaccine raw materials and medicines. India-US healthcare partnership can address the global challenge of COVID-19. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 26, 2021 × The US on Sunday agreed to provide the specific raw material for Indian Covishield vaccine manufacturers to increase its production as Covid crisis wreaked havoc across the world and India. US President Biden, after the development had tweeted, "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 × The breakthrough on raw material for Covid vaccines manufacture in India came after India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and American National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke to each other. Other than that, US will be supplying therapeutics, rapid diagnostic test kits, ventilators, PPE kits and Oxygen generators. It will also deploy an expert team of health advisors from Center for Disease Control and Prevention and USAID to help India. A US readout of Doval-Sullivan talks said,"Building on the seven-decade health partnership between the United States and India—including battles against Smallpox, Polio, and HIV — they resolved that India and the United States will continue to fight the global COVID-19 pandemic together." Top officials from the US tweeted in a massive show of support for India as it battled the Covid pandemic. Vice President Kamala Harris, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, US envoy to UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield, were some of those who tweeted.

Joe Biden, Narendra Modi discuss Covid situation in India

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has now officially recommended that pregnant women get the COVID-19 vaccine.&nbsp;

Director Dr Rochelle Walensky said in a White House press briefing that "CDC recommends that pregnant people receive the COVID-19 vaccine."

She said that vaccination surveillance systems showed "no safety concerns" for more than 35,000 women in their third trimester or their babies.

After an analysis of data on more than 35,000 women who have been vaccinated with either Pfizer's or Moderna's shots, the health body decided to issue the statement.&nbsp;

It found no increase in risks of complications, premature delivery, miscarriage or other issues among women who got the shots.&nbsp;

"Pregnant people experienced the same side effects as others following vaccination. We were also able to follow in detail more than 3,900 pregnant women. And over 800 of whom have completed their pregnancies. Importantly, no safety concerns were observed for people vaccinated in the third trimester or safety concerns for their babies," she said.

"We know that this is a deeply personal decision," she added, "and I encourage people to talk to their doctors and their primary care providers to determine what is best for them and their baby."

She further explained that because the initial vaccine trials did not include pregnant women, there had been limited data on possible problems. As a result, different health authorities and professional medical groups had offered cautious, or even conflicting, guidance.

In total, The United States had administered 228,661,408 doses of COVID-19 vaccines as of Sunday morning and distributed 290,692,005 doses.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has now officially recommended that pregnant women get the COVID-19 vaccine. Director Dr Rochelle Walensky said in a White House press briefing that "CDC recommends that pregnant people receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has now officially recommended that pregnant women get the COVID-19 vaccine. Director Dr Rochelle Walensky said in a White House press briefing that "CDC recommends that pregnant people receive the COVID-19 vaccine." She said that vaccination surveillance systems showed "no safety concerns" for more than 35,000 women in their third trimester or their babies. After an analysis of data on more than 35,000 women who have been vaccinated with either Pfizer's or Moderna's shots, the health body decided to issue the statement. It found no increase in risks of complications, premature delivery, miscarriage or other issues among women who got the shots. "Pregnant people experienced the same side effects as others following vaccination. We were also able to follow in detail more than 3,900 pregnant women. And over 800 of whom have completed their pregnancies. Importantly, no safety concerns were observed for people vaccinated in the third trimester or safety concerns for their babies," she said. "We know that this is a deeply personal decision," she added, "and I encourage people to talk to their doctors and their primary care providers to determine what is best for them and their baby." She further explained that because the initial vaccine trials did not include pregnant women, there had been limited data on possible problems. As a result, different health authorities and professional medical groups had offered cautious, or even conflicting, guidance. In total, The United States had administered 228,661,408 doses of COVID-19 vaccines as of Sunday morning and distributed 290,692,005 doses. (With inputs from agencies)

US CDC officially recommends Covid vaccines for pregnant women

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media and wrote, "Had a fruitful conversation with POTUS Joe Biden today. We discussed the evolving COVID situation in both countries in detail. I thanked President Biden for the support being provided by the United States to India."

PM Narendra Modi holds 'fruitful talks' with Joe Biden

Countries across the globe have come together to help India battle resurgence of Covid. More than 300,000 cases have been reported on a daily basis in the country. Moreover, Russia is making news over several developments today. Read this and more in our Top 10 World News.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/international-community-extends-support-to-india-amid-covid-crisis-380550">International community extends support to India amid Covid crisis</a>

<img alt="India" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dbd43186-4f58-4cd6-9585-66be320de670" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/India_0.JPG" />

Here is the list of all the countries that are extending assistance to India which is facing a massive crisis in medical supplies as Covid second wave ravages its cities.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-court-may-declare-alexei-navalnys-group-an-extremist-outfit-380534">Russian court may declare Alexei Navalny's group an extremist outfit</a>

<img alt="Navalny" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0927e68d-4921-47d3-be2d-d022777589cb" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Navalny_2.JPG" />

Supporters of Alexei Navalny are defiant in the face of the possible ruling

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/astrazeneca-says-eu-legal-action-over-vaccines-is-without-merit-380566">AstraZeneca says EU legal action over vaccines is 'without merit'</a>

<img alt="AstraZeneca" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="70a481c1-51a7-47f2-91b3-eb55720ff969" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/AstraZeneca_0.JPG" />

Alleged shortfall in vaccine deliveries has had EU and AstraZeneca at loggerheads

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oil-falls-as-indias-covid-19-surge-dents-demand-outlook-380574">Oil falls as India's COVID-19 surge dents demand outlook</a>

<img alt="Oil" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="35878206-b6eb-42a1-a955-dcfe93359318" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Oil.JPG" />

Brent crude dropped $1.19, or 1.8%, to $64.92 a barrel by 1014 GMT. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude was down $1.08, or 1.7%, at $61.06 a barrel

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-regulators-issue-draft-rules-on-privacy-protection-for-app-users-380561">Chinese regulators issue draft rules on privacy protection for app users</a>

<img alt="China" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fb93ed52-932a-4f5c-9884-fda91f691b4f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/China_14.JPG" />

The guidelines call for apps to disclose to users what personal information will be collected and for what purpose, and orders apps not to collect users' personal information without first obtaining consent

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-19-what-is-medical-oxygen-380556">COVID-19: What is medical oxygen?</a> &nbsp;&nbsp;

<img alt="Oxygen" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c8ad63e8-d18a-478a-89e4-b34d69f1409e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Oxygen.JPG" />

The term ‘medical oxygen’ means high purity oxygen, which is used for medical treatments and developed for use in the human body

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-expels-italian-diplomat-in-moscow-380552">Russia expels Italian diplomat in Moscow</a>

<img alt="Kremlin" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="181a5f5a-5832-4473-b133-a0c62e4352a8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Kremlin.JPG" />

Last month, Rome had announced that it was expelling two Russian officials after an Italian navy captain was caught by police selling confidential military documents to a Russian embassy official

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-under-pressure-over-let-bodies-pile-high-comment-380553">UK PM under pressure over 'let bodies pile high' comment</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-under-pressure-over-let-bodies-pile-high-comment-380553"><img alt="Kremlin" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dfa3a7d6-3566-4f9e-b8cc-8cd1e726cce7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Kremlin_0.JPG" /></a> 
 
In a front-page headline, the Daily Mail newspaper reported Johnson had said he would rather see "bodies pile high in their thousands" than impose a third coronavirus lockdown

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spains-famous-pamplona-bull-run-cancelled-for-second-year-due-to-pandemic-380545">Spain's famous Pamplona bull-run cancelled for second year due to pandemic</a>

<img alt="Bull run" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b4c5ff0c-7bd4-46b1-91be-3f4eb85e79db" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Bull%20run.JPG" />

The Navarre region, of which Pamplona is the capital, has one of the highest rates of Covid-19 in Spain.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/man-jumps-onto-moving-car-to-stop-dangerous-driver-in-albania-380544">Man jumps onto moving car to stop dangerous driver in Albania&nbsp;</a>

<img alt="Man jumps" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7ac0100d-581b-4e46-85a3-f76b728da6bb" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Man%20jums.JPG" />

In the footage captured by dozens of cameras set up to report the country’s general election, the car’s wheels can be seen screeching as it reverses in circles around the Skanderbeg Square.

Countries across the globe have come together to help India battle resurgence of Covid. More than 300,000 cases have been reported on a daily basis in the country.

Countries across the globe have come together to help India battle resurgence of Covid. More than 300,000 cases have been reported on a daily basis in the country. Moreover, Russia is making news over several developments today. Read this and more in our Top 10 World News. International community extends support to India amid Covid crisis Here is the list of all the countries that are extending assistance to India which is facing a massive crisis in medical supplies as Covid second wave ravages its cities. Russian court may declare Alexei Navalny's group an extremist outfit Supporters of Alexei Navalny are defiant in the face of the possible ruling AstraZeneca says EU legal action over vaccines is 'without merit' Alleged shortfall in vaccine deliveries has had EU and AstraZeneca at loggerheads Oil falls as India's COVID-19 surge dents demand outlook Brent crude dropped $1.19, or 1.8%, to $64.92 a barrel by 1014 GMT. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude was down $1.08, or 1.7%, at $61.06 a barrel Chinese regulators issue draft rules on privacy protection for app users The guidelines call for apps to disclose to users what personal information will be collected and for what purpose, and orders apps not to collect users' personal information without first obtaining consent COVID-19: What is medical oxygen? The term ‘medical oxygen’ means high purity oxygen, which is used for medical treatments and developed for use in the human body Russia expels Italian diplomat in Moscow Last month, Rome had announced that it was expelling two Russian officials after an Italian navy captain was caught by police selling confidential military documents to a Russian embassy official UK PM under pressure over 'let bodies pile high' comment In a front-page headline, the Daily Mail newspaper reported Johnson had said he would rather see "bodies pile high in their thousands" than impose a third coronavirus lockdown Spain's famous Pamplona bull-run cancelled for second year due to pandemic The Navarre region, of which Pamplona is the capital, has one of the highest rates of Covid-19 in Spain. Man jumps onto moving car to stop dangerous driver in Albania In the footage captured by dozens of cameras set up to report the country’s general election, the car’s wheels can be seen screeching as it reverses in circles around the Skanderbeg Square.

Top 10 world news: World supports India amid pandemic, Russia expels Italian diplomat, and more

Spain's famous bull-running festival held in northern city of Pamplona will not take place due to coronavirus pandemic, said Pamplona's mayor. This will be the second straight year of such cancellation.

"It is with regret that I am forced to officially cancel the San Fermin festival for this year 2021", Enrique Maya told a news conference.

He said that the festival, which involves daring daily bull-runs would be "a very high risk" in light of the Covid pandemic.

The Navarre region, the capital of which is Pamplona, has one of the highest rates of Covid-19 in Spain. 
The regional authorities had already said in February that the festival would likely have to be cancelled for a second consecutive year.

The festival is celebrated in honour of the patron saint of Spain's northern Navarre region -- San Fermin. The celebration of the festival dates back to medieval times. The celebration involves religious processions, concerts and all-night partying in addition to the bull runs that have made it famous.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-man-from-mallorca-arrested-for-infecting-22-people-with-covid-380096">Spain: Man from Mallorca arrested for infecting 22 people with Covid</a>

The festival draws tourists from around the world and its cancellation will deal another blow to the local economy, already reeling from restrictions to contain the spread of the virus.

(With inputs from agencies)

Spain's famous bull-running festival held in northern city of Pamplona will not take place due to coronavirus pandemic, said Pamplona's mayor. This will be the second straight year of such cancellation.

Spain's famous bull-running festival held in northern city of Pamplona will not take place due to coronavirus pandemic, said Pamplona's mayor. This will be the second straight year of such cancellation. "It is with regret that I am forced to officially cancel the San Fermin festival for this year 2021", Enrique Maya told a news conference. He said that the festival, which involves daring daily bull-runs would be "a very high risk" in light of the Covid pandemic. The Navarre region, the capital of which is Pamplona, has one of the highest rates of Covid-19 in Spain. The regional authorities had already said in February that the festival would likely have to be cancelled for a second consecutive year. The festival is celebrated in honour of the patron saint of Spain's northern Navarre region -- San Fermin. The celebration of the festival dates back to medieval times. The celebration involves religious processions, concerts and all-night partying in addition to the bull runs that have made it famous. Also Read | Spain: Man from Mallorca arrested for infecting 22 people with Covid The festival draws tourists from around the world and its cancellation will deal another blow to the local economy, already reeling from restrictions to contain the spread of the virus. (With inputs from agencies)

Spain's famous Pamplona bull-run cancelled for second year due to pandemic

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A whole host of countries have come in India's support as it battles the Covid crisis. More than 300,000 cases have been reported on a daily basis in the country. Indian missions globally are doing the heavy lifting while many private Indian players are also pitching in. India's allies like the the US, UAE, UK, France and others have come in full support of New Delhi.

Here is the list of all the countries that are extending assistance to India. 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
Singapore 
Four Oxygen containers brought by Indian Air Force on Saturday. 7,511 O2 concentrators, 516 BiPAP machines to be sent by the country, of which 500 BiPAPs, 250 oxygen concentrators have already been brought. Singapore's embassy in a tweet said, "we will fight this together".

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Dear friends in India—we will fight this together! We are working closely with <a href="https://twitter.com/Temasek?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Temasek</a> and other partners to send 7,511 O2 concentrator, 516 BiPAP machines, &amp; other supplies ASAP. 🇸🇬🤝🇮🇳 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaFightsCorona?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaFightsCorona</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SingaporeWithIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SingaporeWithIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/9ymUBJp0A2">https://t.co/9ymUBJp0A2</a>
— Singapore in India (@SGinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/SGinIndia/status/1386558201886244867?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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United Arab Emirates&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
Indian Air Force flew in seven empty cryogenic oxygen containers from the West Asian country. UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan spoke to Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Saturday, expressing his solidarity with India. Jaishankar tweeted, "As always, deeply value good wishes and international cooperation."

Well-known buildings in UAE like the Burj Khalifa, ADNOC &nbsp;were lit up in colours of the Indian flag with the message #staystrongIndia.&nbsp;

Britain 
UK announced it will send 600 pieces, which include ventilators and oxygen concentrator devices, to India. The first batch will reach on Tuesday morning. Nine airline container loads of supplies, including 495 oxygen concentrators, which can extract oxygen from the air, 120 non-invasive ventilators, and 20 manual ventilators will reach India this week. UK prime minister, foreign and health secretaries, and ambassador made public comments in solidarity with the people of India. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said,“We stand side by side with India as a friend and partner during what is a deeply concerning time in the fight against Covid-19."

United States

The US has agreed to provide the specific raw materials for Indian Covishield vaccine manufacturers. The development comes after the Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and American National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke to each other.

US will be supplying therapeutics, rapid diagnostic test kits, ventilators, PPE kits, oxygen generators, and deploy an expert team of health advisors from CDC and USAID.

Already, more than 300 O2 concentrators have been brought by Air India from New York. Tweets by the US president, vice president, defence secretary, &nbsp;surgeon general, deputy secretary of the state showed support for India.

President Joe Biden tweeted, "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."

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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>
— President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1386401947729633280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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France 
The French presidency has said that the country will provide India "significant" oxygen support and is working on the delivery of high-performance oxygen generator units as well as some other equipment.&nbsp;President Emmanuel Macron was the first world leader to send a message of public solidarity. He said, "I want to send a message of solidarity to the Indian people, facing a resurgence of COVID-19 cases. France is with you in this struggle, which spares no one. We stand ready to provide our support."

European Union

European Union, over the weekend, activated its "civil protection mechanism" to help India. Janez Lenarčič, European Commissioner for Crisis Management, in a tweet said, "EU will do its utmost to mobilize assistance to support people of India". 
&nbsp;

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Upon request for assistance by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a>, we have activated the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EU</a> Civil Protection Mechanism. 
 
The 🇪🇺 will do its utmost to mobilise assistance to support people of 🇮🇳. 
 
Our <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ERCC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ERCC</a> is already coordinating EU MS that are ready to provide urgently needed <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/oxygen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#oxygen</a> &amp; medicine rapidly.
— Janez Lenarčič (@JanezLenarcic) <a href="https://twitter.com/JanezLenarcic/status/1386270858688270336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen seconded him saying, "EU is pooling resources".&nbsp;The matter came up during a discussion between Margrethe Vestager Executive Vice-President of the European Commission and Jaishankar.

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Alarmed by the epidemiological situation in India. We are ready to support. 
 
The EU is pooling resources to respond rapidly to India’s request for assistance via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. 
 
We stand in full solidarity with the Indian people! <a href="https://t.co/Pv8ezFPdS3">https://t.co/Pv8ezFPdS3</a>
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1386292464277852162?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Denmark 
The Nordic country is extending support to India. Denmark's envoy to Delhi Freddy Svane told&nbsp;WION,"We are working closely with MEA [Ministry of External Affairs] to assist India with whatever is required. That’s what friends are about".

Germany&nbsp;&nbsp; 
Chancellor Angela Merkel on Sunday announced that Germany&nbsp;is preparing urgent support for India. German armed forces will give India oxygen generators. Smaller units from the German private sector will also be sent. Cooperation between German top medical institute Robert Koch Institute (RKI) with Indian institutions to support&nbsp; sequencing of viral loads is on the anvil. Armed Forces Medical Services or AFMS will be importing 23 mobile oxygen generation plants from Germany. These plants will be deployed in AFMS hospitals catering to Covid patients. From Germany, containers are also being imported.

Saudi Arabia 
80 metric tonnes of oxygen have been procured from the country in cooperation with Adani and Linde and the Indian high commission.

China 
The country has offered to provide assistance. A Chinese embassy spokesperson in Delhi told WION that "talks and discussions are ongoing" with the Indian side.

Hong Kong 
800 oxygen concentrators were airlifted for SpiceHealth, a healthcare company founded by the promoters of SpiceJet.

Pakistan 
Has offered to provide relief support to India including ventilators, Bi PAP, digital X-ray machines, PPEs and related items. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and Foreign Minister SM Qureshi extended support to India.&nbsp;The country's well-known NGO Edhi Foundation has written to PM Modi and has offered to send ambulances. Spontaneous support by Pakistani society, especially on social media, was seen with a lot of positive trends.

Iran 
Iran Health Minister Dr Saeed Namaki wrote to the Indian Health minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, saying, "The government and people of Iran are ready to spare no technical assistance, expertise and equipment in these difficult days and at the height of the plight of the dear citizens of India with the COVID-19 epidemic."

Japan 
Under its grant assistance, oxygen generators will be provided with a procurement process still underway. Prime Minister Modi thanked Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga for providing assistance to India for combating the pandemic during a call on Monday.

Russia 
Support has been offered by Russia. It is cosidering sending the drug Remdesivir to India for Covid patients.Australia 
Australian cabinet is likely to announce support for India.&nbsp;Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison in a tweet said, "Australia stands with our friends in India as it manages a difficult second COVID-19 wave. We know how strong and resilient the Indian nation is @narendramodi and I will keep working in partnership on this global challenge."

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Australia stands with our friends in India as it manages a difficult second COVID-19 wave. We know how strong and resilient the Indian nation is. <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> and I will keep working in partnership on this global challenge.
— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottMorrisonMP/status/1385738966595297280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Canada 
The country has offered to send assistance.&nbsp;Marc Garneau, Canada's foreign minister, tweeted, "Our thoughts are with the people of India as they face a devastating new wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Canada stands ready to assist and has reached out to Indian authorities to determine how Canada can best support India in its time of need."&nbsp;

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Our thoughts are with the people of India as they face a devastating new wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Canada stands ready to assist and has reached out to Indian authorities to determine how Canada can best support India in its time of need.
— Marc Garneau (@MarcGarneau) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarcGarneau/status/1386490684950126593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Afghanistan 
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, Foreign Minister Mohammad Haneef Atmar and envoy to India Farid Mamundzay all tweeted and showed solidarity for India. The Afghan president tweeted, "Our hearts go out to the Indian people &amp; government as they fight the horrendous outbreak of COVID. On behalf of the Afghan people &amp; government, we send our condolences to the families who lost their loved ones &amp; wish a quick recovery to those who are suffering from the virus."

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Our hearts go out to the Indian people &amp; government as they fight the horrendous outbreak of COVID. On behalf of the Afghan people &amp; government, we send our condolences to the families who lost their loved ones &amp; wish a quick recovery to those who are suffering from the virus.
— Ashraf Ghani (@ashrafghani) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashrafghani/status/1386292558024691715?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Bhutan 
Bhutan's Foreign Minister Tandi Dorji tweeted, "Our deepest prayers and complete solidarity to the government and people of India in this most difficult period of the pandemic. Praying and hoping for quick relief and recovery."

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Our deepest prayers and complete solidarity to the government and people of India in this most difficult period of the pandemic. Praying and hoping for quick relief and recovery. <a href="https://twitter.com/GovtOfIndia_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GovtOfIndia_</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrSJaishankar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RuchiraKamboj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RuchiraKamboj</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/govind?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@govind</a>
— ForeignMinisterBhutan (@FMBhutan) <a href="https://twitter.com/FMBhutan/status/1385817210208153602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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There was show of support from several other countries such as&nbsp;Mexico and Slovenia.&nbsp; 
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&nbsp;

A whole host of countries have come in India's support as it battles the Covid crisis. More than 300,000 cases have been reported on a daily basis in the country.

A whole host of countries have come in India's support as it battles the Covid crisis. More than 300,000 cases have been reported on a daily basis in the country. Indian missions globally are doing the heavy lifting while many private Indian players are also pitching in. India's allies like the the US, UAE, UK, France and others have come in full support of New Delhi. Here is the list of all the countries that are extending assistance to India. Singapore Four Oxygen containers brought by Indian Air Force on Saturday. 7,511 O2 concentrators, 516 BiPAP machines to be sent by the country, of which 500 BiPAPs, 250 oxygen concentrators have already been brought. Singapore's embassy in a tweet said, "we will fight this together". Dear friends in India—we will fight this together! We are working closely with @Temasek and other partners to send 7,511 O2 concentrator, 516 BiPAP machines, & other supplies ASAP. 🇸🇬🤝🇮🇳 #IndiaFightsCorona #SingaporeWithIndia https://t.co/9ymUBJp0A2 — Singapore in India (@SGinIndia) April 26, 2021 × United Arab Emirates Indian Air Force flew in seven empty cryogenic oxygen containers from the West Asian country. UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan spoke to Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Saturday, expressing his solidarity with India. Jaishankar tweeted, "As always, deeply value good wishes and international cooperation." Well-known buildings in UAE like the Burj Khalifa, ADNOC were lit up in colours of the Indian flag with the message #staystrongIndia. Britain UK announced it will send 600 pieces, which include ventilators and oxygen concentrator devices, to India. The first batch will reach on Tuesday morning. Nine airline container loads of supplies, including 495 oxygen concentrators, which can extract oxygen from the air, 120 non-invasive ventilators, and 20 manual ventilators will reach India this week. UK prime minister, foreign and health secretaries, and ambassador made public comments in solidarity with the people of India. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said,“We stand side by side with India as a friend and partner during what is a deeply concerning time in the fight against Covid-19." United States The US has agreed to provide the specific raw materials for Indian Covishield vaccine manufacturers. The development comes after the Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and American National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke to each other. US will be supplying therapeutics, rapid diagnostic test kits, ventilators, PPE kits, oxygen generators, and deploy an expert team of health advisors from CDC and USAID. Already, more than 300 O2 concentrators have been brought by Air India from New York. Tweets by the US president, vice president, defence secretary, surgeon general, deputy secretary of the state showed support for India. President Joe Biden tweeted, "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 × France The French presidency has said that the country will provide India "significant" oxygen support and is working on the delivery of high-performance oxygen generator units as well as some other equipment. President Emmanuel Macron was the first world leader to send a message of public solidarity. He said, "I want to send a message of solidarity to the Indian people, facing a resurgence of COVID-19 cases. France is with you in this struggle, which spares no one. We stand ready to provide our support." European Union European Union, over the weekend, activated its "civil protection mechanism" to help India. Janez Lenarčič, European Commissioner for Crisis Management, in a tweet said, "EU will do its utmost to mobilize assistance to support people of India". Upon request for assistance by #India, we have activated the #EU Civil Protection Mechanism. The 🇪🇺 will do its utmost to mobilise assistance to support people of 🇮🇳. Our #ERCC is already coordinating EU MS that are ready to provide urgently needed #oxygen & medicine rapidly. — Janez Lenarčič (@JanezLenarcic) April 25, 2021 × President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen seconded him saying, "EU is pooling resources". The matter came up during a discussion between Margrethe Vestager Executive Vice-President of the European Commission and Jaishankar. Alarmed by the epidemiological situation in India. We are ready to support. The EU is pooling resources to respond rapidly to India’s request for assistance via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. We stand in full solidarity with the Indian people! https://t.co/Pv8ezFPdS3 — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) April 25, 2021 × Denmark The Nordic country is extending support to India. Denmark's envoy to Delhi Freddy Svane told WION,"We are working closely with MEA [Ministry of External Affairs] to assist India with whatever is required. That’s what friends are about". Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel on Sunday announced that Germany is preparing urgent support for India. German armed forces will give India oxygen generators. Smaller units from the German private sector will also be sent. Cooperation between German top medical institute Robert Koch Institute (RKI) with Indian institutions to support sequencing of viral loads is on the anvil. Armed Forces Medical Services or AFMS will be importing 23 mobile oxygen generation plants from Germany. These plants will be deployed in AFMS hospitals catering to Covid patients. From Germany, containers are also being imported. Saudi Arabia 80 metric tonnes of oxygen have been procured from the country in cooperation with Adani and Linde and the Indian high commission. China The country has offered to provide assistance. A Chinese embassy spokesperson in Delhi told WION that "talks and discussions are ongoing" with the Indian side. Hong Kong 800 oxygen concentrators were airlifted for SpiceHealth, a healthcare company founded by the promoters of SpiceJet. Pakistan Has offered to provide relief support to India including ventilators, Bi PAP, digital X-ray machines, PPEs and related items. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and Foreign Minister SM Qureshi extended support to India. The country's well-known NGO Edhi Foundation has written to PM Modi and has offered to send ambulances. Spontaneous support by Pakistani society, especially on social media, was seen with a lot of positive trends. Iran Iran Health Minister Dr Saeed Namaki wrote to the Indian Health minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, saying, "The government and people of Iran are ready to spare no technical assistance, expertise and equipment in these difficult days and at the height of the plight of the dear citizens of India with the COVID-19 epidemic." Japan Under its grant assistance, oxygen generators will be provided with a procurement process still underway. Prime Minister Modi thanked Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga for providing assistance to India for combating the pandemic during a call on Monday. Russia Support has been offered by Russia. It is cosidering sending the drug Remdesivir to India for Covid patients.Australia Australian cabinet is likely to announce support for India. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison in a tweet said, "Australia stands with our friends in India as it manages a difficult second COVID-19 wave. We know how strong and resilient the Indian nation is @narendramodi and I will keep working in partnership on this global challenge." Australia stands with our friends in India as it manages a difficult second COVID-19 wave. We know how strong and resilient the Indian nation is. @narendramodi and I will keep working in partnership on this global challenge. — Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) April 23, 2021 × Canada The country has offered to send assistance. Marc Garneau, Canada's foreign minister, tweeted, "Our thoughts are with the people of India as they face a devastating new wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Canada stands ready to assist and has reached out to Indian authorities to determine how Canada can best support India in its time of need." Our thoughts are with the people of India as they face a devastating new wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Canada stands ready to assist and has reached out to Indian authorities to determine how Canada can best support India in its time of need. — Marc Garneau (@MarcGarneau) April 26, 2021 × Afghanistan Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, Foreign Minister Mohammad Haneef Atmar and envoy to India Farid Mamundzay all tweeted and showed solidarity for India. The Afghan president tweeted, "Our hearts go out to the Indian people & government as they fight the horrendous outbreak of COVID. On behalf of the Afghan people & government, we send our condolences to the families who lost their loved ones & wish a quick recovery to those who are suffering from the virus." Our hearts go out to the Indian people & government as they fight the horrendous outbreak of COVID. On behalf of the Afghan people & government, we send our condolences to the families who lost their loved ones & wish a quick recovery to those who are suffering from the virus. — Ashraf Ghani (@ashrafghani) April 25, 2021 × Bhutan Bhutan's Foreign Minister Tandi Dorji tweeted, "Our deepest prayers and complete solidarity to the government and people of India in this most difficult period of the pandemic. Praying and hoping for quick relief and recovery." Our deepest prayers and complete solidarity to the government and people of India in this most difficult period of the pandemic. Praying and hoping for quick relief and recovery. @GovtOfIndia_ @DrSJaishankar @RuchiraKamboj @govind — ForeignMinisterBhutan (@FMBhutan) April 24, 2021 × There was show of support from several other countries such as Mexico and Slovenia.

International community extends support to India amid Covid crisis

Noting that the second wave of COVID-19 is testing people's patience and their limit to bear pain, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that this "toofan" (storm) has shaken the country after it was full of spirit and self-confidence after successfully tackling the first wave.

In his monthly Mann Ki Baat broadcast, Modi spoke to doctors, nurses and frontline workers, who shared their experience and views on the disease, and expressed confidence that people will soon come out of this crisis.

The over 30-minute broadcast was entirely focussed on the pandemic, which has been rampaging across the country for weeks, with Modi asserting that defeating the disease is the biggest priority.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-deeply-concerned-about-covid-outbreak-in-india-379971">US to support India in its fight against coronavirus pandemic</a>

He urged countrymen to go for vaccination against the disease and cautioned them against rumours about it. 
The Centre, he said, will continue to provide jabs free of cost to the eligible people (those over 45 years of age) and has been helping states in their efforts to deal with the disease with its full might.

"We have to give priority to the expert and scientific advice at this time to win this battle," he said.

While people are getting affected by the disease, they are also recovering from it in big numbers, he said.

Noting that the second wave of COVID-19 is testing people's patience and their limit to bear pain, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that this "toofan" (storm) has shaken the country after it was full of spirit and self-confidence after successfully tackling the first wave.

Noting that the second wave of COVID-19 is testing people's patience and their limit to bear pain, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that this "toofan" (storm) has shaken the country after it was full of spirit and self-confidence after successfully tackling the first wave. In his monthly Mann Ki Baat broadcast, Modi spoke to doctors, nurses and frontline workers, who shared their experience and views on the disease, and expressed confidence that people will soon come out of this crisis. The over 30-minute broadcast was entirely focussed on the pandemic, which has been rampaging across the country for weeks, with Modi asserting that defeating the disease is the biggest priority. Also Read | US to support India in its fight against coronavirus pandemic He urged countrymen to go for vaccination against the disease and cautioned them against rumours about it. The Centre, he said, will continue to provide jabs free of cost to the eligible people (those over 45 years of age) and has been helping states in their efforts to deal with the disease with its full might. "We have to give priority to the expert and scientific advice at this time to win this battle," he said. While people are getting affected by the disease, they are also recovering from it in big numbers, he said.

Mann Ki Baat: We will soon come out of Covid crisis, says PM Modi

Japan government is planning to open large vaccination centres that can handle 10,000 people per day, said local media. These vaccination centres are being planned in Tokyo and Osaka in the coming weeks.

The Nikkei newspaper said on Sunday the government will open a vaccination site in central Tokyo as early as May&nbsp;

The paper said that the site will be open to anyone living and working in Tokyo. Medically trained staff from Japan's self defence forces will assist with vaccination.

While Japan has avoided an explosive spread of the virus experienced by many countries, the government has come under sharp criticism for its sluggish vaccination roll-out, which has been handled mostly by municipal authorities. Only about 1% of its population has been vaccinated, according to a Reuters tracker.

There has been a recent surge in infections. This has been driven by the spread of &nbsp;a variant has also stoked alarm and there is a critical shortage of medical staff and hospital beds in some areas.

Japan only started vaccinating its sizable elderly population this month and health experts say it may take till the winter or longer for most of the general populace to get access to shots.

Health Minister Norihisa Tamura said on Sunday if the government was able to secure enough vaccines to inoculate the elderly by the end of July, vaccinations for those under 65 could start that month, according to a Kyodo report.

Japan's third state of emergency in Tokyo, Osaka and two other prefectures began on Sunday, affecting nearly a quarter of the population as the country attempts to combat the surge in cases three months before the Tokyo Olympics is set to open.

Japan has had about 550,000 cases and 9,761 deaths to date.

(With inputs from agencies)

Japan government is planning to open large vaccination centres that can handle 10,000 people per day, said local media. These vaccination centres are being planned in Tokyo and Osaka in the coming weeks.

Japan government is planning to open large vaccination centres that can handle 10,000 people per day, said local media. These vaccination centres are being planned in Tokyo and Osaka in the coming weeks. The Nikkei newspaper said on Sunday the government will open a vaccination site in central Tokyo as early as May The paper said that the site will be open to anyone living and working in Tokyo. Medically trained staff from Japan's self defence forces will assist with vaccination. While Japan has avoided an explosive spread of the virus experienced by many countries, the government has come under sharp criticism for its sluggish vaccination roll-out, which has been handled mostly by municipal authorities. Only about 1% of its population has been vaccinated, according to a Reuters tracker. There has been a recent surge in infections. This has been driven by the spread of a variant has also stoked alarm and there is a critical shortage of medical staff and hospital beds in some areas. Japan only started vaccinating its sizable elderly population this month and health experts say it may take till the winter or longer for most of the general populace to get access to shots. Health Minister Norihisa Tamura said on Sunday if the government was able to secure enough vaccines to inoculate the elderly by the end of July, vaccinations for those under 65 could start that month, according to a Kyodo report. Japan's third state of emergency in Tokyo, Osaka and two other prefectures began on Sunday, affecting nearly a quarter of the population as the country attempts to combat the surge in cases three months before the Tokyo Olympics is set to open. Japan has had about 550,000 cases and 9,761 deaths to date. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan to open vaccination centres capable of handling 10,000 people: Report 

Covid vaccine doses crossed one billion mark worldwide on Saturday. A lot remained to be done however as number of virus cases worldwide hit a new daily record. At least 1,002,938,540 vaccine doses have been administered in 207 countries and territories, according to an AFP tally.

The pandemic has killed more than three million people worldwide since the initial outbreak in China in December 2019.

In addition to spike in number of infections in India, Thailand was seen to be grappling with increasing caseload. Thailand had long avoided worst of the pandemic. Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha said on Saturday that more than 1400 Covid-19 patients were awaiting admission in hospitals.

In India, one "oxygen express" carrying 30,000 litres of oxygen arrived in northern Lucknow at dawn on Saturday.

In Iraq, at least 23 lives were lost in a tragic fire at a Covid hospital.

Accelerating rollouts

With the pandemic still showing no sign of slowing, governments around the world are placing their hopes in vaccines. Worldwide, the number of vaccine doses administered has doubled in less than a month

Nevertheless, while the majority of poor countries have also started to vaccinate -- mainly thanks to the Covax programme -- inoculation is still largely a privilege of high-income countries, home to 16 percent of the world's population, administering 47 percent of vaccine doses.

A stark contrast can be seen in low-income countries which account for just 0.2 per cent of coronavirus vaccine shots thus far.

 
In the US, regulators have approved the re-start of a rollout of Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccines halted over blood clotting concerns.

In Europe, Belgium said Saturday it would authorise the J&amp;J shot for all adults, having already received 36,000 doses and expecting a total of 1.4 million between April and June.

The European Union as a whole said it would have enough vaccines to immunise 70 percent of its adult population by the end of July.&nbsp;

Lockdown protests

But despite the optimism, the threat of the virus remains ever-present, with Germany implementing tougher new lockdown rules, including night curfews and school closures, after the government passed a disputed new law designed to slow infections.

The controversial new rules -- passed this week amid huge protests in Berlin -- will apply in all regions with incidence rates of more than 100 new infections per 100,000 people over the last seven days. 
And in Britain, ongoing restrictions are continuing to fuel anger.

Police in London said they arrested five people, and eight officers were injured, after disorder at large-scale protests against England's remaining coronavirus restrictions, the mandatory use of masks and possible introduction of so-called vaccine passports.

Britain began to gradually lift Covid-19 restrictions last month after months of curbs and a successful mass vaccination campaign. Pubs were allowed to serve customers outdoors this month and non-essential shops reopened.

The demonstrators marched along several major arteries, including the main shopping district Oxford Street, with videos and photos showing thousands in attendance.

Hundreds then rallied in Hyde Park late afternoon following the march.

Organisers used various websites and online platform pages to encourage turnout, despite curbs which limit outdoor gatherings to 30 people.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Covid vaccine doses crossed one billion mark worldwide on Saturday. A lot remained to be done however as number of virus cases worldwide hit a new daily record. At least 1,002,938,540 vaccine doses have been administered in 207 countries and territories, according to an AFP tally.

Covid vaccine doses crossed one billion mark worldwide on Saturday. A lot remained to be done however as number of virus cases worldwide hit a new daily record. At least 1,002,938,540 vaccine doses have been administered in 207 countries and territories, according to an AFP tally. The pandemic has killed more than three million people worldwide since the initial outbreak in China in December 2019. In addition to spike in number of infections in India, Thailand was seen to be grappling with increasing caseload. Thailand had long avoided worst of the pandemic. Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha said on Saturday that more than 1400 Covid-19 patients were awaiting admission in hospitals. In India, one "oxygen express" carrying 30,000 litres of oxygen arrived in northern Lucknow at dawn on Saturday. In Iraq, at least 23 lives were lost in a tragic fire at a Covid hospital. Accelerating rollouts With the pandemic still showing no sign of slowing, governments around the world are placing their hopes in vaccines. Worldwide, the number of vaccine doses administered has doubled in less than a month Nevertheless, while the majority of poor countries have also started to vaccinate -- mainly thanks to the Covax programme -- inoculation is still largely a privilege of high-income countries, home to 16 percent of the world's population, administering 47 percent of vaccine doses. A stark contrast can be seen in low-income countries which account for just 0.2 per cent of coronavirus vaccine shots thus far. In the US, regulators have approved the re-start of a rollout of Johnson & Johnson vaccines halted over blood clotting concerns. In Europe, Belgium said Saturday it would authorise the J&J shot for all adults, having already received 36,000 doses and expecting a total of 1.4 million between April and June. The European Union as a whole said it would have enough vaccines to immunise 70 percent of its adult population by the end of July. Lockdown protests But despite the optimism, the threat of the virus remains ever-present, with Germany implementing tougher new lockdown rules, including night curfews and school closures, after the government passed a disputed new law designed to slow infections. The controversial new rules -- passed this week amid huge protests in Berlin -- will apply in all regions with incidence rates of more than 100 new infections per 100,000 people over the last seven days. And in Britain, ongoing restrictions are continuing to fuel anger. Police in London said they arrested five people, and eight officers were injured, after disorder at large-scale protests against England's remaining coronavirus restrictions, the mandatory use of masks and possible introduction of so-called vaccine passports. Britain began to gradually lift Covid-19 restrictions last month after months of curbs and a successful mass vaccination campaign. Pubs were allowed to serve customers outdoors this month and non-essential shops reopened. The demonstrators marched along several major arteries, including the main shopping district Oxford Street, with videos and photos showing thousands in attendance. Hundreds then rallied in Hyde Park late afternoon following the march. Organisers used various websites and online platform pages to encourage turnout, despite curbs which limit outdoor gatherings to 30 people. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid vaccine doses cross one billion mark worldwide

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal extended lockdown in the national capital by a week due to the massive surge in COVID-19 cases in the city.

"We had imposed a 6-day lockdown in Delhi. The lockdown is being extended to next Monday (May 3) till 5 am," said the Chief Minister while addressing the press conference on Sunday.

The national capital has recorded the highest single-day toll with 24,103 cases of coronavirus for the city since the outbreak of the pandemic.Kejriwal had last week announced a week-long complete `lockdown` from April 19, 10 pm till April 26 at 5 am.

Prior to that, the Delhi government had announced a weekend curfew in the national capital from 10 pm on April 16 till 6 am on April 19, and the closure of malls, gymnasiums and auditoriums till April 30 amid the surge in COVID-19 cases.Delhi on Saturday reported 24,103 new COVID-19 cases and 357 deaths, the highest single-day toll for the city since the outbreak of the pandemic.&nbsp;

This is the third successive day the national capital has seen the highest daily fatalities due to coronavirus.The city now has 93,080 active cases.

A Delhi Health Department bulletin said the total coronavirus cases count in the city has gone up to 10,04,782 and death toll has gone up to 13,898.The positivity rate in Delhi is 32.27 per cent and the case fatality rate is 1.38 per cent. A total of 22,695 patients also recovered from the disease taking the total number of recoveries to 897,805.&nbsp;

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal extended lockdown in the national capital by a week due to the massive surge in COVID-19 cases in the city. "We had imposed a 6-day lockdown in Delhi.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal extended lockdown in the national capital by a week due to the massive surge in COVID-19 cases in the city. "We had imposed a 6-day lockdown in Delhi. The lockdown is being extended to next Monday (May 3) till 5 am," said the Chief Minister while addressing the press conference on Sunday. The national capital has recorded the highest single-day toll with 24,103 cases of coronavirus for the city since the outbreak of the pandemic.Kejriwal had last week announced a week-long complete `lockdown` from April 19, 10 pm till April 26 at 5 am. Prior to that, the Delhi government had announced a weekend curfew in the national capital from 10 pm on April 16 till 6 am on April 19, and the closure of malls, gymnasiums and auditoriums till April 30 amid the surge in COVID-19 cases.Delhi on Saturday reported 24,103 new COVID-19 cases and 357 deaths, the highest single-day toll for the city since the outbreak of the pandemic. This is the third successive day the national capital has seen the highest daily fatalities due to coronavirus.The city now has 93,080 active cases. A Delhi Health Department bulletin said the total coronavirus cases count in the city has gone up to 10,04,782 and death toll has gone up to 13,898.The positivity rate in Delhi is 32.27 per cent and the case fatality rate is 1.38 per cent. A total of 22,695 patients also recovered from the disease taking the total number of recoveries to 897,805.

Lockdown in Delhi extended by a week amid COVID-19 spike

Over one year into the Covid-19 pandemic, about 90 per cent of the world`s 105 countries surveyed still report disruptions to their essential health services, the World Health Organization (WHO) said. 
 
A recent WHO survey has found that about 66 per cent of countries continue to report health workforce-related reasons as the most common cause of service disruptions, and in nearly one-third of countries supply chains are also still disrupted, affecting the availability of essential medicines, diagnostics and the personal protective equipment (PPE) needed to safely and effectively provide care, Xinhua news agency reported on Friday. 
 
More than half of the countries surveyed reported service disruptions due to patients not seeking care, because of community mistrust and fears of becoming infected, while 43 per cent cited financial challenges as a major cause of disruption. 
 
Most extensively affected are the health services for mental, neurological and substance use disorders; neglected tropical diseases; tuberculosis; HIV and hepatitis B and C; cancer screening; and services for other non-communicable diseases, including hypertension and diabetes; family planning and contraception; urgent dental care; and malnutrition, according to the survey. 
 
Such disruptions have resulted in millions of people still missing out on vital health care, the WHO said. 
 
"The Covid-19 pandemic continues to pose serious challenges to global health beyond the impact of the disease itself," said UNICEF (United Nations Children`s Fund) Executive Director Henrietta Fore. "As we scale up delivery of Covid-19 vaccines, we have to ensure that this does not come at the cost of essential childhood vaccinations ...The time to catch up is now." 
 
The good news is that countries have been working to mitigate disruptions, says the survey. More than half of the countries surveyed say they have recruited additional staff to boost their health workforce; redirected patients to other care facilities; and switched to alternative methods of delivering care. 
 
"It is encouraging to see that countries are beginning to build back their essential health services, but much remains to be done," said WHO Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus."The survey highlights the need to intensify efforts and take additional steps to close gaps and strengthen services. It will be especially important to monitor the situation in countries that were struggling to provide health services before the pandemic."

Over one year into the Covid-19 pandemic, about 90 per cent of the world`s 105 countries surveyed still report disruptions to their essential health services, the World Health Organization (WHO) said.

Over one year into the Covid-19 pandemic, about 90 per cent of the world`s 105 countries surveyed still report disruptions to their essential health services, the World Health Organization (WHO) said. A recent WHO survey has found that about 66 per cent of countries continue to report health workforce-related reasons as the most common cause of service disruptions, and in nearly one-third of countries supply chains are also still disrupted, affecting the availability of essential medicines, diagnostics and the personal protective equipment (PPE) needed to safely and effectively provide care, Xinhua news agency reported on Friday. More than half of the countries surveyed reported service disruptions due to patients not seeking care, because of community mistrust and fears of becoming infected, while 43 per cent cited financial challenges as a major cause of disruption. Most extensively affected are the health services for mental, neurological and substance use disorders; neglected tropical diseases; tuberculosis; HIV and hepatitis B and C; cancer screening; and services for other non-communicable diseases, including hypertension and diabetes; family planning and contraception; urgent dental care; and malnutrition, according to the survey. Such disruptions have resulted in millions of people still missing out on vital health care, the WHO said. "The Covid-19 pandemic continues to pose serious challenges to global health beyond the impact of the disease itself," said UNICEF (United Nations Children`s Fund) Executive Director Henrietta Fore. "As we scale up delivery of Covid-19 vaccines, we have to ensure that this does not come at the cost of essential childhood vaccinations ...The time to catch up is now." The good news is that countries have been working to mitigate disruptions, says the survey. More than half of the countries surveyed say they have recruited additional staff to boost their health workforce; redirected patients to other care facilities; and switched to alternative methods of delivering care. "It is encouraging to see that countries are beginning to build back their essential health services, but much remains to be done," said WHO Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus."The survey highlights the need to intensify efforts and take additional steps to close gaps and strengthen services. It will be especially important to monitor the situation in countries that were struggling to provide health services before the pandemic."

COVID-19 continues to disrupt essential health services: WHO

German parliament's upper house on Thursday approved the Infection Protection Act that has given rise to a controversy. The last hurdle before the passage of the law is the president's signature.

Chancellor Angela Merkel's government had asked parliament for temporary powers to enforce a nationwide coronavirus lockdown after several regions failed to impose agreed curbs to bring a third wave of the pandemic under control.

As per the draft law presented to the cabinet, a compulsory national "emergency-brake" will be introduced if the number of new infections per 100,000 residents in a district or city exceeds 100 for three consecutive days within a week.

The measures include curfews between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., as well as limiting private gatherings to one household plus one other person.

No shops barring the essential ones will remain open. Opening of cultural and recreational facilities such as theatres, museums and zoos will be prohibited.

Schools will have to return to distance learning if the virus incidence rises above 165 per 100,000 for three consecutive days.

The change to the law will apply until June 30.

Police clashed with protesters in Berlin on Wednesday as they tried to disperse a rally against the coronavirus lockdown while parliament debated the law to give the national government more powers to fight a third wave of the pandemic.

Germany reported a rise of 24,884 coronavirus cases on Wednesday, bringing the total to nearly 3.19 million. Some 80,634 people have died and doctors have warned that unless action is taken, intensive-care units may struggle to cope.

(With inputs from agencies)

German parliament's upper house on Thursday approved the Infection Protection Act that has given rise to a controversy. The last hurdle before the passage of the law is the president's signature.

German parliament's upper house on Thursday approved the Infection Protection Act that has given rise to a controversy. The last hurdle before the passage of the law is the president's signature. Chancellor Angela Merkel's government had asked parliament for temporary powers to enforce a nationwide coronavirus lockdown after several regions failed to impose agreed curbs to bring a third wave of the pandemic under control. As per the draft law presented to the cabinet, a compulsory national "emergency-brake" will be introduced if the number of new infections per 100,000 residents in a district or city exceeds 100 for three consecutive days within a week. The measures include curfews between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., as well as limiting private gatherings to one household plus one other person. No shops barring the essential ones will remain open. Opening of cultural and recreational facilities such as theatres, museums and zoos will be prohibited. Schools will have to return to distance learning if the virus incidence rises above 165 per 100,000 for three consecutive days. The change to the law will apply until June 30. Police clashed with protesters in Berlin on Wednesday as they tried to disperse a rally against the coronavirus lockdown while parliament debated the law to give the national government more powers to fight a third wave of the pandemic. Germany reported a rise of 24,884 coronavirus cases on Wednesday, bringing the total to nearly 3.19 million. Some 80,634 people have died and doctors have warned that unless action is taken, intensive-care units may struggle to cope. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: German parliament's upper house approves law to give government emergency powers

US government led by President Joe Biden is mulling over options it has to decide whether to support waiver of intellectual property protections on Covid vaccines. A group of progressive Democrats met Biden and urged him to support the waiver.

In case the waiver is granted by World Trade Organisation with support from US and other countries, the rules regarding production and export of Covid vaccines and other medical goods to fight the pandemic would be eased. This may have potential to help make Covid vaccines available to all.

The waiver includes patents, copyrights and trade secrets.

The proposal for the waiver has support of India, South Africa and more than 50 other countries. Under former President Donald Trump, the US had opposed the waiver.&nbsp;

The waiver was also opposed by the European Union, UK, Japan, Switzerland, Brazil and Norway. However, it is being seen that if the US supports the waiver, opposition from the other camps would not be as fierce.

There is a growing clamour for the support of the waiver. Medical charity Doctors Without Borders/ Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) has urged all the countries to support the waiver&nbsp;

"In this COVID-19 pandemic, we are once again faced with issues of scarcity, which can be addressed through diversification of manufacturing and supply capacity and ensuring the temporary waiver of relevant intellectual property,” said Dr Maria Guevara, MSF’s International Medical Secretary.

“We urge all countries in opposition to this, including the US and the EU, to stand on the right side of history and join hands with those in support. It is about saving lives at the end, not protecting systems.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

US government led by President Joe Biden is mulling over options it has to decide whether to support waiver of intellectual property protections on Covid vaccines.

US government led by President Joe Biden is mulling over options it has to decide whether to support waiver of intellectual property protections on Covid vaccines. A group of progressive Democrats met Biden and urged him to support the waiver. In case the waiver is granted by World Trade Organisation with support from US and other countries, the rules regarding production and export of Covid vaccines and other medical goods to fight the pandemic would be eased. This may have potential to help make Covid vaccines available to all. The waiver includes patents, copyrights and trade secrets. The proposal for the waiver has support of India, South Africa and more than 50 other countries. Under former President Donald Trump, the US had opposed the waiver. The waiver was also opposed by the European Union, UK, Japan, Switzerland, Brazil and Norway. However, it is being seen that if the US supports the waiver, opposition from the other camps would not be as fierce. There is a growing clamour for the support of the waiver. Medical charity Doctors Without Borders/ Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) has urged all the countries to support the waiver "In this COVID-19 pandemic, we are once again faced with issues of scarcity, which can be addressed through diversification of manufacturing and supply capacity and ensuring the temporary waiver of relevant intellectual property,” said Dr Maria Guevara, MSF’s International Medical Secretary. “We urge all countries in opposition to this, including the US and the EU, to stand on the right side of history and join hands with those in support. It is about saving lives at the end, not protecting systems.” (With inputs from agencies)

US mulls over options on Covid vaccine patent waiver

At least 13 patients died on Friday after a fire broke out at an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a Covid hospital in the Virar area of Maharashtra`s Palghar district.The incident took place around 3:30 am on the second floor of the facility, the Corona Control Room, Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation informed.&nbsp;

Three fire tenders of the Virar Fire Brigade reached the spot to douse the fire. It was extinguished by 5:20 am.&nbsp;

Other COVID-19 patients are being shifted to nearby hospitals.

This tragic incident comes just days after 24 COVID-19 patients lost their lives after an oxygen tanker leaked outside Dr Zakir Hussain Hospital in Nashik, Maharashtra.

At least 13 patients died on Friday after a fire broke out at an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a Covid hospital in the Virar area of Maharashtra`s Palghar district.

At least 13 patients died on Friday after a fire broke out at an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a Covid hospital in the Virar area of Maharashtra`s Palghar district.The incident took place around 3:30 am on the second floor of the facility, the Corona Control Room, Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation informed. Three fire tenders of the Virar Fire Brigade reached the spot to douse the fire. It was extinguished by 5:20 am. Other COVID-19 patients are being shifted to nearby hospitals. This tragic incident comes just days after 24 COVID-19 patients lost their lives after an oxygen tanker leaked outside Dr Zakir Hussain Hospital in Nashik, Maharashtra.

13 patients dead in fire at Covid hospital in Maharashtra's Palghar

Norwegian health ministry said on Thursday that the country will be sending 216,000 Covid vaccine doses to Sweden and Iceland at their request. Norway has suspended the use of AstraZeneca vaccine until further notice.&nbsp;

"I'm happy that the vaccines we have in stock can be put to use even if the AstraZeneca vaccine has been paused in Norway," Health Minister Bent Hoie said in a statement.

The doses are currently stored in Norwegian fridges and have to be used before their expiry dates in June and July.

Sweden will receive 200,000 shots and Iceland 16,000 under the expectation they will return the favour at some point.

"If we do resume the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine, we will get the doses back as soon as we ask," Hoie said. 
Like neighbouring Denmark, Norway suspended the use of the AstraZeneca jab on March 11 in order to examine rare but potentially severe side effects, including blood clots.

Five cases of severe thrombosis, including three fatal, were recorded in Norway. These individuals had received AstraZeneca jabs. The deaths were registered among relatively young people who were otherwise in good condition. One other person died of a brain haemorrhage.

On April 15, Norway's government ignored a recommendation from the Institute of Public Health to drop the AstraZeneca jab for good, saying it wanted more time to decide.

Oslo has therefore set up a committee of Norwegian and international experts tasked with studying all of the risks linked to the AstraZeneca and Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccines, which is also suspected of causing blood clots. Both are both based on adenovirus vector technology.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Norwegian health ministry said on Thursday that the country will be sending 216,000 Covid vaccine doses to Sweden and Iceland at their request. Norway has suspended the use of AstraZeneca vaccine until further notice.

Norwegian health ministry said on Thursday that the country will be sending 216,000 Covid vaccine doses to Sweden and Iceland at their request. Norway has suspended the use of AstraZeneca vaccine until further notice. "I'm happy that the vaccines we have in stock can be put to use even if the AstraZeneca vaccine has been paused in Norway," Health Minister Bent Hoie said in a statement. The doses are currently stored in Norwegian fridges and have to be used before their expiry dates in June and July. Sweden will receive 200,000 shots and Iceland 16,000 under the expectation they will return the favour at some point. "If we do resume the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine, we will get the doses back as soon as we ask," Hoie said. Like neighbouring Denmark, Norway suspended the use of the AstraZeneca jab on March 11 in order to examine rare but potentially severe side effects, including blood clots. Five cases of severe thrombosis, including three fatal, were recorded in Norway. These individuals had received AstraZeneca jabs. The deaths were registered among relatively young people who were otherwise in good condition. One other person died of a brain haemorrhage. On April 15, Norway's government ignored a recommendation from the Institute of Public Health to drop the AstraZeneca jab for good, saying it wanted more time to decide. Oslo has therefore set up a committee of Norwegian and international experts tasked with studying all of the risks linked to the AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, which is also suspected of causing blood clots. Both are both based on adenovirus vector technology. (With inputs from agencies)

Norway to send 216,000 AstraZeneca Covid vaccine doses to Iceland and Sweden

Disneyland Paris, normally Europe's biggest tourist attraction, will from Saturday host a mass Covid vaccination site at its convention centre as France seeks to speed up its inoculation drive, officials said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The amusement park east of the capital has been closed since October 30, when non-essential businesses were ordered to close amid a surge in infections, putting its 17,000 employees out of work.&nbsp;

It had originally planned to re-admit visitors on April 2, but worsening conditions forced it to postpone.&nbsp;

The vaccination site will be housed outside the amusement park proper at its Newport Bay Club, a convention centre near its hotel complex.&nbsp;

It will be run by local authorities and the regional ARS health service, and will be open weekends only, whereas other French vaccination sites often close on Sunday.&nbsp;

The goal is to give shots to at least 1,000 people a day, as France aims to get at least one jab to 20 million people by mid-May.&nbsp;

As of Tuesday, France had given at least one dose to nearly 12.8 million people, or 19 per cent of its population, according to health ministry data.&nbsp;

"Disneyland Paris is proud to help support the authorities... to administer vaccines," the park's vice president of operations, Eric Marion, said in a statement.&nbsp;

The global Disney group has announced 32,000 job cuts at its theme park activities worldwide by the end of the first quarter, mostly in the United States, because of the impact of the coronavirus.&nbsp;

But the Disneyland Park in California is set to reopen on April 30 after more than a year of closure.&nbsp;

Disneyland Paris, normally Europe's biggest tourist attraction, will from Saturday host a mass Covid vaccination site at its convention centre as France seeks to speed up its inoculation drive, officials said on Wednesday.

Disneyland Paris, normally Europe's biggest tourist attraction, will from Saturday host a mass Covid vaccination site at its convention centre as France seeks to speed up its inoculation drive, officials said on Wednesday. The amusement park east of the capital has been closed since October 30, when non-essential businesses were ordered to close amid a surge in infections, putting its 17,000 employees out of work. It had originally planned to re-admit visitors on April 2, but worsening conditions forced it to postpone. The vaccination site will be housed outside the amusement park proper at its Newport Bay Club, a convention centre near its hotel complex. It will be run by local authorities and the regional ARS health service, and will be open weekends only, whereas other French vaccination sites often close on Sunday. The goal is to give shots to at least 1,000 people a day, as France aims to get at least one jab to 20 million people by mid-May. As of Tuesday, France had given at least one dose to nearly 12.8 million people, or 19 per cent of its population, according to health ministry data. "Disneyland Paris is proud to help support the authorities... to administer vaccines," the park's vice president of operations, Eric Marion, said in a statement. The global Disney group has announced 32,000 job cuts at its theme park activities worldwide by the end of the first quarter, mostly in the United States, because of the impact of the coronavirus. But the Disneyland Park in California is set to reopen on April 30 after more than a year of closure.

Disneyland Paris to host mass Covid vaccination site 

American Airlines announced in a memo on Tuesday that all of the pilots that were "recalled" during the COVID-19 pandemic will be returning to work.

American Airlines bringing more pilots back

The Indian Council of Medical research has found that Bharat biotech COVAXIN is capable of neutralizing the double mutations reported in India.

ICMR says Covaxin effective in neutralising double mutant variant

A police officer helping with Japan's Olympic Torch relay has become the first participant in the event to be diagnosed with COVID-19, organisers said on Thursday.

A man in his 30s tested positive for the virus after working on the relay in Kagawa prefecture on Japan's southern island of Shikoku,&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;2020 said in a statement.

The officer was guiding traffic in the town of Naoshima on Saturday and came down with a fever on Sunday, the Asahi Newspaper reported, citing organisers and prefectural police. The man wore a mask and had no contact with runners, the report said.

Separately, two runners, a TV personality, and a former Olympian dropped out of a relay event due to be held in the western prefecture of Tottori next month, public broadcaster NHK reported.

Public support for the Games has waned amid concern the event will exacerbate COVID-19 infections, now battering the country in a fourth wave. Japan's government is expected to declare a state of emergency, the third in the past year, in the major population centers of&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;and Osaka this week.

The Games, already delayed by one year, are due to start in 92 days. Olympic and government officials have said the further postponement of the Games is out of the question.

A police officer helping with Japan's Olympic Torch relay has become the first participant in the event to be diagnosed with COVID-19, organisers said on Thursday.

A police officer helping with Japan's Olympic Torch relay has become the first participant in the event to be diagnosed with COVID-19, organisers said on Thursday. A man in his 30s tested positive for the virus after working on the relay in Kagawa prefecture on Japan's southern island of Shikoku, Tokyo 2020 said in a statement. The officer was guiding traffic in the town of Naoshima on Saturday and came down with a fever on Sunday, the Asahi Newspaper reported, citing organisers and prefectural police. The man wore a mask and had no contact with runners, the report said. Separately, two runners, a TV personality, and a former Olympian dropped out of a relay event due to be held in the western prefecture of Tottori next month, public broadcaster NHK reported. Public support for the Games has waned amid concern the event will exacerbate COVID-19 infections, now battering the country in a fourth wave. Japan's government is expected to declare a state of emergency, the third in the past year, in the major population centers of Tokyo and Osaka this week. The Games, already delayed by one year, are due to start in 92 days. Olympic and government officials have said the further postponement of the Games is out of the question.

Tokyo Olympics torch staffer becomes event's first case of COVID-19

South&nbsp;Korea's foreign minister said on Wednesday he hopes the United States will help Seoul address its COVID-19 vaccine shortage as a return in favour of test kits and masks it sent to Washington earlier in the pandemic.

The request comes as the&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korean government has come under fire from local media for not doing enough to secure enough vaccines early. It has inoculated just 3 per cent&nbsp;of its population due to tight global supply and limited access.

"We have been stressing to the US&nbsp;that 'a friend in need is a friend indeed'," Chung Eui-yong told reporters at the Kwanhun Club, a representative association of journalists in&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea.

He said&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;had airlifted Washington a large volume of coronavirus test kits and face masks in the early stages of the pandemic "in the spirit of the special&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea-US&nbsp;alliance," even as domestic supply was very tight.

"We are hoping that the US&nbsp;will help us out with the challenges we are facing with the vaccines, based on the solidarity we demonstrated last year."

Chung said the two countries were in talks and raised the potential contribution it can make to the global vaccine supply chain that the US&nbsp;President Joe Biden is keen on.

Park Jin, an opposition party lawmaker, called for more aggressive vaccine diplomacy and urged the government to invoke its free trade agreement (FTA) with Washington to demand access to pharmaceutical products.

"The government needs to be more proactive... and The FTA provides us a legal base to demand (vaccines) as it stipulates the two countries' commitment to promoting the development of and facilitating access to pharmaceutical products," Park told Reuters.

The US&nbsp;embassy in Seoul did not immediately reply to a Reuters' request for comment.

Around 1.77 million people in&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;have had their first dose of AstraZeneca Plc or Pfizer vaccines. The low inoculation rate compares with a 40 per cent&nbsp;vaccination rate in the United States, according to a Reuters data.

South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;reported 731 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, surging from 549 cases a day earlier, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 115,926, with 1,806 deaths.

South Korea's foreign minister said on Wednesday he hopes the United States will help Seoul address its COVID-19 vaccine shortage as a return in favour of test kits and masks it sent to Washington earlier in the pandemic.

South Korea's foreign minister said on Wednesday he hopes the United States will help Seoul address its COVID-19 vaccine shortage as a return in favour of test kits and masks it sent to Washington earlier in the pandemic. The request comes as the South Korean government has come under fire from local media for not doing enough to secure enough vaccines early. It has inoculated just 3 per cent of its population due to tight global supply and limited access. "We have been stressing to the US that 'a friend in need is a friend indeed'," Chung Eui-yong told reporters at the Kwanhun Club, a representative association of journalists in South Korea. He said South Korea had airlifted Washington a large volume of coronavirus test kits and face masks in the early stages of the pandemic "in the spirit of the special South Korea-US alliance," even as domestic supply was very tight. "We are hoping that the US will help us out with the challenges we are facing with the vaccines, based on the solidarity we demonstrated last year." Chung said the two countries were in talks and raised the potential contribution it can make to the global vaccine supply chain that the US President Joe Biden is keen on. Park Jin, an opposition party lawmaker, called for more aggressive vaccine diplomacy and urged the government to invoke its free trade agreement (FTA) with Washington to demand access to pharmaceutical products. "The government needs to be more proactive... and The FTA provides us a legal base to demand (vaccines) as it stipulates the two countries' commitment to promoting the development of and facilitating access to pharmaceutical products," Park told Reuters. The US embassy in Seoul did not immediately reply to a Reuters' request for comment. Around 1.77 million people in South Korea have had their first dose of AstraZeneca Plc or Pfizer vaccines. The low inoculation rate compares with a 40 per cent vaccination rate in the United States, according to a Reuters data. South Korea reported 731 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, surging from 549 cases a day earlier, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 115,926, with 1,806 deaths.

Return the favour: South Korea looks to US for COVID-19 vaccine aid

The total number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) across the world, since the pandemic began in China in late 2019, climbed to 141,819,360 today while the global death toll has surged to 3,027,353.

Global COVID-19 cases cross 141.819 million

India's daily COVID-19 cases stayed above the 200,000 mark for a sixth straight day, with cases increasing by 259,170 over the last 24 hours.

With this, India's Covid tally has shot up to 15,321,089 cases. India, also&nbsp;reported the highest-ever single-day spike in Covid-related deaths with 1,761 fatalities. The death toll from the deadly infection stands at 180,550. The country now has over 2 million active cases.

The Health Department stated that Maharashtra witnessed a dip in its daily Covid-19 count by recording 58,924 fresh infections; a day after reporting the highest number of 68,631 cases on Sunday.&nbsp;

However, 351 people succumbed to the deadly virus in the last 24 hours. Delhi recorded 240 deaths in the past 24 hours, much higher than the 161 reported a day earlier.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's daily COVID-19 cases stayed above the 200,000 mark for a sixth straight day, with cases increasing by 259,170 over the last 24 hours. With this, India's Covid tally has shot up to 15,321,089 cases.

India's daily COVID-19 cases stayed above the 200,000 mark for a sixth straight day, with cases increasing by 259,170 over the last 24 hours. With this, India's Covid tally has shot up to 15,321,089 cases. India, also reported the highest-ever single-day spike in Covid-related deaths with 1,761 fatalities. The death toll from the deadly infection stands at 180,550. The country now has over 2 million active cases. The Health Department stated that Maharashtra witnessed a dip in its daily Covid-19 count by recording 58,924 fresh infections; a day after reporting the highest number of 68,631 cases on Sunday. However, 351 people succumbed to the deadly virus in the last 24 hours. Delhi recorded 240 deaths in the past 24 hours, much higher than the 161 reported a day earlier. (With inputs from agencies)

Record 1,761 deaths in a day in India; Lockdown in Delhi

Amid a surge in deadly coronavirus cases in India, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has told its citizens to avoid travelling to India.

"Travellers should avoid all travel to India. Even fully vaccinated travellers may be at risk for getting &amp; spreading variants and should avoid all travel to India. If you must travel to India, get fully vaccinated before travel," the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said in an advisory.

"The Covid-19 pandemic continues to pose unprecedented risks to travellers. In light of those risks, the Department of State strongly recommends US citizens reconsider all travel abroad," it said.

"Because of the current situation in India even fully vaccinated travellers may be at risk for getting and spreading COVID-19 variants and should avoid all travel to India.

"If you must travel to India, get fully vaccinated before travel. All travellers should wear a mask, stay 6 feet from others, avoid crowds, and wash their hands," it said.

The number of active coronavirus cases surpassed the 2 million&nbsp;mark in India as the country continued to record a mammoth surge in daily cases of the coronavirus disease.

The nationwide tally of COVID-19 cases mounted to 1,53,21,089 with a record single-day rise of 2,59,170 coronavirus infections, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday.

The State Department announced Monday that it would begin to update its travel advisories to more closely align with those from the CDC. The update comes as the world continues to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic, which has now claimed more than 3 million lives worldwide.

It strongly recommended US citizens reconsider all travel abroad encompassing 80 per cent of the world.

The advisories, it said, also take into account logistical factors, including in-country testing availability and current travel restrictions for US citizens.

“This update will result in a significant increase in the number of countries at Level 4: Do Not Travel, to approximately 80 per cent of countries worldwide,” the State Department said.

“The COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose unprecedented risks to travellers. In light of those risks, the Department of State strongly recommends US citizens reconsider all travel abroad,” it said.

According to the State Department, this does not imply a reassessment of the current health situation in a given country, but rather reflects an adjustment in the State Department's Travel Advisory system to rely more on CDC''s existing epidemiological assessments.

On Monday, Britain added India to its COVID-19 travel "red list", which effectively bans all travel from the country and makes a 10-day hotel quarantine compulsory for UK residents arriving back to the country.

Earlier this month, New Zealand also restricted travellers from India due to a spike in infections.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid a surge in deadly coronavirus cases in India, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has told its citizens to avoid travelling to India.

Amid a surge in deadly coronavirus cases in India, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has told its citizens to avoid travelling to India. "Travellers should avoid all travel to India. Even fully vaccinated travellers may be at risk for getting & spreading variants and should avoid all travel to India. If you must travel to India, get fully vaccinated before travel," the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said in an advisory. "The Covid-19 pandemic continues to pose unprecedented risks to travellers. In light of those risks, the Department of State strongly recommends US citizens reconsider all travel abroad," it said. "Because of the current situation in India even fully vaccinated travellers may be at risk for getting and spreading COVID-19 variants and should avoid all travel to India. "If you must travel to India, get fully vaccinated before travel. All travellers should wear a mask, stay 6 feet from others, avoid crowds, and wash their hands," it said. The number of active coronavirus cases surpassed the 2 million mark in India as the country continued to record a mammoth surge in daily cases of the coronavirus disease. The nationwide tally of COVID-19 cases mounted to 1,53,21,089 with a record single-day rise of 2,59,170 coronavirus infections, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday. The State Department announced Monday that it would begin to update its travel advisories to more closely align with those from the CDC. The update comes as the world continues to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic, which has now claimed more than 3 million lives worldwide. It strongly recommended US citizens reconsider all travel abroad encompassing 80 per cent of the world. The advisories, it said, also take into account logistical factors, including in-country testing availability and current travel restrictions for US citizens. “This update will result in a significant increase in the number of countries at Level 4: Do Not Travel, to approximately 80 per cent of countries worldwide,” the State Department said. “The COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose unprecedented risks to travellers. In light of those risks, the Department of State strongly recommends US citizens reconsider all travel abroad,” it said. According to the State Department, this does not imply a reassessment of the current health situation in a given country, but rather reflects an adjustment in the State Department's Travel Advisory system to rely more on CDC''s existing epidemiological assessments. On Monday, Britain added India to its COVID-19 travel "red list", which effectively bans all travel from the country and makes a 10-day hotel quarantine compulsory for UK residents arriving back to the country. Earlier this month, New Zealand also restricted travellers from India due to a spike in infections. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid-19: US advises its citizens to avoid travelling to India

India will waive its 10% customs duty on imported COVID-19 vaccines, a senior government official told Reuters on Monday, as it tries to boost supplies to counter a dramatic surge in coronavirus cases.

Imports of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine are due to arrive soon and the government has also urged Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson and Johnson to sell their products to India.

The official, who declined to be named, also said the government was considering allowing private entities to import approved vaccines for sale on the open market without government intervention. They could also be given the freedom to set pricing, he added.

The Indian government currently regulates the sale and purchase of all COVID-19 shots in the country.

A finance ministry spokesman did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment outside business hours.

Other South Asian countries, including Nepal and Pakistan, as well as Latin American nations such as Argentina and Brazil levy vaccine import tariffs ranging between 10% and 20%.

New COVID-19 infections and deaths in India have jumped by record numbers for days, with hospitals running short of beds, oxygen and key medicines. Total deaths have swelled to nearly 179,000 and cases have climbed above 15 million, the world's second-highest tally behind the United States.

The government has now decided to open vaccinations for all adults from May 1.

India will waive its 10% customs duty on imported COVID-19 vaccines, a senior government official told Reuters on Monday, as it tries to boost supplies to counter a dramatic surge in coronavirus cases.

India will waive its 10% customs duty on imported COVID-19 vaccines, a senior government official told Reuters on Monday, as it tries to boost supplies to counter a dramatic surge in coronavirus cases. Imports of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine are due to arrive soon and the government has also urged Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson and Johnson to sell their products to India. The official, who declined to be named, also said the government was considering allowing private entities to import approved vaccines for sale on the open market without government intervention. They could also be given the freedom to set pricing, he added. The Indian government currently regulates the sale and purchase of all COVID-19 shots in the country. A finance ministry spokesman did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment outside business hours. Other South Asian countries, including Nepal and Pakistan, as well as Latin American nations such as Argentina and Brazil levy vaccine import tariffs ranging between 10% and 20%. New COVID-19 infections and deaths in India have jumped by record numbers for days, with hospitals running short of beds, oxygen and key medicines. Total deaths have swelled to nearly 179,000 and cases have climbed above 15 million, the world's second-highest tally behind the United States. The government has now decided to open vaccinations for all adults from May 1.

India to waive import duty on Covid-19 vaccines: Report

India is battling second wave of Coronavirus. The ailing economy has recently witnessed green shoots but the state govt's are again gradually heading towards the imposition of lockdown to restrict the spread of virus. The Chief Minister of Delhi yesterday imposed a week long lockdown with some guidelines to manufacturing sectors. Is the manufacturing sector is ready to tackle another lockdown? We have today the President of ACMA, Mr. Deepak Jain who says 'The manufacturing sector is hopeful of managing lockdowns'. Watch the full conversation

Indian economy and second wave of Covid-19

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