The government on Friday sounded alarm over declining mask usage in India and urged the people to maintain Covid-appropriate behaviour amid concerns over the rapid spread of Omicron Covid strain in the country.

The ministry of health warning comes as 25 cases of Omicron variant have been detected so far in India.

Referring to an assessment by the Institute of Health Metrics, NITI Aayog member (Health) Dr V K Paul at a press conference said the usage of masks in the country has declined to pre-second wave levels and “in a way we have again entered a danger zone”.

The use of masks is declining, he said, adding, “from the point of view of protection capability, we are now operating at a low level...At a risky and unacceptable level”.

"We have to remember that both vaccines and masks are important," Paul said while emphasising that people must learn from the global situation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-variant-proof-that-covid-pandemic-is-just-starting-warns-uk-scientist-434349">Omicron variant proof that Covid pandemic is just starting, warns UK scientist</a>

“WHO is warning against the decline in mask usage. Global scene of Omicron is disturbing... We are now operating at a risky and unacceptable level. We have to remember that both vaccines and masks are important,” Paul said.

The government on Friday said 25 cases of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus have been detected in India so far and that mild symptoms have been noted in all the cases.

The government said the treatment protocol for the Omicron variant remained the same.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omicron-may-cause-third-wave-in-india-by-february-scientist-warns-434873">Omicron may cause third wave in India by February, scientist warns</a>

Clinically, Omicron is not posing a burden on the healthcare system yet, but vigil has to be maintained, the government said.

Since November 25, the health minister has been conducting daily review meetings on various aspects of preparedness against COVID-19, including the new 'variant of concern', Omicron, joint secretary in the Union Health Ministry, Lav Agarwal, said.

The health ministry said the overall positivity rate in the country was at 0.73 per cent in last week. Less than 10,000 cases have been reported in the in last 14 days.

Active cases are highest in two states — Kerala and Maharashtra with over 43 per cent active cases in the former and over 10 per cent in the latter, Agarwal said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The government on Friday sounded alarm over declining mask usage in India and urged the people to maintain Covid-appropriate behaviour amid concerns over the rapid spread of Omicron Covid strain in the country.

The government on Friday sounded alarm over declining mask usage in India and urged the people to maintain Covid-appropriate behaviour amid concerns over the rapid spread of Omicron Covid strain in the country. The ministry of health warning comes as 25 cases of Omicron variant have been detected so far in India. Referring to an assessment by the Institute of Health Metrics, NITI Aayog member (Health) Dr V K Paul at a press conference said the usage of masks in the country has declined to pre-second wave levels and “in a way we have again entered a danger zone”. The use of masks is declining, he said, adding, “from the point of view of protection capability, we are now operating at a low level...At a risky and unacceptable level”. "We have to remember that both vaccines and masks are important," Paul said while emphasising that people must learn from the global situation. Also read | Omicron variant proof that Covid pandemic is just starting, warns UK scientist “WHO is warning against the decline in mask usage. Global scene of Omicron is disturbing... We are now operating at a risky and unacceptable level. We have to remember that both vaccines and masks are important,” Paul said. The government on Friday said 25 cases of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus have been detected in India so far and that mild symptoms have been noted in all the cases. The government said the treatment protocol for the Omicron variant remained the same. Also read | Omicron may cause third wave in India by February, scientist warns Clinically, Omicron is not posing a burden on the healthcare system yet, but vigil has to be maintained, the government said. Since November 25, the health minister has been conducting daily review meetings on various aspects of preparedness against COVID-19, including the new 'variant of concern', Omicron, joint secretary in the Union Health Ministry, Lav Agarwal, said. The health ministry said the overall positivity rate in the country was at 0.73 per cent in last week. Less than 10,000 cases have been reported in the in last 14 days. Active cases are highest in two states — Kerala and Maharashtra with over 43 per cent active cases in the former and over 10 per cent in the latter, Agarwal said. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian govt alarmed over declining mask usage in country, asks people to follow Covid rules

India reported two more cases of Omicron&nbsp;Covid variant on Saturday, taking the country's total tally of new strain cases to four.

The first case was detected from India's western Gujarat state, where a 72-year-old man tested positive.

A resident of Zimbabwe, he had returned to Jamnagar city on November 28.

The sample of the elderly man was sent for genome sequencing, after he tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday, it said.

Gujarat's Commissioner of Health Jai Prakash Shivhare confirmed that the man was found infected with the Omicron strain.

The second case was reported from the neighbouring Maharashtra state in Mumbai city.&nbsp;

The infected man&nbsp;returned from South Africa to Kalyan Dombivali municipal area near Mumbai, Maharashtra state's health department said.

"On November 24, the passenger reported a mild fever after landing in Mumbai. He had not taken any COVID-19 vaccine. However, no other symptoms were observed. This mildly symptomatic patient is being treated at the Covid Care Centre in Kalyan-Dombivali,"&nbsp;a government statement said.

Watch |&nbsp;India details plan to combat omicron threat

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Earlier on Thursday, two people—a 66-year-old South African national and an India doctor—tested positive for the new strain in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

While the foreigner escaped from India, the doctor is under quarantine at his home.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omicron-how-well-prepared-is-india-to-tackle-a-possible-spread-of-new-covid-variant-434064">Omicron: How well-prepared is India to tackle a possible spread of new Covid variant?</a>

Meanwhile, India reported 8,603 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday, taking the total to 34.62 million. Deaths rose by 415 to 470,530.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month asked officials to focus on countries identified at risk, after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the new variant to be "of concern".

Up to 84% have received at least one dose, with more than 125 million people due for a second shot.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-variant-highly-transmissible-could-become-dominant-says-whos-top-scientist-433999">Also read |&nbsp;Omicron variant highly transmissible, could become dominant, says WHO's top scientist</a>

The WHO said Omicron, initially detected in South Africa, may spread more quickly than other forms of the virus.

India expects the Omicron variant to cause less severe illness, due to rising vaccination rates and high prior exposure to the Delta variant that infected nearly 70% of the population by July.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omicron-in-india-dont-need-fear-says-health-ministry-as-first-2-cases-found-one-patient-fully-vaccinated-433526">Also read |&nbsp;Omicron in India: Don't need fear, says health ministry as first 2 cases found; one patient fully vaccinated</a>

The WHO has said it had not seen any reports of deaths relating to the new Omicron variant.

The WHO said it was collecting evidence about the variant of concern (VOC), as countries around the world scramble to stop it from spreading.

But despite a growing number of countries registering infections with the new variant, no deaths have yet been reported to the UN health agency.

(With inputs from agencies)

India reported two more cases of Omicron Covid variant on Saturday, taking the country's total tally of new strain cases to four. The first case was detected from India's western Gujarat state, where a 72-year-old man tested positive.

India reported two more cases of Omicron Covid variant on Saturday, taking the country's total tally of new strain cases to four. The first case was detected from India's western Gujarat state, where a 72-year-old man tested positive. A resident of Zimbabwe, he had returned to Jamnagar city on November 28. The sample of the elderly man was sent for genome sequencing, after he tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday, it said. Gujarat's Commissioner of Health Jai Prakash Shivhare confirmed that the man was found infected with the Omicron strain. The second case was reported from the neighbouring Maharashtra state in Mumbai city. The infected man returned from South Africa to Kalyan Dombivali municipal area near Mumbai, Maharashtra state's health department said. "On November 24, the passenger reported a mild fever after landing in Mumbai. He had not taken any COVID-19 vaccine. However, no other symptoms were observed. This mildly symptomatic patient is being treated at the Covid Care Centre in Kalyan-Dombivali," a government statement said. Watch | India details plan to combat omicron threat Earlier on Thursday, two people—a 66-year-old South African national and an India doctor—tested positive for the new strain in Bengaluru, Karnataka. While the foreigner escaped from India, the doctor is under quarantine at his home. Also read | Omicron: How well-prepared is India to tackle a possible spread of new Covid variant? Meanwhile, India reported 8,603 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday, taking the total to 34.62 million. Deaths rose by 415 to 470,530. Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month asked officials to focus on countries identified at risk, after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the new variant to be "of concern". Up to 84% have received at least one dose, with more than 125 million people due for a second shot. Also read | Omicron variant highly transmissible, could become dominant, says WHO's top scientist The WHO said Omicron, initially detected in South Africa, may spread more quickly than other forms of the virus. India expects the Omicron variant to cause less severe illness, due to rising vaccination rates and high prior exposure to the Delta variant that infected nearly 70% of the population by July. Also read | Omicron in India: Don't need fear, says health ministry as first 2 cases found; one patient fully vaccinated The WHO has said it had not seen any reports of deaths relating to the new Omicron variant. The WHO said it was collecting evidence about the variant of concern (VOC), as countries around the world scramble to stop it from spreading. But despite a growing number of countries registering infections with the new variant, no deaths have yet been reported to the UN health agency. (With inputs from agencies)

India reports two more Omicron cases, total tally reaches 4

As alarm over the new Covid strain, Omicron, spreads, World Health Organisation’s chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan on Thursday said the only way to tackle against any new variants is to get fully vaccinated.

“Regardless of the variant, complete vaccination is likely to protect against severe disease and deaths, especially in older age groups,” Swaminathan wrote on Twitter, adding that the goal now ought to be to protect those around the world who currently have not had access to any COVID-19 jabs.

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Regardless of the variant, complete vaccination is likely to protect against severe disease and deaths, especially in older age groups, as observed in these countries <a href="https://t.co/Bz5sw8aHCO">https://t.co/Bz5sw8aHCO</a>
— Soumya Swaminathan (@doctorsoumya) <a href="https://twitter.com/doctorsoumya/status/1466394679570837509?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Omicron variant was designated as ‘variant of concern’ by the WHO last week after they came to the conclusion that it was “highly likely” that the new strain can escape immunity caused by previous infection or vaccination, because of the presence of over 30 mutations on its spike protein.

The new variant has forced all the countries to reinforce travel bans amid concerns over the spread of the virus.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omicron-in-india-dont-need-fear-says-health-ministry-as-first-2-cases-found-one-patient-fully-vaccinated-433526">Omicron in India: Don't need fear, says health ministry as first 2 cases found; one patient fully vaccinated</a>

More than 56 countries were reportedly implementing travel measures aimed at potentially delaying the importation of the new variant.

The WHO has slammed nations for creating hype and panic over the new variant.

It was “certainly a worry” that scientists may be dissuaded from revealing new information about variants after seeing what has happened to southern Africa, WHO’s Covid-19 technical lead Dr Maria Van Kerkhove was quoted as saying.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/omicron-no-kissing-under-mistletoe-this-christmas-advises-british-politician-433630">Omicron: No kissing under mistletoe this Christmas, advises British politician</a>

Following the news about the Omicron variant from South Africa and Botswana, many countries including the US, and the UK, moved to bring in travel bans or quarantines for travellers from a number of African countries.

First reported to the WHO less than a week ago after being detected in southern Africa earlier this month, Omicron has already appeared in several countries.

(With inputs from agencies)

As alarm over the new Covid strain, Omicron, spreads, World Health Organisation’s chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan on Thursday said the only way to tackle against any new variants is to get fully vaccinated.

As alarm over the new Covid strain, Omicron, spreads, World Health Organisation’s chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan on Thursday said the only way to tackle against any new variants is to get fully vaccinated. “Regardless of the variant, complete vaccination is likely to protect against severe disease and deaths, especially in older age groups,” Swaminathan wrote on Twitter, adding that the goal now ought to be to protect those around the world who currently have not had access to any COVID-19 jabs. Regardless of the variant, complete vaccination is likely to protect against severe disease and deaths, especially in older age groups, as observed in these countries https://t.co/Bz5sw8aHCO — Soumya Swaminathan (@doctorsoumya) December 2, 2021 × Omicron variant was designated as ‘variant of concern’ by the WHO last week after they came to the conclusion that it was “highly likely” that the new strain can escape immunity caused by previous infection or vaccination, because of the presence of over 30 mutations on its spike protein. The new variant has forced all the countries to reinforce travel bans amid concerns over the spread of the virus. Also read | Omicron in India: Don't need fear, says health ministry as first 2 cases found; one patient fully vaccinated More than 56 countries were reportedly implementing travel measures aimed at potentially delaying the importation of the new variant. The WHO has slammed nations for creating hype and panic over the new variant. It was “certainly a worry” that scientists may be dissuaded from revealing new information about variants after seeing what has happened to southern Africa, WHO’s Covid-19 technical lead Dr Maria Van Kerkhove was quoted as saying. Also read | Omicron: No kissing under mistletoe this Christmas, advises British politician Following the news about the Omicron variant from South Africa and Botswana, many countries including the US, and the UK, moved to bring in travel bans or quarantines for travellers from a number of African countries. First reported to the WHO less than a week ago after being detected in southern Africa earlier this month, Omicron has already appeared in several countries. (With inputs from agencies)

Regardless of variant, complete vaccination key to protect against death, Covid disease: WHO

India's health ministry urged responsibility, not fear, as it confirmed on Thursday that two cases of Omicron variant of coronavirus have been found in the country.&nbsp;

Both the cases were reported from the southern Karnataka&nbsp;state. Two males, aged 66 and 46, have tested positive.&nbsp;

According to Bengaluru civic authorities, the 66-year-old foreigner had come to Bengaluru city on November 20 from South Africa, while the 46-year-old is a health worker from Bengaluru.

The foreigner was fully vaccinated, while the other had received one dose.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Three primary contacts and two secondary contacts of the 46-year-old male tested positive between 22nd and 25th November. All are isolated," the civic authorities said in a statement.

"Two people found positive for the Omicron variant of COVID19. One person is about a 66-year-old, South African national, who has gone back. Another person is a 46-year-old doctor. He doesn't have any travel history,"&nbsp;Karnataka's health minister Dr K Sudhakar said.

"Out of his (doctor's) primary &amp; secondary contact, five people tested positive for COVID-19. So, a total of six people have been isolated&nbsp;and admitted to a government hospital. None of them are showing any serious symptoms. All these people are fully vaccinated," he&nbsp;added.

The minister further said that the foreigner has left for South Africa via Dubai, adding, "He had presented a negative certificate for the virus&nbsp;from a private lab. His primary and secondary contacts (total 264) were found negative. So, it means to say that his certificate may be true."

Symptoms of the two patients have been mild, according to the officials.&nbsp; All cases reported till now have not been found with any severe symptoms, they said.

“All Omicron related cases are found to have mild symptoms so far...In all such cases in the country and across the world so far, no severe symptom has been noted. WHO has said that its emerging evidence is being studied,” Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Union Health Ministry, said.

Watch

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"We need not panic about Omicron detection but awareness is absolutely essential. Follow Covid-appropriate behaviour and avoid gatherings," said Balram Bhargava, director general of the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR), adding that increased COVID-19 vaccine uptake was the need of the hour.

"Do not delay in getting fully vaccinated," he said.

The government stated that 373 cases of Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 have been detected in 29 nations so far and India was monitoring the situation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/omicron-chaos-a-list-of-countries-that-have-reported-cases-of-new-variant-432677">Omicron chaos: A list of countries that have reported cases of new variant</a>

All "at-risk" flights incoming are first thermal-screened and RTPCR test is being done on them. Till now 10 positive cases have been found in those who arrived from at-risk countries.&nbsp;They have been genome-sequenced and monitored.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-fully-vaccinated-israeli-doctors-get-infected-with-omicron-variant-433249">Two fully vaccinated Israeli doctors get infected with Omicron variant</a>

India has placed 11 countries under the “at-risk category”. They are: the UK, South Africa, Brazil, Botswana, China, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore and Israel.

“Omicron's characteristics and impact are still being researched. Diagnostic tests are working," he said, adding that&nbsp;vaccinations will be protective.&nbsp;

The officials said that Omicron's characteristics and impact are still being researched, adding that&nbsp;diagnostic tests are working and&nbsp;vaccinations will be protective.

They noted that the countries that have taken the restrictions lightly are now re-introducing measures.

Noting that masks are very important, the officials urged to keep using them and avoid crowds and stay in ventilated places.

Surveillance on International travellers should be increased, while inside the country, clusters should be properly monitored, they added.

India's health ministry urged responsibility, not fear, as it confirmed on Thursday that two cases of Omicron variant of coronavirus have been found in the country.

India's health ministry urged responsibility, not fear, as it confirmed on Thursday that two cases of Omicron variant of coronavirus have been found in the country. Both the cases were reported from the southern Karnataka state. Two males, aged 66 and 46, have tested positive. According to Bengaluru civic authorities, the 66-year-old foreigner had come to Bengaluru city on November 20 from South Africa, while the 46-year-old is a health worker from Bengaluru. The foreigner was fully vaccinated, while the other had received one dose. "Three primary contacts and two secondary contacts of the 46-year-old male tested positive between 22nd and 25th November. All are isolated," the civic authorities said in a statement. "Two people found positive for the Omicron variant of COVID19. One person is about a 66-year-old, South African national, who has gone back. Another person is a 46-year-old doctor. He doesn't have any travel history," Karnataka's health minister Dr K Sudhakar said. "Out of his (doctor's) primary & secondary contact, five people tested positive for COVID-19. So, a total of six people have been isolated and admitted to a government hospital. None of them are showing any serious symptoms. All these people are fully vaccinated," he added. The minister further said that the foreigner has left for South Africa via Dubai, adding, "He had presented a negative certificate for the virus from a private lab. His primary and secondary contacts (total 264) were found negative. So, it means to say that his certificate may be true." Symptoms of the two patients have been mild, according to the officials. All cases reported till now have not been found with any severe symptoms, they said. “All Omicron related cases are found to have mild symptoms so far...In all such cases in the country and across the world so far, no severe symptom has been noted. WHO has said that its emerging evidence is being studied,” Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Union Health Ministry, said. Watch "We need not panic about Omicron detection but awareness is absolutely essential. Follow Covid-appropriate behaviour and avoid gatherings," said Balram Bhargava, director general of the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR), adding that increased COVID-19 vaccine uptake was the need of the hour. "Do not delay in getting fully vaccinated," he said. The government stated that 373 cases of Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 have been detected in 29 nations so far and India was monitoring the situation. Also read | Omicron chaos: A list of countries that have reported cases of new variant All "at-risk" flights incoming are first thermal-screened and RTPCR test is being done on them. Till now 10 positive cases have been found in those who arrived from at-risk countries. They have been genome-sequenced and monitored. Also read | Two fully vaccinated Israeli doctors get infected with Omicron variant India has placed 11 countries under the “at-risk category”. They are: the UK, South Africa, Brazil, Botswana, China, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore and Israel. “Omicron's characteristics and impact are still being researched. Diagnostic tests are working," he said, adding that vaccinations will be protective. The officials said that Omicron's characteristics and impact are still being researched, adding that diagnostic tests are working and vaccinations will be protective. They noted that the countries that have taken the restrictions lightly are now re-introducing measures. Noting that masks are very important, the officials urged to keep using them and avoid crowds and stay in ventilated places. Surveillance on International travellers should be increased, while inside the country, clusters should be properly monitored, they added.

Omicron in India: Don't need fear, says health ministry as first 2 cases found; one patient fully vaccinated

Expert groups in India are deliberating on the need for a booster, or additional, Covid dose, the country’s junior health minister informed the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.

The health minister's response comes in the backdrop of growing fears on the possibility of Omicron variant entering the country. So far, no Covid cases of the new strain have been reported in India.

Union minister of state for health Bharati Pravin Pawar said the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) and National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 (NEGVAC) are deliberating and considering scientific evidence for the need and justification for a booster dose.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netherlands-detected-omicron-cases-a-week-earlier-than-south-africa-dutch-authorities-433005">Netherlands detected Omicron cases a week earlier than South Africa: Dutch authorities</a>

Responding to a query on the stand of the Indian government on booster doses, Pawar in a written reply said some countries are providing booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine.

“The National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) and National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 (NEGVAC) are deliberating and considering scientific evidences related to dose schedule of COVID vaccines as well as the need and justification for booster dose,” she said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-covishield-work-against-omicron-it-will-be-clear-in-2-3-weeks-says-serum-institutes-poonawalla-433016">Will Covishield work against Omicron? It will be clear in 2-3 weeks, says Serum Institute’s Poonawalla</a>

There are over 36 countries who are currently administering booster shots to the people. The World Health Organisation (WHO) expert panel has also recommended that individuals with weaker immune systems should be offered an additional or booster shot of COVID-19 vaccine.

However, the Indian government has so far not indicated the need for a booster shot. In October, the government's chief Covid-19 advisor had said that there were no plans to give booster doses.

Doctor Vinod K&nbsp;Paul said there was no clear guidance on whether a third dose is necessary, including from the WHO.

“As of now we do not have a recommendation for a booster bump-up dose,” Paul told reporters, adding however that the government would “continue to watch this space very carefully”.

(With inputs from agencies)

Expert groups in India are deliberating on the need for a booster, or additional, Covid dose, the country’s junior health minister informed the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.

Expert groups in India are deliberating on the need for a booster, or additional, Covid dose, the country’s junior health minister informed the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. The health minister's response comes in the backdrop of growing fears on the possibility of Omicron variant entering the country. So far, no Covid cases of the new strain have been reported in India. Union minister of state for health Bharati Pravin Pawar said the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) and National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 (NEGVAC) are deliberating and considering scientific evidence for the need and justification for a booster dose. Also read | Netherlands detected Omicron cases a week earlier than South Africa: Dutch authorities Responding to a query on the stand of the Indian government on booster doses, Pawar in a written reply said some countries are providing booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine. “The National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) and National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 (NEGVAC) are deliberating and considering scientific evidences related to dose schedule of COVID vaccines as well as the need and justification for booster dose,” she said. Also read | Will Covishield work against Omicron? It will be clear in 2-3 weeks, says Serum Institute’s Poonawalla There are over 36 countries who are currently administering booster shots to the people. The World Health Organisation (WHO) expert panel has also recommended that individuals with weaker immune systems should be offered an additional or booster shot of COVID-19 vaccine. However, the Indian government has so far not indicated the need for a booster shot. In October, the government's chief Covid-19 advisor had said that there were no plans to give booster doses. Doctor Vinod K Paul said there was no clear guidance on whether a third dose is necessary, including from the WHO. “As of now we do not have a recommendation for a booster bump-up dose,” Paul told reporters, adding however that the government would “continue to watch this space very carefully”. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian experts studying scientific reports on need for Covid booster dose, says govt

India is witnessing a decrease in the new COVID-19 cases, the smallest rise in one-and-a-half years despite huge festival gatherings. India reported 7,579 new coronavirus infections on Tuesday, the lowest in 543 days.

No scientific evidence to support the need of booster shot

India reported 7,579 new coronavirus infections on Tuesday, the smallest rise in one-and-a-half-years despite huge festival gatherings in recent weeks, thanks to rising vaccinations and antibodies from prior infections.

The country of 1.35 billion celebrated Durga Puja in October and Diwali this month, during which millions of people shopped, travelled and met family, mostly without masks.

Mask-wearing is nearly non-existent outside the big cities.

"Even after Diwali, we are not seeing a surge," said M.D. Gupte, a former director of the state-run National Institute of Epidemiology, attributing it mainly to the presence of antibodies in a huge majority of Indians through natural infection.

"I think we are much safer now."

Government surveys have estimated that nearly 70% of Indians had been naturally infected by July, following a record rise in infections and deaths in April and May.So far, 81% of India`s 944 million adults have received at least one dose of vaccine and 43% have had two doses. Vaccination for people under 18 has not yet begun.

India has reported a total of 34.5 million COVID-19 cases, second only to the tally in the United States. India`s COVID deaths rose by 236 in the past 24 hours to 466,147.

Daily testing has also fallen, dipping below 1 million on Monday compared with a capacity of more than 2 million.

India reported 7,579 new coronavirus infections on Tuesday, the smallest rise in one-and-a-half-years despite huge festival gatherings in recent weeks, thanks to rising vaccinations and antibodies from prior infections.

India reported 7,579 new coronavirus infections on Tuesday, the smallest rise in one-and-a-half-years despite huge festival gatherings in recent weeks, thanks to rising vaccinations and antibodies from prior infections. The country of 1.35 billion celebrated Durga Puja in October and Diwali this month, during which millions of people shopped, travelled and met family, mostly without masks. Mask-wearing is nearly non-existent outside the big cities. "Even after Diwali, we are not seeing a surge," said M.D. Gupte, a former director of the state-run National Institute of Epidemiology, attributing it mainly to the presence of antibodies in a huge majority of Indians through natural infection. "I think we are much safer now." Government surveys have estimated that nearly 70% of Indians had been naturally infected by July, following a record rise in infections and deaths in April and May.So far, 81% of India`s 944 million adults have received at least one dose of vaccine and 43% have had two doses. Vaccination for people under 18 has not yet begun. India has reported a total of 34.5 million COVID-19 cases, second only to the tally in the United States. India`s COVID deaths rose by 236 in the past 24 hours to 466,147. Daily testing has also fallen, dipping below 1 million on Monday compared with a capacity of more than 2 million.

India logs slimmest rise in COVID-19 cases in 543 days despite festivals

Fully vaccinated foreign travellers from 99 countries, who have a mutual recognition pact of vaccine certificates with India, have been permitted to enter without undergoing quarantine, according to revised guidelines issued by the Indian government.

However, they would be required to follow certain mandatory procedures before arriving in India.

Before their scheduled arrival, travellers from these listed countries, including the US, the UK, France, Germany, Australia, the Netherlands and Russia, are required submit a self-declaration form on the Air Suvidha portal (newdelhiairport.in).

The passengers also have to upload a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR report, 72 hours prior to their journey, according to the revised Guidelines for International Arrivals released by the Union health ministry on November 11.

Each passenger shall also submit a declaration with respect to the authenticity of the report and will be liable for criminal prosecution, if found otherwise.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-happens-when-covid-19-meets-toxic-air-india-is-about-to-find-out-335584">What happens when COVID-19 meets toxic air? India is about to find out</a>

India shares an agreement with some of the 99 nations on ‘mutual recognition of COVID-19 vaccination certificates’ of nationally recognised or the WHO recognised vaccines.

Some of the countries, which features in ‘Category A’ list, do not have a mutual recognition of Covid-19 vaccine agreement with India, but they permit quarantine-free entry in their land to fully vaccinated Indian nationals, the guidelines read.

Some of the countries currently considered to be "at risk" by India, which means the travellers from where would need to follow additional measures on arrival including testing, are the United Kingdom, South Africa, Brazil, Bangladesh, Botswana, China, Mauritius, New Zealand, Zimbabwe and Singapore.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-might-be-entering-endemic-stage-of-covid-19-who-chief-scientist-swaminathan-408296">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-might-be-entering-endemic-stage-of-covid-19-who-chief-scientist-swaminathan-408296">India might be entering endemic stage of COVID-19: WHO chief scientist Swaminathan</a>

"As India opened its doors to fully-vaccinated international tourists from all over the world beginning Monday, India tourism Mumbai accorded a warm welcome to the first set of international tourists who landed at Mumbai International Airport by Air France flight AF218," the Union Ministry of Tourism said in a tweet.

According to the guidelines, if fully-vaccinated travellers are coming from a country with which India has reciprocal arrangements for mutual acceptance of WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccines, they shall be allowed to leave the airport and need not undergo home quarantine.

They shall self-monitor their health for 14 days post arrival.

(WIth inputs from agencies)

Fully vaccinated foreign travellers from 99 countries, who have a mutual recognition pact of vaccine certificates with India, have been permitted to enter without undergoing quarantine, according to revised guidelines issued by the Indian government.

Fully vaccinated foreign travellers from 99 countries, who have a mutual recognition pact of vaccine certificates with India, have been permitted to enter without undergoing quarantine, according to revised guidelines issued by the Indian government. However, they would be required to follow certain mandatory procedures before arriving in India. Before their scheduled arrival, travellers from these listed countries, including the US, the UK, France, Germany, Australia, the Netherlands and Russia, are required submit a self-declaration form on the Air Suvidha portal (newdelhiairport.in). The passengers also have to upload a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR report, 72 hours prior to their journey, according to the revised Guidelines for International Arrivals released by the Union health ministry on November 11. Each passenger shall also submit a declaration with respect to the authenticity of the report and will be liable for criminal prosecution, if found otherwise. Also read | What happens when COVID-19 meets toxic air? India is about to find out India shares an agreement with some of the 99 nations on ‘mutual recognition of COVID-19 vaccination certificates’ of nationally recognised or the WHO recognised vaccines. Some of the countries, which features in ‘Category A’ list, do not have a mutual recognition of Covid-19 vaccine agreement with India, but they permit quarantine-free entry in their land to fully vaccinated Indian nationals, the guidelines read. Some of the countries currently considered to be "at risk" by India, which means the travellers from where would need to follow additional measures on arrival including testing, are the United Kingdom, South Africa, Brazil, Bangladesh, Botswana, China, Mauritius, New Zealand, Zimbabwe and Singapore. Also read | India might be entering endemic stage of COVID-19: WHO chief scientist Swaminathan "As India opened its doors to fully-vaccinated international tourists from all over the world beginning Monday, India tourism Mumbai accorded a warm welcome to the first set of international tourists who landed at Mumbai International Airport by Air France flight AF218," the Union Ministry of Tourism said in a tweet. According to the guidelines, if fully-vaccinated travellers are coming from a country with which India has reciprocal arrangements for mutual acceptance of WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccines, they shall be allowed to leave the airport and need not undergo home quarantine. They shall self-monitor their health for 14 days post arrival. (WIth inputs from agencies)

India allows quarantine-free entry of vaccinated foreign nationals from 99 countries

An Indian pharmaceutical company will be soon launching Merck Sharp Dohme and Ridgrback’s molnupiravir pill, the first oral antiviral Covid treatment, under the brand name ‘Molxvir’ in India.

The regulator, the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), is currently reviewing clinical data of anti-Covid pill for the treatment among adults.

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries on Thursday said that they are waiting for the approval from the drug regulator.

“The recent authorisation of molnupiravir, licensed from MSD and Ridgeback, by the UK regulator is a positive step. In line with our consistent efforts to accelerate access to new drugs for COVID-19 treatment, we are gearing up to make Molxvir available to patients and healthcare providers across India at an economical price post-approval by DCGI,” Sun Pharma India Business CEO Kirti Ganorkar said in a statement.

Molnupiravir has already been approved by the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID -19 infection among adults.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/merck-seeks-us-fdas-authorisation-for-covid-19-pill-420024">Merck seeks US FDA's authorisation for COVID-19 pill</a>

It is under review by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA).

Earlier this year, Sun Pharma had signed a non-exclusive voluntary licensing agreement with MSD to manufacture and supply molnupiravir in India and to over 100 low and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fauci-says-americans-should-get-vaccinated-even-if-mercks-covid-pill-cuts-deaths-418016">Fauci says Americans should get vaccinated even if Merck’s Covid pill cuts deaths&nbsp;</a>

Molnupiravir, which is administered orally, reduces the ability of SARS CoV 2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) to multiply in the body.

It does this by increasing the number of alterations (mutations) in&nbsp;the virus’s genetic material (known as RNA), in a way that impairs the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to multiply.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, India recorded 12,516 new coronavirus infections, taking the country's total tally of Covid cases to 3,44,14,186, while the active cases declined to 1,37,416, the lowest in 267 days.

The number of deaths climbed to 4,62,690 with 501 fresh fatalities, according to the data.

(With inputs from agencies)

An Indian pharmaceutical company will be soon launching Merck Sharp Dohme and Ridgrback’s molnupiravir pill, the first oral antiviral Covid treatment, under the brand name ‘Molxvir’ in India.

An Indian pharmaceutical company will be soon launching Merck Sharp Dohme and Ridgrback’s molnupiravir pill, the first oral antiviral Covid treatment, under the brand name ‘Molxvir’ in India. The regulator, the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), is currently reviewing clinical data of anti-Covid pill for the treatment among adults. Sun Pharmaceutical Industries on Thursday said that they are waiting for the approval from the drug regulator. “The recent authorisation of molnupiravir, licensed from MSD and Ridgeback, by the UK regulator is a positive step. In line with our consistent efforts to accelerate access to new drugs for COVID-19 treatment, we are gearing up to make Molxvir available to patients and healthcare providers across India at an economical price post-approval by DCGI,” Sun Pharma India Business CEO Kirti Ganorkar said in a statement. Molnupiravir has already been approved by the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID -19 infection among adults. Also read | Merck seeks US FDA's authorisation for COVID-19 pill It is under review by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA). Earlier this year, Sun Pharma had signed a non-exclusive voluntary licensing agreement with MSD to manufacture and supply molnupiravir in India and to over 100 low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Also read | Fauci says Americans should get vaccinated even if Merck’s Covid pill cuts deaths Molnupiravir, which is administered orally, reduces the ability of SARS CoV 2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) to multiply in the body. It does this by increasing the number of alterations (mutations) in the virus’s genetic material (known as RNA), in a way that impairs the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to multiply. Meanwhile, India recorded 12,516 new coronavirus infections, taking the country's total tally of Covid cases to 3,44,14,186, while the active cases declined to 1,37,416, the lowest in 267 days. The number of deaths climbed to 4,62,690 with 501 fresh fatalities, according to the data. (With inputs from agencies)

First anti-Covid pill to be launched soon in India, drug regulator reviewing data

India saw a single-day rise of 10,853 COVID-19 infections, which took the country's total tally of cases to 3,43,55,536, while active cases have declined to 1,44,845, the lowest in 260 days, according to Union health ministry data updated on Sunday.

The death toll has climbed to 4,60,791 with 526 more fatalities, according to the data updated at 8 am.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-welcome-all-students-schools-reopen-after-19-months-425900">'We welcome all students': Schools reopen after 19 months</a>

The daily rise in new coronavirus infections has been below 20,000 for 30 straight days and less than 50,000 daily new cases have been reported for 133 consecutive days now, the ministry said.

The active cases have declined to 1,44,845, comprising 0.42 per cent of the total infections, the lowest since March last year, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has been recorded at 98.24 per cent, the highest since March last year, it said.

The data stated that a decrease of 2,105 cases has been recorded in active COVID-19 cases in a span of 24 hours.

The daily positivity rate has been recorded at 1.18 per cent. It has been less than two per cent for the last 34 days.

The weekly positivity rate has been recorded at 1.28 per cent. It has been below two per cent for the last 44 days, according to the health ministry.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/28-million-more-years-of-life-lost-due-to-the-covid-19-pandemic-study-426635">28 million more years of life lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic: Study</a>

The number of people, who have recuperated from the disease, has increased to 3,37,49,900, while the case fatality rate has been recorded at 1.34 per cent, the data stated.

The cumulative doses administered so far under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive has exceeded 108.21 crore.

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7 last year, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16.

It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19 last year.

India crossed two crore cases on May 4 and three crore cases on June 23.

The 526 new fatalities include 467 from Kerala, 14 from West Bengal and 10 each from Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, the ministry said.

Kerala has been reconciling data on COVID-19 deaths since the past few days, hence the death tally of the state is high.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/panic-in-southern-indian-state-of-karnataka-as-32-students-test-positive-for-covid-19-at-residential-school-424685">Panic in southern Indian state of Karnataka as 32 students test positive for COVID-19 at residential school</a>

It said 4,60,791 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 1,40,372 from Maharashtra, 38,107 from Karnataka, 36,214 from Tamil Nadu, 33,515 from Kerala, 25,091 from Delhi, 22,903 from Uttar Pradesh and 19,215 from West Bengal.

The health ministry said that more than 70 per cent of deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.&nbsp;

India saw a single-day rise of 10,853 COVID-19 infections, which took the country's total tally of cases to 3,43,55,536, while active cases have declined to 1,44,845, the lowest in 260 days, according to Union health ministry data updated on Sunday.

India saw a single-day rise of 10,853 COVID-19 infections, which took the country's total tally of cases to 3,43,55,536, while active cases have declined to 1,44,845, the lowest in 260 days, according to Union health ministry data updated on Sunday. The death toll has climbed to 4,60,791 with 526 more fatalities, according to the data updated at 8 am. Also Read | 'We welcome all students': Schools reopen after 19 months The daily rise in new coronavirus infections has been below 20,000 for 30 straight days and less than 50,000 daily new cases have been reported for 133 consecutive days now, the ministry said. The active cases have declined to 1,44,845, comprising 0.42 per cent of the total infections, the lowest since March last year, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has been recorded at 98.24 per cent, the highest since March last year, it said. The data stated that a decrease of 2,105 cases has been recorded in active COVID-19 cases in a span of 24 hours. The daily positivity rate has been recorded at 1.18 per cent. It has been less than two per cent for the last 34 days. The weekly positivity rate has been recorded at 1.28 per cent. It has been below two per cent for the last 44 days, according to the health ministry. Also Read | 28 million more years of life lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic: Study The number of people, who have recuperated from the disease, has increased to 3,37,49,900, while the case fatality rate has been recorded at 1.34 per cent, the data stated. The cumulative doses administered so far under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive has exceeded 108.21 crore. India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7 last year, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19 last year. India crossed two crore cases on May 4 and three crore cases on June 23. The 526 new fatalities include 467 from Kerala, 14 from West Bengal and 10 each from Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, the ministry said. Kerala has been reconciling data on COVID-19 deaths since the past few days, hence the death tally of the state is high. Also Read | Panic in southern Indian state of Karnataka as 32 students test positive for COVID-19 at residential school It said 4,60,791 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 1,40,372 from Maharashtra, 38,107 from Karnataka, 36,214 from Tamil Nadu, 33,515 from Kerala, 25,091 from Delhi, 22,903 from Uttar Pradesh and 19,215 from West Bengal. The health ministry said that more than 70 per cent of deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

India reports single-day rise of 10,853 COVID-19 infection, active cases lowest in 260 days

About 100 million&nbsp;people in India did not turn up for their second COVID-19 vaccine dose, health officials have said, indicating signs of complacency&nbsp;as the country continues to register a lower number of coronavirus cases.

“It was pointed out that many states have adequate doses to vaccinate those people who are awaiting their second dose. Government of India is in a position to provide additional vaccine doses ... so that they can complete the aforesaid task,” the health ministry said in a statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-might-be-entering-endemic-stage-of-covid-19-who-chief-scientist-swaminathan-408296">India might be entering endemic stage of COVID-19: WHO chief scientist Swaminathan</a>

Daily shots have averaged 5 million this month, a fifth of September’s peak, though states are sitting on record stocks of more than 100 million even as domestic production of vaccine soars.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delayed-again-who-seeks-more-clarifications-on-made-in-india-covid-shot-covaxin-424319">Delayed again: WHO seeks more 'clarifications' on made-in-India Covid shot Covaxin</a>

Despite the low number of infections, the central government has been urging the states and union territories to focus on beneficiaries who are waiting for their second dose of COVID-19 vaccine after their interval period gets over.

On Wednesday, India’s health minister Mansukh Mandviya asked the state governments to improve the momentum of vaccination and accelerate its coverage.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-sends-covid-vaccines-to-47-countries-canada-gets-500000-368023">India sends Covid vaccines to 47 countries; Canada gets 500,000</a>

India has administered first doses to 725 million people, or to 77% of its’ 944 million adults, and second doses to 316 million, or 34%.

More than 242 million Indian adults have yet to get a shot, while vaccination has not started for those under 18.

India on Friday recorded 14,348 new COVID-19 cases, nearly 2,000 cases lower than Thursday, according to the health ministry.

The death toll also climbed to 457,191 with 805 daily fatalities.

The daily rise in new COVID-19 cases has been below 30,000 for 36 straight days and less than 50,000 new infections have been reported for the 125 consecutive days now.

(With inputs from agencies)

About 100 million people in India did not turn up for their second COVID-19 vaccine dose, health officials have said, indicating signs of complacency as the country continues to register a lower number of coronavirus cases.

About 100 million people in India did not turn up for their second COVID-19 vaccine dose, health officials have said, indicating signs of complacency as the country continues to register a lower number of coronavirus cases. “It was pointed out that many states have adequate doses to vaccinate those people who are awaiting their second dose. Government of India is in a position to provide additional vaccine doses ... so that they can complete the aforesaid task,” the health ministry said in a statement. Also read | India might be entering endemic stage of COVID-19: WHO chief scientist Swaminathan Daily shots have averaged 5 million this month, a fifth of September’s peak, though states are sitting on record stocks of more than 100 million even as domestic production of vaccine soars. Also read | Delayed again: WHO seeks more 'clarifications' on made-in-India Covid shot Covaxin Despite the low number of infections, the central government has been urging the states and union territories to focus on beneficiaries who are waiting for their second dose of COVID-19 vaccine after their interval period gets over. On Wednesday, India’s health minister Mansukh Mandviya asked the state governments to improve the momentum of vaccination and accelerate its coverage. Also read | India sends Covid vaccines to 47 countries; Canada gets 500,000 India has administered first doses to 725 million people, or to 77% of its’ 944 million adults, and second doses to 316 million, or 34%. More than 242 million Indian adults have yet to get a shot, while vaccination has not started for those under 18. India on Friday recorded 14,348 new COVID-19 cases, nearly 2,000 cases lower than Thursday, according to the health ministry. The death toll also climbed to 457,191 with 805 daily fatalities. The daily rise in new COVID-19 cases has been below 30,000 for 36 straight days and less than 50,000 new infections have been reported for the 125 consecutive days now. (With inputs from agencies)

Over 100 million Indians skipped second dose of COVID-19 vaccine

As India scripted history on Thursday for administering a billion COVID-19 doses, prominent leaders and key personalities in India and the world congratulated the country for reaching the significant milestone.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the first to congratulate the “collective spirit of 1.3 billion people" and express gratitude to the medical practitioners for their effort.

"India scripts history. We are witnessing the triumph of Indian science, enterprise and collective spirit of 130 crore Indians. Congrats India on crossing 100 crore vaccinations. Gratitude to our doctors, nurses and all those who worked to achieve this feat. #VaccineCentury," he tweeted.

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India scripts history. 
 
We are witnessing the triumph of Indian science, enterprise and collective spirit of 130 crore Indians. 
 
Congrats India on crossing 100 crore vaccinations. Gratitude to our doctors, nurses and all those who worked to achieve this feat. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VaccineCentury?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VaccineCentury</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1451051712387731458?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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WHO’s regional director of South Asia Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh also congratulated the Indian people for the historic feat.

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/WHOSEARO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WHOSEARO</a>’s Regional Director Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh congratulates <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> for crossing <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/100CroreVaccination?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#100CroreVaccination</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VaccineCentury?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VaccineCentury</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> <a href="https://t.co/AcPhv5u3o8">pic.twitter.com/AcPhv5u3o8</a>
— WHO South-East Asia (@WHOSEARO) <a href="https://twitter.com/WHOSEARO/status/1451052218660966401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Among the first foreign dignitaries to laud India was Bhutan’s foreign minister Tandi Dorji,&nbsp;along with country's Prime Minister Lotay Tshering.&nbsp;

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In what is a huge accomplishment not just for your country but the world, India hit the one billion mark of COVID-19 vaccination doses. On behalf of the people of Bhutan, I congratulate India! <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/1Af27xKOOF">https://t.co/1Af27xKOOF</a> <a href="https://t.co/zVcRRECc6S">pic.twitter.com/zVcRRECc6S</a>
— PM Bhutan (@PMBhutan) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMBhutan/status/1451055499701489669?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Congratulations India 🇮🇳 for administering 1 billion COVID-19 vaccinations - a historic milestone!
— ForeignMinisterBhutan (@FMBhutan) <a href="https://twitter.com/FMBhutan/status/1451046204704313354?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Israeli Prime Minister Neftali Bennett&nbsp;also extended his wishes to the Indian people.

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Congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> on leading India's successful COVID-19 vaccination campaign that has now administered more than 1 billion vaccines to the Indian people. 
 
These life-saving vaccines are helping us all defeat the global pandemic. 
🇮🇱💉🇮🇳
— Naftali Bennett בנט (@naftalibennett) <a href="https://twitter.com/naftalibennett/status/1451119609843752963?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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India’s health minister Mansukh Mandaviya visited the COVID-19 War Room in national capital Delhi and interacted with staff to mark the historic achievement.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya visits COVID19 War Room in Delhi, interacts with staff and distributes sweets to mark India achieving one billion COVID19 vaccinations. Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan also present <a href="https://t.co/WlaTi76dJJ">pic.twitter.com/WlaTi76dJJ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1451051452458160128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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India’s home minister Amit Shah also joined his peers and tweeted in Hindi saying, "I thank all the scientists, researchers and health workers who have contributed in this Mahayagya (feat) by overcoming many challenges and congratulate Modi ji who is determined for the safety and health of every person. Jai Hind!"

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इस ऐतिहासिक उपलब्धि पर पूरे देश को बधाई देता हूँ। 
 
अनेकों चुनौतियों को पार कर इस महायज्ञ में अपना योगदान देने वाले सभी वैज्ञानिकों, शोधकर्ताओं व स्वास्थ्यकर्मियों का आभार व हर व्यक्ति की सुरक्षा व स्वास्थ्य हेतु संकल्पित मोदी जी का अभिनन्दन करता हूँ। 
 
जय हिन्द! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VaccineCentury?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VaccineCentury</a> <a href="https://t.co/YDB0fxlTJN">pic.twitter.com/YDB0fxlTJN</a>
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1451053676009639941?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

As India scripted history on Thursday for administering a billion COVID-19 doses, prominent leaders and key personalities in India and the world congratulated the country for reaching the significant milestone.

As India scripted history on Thursday for administering a billion COVID-19 doses, prominent leaders and key personalities in India and the world congratulated the country for reaching the significant milestone. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the first to congratulate the “collective spirit of 1.3 billion people" and express gratitude to the medical practitioners for their effort. "India scripts history. We are witnessing the triumph of Indian science, enterprise and collective spirit of 130 crore Indians. Congrats India on crossing 100 crore vaccinations. Gratitude to our doctors, nurses and all those who worked to achieve this feat. #VaccineCentury," he tweeted. India scripts history. We are witnessing the triumph of Indian science, enterprise and collective spirit of 130 crore Indians. Congrats India on crossing 100 crore vaccinations. Gratitude to our doctors, nurses and all those who worked to achieve this feat. #VaccineCentury — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 21, 2021 × WHO’s regional director of South Asia Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh also congratulated the Indian people for the historic feat. .@WHOSEARO’s Regional Director Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh congratulates #India for crossing #100CroreVaccination.#VaccineCentury #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/AcPhv5u3o8 — WHO South-East Asia (@WHOSEARO) October 21, 2021 × Among the first foreign dignitaries to laud India was Bhutan’s foreign minister Tandi Dorji, along with country's Prime Minister Lotay Tshering. In what is a huge accomplishment not just for your country but the world, India hit the one billion mark of COVID-19 vaccination doses. On behalf of the people of Bhutan, I congratulate India! @narendramodi @PMOIndia https://t.co/1Af27xKOOF pic.twitter.com/zVcRRECc6S — PM Bhutan (@PMBhutan) October 21, 2021 × Congratulations India 🇮🇳 for administering 1 billion COVID-19 vaccinations - a historic milestone! — ForeignMinisterBhutan (@FMBhutan) October 21, 2021 × Israeli Prime Minister Neftali Bennett also extended his wishes to the Indian people. Congratulations to @narendramodi on leading India's successful COVID-19 vaccination campaign that has now administered more than 1 billion vaccines to the Indian people. These life-saving vaccines are helping us all defeat the global pandemic. 🇮🇱💉🇮🇳 — Naftali Bennett בנט (@naftalibennett) October 21, 2021 × India’s health minister Mansukh Mandaviya visited the COVID-19 War Room in national capital Delhi and interacted with staff to mark the historic achievement. #WATCH Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya visits COVID19 War Room in Delhi, interacts with staff and distributes sweets to mark India achieving one billion COVID19 vaccinations. Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan also present pic.twitter.com/WlaTi76dJJ — ANI (@ANI) October 21, 2021 × India’s home minister Amit Shah also joined his peers and tweeted in Hindi saying, "I thank all the scientists, researchers and health workers who have contributed in this Mahayagya (feat) by overcoming many challenges and congratulate Modi ji who is determined for the safety and health of every person. Jai Hind!" इस ऐतिहासिक उपलब्धि पर पूरे देश को बधाई देता हूँ। अनेकों चुनौतियों को पार कर इस महायज्ञ में अपना योगदान देने वाले सभी वैज्ञानिकों, शोधकर्ताओं व स्वास्थ्यकर्मियों का आभार व हर व्यक्ति की सुरक्षा व स्वास्थ्य हेतु संकल्पित मोदी जी का अभिनन्दन करता हूँ। जय हिन्द! #VaccineCentury pic.twitter.com/YDB0fxlTJN — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) October 21, 2021 ×

‘Historic milestone’: PM Modi, world leaders congratulate India for administering one billion COVID-19 doses

The number of fresh coronavirus cases was recorded at below 20,000 (18,795) in India after 201 days on Tuesday, taking the country's COVID-19 tally to 3,36,97,581, while the number of active cases declined to 2,92,206, the lowest in 192 days, according to the Union health ministry.

A total 18,795 fresh Covid cases were registered in a span of 24 hours, while the death toll due to the viral disease climbed to 4,47,373 with 179 more fatalities, the lowest in 193 days, according to the ministry's data updated at 8 am.

The number of daily fatalities was recorded at 154 on March 19.

The number of active cases has declined to 2,92,206, accounting for 0.87 per cent of the total number of cases -- the lowest since March 2020 -- while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 97.81 per cent, the highest since March last year, the ministry said.

A decrease of 7,414 cases was recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours.

Less than 50,000 daily cases are being reported in the country for 93 consecutive days now, the ministry said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-might-be-entering-endemic-stage-of-covid-19-who-chief-scientist-swaminathan-408296">India might be entering endemic stage of COVID-19: WHO chief scientist Swaminathan</a>

Also, 13,21,780 tests were conducted to detect the infection on Monday, taking the total number of such tests conducted so far in the country to 56,57,30,031.

The daily positivity rate was recorded at 1.42 per cent. It has been less than three per cent for the last 29 days.

The weekly positivity rate was recorded at 1.88 per cent. It has been below three per cent for the last 95 days, according to the ministry.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease has gone up to 3,29,58,002, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.33 per cent.

The cumulative number of vaccine doses administered in the country so far under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive has exceeded 87 crore with more than one crore doses administered in a span of 24 hours.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-mocks-indias-covid-19-crisis-deletes-post-after-backlash-382517">China mocks India’s COVID-19 crisis, deletes post after backlash</a>

India's COVID-19 tally crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 2020, the 30-lakh mark on August 23, the 40-lakh mark on September 5 and the 50-lakh mark on September 16.

It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and the one-crore mark on December 19 last year.

The country crossed the grim milestone of two crore Covid cases on May 4 this year and the three-crore mark on June 23.

The 179 new fatalities include 58 from Kerala and 32 from Maharashtra.

A total of 4,47,373 deaths due to the viral disease have so far been reported in the country, including 1,38,902 from Maharashtra, 37,746 from Karnataka, 35,509 from Tamil Nadu, 25,085 from Delhi, 24,661 from Kerala, 22,890 from Uttar Pradesh and 18,751 from West Bengal.

The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that a state-wise distribution of the figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.&nbsp;

The number of fresh coronavirus cases was recorded at below 20,000 (18,795) in India after 201 days on Tuesday, taking the country's COVID-19 tally to 3,36,97,581, while the number of active cases declined to 2,92,206, the lowest in 192 days, according to the Union health ministry.

The number of fresh coronavirus cases was recorded at below 20,000 (18,795) in India after 201 days on Tuesday, taking the country's COVID-19 tally to 3,36,97,581, while the number of active cases declined to 2,92,206, the lowest in 192 days, according to the Union health ministry. A total 18,795 fresh Covid cases were registered in a span of 24 hours, while the death toll due to the viral disease climbed to 4,47,373 with 179 more fatalities, the lowest in 193 days, according to the ministry's data updated at 8 am. The number of daily fatalities was recorded at 154 on March 19. The number of active cases has declined to 2,92,206, accounting for 0.87 per cent of the total number of cases -- the lowest since March 2020 -- while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 97.81 per cent, the highest since March last year, the ministry said. A decrease of 7,414 cases was recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. Less than 50,000 daily cases are being reported in the country for 93 consecutive days now, the ministry said. Also read | India might be entering endemic stage of COVID-19: WHO chief scientist Swaminathan Also, 13,21,780 tests were conducted to detect the infection on Monday, taking the total number of such tests conducted so far in the country to 56,57,30,031. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 1.42 per cent. It has been less than three per cent for the last 29 days. The weekly positivity rate was recorded at 1.88 per cent. It has been below three per cent for the last 95 days, according to the ministry. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease has gone up to 3,29,58,002, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.33 per cent. The cumulative number of vaccine doses administered in the country so far under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive has exceeded 87 crore with more than one crore doses administered in a span of 24 hours. Also read | China mocks India’s COVID-19 crisis, deletes post after backlash India's COVID-19 tally crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 2020, the 30-lakh mark on August 23, the 40-lakh mark on September 5 and the 50-lakh mark on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and the one-crore mark on December 19 last year. The country crossed the grim milestone of two crore Covid cases on May 4 this year and the three-crore mark on June 23. The 179 new fatalities include 58 from Kerala and 32 from Maharashtra. A total of 4,47,373 deaths due to the viral disease have so far been reported in the country, including 1,38,902 from Maharashtra, 37,746 from Karnataka, 35,509 from Tamil Nadu, 25,085 from Delhi, 24,661 from Kerala, 22,890 from Uttar Pradesh and 18,751 from West Bengal. The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that a state-wise distribution of the figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

India records 18,795 fresh COVID-19 cases, lowest in six months

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Gravitas: The third wave in India "begins this month"

India achieves yet another milestone to inoculate its large population. India not only administered 32 crore doses of COVID-19 so far but also surpassed US in total vaccine doses administered. The nation witnesses a sharp drop in COVID cases as it reports 46,148 new cases in last 24 hours.

India has administered more doses than U.S.; Witnesses sharp drop in COVID cases

Oxygen Express trains have crossed the milestone of delivering 30,000 tonnes of liquid medical oxygen across the country, the railways said on Sunday.

The service was started in the wake of a severe second Covid wave and these trains had started deliveries on April 24 in Maharashtra with a load of 126 tonnes.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/11-oxygen-plants-soon-to-come-up-in-gurugram-386750">11 oxygen plants soon to come up in Gurugram</a>

So far, the Indian Railways has delivered nearly 30,182 tonnes of liquid medical oxygen (LMO) in more than 1,734 tankers to various states, the national transporter said.

While 421 Oxygen Express trains have completed their journey so far and brought relief to various states, two loaded trains with more than 177 tonnes of LMO in 10 tankers are on their way to their destinations, the railways said in a statement.

Oxygen Express trains have delivered more than 15,000 tonnes of LMO to southern states of the country, it said. 
These trains have delivered more than 3,600, 3,700 and 4,900 tonnes of LMO in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu respectively.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/daily-covid-19-count-in-india-remains-below-100000-mark-391132">Daily COVID-19 count in India remains below 1,00,000 mark</a>

The service has reached out to 15 states and union territories - Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Telangana, Punjab, Kerala, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Assam.

Till now, 614 tonnes of LMO has been offloaded in Maharashtra, nearly 3,797 tonnes in Uttar Pradesh, 656 tonnes in Madhya Pradesh, 5,722 tonnes in Delhi, 2,354 tonnes in Haryana, 98 tonnes in Rajasthan, and 3,782 tonnes in Karnataka, the statement said.

So far, 320 tonnes of LMO has been offloaded in Uttarakhand, 4,941 tonnes in Tamil Nadu, 3,664 tonnes in Andhra Pradesh, 225 tonnes in Punjab, 513 tonnes in Kerala, 2,972 tonnes in Telangana, 38 tonnes in Jharkhand and 480 tonnes in Assam, it said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-to-donate-10-litre-2000-oxygen-concentrators-to-help-indias-battle-against-covid-19-387054">BCCI to donate 10-litre 2000 oxygen concentrators to help India's battle against COVID-19</a>

Oxygen Express trains have offloaded LMO in around 39 cities or towns in 15 states.

Crisscrossing the country, Indian Railways is picking up oxygen from places like Hapa, Baroda, Mundra in the West and Rourkela, Durgapur, Tatanagar, Angul in the East and then delivering it to States of Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Telangana, Punjab, Kerala, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh &amp; Assam in complex operational route planning scenarios.&nbsp;

Oxygen Express trains have crossed the milestone of delivering 30,000 tonnes of liquid medical oxygen across the country, the railways said on Sunday. The service was started in the wake of a severe second Covid wave and these trains had started deliveries on April 24 in Maharashtra with a load of 126 tonnes.

Oxygen Express trains have crossed the milestone of delivering 30,000 tonnes of liquid medical oxygen across the country, the railways said on Sunday. The service was started in the wake of a severe second Covid wave and these trains had started deliveries on April 24 in Maharashtra with a load of 126 tonnes. Also read | 11 oxygen plants soon to come up in Gurugram So far, the Indian Railways has delivered nearly 30,182 tonnes of liquid medical oxygen (LMO) in more than 1,734 tankers to various states, the national transporter said. While 421 Oxygen Express trains have completed their journey so far and brought relief to various states, two loaded trains with more than 177 tonnes of LMO in 10 tankers are on their way to their destinations, the railways said in a statement. Oxygen Express trains have delivered more than 15,000 tonnes of LMO to southern states of the country, it said. These trains have delivered more than 3,600, 3,700 and 4,900 tonnes of LMO in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu respectively. Also read | Daily COVID-19 count in India remains below 1,00,000 mark The service has reached out to 15 states and union territories - Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Telangana, Punjab, Kerala, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Assam. Till now, 614 tonnes of LMO has been offloaded in Maharashtra, nearly 3,797 tonnes in Uttar Pradesh, 656 tonnes in Madhya Pradesh, 5,722 tonnes in Delhi, 2,354 tonnes in Haryana, 98 tonnes in Rajasthan, and 3,782 tonnes in Karnataka, the statement said. So far, 320 tonnes of LMO has been offloaded in Uttarakhand, 4,941 tonnes in Tamil Nadu, 3,664 tonnes in Andhra Pradesh, 225 tonnes in Punjab, 513 tonnes in Kerala, 2,972 tonnes in Telangana, 38 tonnes in Jharkhand and 480 tonnes in Assam, it said. Also read | BCCI to donate 10-litre 2000 oxygen concentrators to help India's battle against COVID-19 Oxygen Express trains have offloaded LMO in around 39 cities or towns in 15 states. Crisscrossing the country, Indian Railways is picking up oxygen from places like Hapa, Baroda, Mundra in the West and Rourkela, Durgapur, Tatanagar, Angul in the East and then delivering it to States of Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Telangana, Punjab, Kerala, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh & Assam in complex operational route planning scenarios.

Oxygen Express: Over 30,000 tonnes of Liquid Medical Oxygen delivered

The COVID-19 death toll climbed to 3,35,102 with 3,207 fresh deaths. The active cases were recorded below 20 lakh for the second consecutive day, the data updated at 8 am showed.

India logs 1.32 lakh fresh Covid-19 cases

Continuing a downward trend India recorded 153,485 fresh Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours, the lowest daily count in 48 days or since April 13, 2021.

Coronavirus: India records 1.5 Lakh new COVID-19 cases in 24 hours

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Mucormycosis is a fungal infection that mainly affects people who are on medication for other health problems that reduce their ability to fight environmental pathogens

Black Fungus infections on the rise in India

India on Thursday registered 3,62,727 new coronavirus cases, taking the infection tally to 2,37,03,665 since the pandemic broke out in January last year.

India records over 3.62 lakh cases, 4,120 deaths in a day

India's expert panel of Central Drugs Standard Control Organization(CDSCO) has recommended Bharat Biotech’s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> vaccine, Covaxin for second and third phase trials in children aged between two to eighteen years of age.

With 525 participants, the trial is expected to take place at various sites, including AIIMS Delhi, AIIMS Patna, and Meditrina Institute of Medical Sciences, Nagpur.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/003-contracted-covid-19-after-receiving-second-jab-of-covishield-004-post-covaxin-379059">0.03% contracted Covid-19 after receiving second jab of Covishield; 0.04% post Covaxin</a>

On Tuesday, the Subject Expert Committee (SEC) on COVID-19 of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization deliberated on an application submitted by Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech. The application sought permission to conduct Phase 2 and 3 trials in children aged 2 to 18 years. &nbsp;

The clinical trials will evaluate the safety, reactogenicity and immunogenicity of Covaxin jabs in children.

"After detailed deliberation, the committee recommended for conduct of proposed phase II/III clinical trial of whole virion inactivated coronavirus vaccine in the 2 to 18 years age group subject to the condition that the firm should submit the interim safety data of phase II clinical trial along with DSMB recommendations to the CDSCO before proceeding to phase III part of the study," a source told PTI.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bharat-biotechs-covaxin-gets-nod-for-phase-23-trials-on-2-18-years-old-384468/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The proposal was earlier contemplated over in an SEC meeting on February 24 wherein the firm was asked to submit a revised clinical trial protocol.

Covaxin is an indigenously developed vaccination by Bharat Biotech developed in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the vaccine is already in use for adults in India's ongoing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> vaccination drive.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's expert panel of Central Drugs Standard Control Organization(CDSCO) has recommended Bharat Biotech’s COVID-19 vaccine, Covaxin for second and third phase trials in children aged between two to eighteen years of age.

India's expert panel of Central Drugs Standard Control Organization(CDSCO) has recommended Bharat Biotech’s COVID-19 vaccine, Covaxin for second and third phase trials in children aged between two to eighteen years of age. With 525 participants, the trial is expected to take place at various sites, including AIIMS Delhi, AIIMS Patna, and Meditrina Institute of Medical Sciences, Nagpur. Also read | 0.03% contracted Covid-19 after receiving second jab of Covishield; 0.04% post Covaxin On Tuesday, the Subject Expert Committee (SEC) on COVID-19 of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization deliberated on an application submitted by Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech. The application sought permission to conduct Phase 2 and 3 trials in children aged 2 to 18 years. The clinical trials will evaluate the safety, reactogenicity and immunogenicity of Covaxin jabs in children. "After detailed deliberation, the committee recommended for conduct of proposed phase II/III clinical trial of whole virion inactivated coronavirus vaccine in the 2 to 18 years age group subject to the condition that the firm should submit the interim safety data of phase II clinical trial along with DSMB recommendations to the CDSCO before proceeding to phase III part of the study," a source told PTI. The proposal was earlier contemplated over in an SEC meeting on February 24 wherein the firm was asked to submit a revised clinical trial protocol. Covaxin is an indigenously developed vaccination by Bharat Biotech developed in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the vaccine is already in use for adults in India's ongoing COVID-19 vaccination drive. (With inputs from agencies)

India's expert panel recommends Covaxin trials on 2-18 year-olds

Warning signs include pain and redness around the eyes or nose, with fever, headache, coughing, shortness of breath, bloody vomits, and altered mental status.

Black Fungus on rise in India

Even as India battles the second wave of the covid pandemic, it has received a pledge of support from 42 countries, of which assistance from 21 countries has already arrived.

India is keen on in two areas: oxygen and essential medicines. In oxygen, it is liquid oxygen and equipment that can generate oxygen, and in essential medicines, it is Remdesivir.&nbsp;

ALso read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/360-million-indians-to-get-sputnik-v-jabs-by-march-2022-383781" hreflang="en">360 million Indians to get Sputnik V jabs by March 2022&nbsp;</a>

Currently, in the country, the production of medical oxygen supply has increased from 5,700 MT to 9,480 MT but it needs to be supplemented. From international assistance, India has got 20,000 oxygen cylinders, 11,000 oxygen concentrators, 30 oxygen tankers and 75 oxygen generator plants. Out of the 30 oxygen tankers, nine have reached the country.

MEA can assist to get global players to set up 50,000MT plants. A total of 1,172 oxygen tankers are being put in place, 102,400 oxygen cylinders are being procured, 100,000 oxygen concentrators are being procured. Many tankers have also come as part of deals between private companies.

ALso read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-covid-crisis-international-assistance-delivered-at-aiims-safdarjung-lady-harding-itbp-drdo-383784" hreflang="en">India covid crisis: International assistance delivered at AIIMS, Safdarjung, Lady Harding, ITBP, DRDO</a>

When it comes to Remdesivir, the aim is to produce 10 million in the country or around 300,000 per day. American biopharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences on Saturday sent 150,000 vials of Remdesivir and another 150,000 vials will be coming.

India will also receive 400,000 doses from Eygpt-based, Eva Pharma. India has also got quotations from Bangladesh, Germany, Uzbekistan, and UAE. All in all, India will get 1.6 million vials of Remdesivir from these sources.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-appreciates-gift-of-200-oxygen-cylinders-10-oxygen-concentrators-by-thailand-mea-383760" hreflang="en">India appreciates gift of 200 oxygen cylinders, 10 oxygen concentrators by Thailand: MEA</a>

The focus is also on tocilizumab, with Switzerland-based Roche increasing its supply by 60 times. India is getting 11,000 vials, and 21,000 more vials are expected of tocilizumab — usually given in the initial stages of covid. India is getting favipiravir from Russia and RoActemra from other sources.&nbsp;

India's missions and posts are coordinating efforts of procuring as well as making sure that the assistance by foreign countries reaches the country as it battles the covid pandemic.

As the second wave hit the country, the ministry of external affairs' COVID cell was reactivated. The covid&nbsp;cell formed last year, has around 15-20 IFS officers — mostly young officers — and is headed by Dammu Ravi who is the Additional Secretary coordinating all issues under it. Naveen Srivastava and Vinay Kumar are the other two&nbsp;MEA officials, who are part of the entire coordination effort against covid. While Naveen represents MEA at the empowered panels on coordinating against covid, Vinay deals with the vaccine efforts like Vaccine Maitri and others.

While a lot of support has come in from across the globe, many leaders have recalled how India had reached out to the world community when they needed medicines and other essentials.

"When we were in a bind at the very beginning, India helped us,"&nbsp;US President Joe Biden recently said. In 2020, India had sent HCQ to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-american-physicians-sending-5000-oxygen-concentrators-to-india-383606">US</a> when it was battling the covid pandemic.

In addition to the US, UK's Charles, Prince of Wales, the heir apparent to the British throne, in a message for India said, "As India has helped others, so now must we help India".&nbsp;

However, even as international assistance helps to bridge the short-term capacity constraints, New Delhi aims to ramp up capacity.

Even as India battles the second wave of the covid pandemic, it has received a pledge of support from 42 countries, of which assistance from 21 countries has already arrived.

Even as India battles the second wave of the covid pandemic, it has received a pledge of support from 42 countries, of which assistance from 21 countries has already arrived. India is keen on in two areas: oxygen and essential medicines. In oxygen, it is liquid oxygen and equipment that can generate oxygen, and in essential medicines, it is Remdesivir. ALso read | 360 million Indians to get Sputnik V jabs by March 2022 Currently, in the country, the production of medical oxygen supply has increased from 5,700 MT to 9,480 MT but it needs to be supplemented. From international assistance, India has got 20,000 oxygen cylinders, 11,000 oxygen concentrators, 30 oxygen tankers and 75 oxygen generator plants. Out of the 30 oxygen tankers, nine have reached the country. MEA can assist to get global players to set up 50,000MT plants. A total of 1,172 oxygen tankers are being put in place, 102,400 oxygen cylinders are being procured, 100,000 oxygen concentrators are being procured. Many tankers have also come as part of deals between private companies. ALso read | India covid crisis: International assistance delivered at AIIMS, Safdarjung, Lady Harding, ITBP, DRDO When it comes to Remdesivir, the aim is to produce 10 million in the country or around 300,000 per day. American biopharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences on Saturday sent 150,000 vials of Remdesivir and another 150,000 vials will be coming. India will also receive 400,000 doses from Eygpt-based, Eva Pharma. India has also got quotations from Bangladesh, Germany, Uzbekistan, and UAE. All in all, India will get 1.6 million vials of Remdesivir from these sources. Also read | India appreciates gift of 200 oxygen cylinders, 10 oxygen concentrators by Thailand: MEA The focus is also on tocilizumab, with Switzerland-based Roche increasing its supply by 60 times. India is getting 11,000 vials, and 21,000 more vials are expected of tocilizumab — usually given in the initial stages of covid. India is getting favipiravir from Russia and RoActemra from other sources. India's missions and posts are coordinating efforts of procuring as well as making sure that the assistance by foreign countries reaches the country as it battles the covid pandemic. As the second wave hit the country, the ministry of external affairs' COVID cell was reactivated. The covid cell formed last year, has around 15-20 IFS officers — mostly young officers — and is headed by Dammu Ravi who is the Additional Secretary coordinating all issues under it. Naveen Srivastava and Vinay Kumar are the other two MEA officials, who are part of the entire coordination effort against covid. While Naveen represents MEA at the empowered panels on coordinating against covid, Vinay deals with the vaccine efforts like Vaccine Maitri and others. While a lot of support has come in from across the globe, many leaders have recalled how India had reached out to the world community when they needed medicines and other essentials. "When we were in a bind at the very beginning, India helped us," US President Joe Biden recently said. In 2020, India had sent HCQ to the US when it was battling the covid pandemic. In addition to the US, UK's Charles, Prince of Wales, the heir apparent to the British throne, in a message for India said, "As India has helped others, so now must we help India". However, even as international assistance helps to bridge the short-term capacity constraints, New Delhi aims to ramp up capacity.

As 42 countries pitch in, India to receive 100,000 oxygen cylinders, and more

As international assistance pours into India, authorities have been able&nbsp;to deliver it to various end-users — hospitals spread across the country.

The top recipient of the assistance have been AIIMS&nbsp;(which is spread across the country), Safdarjung Delhi, Lady Harding, RML Hospital in Delhi, ITBP and DRDO.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/360-million-indians-to-get-sputnik-v-jabs-by-march-2022-383781" hreflang="en">360 million Indians to get Sputnik V jabs by March 2022&nbsp;</a>

The ministry of external affairs' covid cell is working 24*7 and contacting Indian missions and a mechanism (SOP) has been set up to smoothen the early delivery of assistance.&nbsp;

So far, 11,000 items of over 3,000 tonnes have been dispatched all over the country with the Indian Air force and Indian navy playing an important part in transporting material.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/300-bed-covid-isolation-centre-comes-up-in-hyderabads-calvary-temple-383757" hreflang="en">300-bed COVID isolation centre comes up in Hyderabad's Calvary Temple</a>

The first flight of assistance came on April 27 from the UK. Nearly 80 oxygen concentrators from the UK went to DRDO Patna, 100 to DRDO Delhi and DRDO Ahmedabad each, 120 to Lady Hardinge Medical College, Delhi with RML and Safdarjung getting 50 ventilators each. UK's assistance of oxygen concentrators has been sent to states such as Goa, Bihar, UP, Jharkhand.

Australia had sent 43 Oxygen concentrators which have been delivered to West Bengal while 1,056 ventilators sent by the country have been delivered to Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Assam, and Bihar. Two&nbsp;liquid oxygen containers that arrived from Bahrain have been given to DRDO.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-appreciates-gift-of-200-oxygen-cylinders-10-oxygen-concentrators-by-thailand-mea-383760" hreflang="en">India appreciates gift of 200 oxygen cylinders, 10 oxygen concentrators by Thailand: MEA</a>

France had sent 200 syringe pumps, 500 machine filters, 500 anti-bacterial filters, 28 ventilators — all of which have been delivered to Lady Hardinge Medical College. Germany had sent 120 ventilators of which 40 were given to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi, 45 to RML in Delhi, and 35 to AIIMS, Jhajjar.&nbsp;

Assistance from Ireland went to AIIMS in Patna, Rai Barelli, Chandigarh, Rishikesh, Jodhpur, Bhopal, Delhi,&nbsp;Jhajjar, and several northeastern states.

One oxygen generation plant and 20 ventilators sent by Italy went to ITBP hospital, Noida. The plant that was installed within 48 hours was "switched on" by the Italian Ambassador to India Vincenzo de Luca himself. The plant will supply oxygen to more than 100 beds at a time to the COVID-19 patients admitted at the center.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-steps-up-assures-supply-of-medical-oxygen-to-india-383743" hreflang="en">Saudi Arabia steps up, assures supply of medical Oxygen to India</a>

Romania had sent 80 oxygen concentrators, of which 40 went to AIIMS Jhajhhar and Lady Harding each, and of the 75 oxygen cylinders, 40 went to Safdarjung and 35 to Lady Harding. In addition to this, Lady Harding received 150-bed side monitors, 75 ventilators and 20 oxygen concentrators from Russia.&nbsp;

Nearly 200 oxygen concentrators sent by Mauritius went to AIIMS Mangakagiri (20), AIIMS Nagpur (60), AIIMS Raipur (50) and JIPMER Puducherry (70).

New Zealand sent 72 oxygen concentrators, all of which went to army Base Hospital, Delhi Cantt.&nbsp;

US supplies went across the country: Remdesivir was sent to Assam, Goa, MP, Bihar, West Bengal, Delhi, PGI Chandigarh, AIIMS Kalyani, AIIMS Bhopal. Rapid detection kits were delivered&nbsp;to Delhi and Punjab.&nbsp;One oxygen generation plant was sent to ESIC Faridabad and&nbsp;oxygen concentrators were sent to Punjab, Kerala, Maharashtra.

Nearly 256 oxygen cylinders sent by Singapore were distributed to AIIMS Ranchi, Raipur, Patna, Lady Harding, with each getting 64 cylinders. Thailand had sent 30 Oxygen concentrators, with 15 going to Safdarjung, Delhi, 15 to CGHS, Delhi.&nbsp;

Taiwan's assistance of oxygen concentrators (150) went to Mizoram (15), Punjab (50), Haryana (35), National Institute of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases, Delhi (50), and 500 oxygen cylinders were sent&nbsp;to Mizoram (15), Himachal Pradesh (185) and Uttrakhand (300).

UAE's mega assistance went across the length and breadth of the country, such as the 1,707,600 masks were distributed to AIIMS Kalyani, Manglagiri, Rai Barelli, Jodhpur, Patna, Deogarh, Rishikesh, Delhi; 157 ventilators to DRDO Dehradun; ventilators to various AIIMS, DRDO, ITBP.

The West Asian country, with which New Delhi's partnership has grown in the past few years also sent 72,000 goggles, of which Safdarjung, Jodhpur&nbsp;and Lady Harding received 11,000 each, and RML and AIIMS Rishikesh received 10,000 each and&nbsp;Jhajjar received 20,000 each.&nbsp;

The Ministry of External Affairs' covid cell's chief Dammu Ravi has assured that the international assistance sent to India by various countries is being distributed to various locations in real-time to bring immediate relief as the covid crisis wreaks the country.&nbsp;

"Not even one consignment has remained at the airport or the seaport. They have been directly loaded at the airport to distribution location in real-time, it goes and gets distributed and given to that location for the right use, immediate use" Dammu Ravi, Additional Secretary of MEA's COVID Cell explained.&nbsp;"Most of the consignments have reached the destination. some may be in transit, for a logistical reason and every consignment is tracked and ensured that it is properly used in those locations"

Nearly 10,000 doses of Remdesivir that were given by Bangladesh will be given to North-Eastern states of Meghalaya, Manipur, Sikkim, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences and North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS). They were formally handed over at the Petrapole border checkpoint between India and Bangladesh on May 05.

Belgium had also sent 9,000 vials of Remdesivir which have been delivered to the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, UP, Rajasthan. 20,000 doses of Favipiravir sent by Russia were&nbsp;sent to Lady Harding, Safdarjung, RLM, and AIIMS (Jodhpur, Rishikesh, Rai Barely, Delhi, Jhajjar).

So far, 4468 oxygen concentrators, 13 oxygen plants, 3417 oxygen cylinders, 3921 ventilators, and 300,000 Remdesivir have been dispatched or delivered (as of May 05).

According to the government&nbsp;data, 235 items were dispatched on April 28, 456 items from April 28, 355 items and 200,000 strips of medicines on April 29, 3595 items on April 30, 30 items on&nbsp;May 01, 2926 items and 130,000 vials of Remdesivir on May 02, 225 items on May 03, 1233 items and 160,000 vials of Remdesivir on May 04, 1782 items on May 05.&nbsp;

The distribution of allocation that has been made is shared by foreign governments, both by Indian envoys abroad and MEA in Delhi, so that they are fully aware of how their donation is used by India. Ravi highlighted that "we are deeply appreciative of the generous offer coming from abroad, both by foreign governments, individuals, private entities, NGOs who have expressed solidarity and support with India" and "internationally recognition of the fact, that this crisis is not that of India alone, and it is a global crisis requiring collective actions and collective strategies"&nbsp;

This international assistance is coordinated with a cell at the health ministry, in which MEA plays an important role since all the goods come via them. The group meets every morning at around 9:30 am to coordinate the entire process. It comprises two senior officials from MEA, two joint secretaries from the health ministry, chief commissioner of customs, economic advisor from the ministry of civil aviation, a technical advisor from the directorate general of health services, secretary-general of Indian red cross, and a representative from HLL Lifecare Limited which is an Indian government-owned healthcare manufacturing company. The cell was set up on April 26 and on April 28, the process of delineation started.

India is receiving assistance from countries, NRI bodies, and the international private sector with the Indian red cross society being the single consignee for all the consignments coming from abroad. HLL is a customs clearing agent and the transported, which is assisted by the national disaster response force. The assistance is allocated on basis of accessibility and immediate use of resources to hospitals and states are given on basis of current active cases. In fact, a priority list of state and union territory is prepared.

As international assistance pours into India, authorities have been able to deliver it to various end-users — hospitals spread across the country. The top recipient of the assistance have been AIIMS (which is spread across the country), Safdarjung Delhi, Lady Harding, RML Hospital in Delhi, ITBP and DRDO.

As international assistance pours into India, authorities have been able to deliver it to various end-users — hospitals spread across the country. The top recipient of the assistance have been AIIMS (which is spread across the country), Safdarjung Delhi, Lady Harding, RML Hospital in Delhi, ITBP and DRDO. Also read | 360 million Indians to get Sputnik V jabs by March 2022 The ministry of external affairs' covid cell is working 24*7 and contacting Indian missions and a mechanism (SOP) has been set up to smoothen the early delivery of assistance. So far, 11,000 items of over 3,000 tonnes have been dispatched all over the country with the Indian Air force and Indian navy playing an important part in transporting material. Also read | 300-bed COVID isolation centre comes up in Hyderabad's Calvary Temple The first flight of assistance came on April 27 from the UK. Nearly 80 oxygen concentrators from the UK went to DRDO Patna, 100 to DRDO Delhi and DRDO Ahmedabad each, 120 to Lady Hardinge Medical College, Delhi with RML and Safdarjung getting 50 ventilators each. UK's assistance of oxygen concentrators has been sent to states such as Goa, Bihar, UP, Jharkhand. Australia had sent 43 Oxygen concentrators which have been delivered to West Bengal while 1,056 ventilators sent by the country have been delivered to Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Assam, and Bihar. Two liquid oxygen containers that arrived from Bahrain have been given to DRDO. Also read | India appreciates gift of 200 oxygen cylinders, 10 oxygen concentrators by Thailand: MEA France had sent 200 syringe pumps, 500 machine filters, 500 anti-bacterial filters, 28 ventilators — all of which have been delivered to Lady Hardinge Medical College. Germany had sent 120 ventilators of which 40 were given to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi, 45 to RML in Delhi, and 35 to AIIMS, Jhajjar. Assistance from Ireland went to AIIMS in Patna, Rai Barelli, Chandigarh, Rishikesh, Jodhpur, Bhopal, Delhi, Jhajjar, and several northeastern states. One oxygen generation plant and 20 ventilators sent by Italy went to ITBP hospital, Noida. The plant that was installed within 48 hours was "switched on" by the Italian Ambassador to India Vincenzo de Luca himself. The plant will supply oxygen to more than 100 beds at a time to the COVID-19 patients admitted at the center. Also read | Saudi Arabia steps up, assures supply of medical Oxygen to India Romania had sent 80 oxygen concentrators, of which 40 went to AIIMS Jhajhhar and Lady Harding each, and of the 75 oxygen cylinders, 40 went to Safdarjung and 35 to Lady Harding. In addition to this, Lady Harding received 150-bed side monitors, 75 ventilators and 20 oxygen concentrators from Russia. Nearly 200 oxygen concentrators sent by Mauritius went to AIIMS Mangakagiri (20), AIIMS Nagpur (60), AIIMS Raipur (50) and JIPMER Puducherry (70). New Zealand sent 72 oxygen concentrators, all of which went to army Base Hospital, Delhi Cantt. US supplies went across the country: Remdesivir was sent to Assam, Goa, MP, Bihar, West Bengal, Delhi, PGI Chandigarh, AIIMS Kalyani, AIIMS Bhopal. Rapid detection kits were delivered to Delhi and Punjab. One oxygen generation plant was sent to ESIC Faridabad and oxygen concentrators were sent to Punjab, Kerala, Maharashtra. Nearly 256 oxygen cylinders sent by Singapore were distributed to AIIMS Ranchi, Raipur, Patna, Lady Harding, with each getting 64 cylinders. Thailand had sent 30 Oxygen concentrators, with 15 going to Safdarjung, Delhi, 15 to CGHS, Delhi. Taiwan's assistance of oxygen concentrators (150) went to Mizoram (15), Punjab (50), Haryana (35), National Institute of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases, Delhi (50), and 500 oxygen cylinders were sent to Mizoram (15), Himachal Pradesh (185) and Uttrakhand (300). UAE's mega assistance went across the length and breadth of the country, such as the 1,707,600 masks were distributed to AIIMS Kalyani, Manglagiri, Rai Barelli, Jodhpur, Patna, Deogarh, Rishikesh, Delhi; 157 ventilators to DRDO Dehradun; ventilators to various AIIMS, DRDO, ITBP. The West Asian country, with which New Delhi's partnership has grown in the past few years also sent 72,000 goggles, of which Safdarjung, Jodhpur and Lady Harding received 11,000 each, and RML and AIIMS Rishikesh received 10,000 each and Jhajjar received 20,000 each. The Ministry of External Affairs' covid cell's chief Dammu Ravi has assured that the international assistance sent to India by various countries is being distributed to various locations in real-time to bring immediate relief as the covid crisis wreaks the country. "Not even one consignment has remained at the airport or the seaport. They have been directly loaded at the airport to distribution location in real-time, it goes and gets distributed and given to that location for the right use, immediate use" Dammu Ravi, Additional Secretary of MEA's COVID Cell explained. "Most of the consignments have reached the destination. some may be in transit, for a logistical reason and every consignment is tracked and ensured that it is properly used in those locations" Nearly 10,000 doses of Remdesivir that were given by Bangladesh will be given to North-Eastern states of Meghalaya, Manipur, Sikkim, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences and North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS). They were formally handed over at the Petrapole border checkpoint between India and Bangladesh on May 05. Belgium had also sent 9,000 vials of Remdesivir which have been delivered to the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, UP, Rajasthan. 20,000 doses of Favipiravir sent by Russia were sent to Lady Harding, Safdarjung, RLM, and AIIMS (Jodhpur, Rishikesh, Rai Barely, Delhi, Jhajjar). So far, 4468 oxygen concentrators, 13 oxygen plants, 3417 oxygen cylinders, 3921 ventilators, and 300,000 Remdesivir have been dispatched or delivered (as of May 05). According to the government data, 235 items were dispatched on April 28, 456 items from April 28, 355 items and 200,000 strips of medicines on April 29, 3595 items on April 30, 30 items on May 01, 2926 items and 130,000 vials of Remdesivir on May 02, 225 items on May 03, 1233 items and 160,000 vials of Remdesivir on May 04, 1782 items on May 05. The distribution of allocation that has been made is shared by foreign governments, both by Indian envoys abroad and MEA in Delhi, so that they are fully aware of how their donation is used by India. Ravi highlighted that "we are deeply appreciative of the generous offer coming from abroad, both by foreign governments, individuals, private entities, NGOs who have expressed solidarity and support with India" and "internationally recognition of the fact, that this crisis is not that of India alone, and it is a global crisis requiring collective actions and collective strategies" This international assistance is coordinated with a cell at the health ministry, in which MEA plays an important role since all the goods come via them. The group meets every morning at around 9:30 am to coordinate the entire process. It comprises two senior officials from MEA, two joint secretaries from the health ministry, chief commissioner of customs, economic advisor from the ministry of civil aviation, a technical advisor from the directorate general of health services, secretary-general of Indian red cross, and a representative from HLL Lifecare Limited which is an Indian government-owned healthcare manufacturing company. The cell was set up on April 26 and on April 28, the process of delineation started. India is receiving assistance from countries, NRI bodies, and the international private sector with the Indian red cross society being the single consignee for all the consignments coming from abroad. HLL is a customs clearing agent and the transported, which is assisted by the national disaster response force. The assistance is allocated on basis of accessibility and immediate use of resources to hospitals and states are given on basis of current active cases. In fact, a priority list of state and union territory is prepared.

India covid crisis: International assistance delivered at AIIMS, Safdarjung, Lady Harding, ITBP, DRDO

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

US rushing medical assistance to India: Joe Biden

India has suffered its worst day in this pandemic. With close to 380,000 new cases, India's total caseload has now crossed the 18 million mark. India also reported 3,645 new deaths on Thursday - a new record.

Gravitas: India suffers the worst day of this pandemic

India on Friday registered 3,36,452 COVID cases and more than 3000 deaths. The Govt of India has been proactively working to reduce the number of cases but is it enough? According to health experts the Indian govt had ignored the warnings regarding second wave of COVID in the first week of March. The Indian Judiciary being a watchdog in a democratic framework also lashing over the central and state govt of acting irresponsible and letting people die due to lack of 'Oxygen' and other basic medical equipments.

Did the Indian govt ignore warnings on COVID 2nd wave?

The biggest headline in India is oxygen shortage and it's serious as patients are being turned away from hospitals.

The government has banned the supply of oxygen for industrial purposes and this stock is now being diverted to hospitals.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-angela-merkel-says-europe-allowed-india-to-become-a-pharma-hub-379603/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Usually, India's healthcare facilities consume just 15 per cent of the country's oxygen supply, but during this second wave, oxygen supply to healthcare facilities has gone up to nearly 90 per cent.

Reports say 7,500 metric tonnes of oxygen is being diverted for medical use.

But German Chancellor Angela Merkel sees this surge as an opportunity to kick an ally down.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-india-troubled-with-fresh-covid-wave-a-drug-and-therapy-bring-hope-379586">As India troubled with fresh Covid wave, a drug and therapy bring hope</a>

Merkel was discussing the future of Europe today and she said Europe had not treated its pharma industry well.

Then, she pivoted to India, saying she's worried about how India's second wave will impact the delivery of "pharmaceutical products" to Germany.

Then she took a dig at India's status as a leading exporter of medical goods.

She said Europe had allowed India to become "such a large pharmaceutical producer".

"India has become a major pharmaceutical producer and we expect to honour its promises and if it can't, we will have to rethink," Merkel said.&nbsp;

The German chancellor said "Europe will have to rethink," but here's something Europe should think about first.

In 2018, India exported 229 million dollars worth of pharmaceuticals to Germany.

When Europe became the global hotspot in the pandemic last year, it was India that shared life-saving medicines and supplies.

And now when India is fighting a crushing surge, the German chancellor wants New Delhi to think of Berlin first.

It is a perfect example of Western entitlement.

But, it's not just foreign partners who are letting India down, domestic politics is hurting the fight against the virus.

Today, the Indian Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/narendra-modi">Narendra Modi </a>held a meeting with chief ministers of 11 states.

The discussions were supposed to happen behind closed doors, but one leader broke protocol.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal decided to share his discussions with the prime minister with the press.

Kejriwal's statement was beamed by the media.

When Modi was made aware of this, he interrupted Kejriwal to object.

Politics is debilitating in the best of times and in a pandemic, it can be deadly.

The second wave is taking lives and India is going to need all the help it can get.&nbsp;

And there have been some offers of help.&nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron has sent this message through his ambassador in New Delhi.

"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," Macron said.

China's foreign ministry issued a statement today, saying: "The virus is a common enemy" and "China is willing to provide the necessary support and help".

The spokesperson didn't go into the specifics of China's offer and the Indian government hasn't issued any response.

They should think twice before accepting this offer.

Last year China offered supplies and the world was left complaining about faulty test kits and equipment.

We can't afford mistakes this time.

The biggest headline in India is oxygen shortage and it's serious as patients are being turned away from hospitals. The government has banned the supply of oxygen for industrial purposes and this stock is now being diverted to hospitals.

The biggest headline in India is oxygen shortage and it's serious as patients are being turned away from hospitals. The government has banned the supply of oxygen for industrial purposes and this stock is now being diverted to hospitals. Watch | Usually, India's healthcare facilities consume just 15 per cent of the country's oxygen supply, but during this second wave, oxygen supply to healthcare facilities has gone up to nearly 90 per cent. Reports say 7,500 metric tonnes of oxygen is being diverted for medical use. But German Chancellor Angela Merkel sees this surge as an opportunity to kick an ally down. Also read | As India troubled with fresh Covid wave, a drug and therapy bring hope Merkel was discussing the future of Europe today and she said Europe had not treated its pharma industry well. Then, she pivoted to India, saying she's worried about how India's second wave will impact the delivery of "pharmaceutical products" to Germany. Then she took a dig at India's status as a leading exporter of medical goods. She said Europe had allowed India to become "such a large pharmaceutical producer". "India has become a major pharmaceutical producer and we expect to honour its promises and if it can't, we will have to rethink," Merkel said. The German chancellor said "Europe will have to rethink," but here's something Europe should think about first. In 2018, India exported 229 million dollars worth of pharmaceuticals to Germany. When Europe became the global hotspot in the pandemic last year, it was India that shared life-saving medicines and supplies. And now when India is fighting a crushing surge, the German chancellor wants New Delhi to think of Berlin first. It is a perfect example of Western entitlement. But, it's not just foreign partners who are letting India down, domestic politics is hurting the fight against the virus. Today, the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with chief ministers of 11 states. The discussions were supposed to happen behind closed doors, but one leader broke protocol. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal decided to share his discussions with the prime minister with the press. Kejriwal's statement was beamed by the media. When Modi was made aware of this, he interrupted Kejriwal to object. Politics is debilitating in the best of times and in a pandemic, it can be deadly. The second wave is taking lives and India is going to need all the help it can get. And there have been some offers of help. French President Emmanuel Macron has sent this message through his ambassador in New Delhi. "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," Macron said. China's foreign ministry issued a statement today, saying: "The virus is a common enemy" and "China is willing to provide the necessary support and help". The spokesperson didn't go into the specifics of China's offer and the Indian government hasn't issued any response. They should think twice before accepting this offer. Last year China offered supplies and the world was left complaining about faulty test kits and equipment. We can't afford mistakes this time.

Some partners disappoint, others show solidarity when India gasps for oxygen

India’s 323,144 new cases over the past 24 hours stood below a worldwide peak of 352,991 hit on Monday, while 2,771 deaths took the toll to 197,894.

Head of AIIMS medicine dept on COVID crisis

As India continues to grapple with an aggressive Covid second wave, the country once again recorded its highest single-day spike with over 3.52 lakh cases in the last 24 hours. The death toll increased to over 1.95 lakh with 2,812 new fatalities.

COVID-19: India records 3.52 lakh new cases, 2,812 deaths

India is going through a tough time and facing probably the worst health crisis as the COVID-19&nbsp;second wave hit the country. Amid all this, Akshay Kumar has&nbsp;lent his financial support to the people who are suffering from the pandemic. 
 
The actor donated Rs 1 crore to former cricketer-turned-politician Gautam Gambhir’s foundation. Gambhir shared the news with the world on Saturday evening and thanked Akshay for his contribution.&nbsp; 
 
By calling him a 'ray of hope' in the critical situation Gambhir tweeted: Every help in this gloom comes as a ray of hope. Thanks a lot @akshaykumar for committing Rs 1 crore to #GGF for food, meds and oxygen for the needy! God bless 🙏🏻 #InThisTogether @ggf_india''.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Every help in this gloom comes as a ray of hope. Thanks a lot <a href="https://twitter.com/akshaykumar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@akshaykumar</a> for committing Rs 1 crore to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GGF?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GGF</a> for food, meds and oxygen for the needy! God bless 🙏🏻 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/InThisTogether?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#InThisTogether</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ggf_india?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ggf_india</a>
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) <a href="https://twitter.com/GautamGambhir/status/1385930232784244737?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Akshay replied to Gambhir and wrote he is glad that he could help in the crisis, ''these are really tough times, @GautamGambhir. Glad I could help. Wish we all get out of this crisis soon. Stay Safe ''.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
These are really tough times, <a href="https://twitter.com/GautamGambhir?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GautamGambhir</a>. Glad I could help. Wish we all get out of this crisis soon. Stay Safe 🙏🏻
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) <a href="https://twitter.com/akshaykumar/status/1385957279934009347?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Previously, the 'Ram Setu' actor donated Rs 25 crore to the PM’s relief fund for COVID-19, an additional Rs 2 crore to the Mumbai Police Foundation, and Rs 3 crore to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to assist in the making of PPE&nbsp;kits, masks, and rapid testing kits to help the battle against the deadly virus.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Recently, he also tested positive for Covid-19 and was admitted to a Mumbai hospital but now&nbsp;he has recovered and is quarantining at his home with his family.

India is going through a tough time and facing probably the worst health crisis as the COVID-19 second wave hit the country. Amid all this, Akshay Kumar has lent his financial support to the people who are suffering from the pandemic.

India is going through a tough time and facing probably the worst health crisis as the COVID-19 second wave hit the country. Amid all this, Akshay Kumar has lent his financial support to the people who are suffering from the pandemic. The actor donated Rs 1 crore to former cricketer-turned-politician Gautam Gambhir’s foundation. Gambhir shared the news with the world on Saturday evening and thanked Akshay for his contribution. By calling him a 'ray of hope' in the critical situation Gambhir tweeted: Every help in this gloom comes as a ray of hope. Thanks a lot @akshaykumar for committing Rs 1 crore to #GGF for food, meds and oxygen for the needy! God bless 🙏🏻 #InThisTogether @ggf_india''. Every help in this gloom comes as a ray of hope. Thanks a lot @akshaykumar for committing Rs 1 crore to #GGF for food, meds and oxygen for the needy! God bless 🙏🏻 #InThisTogether @ggf_india — Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) April 24, 2021 × Akshay replied to Gambhir and wrote he is glad that he could help in the crisis, ''these are really tough times, @GautamGambhir. Glad I could help. Wish we all get out of this crisis soon. Stay Safe ''. These are really tough times, @GautamGambhir. Glad I could help. Wish we all get out of this crisis soon. Stay Safe 🙏🏻 — Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) April 24, 2021 × Previously, the 'Ram Setu' actor donated Rs 25 crore to the PM’s relief fund for COVID-19, an additional Rs 2 crore to the Mumbai Police Foundation, and Rs 3 crore to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to assist in the making of PPE kits, masks, and rapid testing kits to help the battle against the deadly virus. Recently, he also tested positive for Covid-19 and was admitted to a Mumbai hospital but now he has recovered and is quarantining at his home with his family.

Akshay Kumar donates Rs 1 crore to Gautam Gambhir's Foundation amid India's Covid crisis

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