Bar and restaurant workers have dumped piles of leftover ice outside the Scottish Parliament in protest at being forced to close by COVID-19 restrictions.

Bar workers dump piles of ice in Glasgow in Scotland

Vaccine-maker Moderna Inc will soon apply for real-time reviews of its experimental COVID-19 vaccine in Europe, days after the EU health regulator launched rolling reviews of shots from its rivals.

WION Special Story: 10 months of COVID-19, still no vaccine | World News

President Donald Trump on Tuesday called an abrupt end to negotiations with Democrats over additional COVID-19 relief

US President Donald Trump halts COVID-19 relief talks

Boeing cut its rolling 20-year forecast for airplane demand on Tuesday, sending its shares lower as the COVID-19 pandemic lays waste to deliveries over the next few years.

Boeing cuts jet demand forecast on pandemic crisis

The carrier announced on October 6th a restructuring plan that should hopefully keep the airline afloat and running for years to come with an equity injection.

AirAsia X announces restructuring plan amid crisis

A vaccine against COVID-19 may be ready by year-end, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday, without elaborating.

'There Is Hope' COVID-19 Vaccine May Be Ready By Year-End, says WHO Chief

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern declared on Monday New Zealand "beat the virus again" and announced restrictions in the country's largest city would be eased after a second Covid-19 wave was contained.

New Zealand beat the Coronavirus again, claims PM Jacinda Ardern

Singapore is offering a “pandemic baby bonus” to encourage folks to have infants during the coronavirus pandemic.

Singapore offers ‘pandemic baby bonus’ to boost birth rate

Supply deals have so far been agreed for 5.3 billion doses, of which 2.7 billion (51 percent) have been bought by developed countries, territories and regions, including the US, UK, Europe

Rich countries secured deals for 51% of COVID-19 vaccine supply

Wealthy nations that have just 13 per cent of the global population have already bought half of the potential drugs that are leading the Covid-19 vaccines race, a report by Oxfam claimed.&nbsp;

The study analysed agreements signed by five leading vaccine candidates and pharmaceuticals based on data shared by the analytics organisation Airfinity.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-donald-trump-says-top-health-expert-was-confused-about-vaccine-but-not-him-328048">Trump says top health expert was 'confused' about vaccine, but not him</a>

"Access to a life-saving vaccine shouldn't depend on where you live or how much money you have," said Robert Silverman from Oxfam America, as quoted by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dcgi-gives-go-ahead-to-serum-institute-for-covid-19-vaccine-trials-in-india-327931">DCGI gives go-ahead to Serum Institute for Covid-19 vaccine trials in India</a>

"The development and approval of a safe and effective vaccine is crucial, but equally important is making sure the vaccines are available and affordable to everyone. Covid-19 anywhere is Covid-19 everywhere."

The study found that the production capacity of the vaccines developed by AstraZeneca, Gamaleya/Sputnik, Moderna, Pfizer and Sinovac is 5.9 billion doses, which it said is enough for the global population of about 3 million, considering two shots to one individual will be enough.&nbsp;

It said, developed countries and regions, including the US, the UK, European Union, Australia, Hong Kong and Macau, Japan, Switzerland and Israel have notched deals for 2.7 billion (51 per cent) &nbsp;doses out of the total 5.3 billion doses so far.

The remaining 2.6 billion doses have been signed by developing countries, which include India, Bangladesh, China, Brazil, Indonesia and Mexico.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Wealthy nations that have just 13 per cent of the global population have already bought half of the potential drugs that are leading the Covid-19 vaccines race, a report by Oxfam claimed.

Wealthy nations that have just 13 per cent of the global population have already bought half of the potential drugs that are leading the Covid-19 vaccines race, a report by Oxfam claimed. The study analysed agreements signed by five leading vaccine candidates and pharmaceuticals based on data shared by the analytics organisation Airfinity. Also read | Trump says top health expert was 'confused' about vaccine, but not him "Access to a life-saving vaccine shouldn't depend on where you live or how much money you have," said Robert Silverman from Oxfam America, as quoted by news agency AFP. Also read | DCGI gives go-ahead to Serum Institute for Covid-19 vaccine trials in India "The development and approval of a safe and effective vaccine is crucial, but equally important is making sure the vaccines are available and affordable to everyone. Covid-19 anywhere is Covid-19 everywhere." The study found that the production capacity of the vaccines developed by AstraZeneca, Gamaleya/Sputnik, Moderna, Pfizer and Sinovac is 5.9 billion doses, which it said is enough for the global population of about 3 million, considering two shots to one individual will be enough. It said, developed countries and regions, including the US, the UK, European Union, Australia, Hong Kong and Macau, Japan, Switzerland and Israel have notched deals for 2.7 billion (51 per cent) doses out of the total 5.3 billion doses so far. The remaining 2.6 billion doses have been signed by developing countries, which include India, Bangladesh, China, Brazil, Indonesia and Mexico.

Rich nations with 13% population signed deals for getting over half of Covid-19 vaccines: Study

Russia's sovereign wealth fund has agreed to supply 100 million doses of its coronavirus vaccine, Sputnik-V, to Indian drug company Dr Reddy's Laboratories

Russia to sell 100 million COVID vaccine doses to India

A roadside tool for law enforcement may one day fight in the war on COVID-19.

US firm repurposing breathlyzer for COVID-19 testing

With 69,921 people testing positive for coronavirus infection, India's COVID-19 tally mounted to 3,691,166, while recoveries surged to 2,839,882 on Tuesday pushing the recovery rate to 76.94 per cent,according to the Union Health Ministry data.

The death toll climbed to 65,288 with 819 new fatalities being reported in a span of 24 hours,the data updated at 8 am showed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-a-13-device-is-helping-delhi-fight-the-coronavirus-324261">Also read:&nbsp;How a $13 device is helping Delhi fight the coronavirus</a>

The COVID-19 case fatality rate has further declined to 1.77 per cent.

There are 785,996 active cases of coronavirus infection in the country which comprises 21.29 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated.

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7 and went past 30 lakh on August 23.

According tothe ICMR, a cumulative total of 43,324,834 samples have been tested up to August 31 with 1,016,920 samples being tested on Monday.

With 69,921 people testing positive for coronavirus infection, India's COVID-19 tally mounted to 3,691,166, while recoveries surged to 2,839,882 on Tuesday pushing the recovery rate to 76.

With 69,921 people testing positive for coronavirus infection, India's COVID-19 tally mounted to 3,691,166, while recoveries surged to 2,839,882 on Tuesday pushing the recovery rate to 76.94 per cent,according to the Union Health Ministry data. The death toll climbed to 65,288 with 819 new fatalities being reported in a span of 24 hours,the data updated at 8 am showed. Also read: How a $13 device is helping Delhi fight the coronavirus The COVID-19 case fatality rate has further declined to 1.77 per cent. There are 785,996 active cases of coronavirus infection in the country which comprises 21.29 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated. India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7 and went past 30 lakh on August 23. According tothe ICMR, a cumulative total of 43,324,834 samples have been tested up to August 31 with 1,016,920 samples being tested on Monday.

COVID-19: Cases cross 3.5 million in India with 69,921 new cases

France will soon announce an "exceptional package" for India, including ventilators and expertise, as part of its efforts to jointly combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the French envoy to India said on Tuesday.

In his message on the French National Day -- Bastille Day, French Ambassador to India Emmanuel Lenain said that since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, the two countries have shown exceptional solidarity.

"India has provided much needed equipment and drugs to French hospitals. Friendship is a two-way road and France has reciprocated," Lenain said.

The French development agency AFD has granted an exceptional loan of 200 million euros (Rs 1,600 crore) to provide social services to the most vulnerable population in India, he said.

"We are going to announce soon an exceptional package comprising serological test (kits), ventilators and some expertise," the French envoy said in the message posted on all social media handles of the French Embassy here.

Solidarity has been exceptional in the way the India government has lent support to the operation to repatriate stranded tourists, he said, thanking Indian authorities for it.

Another great way to express solidarity is the involvement of French companies in corporate social responsibility, he said.

Lenain cited the example of French firms partnering Indian companies for producing ventilators and a French firm contributing 65 ICU beds.

France will soon announce an "exceptional package" for India, including ventilators and expertise, as part of its efforts to jointly combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the French envoy to India said on Tuesday.

France will soon announce an "exceptional package" for India, including ventilators and expertise, as part of its efforts to jointly combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the French envoy to India said on Tuesday. In his message on the French National Day -- Bastille Day, French Ambassador to India Emmanuel Lenain said that since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, the two countries have shown exceptional solidarity. "India has provided much needed equipment and drugs to French hospitals. Friendship is a two-way road and France has reciprocated," Lenain said. The French development agency AFD has granted an exceptional loan of 200 million euros (Rs 1,600 crore) to provide social services to the most vulnerable population in India, he said. "We are going to announce soon an exceptional package comprising serological test (kits), ventilators and some expertise," the French envoy said in the message posted on all social media handles of the French Embassy here. Solidarity has been exceptional in the way the India government has lent support to the operation to repatriate stranded tourists, he said, thanking Indian authorities for it. Another great way to express solidarity is the involvement of French companies in corporate social responsibility, he said. Lenain cited the example of French firms partnering Indian companies for producing ventilators and a French firm contributing 65 ICU beds.

France to announce 'exceptional package' boosting India's COVID-19 fight, says Envoy

One of the greatest cruelties of COVID-19 -- an illness that has killed almost half a million people worldwide -- is that many have died alone, and many have been marginally lucky to bid a digital goodbye via a computer tablet or phone.

Medical chiefs at the University of Chile's clinical hospital in Santiago decided, however, to allow family visits and, wherever possible, create a space for a final farewell.

Visitors are screened for the coronavirus and issued with the same protective equipment used by medics, before being guided into the sealed glass rooms where COVID-19 patients are housed. So far, the hospital's ICU has avoided any cases of contagion among its staff.

"We have always been a unit that advocates strongly not only for our patients but also for their families and we have continued to push for their presence at patients' bedsides," said Carlos Romero, head of the hospital's Intensive Care Unit.

Latin America is now the epicenter of the pandemic and Chile is one of its hardest-hit nations, with cases leaping by several thousands daily and confirmed deaths nearing 5,000.

Dr Romero's hospital is in the impoverished Independencia neighbourhood, which has one of Santiago's highest caseloads and death rates.

Each day at noon, he telephones patients' families to update them, he told Reuters during a recent visit.

"We want to know we have done everything to save a patient and if that's no longer possible, we stay by their side when the end comes, we ensure they aren't in pain, are calm, that their family is aware and, if possible, spends some time with them, even if just for a moment," he said.

One such case was when doctors fought for weeks to save 76-year-old Don Jaime from the clutches of the coronavirus pandemic, but last week recognised they would lose the battle and invited his family into the hospital to say goodbye.

Don Jaime has since passed away.

One of the greatest cruelties of COVID-19 -- an illness that has killed almost half a million people worldwide -- is that many have died alone, and many have been marginally lucky to bid a digital goodbye via a computer tablet or phone.

One of the greatest cruelties of COVID-19 -- an illness that has killed almost half a million people worldwide -- is that many have died alone, and many have been marginally lucky to bid a digital goodbye via a computer tablet or phone. Medical chiefs at the University of Chile's clinical hospital in Santiago decided, however, to allow family visits and, wherever possible, create a space for a final farewell. Visitors are screened for the coronavirus and issued with the same protective equipment used by medics, before being guided into the sealed glass rooms where COVID-19 patients are housed. So far, the hospital's ICU has avoided any cases of contagion among its staff. "We have always been a unit that advocates strongly not only for our patients but also for their families and we have continued to push for their presence at patients' bedsides," said Carlos Romero, head of the hospital's Intensive Care Unit. Latin America is now the epicenter of the pandemic and Chile is one of its hardest-hit nations, with cases leaping by several thousands daily and confirmed deaths nearing 5,000. Dr Romero's hospital is in the impoverished Independencia neighbourhood, which has one of Santiago's highest caseloads and death rates. Each day at noon, he telephones patients' families to update them, he told Reuters during a recent visit. "We want to know we have done everything to save a patient and if that's no longer possible, we stay by their side when the end comes, we ensure they aren't in pain, are calm, that their family is aware and, if possible, spends some time with them, even if just for a moment," he said. One such case was when doctors fought for weeks to save 76-year-old Don Jaime from the clutches of the coronavirus pandemic, but last week recognised they would lose the battle and invited his family into the hospital to say goodbye. Don Jaime has since passed away.

Chile hospital invites in COVID patients' families, gives them rare chance to say goodbye

Bus travel in Myanmar has gone from cramped seats to first-class, private pod seating, thanks to the coronavirus outbreak. As a social-distancing measure, local bus operator JJ Express has introduced cubicles in dozens of its buses where long-distance travellers sit with minimized contagion risk behind closed aluminum doors.

Myanmar bus launches private pod seats to discourage virus spread

Madrid-based Colombian actress and puppeteer Yohana Yara has been using her time in lockdown filming puppet shows on her balcony and creating an online fan base for her characters. She created a YouTube channel for her show "Leo the Lion and his Friends".

Locked-down puppeteer brings her characters to life in Madrid flat

As Chile reels from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, at least one business there is booming - the production of coffins. Coffin manufacturers are boosting production twice or three times over in a bid to keep pace with demand.

Coffin makers struggle to meet demand in Chile

One gym owner in Southern California found a unique solution to reopening during the pandemic: "workout pods" made from pipes and shower curtains.

California gym reopens with 'workout pods'

Inspired by the ghouls and monsters he usually encounters in his line of work, Filipino prosthetic makeup artist Rene Abelardo is warding off the coronavirus with style.

Philippine SFX makeup artist wards off virus with horror-inspired masks

A mobile barbershop in Myanmar is attempting to trim coronavirus fears by going door-to-door, offering customers haircuts at their doorsteps.

Myanmar barbershop on wheels trims virus worries by going door-to-door

Spain's Alhambra palace and fortress complex, considered Europe's jewel of Moorish architecture, reopened to visitors in Granada, southern Spain, on Wednesday (June 17) after being shut for three months due to the coronavirus lockdown.

The Alhambra, Spain's jewel of Moorish architecture, reopens after three months

As the number of coronavirus cases are on a rise in India, the condition in national capital Delhi has been getting worse with every passing day.

According to five-member committee formed by the Delhi government,&nbsp;Delhi is likely to see at least one lakh COVID-19 cases by end of this month.

The Delhi government has increased the testing. Delhi's&nbsp;Deputy Chief Minister, Manish Sisodia,&nbsp;said rapid antigen testing was conducted at 193 centres on Thursday. A total of 7,040 people were tested, of which 456 tested positive. People who live in containment zones are being tested in the initial stage.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-tests-in-delhi-to-be-capped-at-rs-2400-says-home-ministry-306628">Also read:&nbsp;Covid-19 tests in Delhi to be capped at Rs 2400, says Home Ministry</a>

To keep up with this rising figure, the Delhi government is using every available possible space as a COVID centre, and arranging more beds and ventilators, to make sure that all patients get proper care.

On Thursday, Railway Board Chairman Vinod Kumar Yadav visited Anand Vihar terminal where around 300 COVID care isolation coaches have been set up.&nbsp;
<img alt="AAP MLA tweeted an image from Maharashtra's COVID facility, claiming it to be a new facility set up by Delhi government" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8d5b20d4-5f22-4a2d-b368-a01de54ad594" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2823%29_15.jpg" />
While informing about such new centre inspection,&nbsp;members of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and several others posted images on social media claiming that a 2,500-bed facility is being prepared in Delhi’s Pragati Maidan by the Delhi government. &nbsp;&nbsp;

While the tweet was also shard by official Twitter account of party's Jharkhand branch (the tweets have now been removed), a&nbsp;Maharashtra Congress MLA Zeeshan Siddiqui pointed out that the pictures being circulated were actually taken from his constituency where he had inaugurated a 1,000-bed isolation centre in the Bandra-Kurla complex recently.&nbsp;

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I wonder how ready delhi is because that picture has ME walking inside our Covid-19 modular hospital at BKC,Bandra East - MUMBAI. 
This was when we were setting the hospital up. I don’t remember visiting Delhi anytime in the recent past so clearly that’s not delhi. <a href="https://t.co/3ji4ZXRJF5">https://t.co/3ji4ZXRJF5</a>
— Zeeshan Siddique (@zeeshan_iyc) <a href="https://twitter.com/zeeshan_iyc/status/1272446616016793602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The images started circulating after&nbsp;Lt Governor Anil Baijal and AAP leader Sanjay Singh had suggested using Pragati Maidan as a COVID-19 facility.

However,the party was quick to admit and apologize for its mistake after Siddiqui's tweet. A member of the party's social media team, Piyush Kak, responded to Siddiqui’s tweet with an apology.

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I personally Apologize for this post. <a href="https://t.co/p7Jx7DyDHW">https://t.co/p7Jx7DyDHW</a>
— Piyushakak4 (@piyushakak4) <a href="https://twitter.com/piyushakak4/status/1272454420786274304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Delhi's coronavirus toll&nbsp;right now stands at almost 47,000, out of which nearly 17,457 have recovered more than 1,900 have succumbed to the virus.

As the number of coronavirus cases are on a rise in India, the condition in national capital Delhi has been getting worse with every passing day. According to five-member committee formed by the Delhi government, Delhi is likely to see at least one lakh COVID-19 cases by end of this month.

As the number of coronavirus cases are on a rise in India, the condition in national capital Delhi has been getting worse with every passing day. According to five-member committee formed by the Delhi government, Delhi is likely to see at least one lakh COVID-19 cases by end of this month. The Delhi government has increased the testing. Delhi's Deputy Chief Minister, Manish Sisodia, said rapid antigen testing was conducted at 193 centres on Thursday. A total of 7,040 people were tested, of which 456 tested positive. People who live in containment zones are being tested in the initial stage. Also read: Covid-19 tests in Delhi to be capped at Rs 2400, says Home Ministry To keep up with this rising figure, the Delhi government is using every available possible space as a COVID centre, and arranging more beds and ventilators, to make sure that all patients get proper care. On Thursday, Railway Board Chairman Vinod Kumar Yadav visited Anand Vihar terminal where around 300 COVID care isolation coaches have been set up. While informing about such new centre inspection, members of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and several others posted images on social media claiming that a 2,500-bed facility is being prepared in Delhi’s Pragati Maidan by the Delhi government. While the tweet was also shard by official Twitter account of party's Jharkhand branch (the tweets have now been removed), a Maharashtra Congress MLA Zeeshan Siddiqui pointed out that the pictures being circulated were actually taken from his constituency where he had inaugurated a 1,000-bed isolation centre in the Bandra-Kurla complex recently. I wonder how ready delhi is because that picture has ME walking inside our Covid-19 modular hospital at BKC,Bandra East - MUMBAI. This was when we were setting the hospital up. I don’t remember visiting Delhi anytime in the recent past so clearly that’s not delhi. https://t.co/3ji4ZXRJF5 — Zeeshan Siddique (@zeeshan_iyc) June 15, 2020 × The images started circulating after Lt Governor Anil Baijal and AAP leader Sanjay Singh had suggested using Pragati Maidan as a COVID-19 facility. However,the party was quick to admit and apologize for its mistake after Siddiqui's tweet. A member of the party's social media team, Piyush Kak, responded to Siddiqui’s tweet with an apology. I personally Apologize for this post. https://t.co/p7Jx7DyDHW — Piyushakak4 (@piyushakak4) June 15, 2020 × Delhi's coronavirus toll right now stands at almost 47,000, out of which nearly 17,457 have recovered more than 1,900 have succumbed to the virus.

Fake COVID centre image spreads amid rising coronavirus cases in Delhi

Electric bikes are starting to fill bike lanes in Paris as many commuters wary of taking the metro in the post-coronavirus lockdown period have resorted to two-wheel transport.

Paris sees spike in e-bike sales as virus lockdown winds down

After the coronavirus outbreak prompted the normally bustling streets of Mexico City to empty out, out-of-work musicians looking to make ends meet have been filling roadways with the melodies of their marimbas, trumpets and güiros.

Mexican street musicians bring melodies to people stuck at home

Forget hydroxychloroquine. Try tea of jambu, also know as the toothache plant, that villagers in the eastern Amazon believe will help you keep new coronavirus at bay.

Amazon villagers take herbal tea to fight COVID-19

India's Permanent Representative to&nbsp;the United Nations TS Tirumurti has said New Delhi will be part of "post-COVID global transformation" as it takes the chair at United Nations Security Council for the coming year.&nbsp;Speaking exclusively&nbsp;to our&nbsp;Principal Diplomatic Correspondent, Sidhant Sibal from&nbsp;New York City,&nbsp;India's Permanent Representative of the United Nations TS Tirumurti said, New Delhi will help "bridge the global fault lines" as a non-permanent&nbsp;member of UNSC.&nbsp;India is standing unopposed for the Asia Pacific seat of UNSC and will be an elected member at the high table for a period of 2 years starting 1st January 2021.As the founding member of the world body, India has already served 7 times as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. The elections for the UNSC's 5 non-permanent seats took place on Wednesday in New York.

&nbsp;

WION: India is assured of a seat at the UNSC, what will be the key focus?

TS Tirumurti:&nbsp;We have received tremendous&nbsp;support cutting across&nbsp;countries and regions for our candidature. However, we have still used the run-up to the elections in a very focused and purposeful manner by reaching out to all the member states of the united nations and sensitizing them on our priorities. Minister of external affairs Dr S Jaishankar launched set of priorities in our stint at the security&nbsp;council. We have been able to engage the member states and there has been a greater appreciation of what India plans to bring to the United Nations.&nbsp; The 5 priorities&nbsp;which we have set for ourself&nbsp;in the rubric of N.O.R.M.S&nbsp;New Orientation for a Reformed Multilateral System and priorities include new opportunities for progress, effective response to international terrorism, reformed multilateral system, comprehensive approach to international peace and security and technology with a human touch. These are the 5 priorities and this will be the focus for us in the security council.

WION: How will India make sure the global fault lines are reduced? We have seen increased tensions in the world.

TS Tirumurti:&nbsp;Interestingly, India has always worked to bridge the faultlines. In fact, right since our participation at the united nations as a founding member, we have taken up several difficult issues at the UN and we have been able to bring them as part of the international discourse and resolve them. I agree that the world has probably changed over the years and particularly it is not the same as it was in 2011 when we were last in the United Nations security&nbsp;council. Multilateralism has been weakened and faultlines might have widened but I am confident with our very strong reform agenda, eg reformed multilateralism&nbsp;agenda which we have and our tradition and our ability to work with a diverse set of partners&nbsp;I am confident we can actually make a difference&nbsp;in bridging these faultlines.&nbsp;

WION: How hopeful is&nbsp;New Delhi of whether&nbsp;UNSC, which represents a 70 year old model, is relevant in this century amidst emergence of countries like India. We saw complete inaction to even issue even a statement on COVID-19 by UNSC?

TS Tirumurti:&nbsp;UN Security council definitely needs to undergo reforms, no question about that. Under the UN Charter, the UN security council still has the primary responsibility for international peace and cooperation. India's priority is reform of the united nations security council and we do want to reform it to make it more representative, make it more inclusive and make sure it addresses the current realities and we will work towards that. But our presence at the UNSC right now is also coming at a crucial&nbsp;juncture because&nbsp;India will have an opportunity in COVID and post COVID phase to contribute to transforming the post COVID phase and be a participant in the global transformation which will inevitably take place. But we should also be conscious of the fact that not every issue is an issue for peace and security.&nbsp;

WION: How does UN plan to celebrate Yoga Day this year?

TS Tirumurti: Prime Minister has provided the leadership and it will continue to be an&nbsp;India lead initiative this year also, I can assure you that. However, 2020 is a very unique year with social distancing in place, it will be difficult to do yoga day within the premises of the UN or even on the lawn of the UN. However, what we plan to do in the mission, is that we plan to do it in a virtual mode this year because the international&nbsp;yoga day attracts probably the largest gathering of the UN and we want to continue the tradition. This time we are doing on the 19th of January at around 3 pm and the event will be telecasted live on UN Web TV&nbsp; and it will be on all our social platforms, twitter, youtube and other and this year we have gifted to all the permanent missions very inciteful&nbsp;book on yoga. So I am confident that international yoga day, will be celebrated with a great deal of gusto, and will be well received by the member states and yoga practitioners.

India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations TS Tirumurti has said New Delhi will be part of "post-COVID global transformation" as it takes the chair at United Nations Security Council for the coming year.

India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations TS Tirumurti has said New Delhi will be part of "post-COVID global transformation" as it takes the chair at United Nations Security Council for the coming year. Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent, Sidhant Sibal from New York City, India's Permanent Representative of the United Nations TS Tirumurti said, New Delhi will help "bridge the global fault lines" as a non-permanent member of UNSC. India is standing unopposed for the Asia Pacific seat of UNSC and will be an elected member at the high table for a period of 2 years starting 1st January 2021.As the founding member of the world body, India has already served 7 times as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. The elections for the UNSC's 5 non-permanent seats took place on Wednesday in New York. WION: India is assured of a seat at the UNSC, what will be the key focus? TS Tirumurti: We have received tremendous support cutting across countries and regions for our candidature. However, we have still used the run-up to the elections in a very focused and purposeful manner by reaching out to all the member states of the united nations and sensitizing them on our priorities. Minister of external affairs Dr S Jaishankar launched set of priorities in our stint at the security council. We have been able to engage the member states and there has been a greater appreciation of what India plans to bring to the United Nations. The 5 priorities which we have set for ourself in the rubric of N.O.R.M.S New Orientation for a Reformed Multilateral System and priorities include new opportunities for progress, effective response to international terrorism, reformed multilateral system, comprehensive approach to international peace and security and technology with a human touch. These are the 5 priorities and this will be the focus for us in the security council. WION: How will India make sure the global fault lines are reduced? We have seen increased tensions in the world. TS Tirumurti: Interestingly, India has always worked to bridge the faultlines. In fact, right since our participation at the united nations as a founding member, we have taken up several difficult issues at the UN and we have been able to bring them as part of the international discourse and resolve them. I agree that the world has probably changed over the years and particularly it is not the same as it was in 2011 when we were last in the United Nations security council. Multilateralism has been weakened and faultlines might have widened but I am confident with our very strong reform agenda, eg reformed multilateralism agenda which we have and our tradition and our ability to work with a diverse set of partners I am confident we can actually make a difference in bridging these faultlines. WION: How hopeful is New Delhi of whether UNSC, which represents a 70 year old model, is relevant in this century amidst emergence of countries like India. We saw complete inaction to even issue even a statement on COVID-19 by UNSC? TS Tirumurti: UN Security council definitely needs to undergo reforms, no question about that. Under the UN Charter, the UN security council still has the primary responsibility for international peace and cooperation. India's priority is reform of the united nations security council and we do want to reform it to make it more representative, make it more inclusive and make sure it addresses the current realities and we will work towards that. But our presence at the UNSC right now is also coming at a crucial juncture because India will have an opportunity in COVID and post COVID phase to contribute to transforming the post COVID phase and be a participant in the global transformation which will inevitably take place. But we should also be conscious of the fact that not every issue is an issue for peace and security. WION: How does UN plan to celebrate Yoga Day this year? TS Tirumurti: Prime Minister has provided the leadership and it will continue to be an India lead initiative this year also, I can assure you that. However, 2020 is a very unique year with social distancing in place, it will be difficult to do yoga day within the premises of the UN or even on the lawn of the UN. However, what we plan to do in the mission, is that we plan to do it in a virtual mode this year because the international yoga day attracts probably the largest gathering of the UN and we want to continue the tradition. This time we are doing on the 19th of January at around 3 pm and the event will be telecasted live on UN Web TV and it will be on all our social platforms, twitter, youtube and other and this year we have gifted to all the permanent missions very inciteful book on yoga. So I am confident that international yoga day, will be celebrated with a great deal of gusto, and will be well received by the member states and yoga practitioners.

Will be part of post-COVID global transformation, says India's envoy to UN as New Delhi sits at UNSC

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