India's EAM S Jaishankar is in Israel for the first high-level engagement with the Naftali Bennett government. In focus is a quadrilateral meet between the US, India, Israel and the UAE. Watch this report for more.

Indian EAM S Jaishankar meets Israeli counterpart Yair Lapid

India's EAM Dr S Jaishankar in an exclusive conversation with WION over his high-level meet in Israel. It is India's first high-level engagement with the Naftali Bennett government. In focus is a quadrilateral meet between the US, India, Israel and the UAE. Watch this report for more.

'India-Israel relationship deeply rooted,' S Jaishankar in an exclusive conversation with WION

The World Health Organization on Monday said that it expects Bharat Biotech to provide more information on its COVID-19 vaccine. This comes in a further setback to the Indian company's hopes of getting an emergency-use listing for the shot.

Without WHO's approval, the two-dose Covaxin is unlikely to be accepted as a valid COVID-19 vaccine around the world.&nbsp;

"We are aware that many people are waiting for WHO's recommendation for (Bharat Biotech's) Covaxin to be included in the #COVID19 Emergency Use Listing, but we cannot cut corners," WHO said on Twitter. 
Bharat Biotech did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-team-to-meet-on-october-26-to-consider-eul-for-covaxin-421625">Also read |&nbsp;WHO team to meet on October 26 to consider EUL for Covaxin</a>

This comes after the Chief Scientist at the WHO Soumya Swaminathan said that the technical advisory group of the WHO will meet on October 26 to consider the Emergency use listing for Covaxin.

Bharat Biotech had submitted all the necessary documents required for the EUL on July 9.&nbsp;

“We have responded to any clarifications sought by WHO and are awaiting further feedback. As a responsible manufacturer with several prequalified vaccines, we do not find it appropriate to speculate or comment on the approval process and its timelines,” said Bharat Biotech in a statement.

Suchitra Ella, the company’s co-founder and joint managing director said that the approval is not expected to be a “long-drawn process”.

The World Health Organization on Monday said that it expects Bharat Biotech to provide more information on its COVID-19 vaccine. This comes in a further setback to the Indian company's hopes of getting an emergency-use listing for the shot.

The World Health Organization on Monday said that it expects Bharat Biotech to provide more information on its COVID-19 vaccine. This comes in a further setback to the Indian company's hopes of getting an emergency-use listing for the shot. Without WHO's approval, the two-dose Covaxin is unlikely to be accepted as a valid COVID-19 vaccine around the world. "We are aware that many people are waiting for WHO's recommendation for (Bharat Biotech's) Covaxin to be included in the #COVID19 Emergency Use Listing, but we cannot cut corners," WHO said on Twitter. Bharat Biotech did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Also read | WHO team to meet on October 26 to consider EUL for Covaxin This comes after the Chief Scientist at the WHO Soumya Swaminathan said that the technical advisory group of the WHO will meet on October 26 to consider the Emergency use listing for Covaxin. Bharat Biotech had submitted all the necessary documents required for the EUL on July 9. “We have responded to any clarifications sought by WHO and are awaiting further feedback. As a responsible manufacturer with several prequalified vaccines, we do not find it appropriate to speculate or comment on the approval process and its timelines,” said Bharat Biotech in a statement. Suchitra Ella, the company’s co-founder and joint managing director said that the approval is not expected to be a “long-drawn process”.

WHO expects more info as it weighs approving India's Covaxin

Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar is in Israel for the first high-level engagement with the Naftali Bennett government. In focus - is a quadrilateral meet between U.S, India, Israel, and the UAE. The foreign ministers of the four countries will meet virtually later today.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visits Israel, holds meet with Naftali Bennett govt

Indian EAM S Jaishankar visits Israel,  enriches strategic ties

&nbsp;India's first museum dedicated to alcohol has opened its doors to `spirited` enthusiasts in Goa.

The museum 'All About Alcohol'&nbsp;is set up by local businessman, Nandan Kudchadkar, in Candolim village of North Goa.

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It houses hundreds of artefacts linked to feni, including large, traditional glass vats in which the local cashew-based alcohol was stored centuries ago.

Speaking to ANI, Kudchadkar, who is a collector of antiques, said the idea behind the museum was to make the world aware of Goa's rich heritage, especially the story of feni, the strong local drink.

"When I thought of creating a concept like this, the first thought that came into my mind was whether there is an alcohol museum in the world.

There is absolutely no place where you can see the kind of stuff pertaining to alcohol anywhere in the world. If you go to Scotland, they are very happy about their waters, about their drinks etc.

Similarly, in Russia, the people feel happy to showcase the drinks they have," he said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-electricity-demand-picks-up-in-october-as-coal-shortage-lingers-421311">India's electricity demand picks up in October as coal shortage lingers</a>

"When we come to India, we project alcohol differently. Following my instincts, I decided to set up India's first museum dedicated to alcohol here," he said.

Armando Duarte, CEO, Alcohol Museum said, "One of our prominent drinks is Kaju Feni alcohol that is put on display here. This drink is fermented naturally.

For Goans, the consumption of alcohol was a symbol of hospitality.

"Dr Malhotra, a tourist for Maharashtra who visited this place, said, "The amount of information preserved here is amazing. I am dazed and awestruck with the place. The amount of information, they have kept here for visitors to see is super amazing."

India's first museum dedicated to alcohol has opened its doors to `spirited` enthusiasts in Goa. The museum 'All About Alcohol' is set up by local businessman, Nandan Kudchadkar, in Candolim village of North Goa.

India's first museum dedicated to alcohol has opened its doors to `spirited` enthusiasts in Goa. The museum 'All About Alcohol' is set up by local businessman, Nandan Kudchadkar, in Candolim village of North Goa. Also Read | Six people dead, a dozen reported missing as rains lash Kerala It houses hundreds of artefacts linked to feni, including large, traditional glass vats in which the local cashew-based alcohol was stored centuries ago. Speaking to ANI, Kudchadkar, who is a collector of antiques, said the idea behind the museum was to make the world aware of Goa's rich heritage, especially the story of feni, the strong local drink. "When I thought of creating a concept like this, the first thought that came into my mind was whether there is an alcohol museum in the world. There is absolutely no place where you can see the kind of stuff pertaining to alcohol anywhere in the world. If you go to Scotland, they are very happy about their waters, about their drinks etc. Similarly, in Russia, the people feel happy to showcase the drinks they have," he said. Also Read | India's electricity demand picks up in October as coal shortage lingers "When we come to India, we project alcohol differently. Following my instincts, I decided to set up India's first museum dedicated to alcohol here," he said. Armando Duarte, CEO, Alcohol Museum said, "One of our prominent drinks is Kaju Feni alcohol that is put on display here. This drink is fermented naturally. For Goans, the consumption of alcohol was a symbol of hospitality. "Dr Malhotra, a tourist for Maharashtra who visited this place, said, "The amount of information preserved here is amazing. I am dazed and awestruck with the place. The amount of information, they have kept here for visitors to see is super amazing."

India's first alcohol museum opens in Goa

Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar is in Israel for the first high-level engagement with the Naftali Bennett government. He is on a three-day visit. A quadrilateral meet between U.S, India, Israel, and the UAE is on the agenda of his visit.

Indian FM S Jaishankar calls on Israeli President, PM in order to bolster ties with the nation

Indian FM S Jaishankar visits Israel, holds talks with his counterpart Yair Lapid

Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar visits Israel

The World Health Organisation is scheduled to meet on october 26 to consider listing India's indegeneous COVID vaccine for emergency use.

World Health Organisation scheduled to meet on October 26

The Israeli Foreign Minister, Yair Lapid, the United Arab Emirates' Foreign Minister, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, and Indian External Affairs Minister, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, will take part in a first-ever virtual meeting later today.&nbsp;

Billed as the "quad", the meeting seems to be a direct outcome of the Abraham accords of 2020. The accords led to the normalisation of ties between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, with both sides opening direct commercial, telephonic links. The meeting takes place post 10 PM IST and details are set to be announced by the countries involved after it.

The UAE is the first country in the Persian Gulf to normalise ties with Israel. India has strong ties with both Israel and UAE in West Asia and since the accords were signed, they have worked in a trilateral arrangement.

In May, the three countries signed the first-ever pact that involves producing robotic solar cleaning technology in India for a project in the UAE by an Israel based company, Ecoppia. The trilateral partnership was initiated by the International Federation of Indo-Israel Chambers of Commerce (IFIICC).

The May release by the Israeli embassy in Delhi said, "Abraham Accords peace agreement signed between Israel and the UAE has certainly paved the way for friendships and business partnerships across the region. India, being a friend of both the UAE and Israel, is the preferred partner to leverage the global potential of the UAE, Israel, and India Trilateral. "

The estimate by the Israeli government pegs the innovation and international business potential of the 3 countries at $110 billion by 2030. The three countries are soon expected to focus on a mega connectivity plan that connects the Mediterranean to India via the Arab world. The foreign ministers of India, Israel, Egypt, Cyprus, Greece, and others are expected to meet in Dubai at the 12th edition of the Sir Bani Yas Forum in November this year.

The Israeli Foreign Minister, Yair Lapid, the United Arab Emirates' Foreign Minister, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, and Indian External Affairs Minister, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, will take part in a first-ever virtual meeting later today.

The Israeli Foreign Minister, Yair Lapid, the United Arab Emirates' Foreign Minister, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, and Indian External Affairs Minister, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, will take part in a first-ever virtual meeting later today. Billed as the "quad", the meeting seems to be a direct outcome of the Abraham accords of 2020. The accords led to the normalisation of ties between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, with both sides opening direct commercial, telephonic links. The meeting takes place post 10 PM IST and details are set to be announced by the countries involved after it. The UAE is the first country in the Persian Gulf to normalise ties with Israel. India has strong ties with both Israel and UAE in West Asia and since the accords were signed, they have worked in a trilateral arrangement. In May, the three countries signed the first-ever pact that involves producing robotic solar cleaning technology in India for a project in the UAE by an Israel based company, Ecoppia. The trilateral partnership was initiated by the International Federation of Indo-Israel Chambers of Commerce (IFIICC). The May release by the Israeli embassy in Delhi said, "Abraham Accords peace agreement signed between Israel and the UAE has certainly paved the way for friendships and business partnerships across the region. India, being a friend of both the UAE and Israel, is the preferred partner to leverage the global potential of the UAE, Israel, and India Trilateral. " The estimate by the Israeli government pegs the innovation and international business potential of the 3 countries at $110 billion by 2030. The three countries are soon expected to focus on a mega connectivity plan that connects the Mediterranean to India via the Arab world. The foreign ministers of India, Israel, Egypt, Cyprus, Greece, and others are expected to meet in Dubai at the 12th edition of the Sir Bani Yas Forum in November this year.

Abraham Accords dividend: India, US, UAE & Israel foreign ministers to hold meeting

India recorded 14,146 new cases of COVID-19 during the past 24 hours pushing the country's infection caseload to 3,40,67,719, even as the number of vaccinated people went past 970 million, the Union Health Ministry said in an update on Sunday.

With 144 more fatalities, the death toll reached 4,52,124.

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The active cases declined by 5,786 to stand at 1,95,846, the lowest in 220 days, which is now 0.57 per cent of the total caseload.

In the past 24 hours, 19,788 people recovered from the highly contagious virus, taking the total recovery count to 3,34,19,749, accounting for 98.10 per cent of the case tally. The death rate stood at 1.33 per cent.

The daily positivity rate was recorded at 1.29 per cent which has been below three per cent for the last 48 days. The weekly positivity rate, too, at 1.42 per cent was less than 3 per cent for the last 114 days.

Meanwhile, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said that till now 59,09,35,381&nbsp;samples have been tested for the coronavirus. Of this, 11,00,123 were tested on Saturday.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reports-15823-fresh-covid-19-cases-226-fatalities-420329">&nbsp;India reports 15,823 fresh COVID-19 cases, 226 fatalities</a>

The country has so far administered 97,65,89,540 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine with 41,20,772 jabs being given in the past day.

The Health Ministry said that 1,01,78,96,755&nbsp;vaccine doses have been provided to the states and union territories. It further said 10,42,45,455&nbsp;balance and unutilised Covid vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.

India recorded 14,146 new cases of COVID-19 during the past 24 hours pushing the country's infection caseload to 3,40,67,719, even as the number of vaccinated people went past 970 million, the Union Health Ministry said in an update on Sunday.

India recorded 14,146 new cases of COVID-19 during the past 24 hours pushing the country's infection caseload to 3,40,67,719, even as the number of vaccinated people went past 970 million, the Union Health Ministry said in an update on Sunday. With 144 more fatalities, the death toll reached 4,52,124. Also Read | US Development Finance Corporation chief to visit India to boost vaccine manufacturing The active cases declined by 5,786 to stand at 1,95,846, the lowest in 220 days, which is now 0.57 per cent of the total caseload. In the past 24 hours, 19,788 people recovered from the highly contagious virus, taking the total recovery count to 3,34,19,749, accounting for 98.10 per cent of the case tally. The death rate stood at 1.33 per cent. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 1.29 per cent which has been below three per cent for the last 48 days. The weekly positivity rate, too, at 1.42 per cent was less than 3 per cent for the last 114 days. Meanwhile, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said that till now 59,09,35,381 samples have been tested for the coronavirus. Of this, 11,00,123 were tested on Saturday. Also Read | India reports 15,823 fresh COVID-19 cases, 226 fatalities The country has so far administered 97,65,89,540 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine with 41,20,772 jabs being given in the past day. The Health Ministry said that 1,01,78,96,755 vaccine doses have been provided to the states and union territories. It further said 10,42,45,455 balance and unutilised Covid vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.

India adds 14,146 new Covid cases, over 970 million vax doses given

Gravitas Plus with Palki Sharma Upadhyay: India’s most popular University is cutting off students at 100%. Over 80% of DU seats have already been filled & admission has been closed in most colleges. Is this mad race even worth it? Whom does it help? Time to rethink college admissions.

Gravitas Plus: Is Delhi University being unfair to students?

For months, the UK government persistently flagged issues with India's vaccine certification. But now it seems as though even the NHS cannot account for every discrepancy in its network. In the latest, a total of forty three thousand Britons were found to have been given incorrect COVID test results. They were found to have been issued false negative reports.

43,000 Britons found to have given false COVID test results

PM Modi has launched the Indian Space Association. Will the public-private partnership be a quantum leap for space exploration? We look at the most iconic moments of India's space odyssey.

WION Wideangle: India in the Space Age

India’s power crisis on account of coal supply shortages seems to be easing thanks to the lower demand due to onset of winter in northern India and increased coal supply.

According to media reports, several states in India have rolled back orders to limit power supply as the situation eased.

The report said that Coal India Limited, the world's biggest miner, is expected withdraw its order to suspend coal supply to non-power utilities.

Coal stocks are likely to get replenished with increased supply with two major Indian festivals—Navratri and Durga Pooja—ending, an official said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-increase-coal-production-to-two-million-tonnes-per-day-in-a-weeks-time-420313">India to increase coal production to two million tonnes per day in a week's time</a>

However, the non-power sector complained of coal shortages and sought urgent government intervention to improve supplies and keep plants running.

The average coal stock at power plants is reportedly only enough for four days of generation but more of them were able to generate electricity without any hitch, according to October 13 data.

As of October 12, plants with a capacity of 137 GW had low stock, down from 142 GW.

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Average spot prices on the Indian Energy Exchange cooled to Rs 9.67 per unit on Friday for Saturday delivery, from Rs 14 last week. Friday was shut for Dussehra.

A top state power official in India’s western Punjab said the power crisis was abating.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-orders-mines-to-up-coal-production-by-nearly-100-million-tonnes-state-media-419160">China orders mines to up coal production by nearly 100 million tonnes: State media</a>

He said the state, which witnessed power cuts last week, reported no new blackouts due to low coal stocks at power stations and rolled back electricity curbs on industrial units.

A similar situation prevailed in other states—Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan—with the officials not reporting any new power cuts due to coal supply at power plants.

Restrictions will be eased in the next 10 to 12 days, by which time average inventory at power stations is expected to reach a comfortable level of six to seven days, a senior government official was quoted as saying by local media.

Coal&nbsp;accounts for nearly 70 per cent of&nbsp;India's electricity generation and around three-quarters of the fossil fuel is mined domestically.

As Asia's third-largest economy rebounds following a coronavirus wave, heavy monsoon rains&nbsp;flooded&nbsp;coal&nbsp;mines and disrupted transport networks, leading to a sharp rise in prices for&nbsp;coal&nbsp;buyers, including&nbsp;power&nbsp;stations.&nbsp;

International&nbsp;coal&nbsp;prices have also soared.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

India’s power crisis on account of coal supply shortages seems to be easing thanks to the lower demand due to onset of winter in northern India and increased coal supply.

India’s power crisis on account of coal supply shortages seems to be easing thanks to the lower demand due to onset of winter in northern India and increased coal supply. According to media reports, several states in India have rolled back orders to limit power supply as the situation eased. The report said that Coal India Limited, the world's biggest miner, is expected withdraw its order to suspend coal supply to non-power utilities. Coal stocks are likely to get replenished with increased supply with two major Indian festivals—Navratri and Durga Pooja—ending, an official said. Also read | India to increase coal production to two million tonnes per day in a week's time However, the non-power sector complained of coal shortages and sought urgent government intervention to improve supplies and keep plants running. The average coal stock at power plants is reportedly only enough for four days of generation but more of them were able to generate electricity without any hitch, according to October 13 data. As of October 12, plants with a capacity of 137 GW had low stock, down from 142 GW. Also read | India to set up national mission on using biomass in coal-based thermal power plants Average spot prices on the Indian Energy Exchange cooled to Rs 9.67 per unit on Friday for Saturday delivery, from Rs 14 last week. Friday was shut for Dussehra. A top state power official in India’s western Punjab said the power crisis was abating. Also read | China orders mines to up coal production by nearly 100 million tonnes: State media He said the state, which witnessed power cuts last week, reported no new blackouts due to low coal stocks at power stations and rolled back electricity curbs on industrial units. A similar situation prevailed in other states—Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan—with the officials not reporting any new power cuts due to coal supply at power plants. Restrictions will be eased in the next 10 to 12 days, by which time average inventory at power stations is expected to reach a comfortable level of six to seven days, a senior government official was quoted as saying by local media. Coal accounts for nearly 70 per cent of India's electricity generation and around three-quarters of the fossil fuel is mined domestically. As Asia's third-largest economy rebounds following a coronavirus wave, heavy monsoon rains flooded coal mines and disrupted transport networks, leading to a sharp rise in prices for coal buyers, including power stations. International coal prices have also soared. (With inputs from agencies)

India’s power crisis eases on account of increased coal supply, onset of winter

The head of the US International Development Finance Corporation would be visiting India later this month as part of the Quad's efforts to boost vaccine manufacturing.

The United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is a state-run development finance institution, which invests in development projects primarily in lower- and middle-income countries.

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Leading a high-powered delegation, DFC Chief Operating Officer (COO) David Marchick would travel to India from October 24 to 26.

In Hyderabad, the delegation will visit the offices of the Indian vaccine manufacturer Biological E and participate in a signing ceremony to open a new facility with substantial capacity for vaccine manufacturing, an official release said.

This work is in support of the historic commitment set out by President (Joe) Biden and his counterparts in the 'Quad' &nbsp;Australia, India, Japan and the United States," the DFC said in a statement.

Marchick would travel to India after his visit to South Africa beginning October 18. The travel to South Africa and India is to advance DFC investments helping boost global health and expand COVID-19 vaccine production capacity throughout the developing world.

DFC Vice President of Development Credit Jim Polan and other DFC senior staff will accompany the COO.

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During the South Africa tour, the DFC delegation will visit Africa Data Centres, a DFC client that is developing and expanding critical technology infrastructure throughout Africa. The delegation will tour the sterile facilities of Aspen Pharmacare, Africa's largest pharmaceutical manufacturer, in Gqeberha (formally known as Port Elizabeth), as well as meet with other pharmaceutical manufacturers critical to the COVID-19 response, a media release said.

Since day one of the Biden administration, President Biden has stated that the only way to defeat COVID-19 is to end the pandemic both at home and abroad by vaccinating Americans at home and non-Americans abroad,&nbsp;the DFC said.

The US has committed to donate 1.1 billion doses of Covid vaccines worldwide and has already shipped nearly 200 million doses to developing countries more doses than the rest of the world combined, it said.

The head of the US International Development Finance Corporation would be visiting India later this month as part of the Quad's efforts to boost vaccine manufacturing.

The head of the US International Development Finance Corporation would be visiting India later this month as part of the Quad's efforts to boost vaccine manufacturing. The United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is a state-run development finance institution, which invests in development projects primarily in lower- and middle-income countries. Also Read | US experts recommend Moderna booster for older and at-risk groups Leading a high-powered delegation, DFC Chief Operating Officer (COO) David Marchick would travel to India from October 24 to 26. In Hyderabad, the delegation will visit the offices of the Indian vaccine manufacturer Biological E and participate in a signing ceremony to open a new facility with substantial capacity for vaccine manufacturing, an official release said. This work is in support of the historic commitment set out by President (Joe) Biden and his counterparts in the 'Quad' Australia, India, Japan and the United States," the DFC said in a statement. Marchick would travel to India after his visit to South Africa beginning October 18. The travel to South Africa and India is to advance DFC investments helping boost global health and expand COVID-19 vaccine production capacity throughout the developing world. DFC Vice President of Development Credit Jim Polan and other DFC senior staff will accompany the COO. Also Read | US to allow fully vaccinated travellers from November 8: White House During the South Africa tour, the DFC delegation will visit Africa Data Centres, a DFC client that is developing and expanding critical technology infrastructure throughout Africa. The delegation will tour the sterile facilities of Aspen Pharmacare, Africa's largest pharmaceutical manufacturer, in Gqeberha (formally known as Port Elizabeth), as well as meet with other pharmaceutical manufacturers critical to the COVID-19 response, a media release said. Since day one of the Biden administration, President Biden has stated that the only way to defeat COVID-19 is to end the pandemic both at home and abroad by vaccinating Americans at home and non-Americans abroad, the DFC said. The US has committed to donate 1.1 billion doses of Covid vaccines worldwide and has already shipped nearly 200 million doses to developing countries more doses than the rest of the world combined, it said.

US Development Finance Corporation chief to visit India to boost vaccine manufacturing

India has been ranked 101 out of 116 countries on the Global Hunger Index 2021. The centre has issued a rebuttal, it says the assessment is devoid of ground reality & facts. Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: India ranked 101 on Global Hunger Index

The India government has dismissed the 2021 global hunger index report as shocking and unscientific. India has been given one of the lowest rankings in the report jointly published by Irish aid agency Concern Worldwide and Germany's Welthungerhilfe.

India government dismisses 2021 global hunger index

India has proposed to host an in-person meet of the National Security Advisors (NSA) on Afghanistan in Delhi in November. Many countries in the region and key stakeholders like Russia and Pakistan have been invited. Siddant Sibbal brings you more information.

India to host meet on Afghanistan, focus on humanitarian crisis

India has proposed to host an in-person meet of the National Security Advisors (NSA) on Afghanistan in Delhi in November. Many countries in the region and key stakeholders like Russia and Pakistan have been invited.

India proposes to host a meet on Afghanistan, invites Pakistan for conference

India will have a vaccine capacity of 28 crore doses this month, which includes 22 crore Serum Institute of India's Covishield and 6 crore doses of Bharat Biotech Biotech's Covaxin and production of 60 lakh Zydus Cadila's ZyCoV-D doses are also ready, said government sources.

India will have a capacity of more than 30 crores by next year per month, which includes Covishield, Covaxin, ZyCoV-D and Biological E, sources told ANI.

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According to the sources, the production of 60 lakh doses of Zydus Cadila's ZyCoV-D are already ready with the company and Biological E will be submitting the data till November end of phase -3 trials.

The Biological E is the third Indian company to make COVID-19 vaccines. The company has also started stockpile doses. Biological E will be providing 30 crore doses and another company that is expected to provide doses is Gennova which is the fourth Indian company doing trials of mRNA vaccines.

India is expected to get Gennova's mRNA vaccine doses by February.

Earlier, on September 2, NITI Aayog Member (Health) VK Paul had said that the Hyderabad-based pharmaceutical company, Biological E, is expected to launch its vaccine against coronavirus in October this year.

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Paul had told ANI that Phase 3 of Biological E's trial is underway. "Stockpile is being produced. We should wait for the results. We hope it'll be in the next month or two. They've made a broad commitment that they'll supply a significant amount by year-end.

"India procured more than 26 crore doses in the month of September also. Centre plans to achieve 100 crore doses in next week.

Earlier, it was expected to reach the target between October 10 to October 12. The delay and decline in Covid vaccination are due to the festival season and hesitation in the second dose.

India may accelerate the export of COVID-19 vaccines under its humanitarian initiative 'Vaccine Maitri'&nbsp;by December after having an excess number of doses in the country.

India will have a vaccine capacity of 28 crore doses this month, which includes 22 crore Serum Institute of India's Covishield and 6 crore doses of Bharat Biotech Biotech's Covaxin and production of 60 lakh Zydus Cadila's ZyCoV-D doses are also ready, said government sources.

India will have a vaccine capacity of 28 crore doses this month, which includes 22 crore Serum Institute of India's Covishield and 6 crore doses of Bharat Biotech Biotech's Covaxin and production of 60 lakh Zydus Cadila's ZyCoV-D doses are also ready, said government sources. India will have a capacity of more than 30 crores by next year per month, which includes Covishield, Covaxin, ZyCoV-D and Biological E, sources told ANI. Also Read | US Development Finance Corporation chief to visit India to boost vaccine manufacturing According to the sources, the production of 60 lakh doses of Zydus Cadila's ZyCoV-D are already ready with the company and Biological E will be submitting the data till November end of phase -3 trials. The Biological E is the third Indian company to make COVID-19 vaccines. The company has also started stockpile doses. Biological E will be providing 30 crore doses and another company that is expected to provide doses is Gennova which is the fourth Indian company doing trials of mRNA vaccines. India is expected to get Gennova's mRNA vaccine doses by February. Earlier, on September 2, NITI Aayog Member (Health) VK Paul had said that the Hyderabad-based pharmaceutical company, Biological E, is expected to launch its vaccine against coronavirus in October this year. Also Read | US to allow fully vaccinated travellers from November 8: White House Paul had told ANI that Phase 3 of Biological E's trial is underway. "Stockpile is being produced. We should wait for the results. We hope it'll be in the next month or two. They've made a broad commitment that they'll supply a significant amount by year-end. "India procured more than 26 crore doses in the month of September also. Centre plans to achieve 100 crore doses in next week. Earlier, it was expected to reach the target between October 10 to October 12. The delay and decline in Covid vaccination are due to the festival season and hesitation in the second dose. India may accelerate the export of COVID-19 vaccines under its humanitarian initiative 'Vaccine Maitri' by December after having an excess number of doses in the country.

India to procure over 30 crore COVID-19 vaccine doses per month by January: Sources

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar will embark on a three-day official visit to Israel from Sunday, in the first high-level engagement between Prime Minister Narendra Modi government and the new Israeli government led by Naftali Bennett.

During his visit, the EAM Jaishankar will meet the top leadership of the Israel coalition government including Israeli PM Naftali Bennett, Foreign Minister Yair Lapid and National Security Advisor Eyal Hulata.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/4-para-military-personnel-injured-in-accidental-blast-as-container-of-detonators-slips-while-boarding-train-421202">4 para military personnel injured in accidental blast as container of detonators slips while boarding train</a>

Israel's foreign secretary Alon Ushpiz tweeted his welcome for Jaishankar.

"Shubho Bijoya/Happy Dussehra to all of you, on the eve of @DrSJaishankar's important visit to Israel. India is a strategic partner and a very close friend."

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External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar to be on a three-day official visit to Israel from Sunday 
 
During his visit, the EAM will meet the top leadership of Israel including the PM, NSA and foreign minister 
 
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Jaishankar's Israel visit follows his three-nation tour of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Armenia.

India and Israel have traditionally enjoyed close ties and has over the years developed close "cooperation" in intelligence sharing and "counter insurgency" operations.

Although India had recognised the Jewish State of Israel way back in 1950, it established full diplomatic relations only in 1992.

Since then there has been an upswing in the relations between the two countries in view of the common concerns about religious extremism and global terrorism.

India has become a major buyer of Israeli armaments and Israel is among the key partners of India in agriculture.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar will embark on a three-day official visit to Israel from Sunday, in the first high-level engagement between Prime Minister Narendra Modi government and the new Israeli government led by Naftali Bennett.

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar will embark on a three-day official visit to Israel from Sunday, in the first high-level engagement between Prime Minister Narendra Modi government and the new Israeli government led by Naftali Bennett. During his visit, the EAM Jaishankar will meet the top leadership of the Israel coalition government including Israeli PM Naftali Bennett, Foreign Minister Yair Lapid and National Security Advisor Eyal Hulata. Also Read | 4 para military personnel injured in accidental blast as container of detonators slips while boarding train Israel's foreign secretary Alon Ushpiz tweeted his welcome for Jaishankar. "Shubho Bijoya/Happy Dussehra to all of you, on the eve of @DrSJaishankar's important visit to Israel. India is a strategic partner and a very close friend." External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar to be on a three-day official visit to Israel from Sunday During his visit, the EAM will meet the top leadership of Israel including the PM, NSA and foreign minister (file photo) pic.twitter.com/191ytbxZPx — ANI (@ANI) October 16, 2021 × Jaishankar's Israel visit follows his three-nation tour of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Armenia. India and Israel have traditionally enjoyed close ties and has over the years developed close "cooperation" in intelligence sharing and "counter insurgency" operations. Although India had recognised the Jewish State of Israel way back in 1950, it established full diplomatic relations only in 1992. Since then there has been an upswing in the relations between the two countries in view of the common concerns about religious extremism and global terrorism. India has become a major buyer of Israeli armaments and Israel is among the key partners of India in agriculture.

India's external affairs minister Jaishankar to embark on three-day visit to Israel

India has slipped to 101st position in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2021 of 116 countries, from its 2020 position of 94th and is behind its neighbours Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal.

Eighteen countries, including China, Brazil and Kuwait, shared the top rank with GHI score of less than five, the website of the Global Hunger Index that tracks hunger and malnutrition said on Thursday.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pollution-has-started-increasing-says-delhi-cm-kejriwal-as-air-quality-index-reaches-171-419550">Pollution has started increasing, says Delhi CM Kejriwal as air quality index reaches 171</a>

The report, prepared jointly by Irish aid agency Concern Worldwide and German organisation Welt Hunger Hilfe, termed the level of hunger in India "alarming".

In 2020, India was ranked 94th out of 107 countries. Now with 116 countries in the fray, it has dropped to 101st rank.

India's GHI score has also decelerated -- from 38.8 in 2000 to the range of 28.8 - 27.5 between 2012 and 2021.

The GHI score is calculated on four indicators --undernourishment; child wasting (the share of children under the age of five who are wasted i.e&nbsp;who have low weight for their height, reflecting acute undernutrition); child stunting (children under the age of five who have low height for their age, reflecting chronic undernutrition) and child mortality (the mortality rate of children under the age of five).

The share of wasting among children in India rose from 17.1 per cent between 1998-2002 to 17.3 per cent between 2016-2020, according to the report.

"People have been severely hit by COVID-19 and by pandemic related restrictions in India, the country with highest child wasting rate worldwide," the report said.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/locals-come-forward-in-support-of-minority-communities-to-save-kashmiriyat-420719">&nbsp;Locals come forward in support of minority communities to save Kashmiriyat</a>

Neighbouring countries like Nepal (76), Bangladesh (76), Myanmar (71) and Pakistan (92) are also in the 'alarming' hunger category, but have fared better at feeding its citizens than India, according to the report.

However, India has shown improvement in other indicators such as the under-5 mortality rate, prevalence of stunting among children and prevalence of undernourishment owing to inadequate food, the report said.

According to the report, the fight against hunger is dangerously off track. Based on the current GHI projections, the world as a whole -- and 47 countries in particular -- will fail to achieve a low level of hunger by 2030.

Food security is under assault on multiple fronts, it said, adding that worsening conflict, weather extremes associated with global climate change, and the economic and health challenges associated with the COVID19 pandemic are all driving hunger.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-conflict-arunachal-pradesh-integral-and-inalienable-part-of-india-mea-rebuffs-china-420399">India-China conflict | Arunachal Pradesh integral and inalienable part of India: MEA rebuffs China</a>

"Inequality -- between regions, countries, districts, and communities -- is pervasive and, (if) left unchecked, will keep the world from achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) mandate to leave no one behind," the report said.

Further, the report noted that it is difficult to be optimistic in 2021 because the forces now driving hunger are overpowering good intentions and lofty goals.

Among the most powerful and toxic of these forces are conflict, climate change, and COVID-19 three Cs that threaten to wipe out any progress that has been made against hunger in recent years, it added

India has slipped to 101st position in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2021 of 116 countries, from its 2020 position of 94th and is behind its neighbours Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal.

India has slipped to 101st position in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2021 of 116 countries, from its 2020 position of 94th and is behind its neighbours Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal. Eighteen countries, including China, Brazil and Kuwait, shared the top rank with GHI score of less than five, the website of the Global Hunger Index that tracks hunger and malnutrition said on Thursday. Also Read | Pollution has started increasing, says Delhi CM Kejriwal as air quality index reaches 171 The report, prepared jointly by Irish aid agency Concern Worldwide and German organisation Welt Hunger Hilfe, termed the level of hunger in India "alarming". In 2020, India was ranked 94th out of 107 countries. Now with 116 countries in the fray, it has dropped to 101st rank. India's GHI score has also decelerated -- from 38.8 in 2000 to the range of 28.8 - 27.5 between 2012 and 2021. The GHI score is calculated on four indicators --undernourishment; child wasting (the share of children under the age of five who are wasted i.e who have low weight for their height, reflecting acute undernutrition); child stunting (children under the age of five who have low height for their age, reflecting chronic undernutrition) and child mortality (the mortality rate of children under the age of five). The share of wasting among children in India rose from 17.1 per cent between 1998-2002 to 17.3 per cent between 2016-2020, according to the report. "People have been severely hit by COVID-19 and by pandemic related restrictions in India, the country with highest child wasting rate worldwide," the report said. Also Read | Locals come forward in support of minority communities to save Kashmiriyat Neighbouring countries like Nepal (76), Bangladesh (76), Myanmar (71) and Pakistan (92) are also in the 'alarming' hunger category, but have fared better at feeding its citizens than India, according to the report. However, India has shown improvement in other indicators such as the under-5 mortality rate, prevalence of stunting among children and prevalence of undernourishment owing to inadequate food, the report said. According to the report, the fight against hunger is dangerously off track. Based on the current GHI projections, the world as a whole -- and 47 countries in particular -- will fail to achieve a low level of hunger by 2030. Food security is under assault on multiple fronts, it said, adding that worsening conflict, weather extremes associated with global climate change, and the economic and health challenges associated with the COVID19 pandemic are all driving hunger. Also Read | India-China conflict | Arunachal Pradesh integral and inalienable part of India: MEA rebuffs China "Inequality -- between regions, countries, districts, and communities -- is pervasive and, (if) left unchecked, will keep the world from achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) mandate to leave no one behind," the report said. Further, the report noted that it is difficult to be optimistic in 2021 because the forces now driving hunger are overpowering good intentions and lofty goals. Among the most powerful and toxic of these forces are conflict, climate change, and COVID-19 three Cs that threaten to wipe out any progress that has been made against hunger in recent years, it added

India slips to 101st rank in Global Hunger Index 2021; behind Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal

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