India has achieved a significant milestone as the cumulative <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> vaccination coverage has crossed the 220 million (22 crore) mark, according to the 7 pm provisional report, the Union Health Ministry said on Wednesday.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-50-million-pfizer-vaccines-ready-to-be-delivered-to-india-talks-ongoing-for-partial-indemnity-388951">Over 50 million Pfizer vaccines ready to be delivered to India; talks ongoing for 'partial indemnity'</a>

The ministry said 11,37,597 beneficiaries in the age group of 18-44 years received their first dose and 19,523 beneficiaries of the same age group received their second dose of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">Covid vaccine</a> on Wednesday. Cumulatively, 2,25,40,803 persons across 37 states and UTs have received their first dose and 59,052 have received their second dose since the start of phase three of the vaccination drive.

Bihar, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal have administered the first dose of the vaccine to more than 10 lakh beneficiaries in the age group of 18-44 years, the ministry said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizer-less-effective-astrazeneca-even-worse-against-variant-first-detected-in-india-study-388279">Pfizer less effective, AstraZeneca even worse against variant first detected in India: Study</a>

The total of 22,08,62,449 beneficiaries includes 99,11,519 healthcare workers (HCWs), who have taken the first dose, and 68,14,165 HCWs, who have taken the second dose, 1,58,39,812 frontline workers (FLWs) who have received the first dose, 85,76,750 FLWs who have taken the second dose and 2,25,40,803 and 59,052 individuals in the 18-44 years age group who have received the first and second dose, respectively.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-drugs-regulator-dcgi-eases-norms-for-clearing-foreign-made-covid-19-vaccines-388931">Indian drugs regulator DCGI eases norms for clearing foreign-made COVID-19 vaccines</a>

Besides, 6,78,25,793 and 1,09,67,786 beneficiaries aged 45 to 60 years old have been administered the first and second dose respectively, while 5,93,85,071 and 1,89,41,698 beneficiaries above 60 years have received the first and second dose.

As on day 138 of the vaccination drive (June 2), a total of 22,45,112 vaccine doses were given.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mixing-vaccines-has-not-become-the-protocol-india-health-ministry-388790">Mixing vaccines has not become the protocol: India health ministry</a>

The ministry said 20,28,867 beneficiaries were given the first dose and 2,16,245 beneficiaries received the second dose of the vaccine, according to the provisional report till 7 pm.

Final reports would be completed for the day by late Wednesday night.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/give-us-priority-covid-19-vaccination-foreign-bound-students-to-tamil-nadu-govt-388954">Give us priority COVID-19 vaccination: Foreign-bound students to Tamil Nadu govt</a>&nbsp;

The vaccination exercise, as a tool to protect the most vulnerable population groups in the country from COVID-19, continues to be regularly reviewed and monitored at the highest level, the ministry underlined.&nbsp;

India has achieved a significant milestone as the cumulative COVID-19 vaccination coverage has crossed the 220 million (22 crore) mark, according to the 7 pm provisional report, the Union Health Ministry said on Wednesday.

India has achieved a significant milestone as the cumulative COVID-19 vaccination coverage has crossed the 220 million (22 crore) mark, according to the 7 pm provisional report, the Union Health Ministry said on Wednesday. Also Read | Over 50 million Pfizer vaccines ready to be delivered to India; talks ongoing for 'partial indemnity' The ministry said 11,37,597 beneficiaries in the age group of 18-44 years received their first dose and 19,523 beneficiaries of the same age group received their second dose of the Covid vaccine on Wednesday. Cumulatively, 2,25,40,803 persons across 37 states and UTs have received their first dose and 59,052 have received their second dose since the start of phase three of the vaccination drive. Bihar, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal have administered the first dose of the vaccine to more than 10 lakh beneficiaries in the age group of 18-44 years, the ministry said. Also Read | Pfizer less effective, AstraZeneca even worse against variant first detected in India: Study The total of 22,08,62,449 beneficiaries includes 99,11,519 healthcare workers (HCWs), who have taken the first dose, and 68,14,165 HCWs, who have taken the second dose, 1,58,39,812 frontline workers (FLWs) who have received the first dose, 85,76,750 FLWs who have taken the second dose and 2,25,40,803 and 59,052 individuals in the 18-44 years age group who have received the first and second dose, respectively. Also Read | Indian drugs regulator DCGI eases norms for clearing foreign-made COVID-19 vaccines Besides, 6,78,25,793 and 1,09,67,786 beneficiaries aged 45 to 60 years old have been administered the first and second dose respectively, while 5,93,85,071 and 1,89,41,698 beneficiaries above 60 years have received the first and second dose. As on day 138 of the vaccination drive (June 2), a total of 22,45,112 vaccine doses were given. Also Read | Mixing vaccines has not become the protocol: India health ministry The ministry said 20,28,867 beneficiaries were given the first dose and 2,16,245 beneficiaries received the second dose of the vaccine, according to the provisional report till 7 pm. Final reports would be completed for the day by late Wednesday night. Also Read | Give us priority COVID-19 vaccination: Foreign-bound students to Tamil Nadu govt The vaccination exercise, as a tool to protect the most vulnerable population groups in the country from COVID-19, continues to be regularly reviewed and monitored at the highest level, the ministry underlined.

Cumulative COVID-19 vaccination coverage crosses 22 crore-mark: Govt

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced the cancellation of CBSE Class 12 board examinations. The crucial decision was made after the PM chaired a review meeting regarding the Class 12 Board exams of CBSE.

India: CBSE Class 12 board exams cancelled amid COVID-19

A third wave in India could hit children hard. In fact, children are already getting infected in large numbers during the second wave. In a district of Maharashtra, more than 9,900 children tested positive.

Gravitas: The virus reaches India's children

The World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Tuesday that only one strain of the COVID-19 Delta variant first detected in India is now considered of concern, while two other strains had been downgraded.

WHO says only one strain of Delta variant is now of concern

India’s apex drug regulator has announced that foreign vaccines like Pfizer and Moderna will no longer have to clear India-specific trials. The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has done away with such requirements in order to speed up vaccine imports.

DCGI relaxes norms for clearing foreign vaccines, no local trials for Pfizer and Moderna

Supreme Court of India has said that since the Centre has made CoWIN registration mandatory for vaccination, how is it going to address the issue of the digital divide facing the country. Supreme Court also added that policymakers must have an ear to the ground.

Supreme Court slams Indian govt over COVID-19 vaccination policy

India may soon begin testing the feasibility of a regimen that mixes two different COVID-19 vaccines to see if it helps boost the immune response to the virus. The testing may be carried out both using vaccines that are currently available in the country, and those that are in the pipeline.

India may start tests on mixed vaccines in a few weeks

The month of June could bring good news for India. New infections are falling, and India's vaccine rollout is getting a booster shot. In June, India will have nearly 120 million doses to use.

Gravitas: India's vaccine rollout gets a booster shot

Union health ministry on Monday said that India reported 1,27,510 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours. 2,795 new fatalities were also recorded in this duration, which pushed the death toll to 331,895, the health ministry said.

India reports 1,27,510 new COVID-19 cases, 2,795 deaths in last 24 hours

A popular Chinese blogger who made comments about Chinese soldiers who died during last year's border clash with India has been sentenced to eight months in jail. 38-year-old Qiu Ziming was among at least six people arrested in February for online posts about the Galwan Valley clash between Chinese and Indian troops in a disputed border area.

Popular Chinese blogger Qiu Ziming jailed for 'slandering' soldiers

India’s Mahindra & Mahindra expects it will take at least another two years for car sales to return to their pre-pandemic peaks, but a slow pace of vaccinations could hurt recovery prospects.

World Business Watch: Indian automakers expect sales to rebound in two years

Italy extended Sunday an entry ban for people coming from India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, as a continued precaution against the more transmissible <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> variant first detected in India.

The ban, which does not apply to Italian citizens, was introduced in late April and was due to expire on Sunday. It was prolonged until June 21, a spokesman for Italian Health Minister Roberto Speranza said in a statement.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/italy-imposes-travel-ban-from-india-over-covid-19-variant-380106">Italy imposes travel ban from India over COVID-19 variant</a>

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-technology/uk-variant-first-images-of-b117-coronavirus-mutation-382771">B.1.617</a> variant of the coronavirus was first detected in India last year and has been blamed for much of a devastating <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> wave that has battered South Asian nations in recent weeks.

This week, the World Health Organization (WHO) said the variant has officially spread to 53 territories, and has been linked to seven other territories by unofficial sources, taking the total to 60.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-italy-reports-new-deaths-european-commission-urges-member-states-to-extend-temporary-non-essential-travel-ban-297530">As Italy reports new deaths, European Commission urges member states to extend temporary non-essential travel ban</a>

In an interview with AFP, WHO regional director for Europe Hans Kluge said the increased contagiousness of the new variants of the coronavirus, including the Indian one, was one of his main worries.

"We know for example that the B.1617 is more transmissible than the B.117, which already was more transmissible than the previous strain," the Belgian doctor said.

Italy extended Sunday an entry ban for people coming from India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, as a continued precaution against the more transmissible coronavirus variant first detected in India.

Italy extended Sunday an entry ban for people coming from India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, as a continued precaution against the more transmissible coronavirus variant first detected in India. The ban, which does not apply to Italian citizens, was introduced in late April and was due to expire on Sunday. It was prolonged until June 21, a spokesman for Italian Health Minister Roberto Speranza said in a statement. Also Read | Italy imposes travel ban from India over COVID-19 variant The B.1.617 variant of the coronavirus was first detected in India last year and has been blamed for much of a devastating COVID-19 wave that has battered South Asian nations in recent weeks. This week, the World Health Organization (WHO) said the variant has officially spread to 53 territories, and has been linked to seven other territories by unofficial sources, taking the total to 60. Also Read | As Italy reports new deaths, European Commission urges member states to extend temporary non-essential travel ban In an interview with AFP, WHO regional director for Europe Hans Kluge said the increased contagiousness of the new variants of the coronavirus, including the Indian one, was one of his main worries. "We know for example that the B.1617 is more transmissible than the B.117, which already was more transmissible than the previous strain," the Belgian doctor said.

Italy extends entry ban for India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka

India recorded a single-day rise of 165,553 new COVID-19 cases, the lowest in 46 days, taking the country's infection tally to 2,78,94,800, according to Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday.

The daily positivity declined to 8.02 per cent, remaining below the 10 per cent-mark for five consecutive days, while the weekly positivity rate dropped to 9.36 per cent, it said.

The death toll due to the disease climbed to 325,972 in the country with 3,460 fatalities being recorded in a span of 24 hours, the data updated at 8 am showed.

Also, 20,63,839 COVID-19 tests were conducted in the country on Saturday, taking the total number of such exams so far to 34,31,83,748, the ministry said.

The number of active cases has reduced to 21,14,508, comprising 7.58 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 91.25 per cent, it said.

The count of the daily new cases is the lowest in 46 days. India recorded 1,61, 736 infections on April 13. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 2,54,54,320, while the case fatality rate stands at 1.17 per cent, the data stated.

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, 50 lakh on September 16, 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and one crore on December 19.

India crossed the grim milestone of two crore infections on May 4.

India recorded a single-day rise of 165,553 new COVID-19 cases, the lowest in 46 days, taking the country's infection tally to 2,78,94,800, according to Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday.

India recorded a single-day rise of 165,553 new COVID-19 cases, the lowest in 46 days, taking the country's infection tally to 2,78,94,800, according to Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday. The daily positivity declined to 8.02 per cent, remaining below the 10 per cent-mark for five consecutive days, while the weekly positivity rate dropped to 9.36 per cent, it said. The death toll due to the disease climbed to 325,972 in the country with 3,460 fatalities being recorded in a span of 24 hours, the data updated at 8 am showed. Also, 20,63,839 COVID-19 tests were conducted in the country on Saturday, taking the total number of such exams so far to 34,31,83,748, the ministry said. The number of active cases has reduced to 21,14,508, comprising 7.58 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 91.25 per cent, it said. The count of the daily new cases is the lowest in 46 days. India recorded 1,61, 736 infections on April 13. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 2,54,54,320, while the case fatality rate stands at 1.17 per cent, the data stated. 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, 50 lakh on September 16, 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and one crore on December 19. India crossed the grim milestone of two crore infections on May 4.

India reports 165,553 new cases of COVID-19 marking the lowest surge in 46 days

According to study in France the Pfizer vaccine is slightly less effective but appears to still protect against the more transmissible B.1.617 variant found in India.

Study: Pfizer might be slightly ineffective yet protects

More than 1.65 lakh new cases of Corona have been reported in the last 24 hours in India. Watch this report of Zee News to know more.

Coronavirus Update: India witnesses slight dip in COVID cases

Today (30 May) PM Modi has addressed nation through 'Mann Ki Baat'. He talked about how country has worked together as Team India in the last seven years and also highlighted how the country fought the biggest of challenges that came in its way.

India: PM Modi led BJP Govt completes 7 Years in power today

In a clear and unambiguous message to China, Army Chief Gen MM Naravane on Friday said there can be no de-escalation without complete disengagement at all friction points in eastern Ladakh, and that the Indian Army is prepared for all contingencies in the region.

In an exclusive interview to PTI, Gen Naravane said India is dealing with China in a "firm" and "non-escalatory" manner to ensure the sanctity of its claims in eastern Ladakh, and that it was even open to initiating confidence-building measures.

It has been more than a year since the military standoff between the two sides erupted in eastern Ladakh on May 5, 2020 during which there were fatalities on both sides for the first time in 45 years. They have made limited progress in achieving disengagement at the Pangong lake area while negotiations for similar steps at other friction points remained deadlocked.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/opinion-china-india-disengagement-at-ladakh-an-unfinished-agenda-377107">Opinion | China-India disengagement at Ladakh: An unfinished agenda</a>

Gen Naravane asserted that the Indian Army is currently holding onto all important areas in the high-altitude region and it has adequate personnel in the form of "reserves" to respond to any contingencies.

"We are very clear that no de-escalation can take place before disengagement at all friction points. India and China have signed a number of border agreements which have been unilaterally breached by the People's Liberation Army(PLA)," he said.

"Though we want peace and tranquillity at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and are open to initiating confidence-building measures, we remain prepared for all contingencies."

He also said the situation along the northern border is under control and that the coming rounds of military talks with China will focus on restoring the status quo ante of April 2020.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-china-lac-standoff-both-sides-discuss-further-disengagement-in-ladakh-376711">India-China LAC Standoff: Both sides discuss further disengagement in Ladakh</a>

"Indian Army is very clear that no loss of territory or unilateral change in status quo will be permitted. We are dealing with the Chinese in a firm and non-escalatory way, ensuring the sanctity of our claims in eastern Ladakh," he added.

To a question on when a resolution to the standoff can be expected in areas like Hot Springs, Gogra and Depsang in eastern Ladakh, the Army Chief said it was difficult to predict the timeline.

"The Indian Army maintains all protocols and agreements between the two countries while the PLA escalated the situation by utilisation of unorthodox weapons and amassing a large number of troops," he said, in a reference to the Galwan Valley clashes last June.

"Troops are currently holding all important areas and we have adequate troops in the form of 'reserves' to react to any contingencies," the Army Chief added.

India-China ties came under severe strain following the deadly clashes at the Galwan valley following which both sides rushed in thousands of additional troops as well as battle tanks and other large weapons to the region.

"The trust levels are bound to be low when a major standoff takes place between two countries leading to casualties on both sides. However, it is always our endeavour that this trust deficit should not hinder the negotiation process," Gen Naravane said.

"As two professional armies, it is imperative that we resolve the situation and make progress to restore trust at the earliest."

Asked about the possibility of any escalation of tension in the region, Gen Naravane said there has been no infringement by the Chinese side following the agreement on the disengagement in the Pangong lake area and that chances of any untoward incident is low.

He also said the strength of troops on both sides at present are more or less what it was last year and that the Indian Army was aware of what is happening in the region, adding "you cannot be complacent".

The Chief of Army Staff said the training areas of the PLA located in depth areas at a distance of around 1,000 km from the LAC are also being looked at. Each side currently has around 50,000 to 60,000 troops along the LAC in the sensitive sector.

Gen Naravane said the process for the next round of military talks was underway. At the same time, he added, "we should not expect result from every round of talks."

Asked about China building villages near the LAC in the Arunachal Pradesh sector as well along its border with Bhutan, Gen Naravane said it is possibly part of a plan to have more population in the areas along with infrastructure development.

"They (China) are building the villages on their side. Additional infrastructure is also being developed to cater to the increasing population," he said.

He said India has also been developing infrastructure along the LAC that included habitat, water supply and electrification. 
Nine months after the military standoff at multiple friction points, both sides completed the withdrawal of troops and weapons from the North and South banks of the Pangong lake in February as part of an agreement reached following a series of military and diplomatic talks.

The two sides have held 11 rounds of military talks with an aim to ensure disengagement and de-escalation at the friction points. Both the militaries are now engaged in talks to extend the disengagement process to the remaining friction points.

There was no visible forward movement in disengagement of troops at the remaining friction points as the Chinese side did not show flexibility in their approach at the last round of talks on April 9. The Chinese military is currently conducting a drill at its training areas near the Ladakh region.

In a clear and unambiguous message to China, Army Chief Gen MM Naravane on Friday said there can be no de-escalation without complete disengagement at all friction points in eastern Ladakh, and that the Indian Army is prepared for all contingencies in the region.

In a clear and unambiguous message to China, Army Chief Gen MM Naravane on Friday said there can be no de-escalation without complete disengagement at all friction points in eastern Ladakh, and that the Indian Army is prepared for all contingencies in the region. In an exclusive interview to PTI, Gen Naravane said India is dealing with China in a "firm" and "non-escalatory" manner to ensure the sanctity of its claims in eastern Ladakh, and that it was even open to initiating confidence-building measures. It has been more than a year since the military standoff between the two sides erupted in eastern Ladakh on May 5, 2020 during which there were fatalities on both sides for the first time in 45 years. They have made limited progress in achieving disengagement at the Pangong lake area while negotiations for similar steps at other friction points remained deadlocked. Also Read | Opinion | China-India disengagement at Ladakh: An unfinished agenda Gen Naravane asserted that the Indian Army is currently holding onto all important areas in the high-altitude region and it has adequate personnel in the form of "reserves" to respond to any contingencies. "We are very clear that no de-escalation can take place before disengagement at all friction points. India and China have signed a number of border agreements which have been unilaterally breached by the People's Liberation Army(PLA)," he said. "Though we want peace and tranquillity at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and are open to initiating confidence-building measures, we remain prepared for all contingencies." He also said the situation along the northern border is under control and that the coming rounds of military talks with China will focus on restoring the status quo ante of April 2020. Also Read | India-China LAC Standoff: Both sides discuss further disengagement in Ladakh "Indian Army is very clear that no loss of territory or unilateral change in status quo will be permitted. We are dealing with the Chinese in a firm and non-escalatory way, ensuring the sanctity of our claims in eastern Ladakh," he added. To a question on when a resolution to the standoff can be expected in areas like Hot Springs, Gogra and Depsang in eastern Ladakh, the Army Chief said it was difficult to predict the timeline. "The Indian Army maintains all protocols and agreements between the two countries while the PLA escalated the situation by utilisation of unorthodox weapons and amassing a large number of troops," he said, in a reference to the Galwan Valley clashes last June. "Troops are currently holding all important areas and we have adequate troops in the form of 'reserves' to react to any contingencies," the Army Chief added. India-China ties came under severe strain following the deadly clashes at the Galwan valley following which both sides rushed in thousands of additional troops as well as battle tanks and other large weapons to the region. "The trust levels are bound to be low when a major standoff takes place between two countries leading to casualties on both sides. However, it is always our endeavour that this trust deficit should not hinder the negotiation process," Gen Naravane said. "As two professional armies, it is imperative that we resolve the situation and make progress to restore trust at the earliest." Asked about the possibility of any escalation of tension in the region, Gen Naravane said there has been no infringement by the Chinese side following the agreement on the disengagement in the Pangong lake area and that chances of any untoward incident is low. He also said the strength of troops on both sides at present are more or less what it was last year and that the Indian Army was aware of what is happening in the region, adding "you cannot be complacent". The Chief of Army Staff said the training areas of the PLA located in depth areas at a distance of around 1,000 km from the LAC are also being looked at. Each side currently has around 50,000 to 60,000 troops along the LAC in the sensitive sector. Gen Naravane said the process for the next round of military talks was underway. At the same time, he added, "we should not expect result from every round of talks." Asked about China building villages near the LAC in the Arunachal Pradesh sector as well along its border with Bhutan, Gen Naravane said it is possibly part of a plan to have more population in the areas along with infrastructure development. "They (China) are building the villages on their side. Additional infrastructure is also being developed to cater to the increasing population," he said. He said India has also been developing infrastructure along the LAC that included habitat, water supply and electrification. Nine months after the military standoff at multiple friction points, both sides completed the withdrawal of troops and weapons from the North and South banks of the Pangong lake in February as part of an agreement reached following a series of military and diplomatic talks. The two sides have held 11 rounds of military talks with an aim to ensure disengagement and de-escalation at the friction points. Both the militaries are now engaged in talks to extend the disengagement process to the remaining friction points. There was no visible forward movement in disengagement of troops at the remaining friction points as the Chinese side did not show flexibility in their approach at the last round of talks on April 9. The Chinese military is currently conducting a drill at its training areas near the Ladakh region.

We are dealing with China in firm and non-escalatory way: Indian Army chief

The first batch of three ISO tanks containing 60 tonnes of liquid oxygen headed for India will leave Saudi Arabia on Sunday, May 30. The tanks are expected to arrive in Mumbai on June 6, after plans to depart from Dammam on May 30.

This is the first of many batches set to arrive in India from Saudi Arabia, sources told WION. 100 ISO tanks will arrive in India in different batches to assist with oxygen shortages reported in hospitals amid a recent surge in Covid cases.

Many countries have extended aid to India after an explosive surge in cases first reported in the end of April. In the beginning of May, Saudi Arabia assured India of medical oxygen supplies.

On May 7, Indian Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan thanked Saudi Arabia’s Energy Minister and member of the royal family Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud. It was during this time that the kingdom first assured India of supplying ISO containers over the next six months.

In the first half of May, the country reported record 400,000+ cases on a single day. Since then, the number of daily cases has&nbsp;come down tremendously - showing a downward trend.&nbsp;

On May 29, over 170,000 new cases were reported in 24 hours, marking the lowest spike since April 13.

Experts believe that the second-wave of Covid is now easing in the country. Delhi government announced plans to slowly unlock the city as cases dipped to pre-March levels.

The first batch of three ISO tanks containing 60 tonnes of liquid oxygen headed for India will leave Saudi Arabia on Sunday, May 30. The tanks are expected to arrive in Mumbai on June 6, after plans to depart from Dammam on May 30.

The first batch of three ISO tanks containing 60 tonnes of liquid oxygen headed for India will leave Saudi Arabia on Sunday, May 30. The tanks are expected to arrive in Mumbai on June 6, after plans to depart from Dammam on May 30. This is the first of many batches set to arrive in India from Saudi Arabia, sources told WION. 100 ISO tanks will arrive in India in different batches to assist with oxygen shortages reported in hospitals amid a recent surge in Covid cases. Many countries have extended aid to India after an explosive surge in cases first reported in the end of April. In the beginning of May, Saudi Arabia assured India of medical oxygen supplies. On May 7, Indian Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan thanked Saudi Arabia’s Energy Minister and member of the royal family Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud. It was during this time that the kingdom first assured India of supplying ISO containers over the next six months. In the first half of May, the country reported record 400,000+ cases on a single day. Since then, the number of daily cases has come down tremendously - showing a downward trend. On May 29, over 170,000 new cases were reported in 24 hours, marking the lowest spike since April 13. Experts believe that the second-wave of Covid is now easing in the country. Delhi government announced plans to slowly unlock the city as cases dipped to pre-March levels.

First batch of ISO oxygen tanks from Saudi Arabia to leave for India on May 30

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced that all children who have been rendered orphan due to COVID-19 will be supported under the 'PM-CARES for Children’ scheme.

India: Support for kids who lost parents

India and the US on Friday vowed to support each other amid Covid crisis in the second physical meet between Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar and US Secretary of state&nbsp;Antony Blinken.&nbsp;Both the foreign minister had met earlier this year in London on the sidelines of the G7 Foreign minister meeting.&nbsp;

Jaishankar, standing alongside the US Secretary of State said, "our relations have grown strong over the years and I am very confident that it will continue to do so", thanking the US for the "strong support and solidarity at the moment of great difficulty for us".&nbsp;

Amid the second wave of Covid crisis, US sent assistance which included 20,000 courses of remdesivir, 1,500 oxygen cylinders, 550 mobile oxygen concentrators, over 2.5 million N95 masks and a&nbsp;large-scale deployable oxygen concentration system.&nbsp;Responding to this, Blinken said, "We know, we remember in the earlier days of Covid&nbsp;India was there for the US, something we will never forget, and now we want to make sure that we are there for India"

Last year, India had sent HCQ to US. Both sides have been engaging with each over dealing with&nbsp;the crisis, especially under the Quad grouping of US, India, Australia, and Japan. After the first virtual summit that took place earlier this year, it was decided that more Covid vaccines will be manufactured under the Quad Covid Vaccine initiative.&nbsp;

Calling EAM, friend and colleague, US Secretary of state said, "US and India are working together on so many of the most important challenges of our time, one those are having a profound impact on the lives of our citizens".&nbsp;He highlighted how both countries are "united" in "confronting covid" &amp; the "challenge posed by climate change" even as they have "partnered directly through the quad, other institutions like the UN" and "partnership between US and India is vital, it is strong and increasingly productive".

EAM Jaishankar is on a week-long visit to US, during which he held talks with the US defense secretary and USTR in Washington and will meet&nbsp;UN Secretary-General&nbsp;Antonio Guterres in New York.&nbsp;

India and the US on Friday vowed to support each other amid Covid crisis in the second physical meet between Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar and US Secretary of state Antony Blinken.

India and the US on Friday vowed to support each other amid Covid crisis in the second physical meet between Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar and US Secretary of state Antony Blinken. Both the foreign minister had met earlier this year in London on the sidelines of the G7 Foreign minister meeting. Jaishankar, standing alongside the US Secretary of State said, "our relations have grown strong over the years and I am very confident that it will continue to do so", thanking the US for the "strong support and solidarity at the moment of great difficulty for us". Amid the second wave of Covid crisis, US sent assistance which included 20,000 courses of remdesivir, 1,500 oxygen cylinders, 550 mobile oxygen concentrators, over 2.5 million N95 masks and a large-scale deployable oxygen concentration system. Responding to this, Blinken said, "We know, we remember in the earlier days of Covid India was there for the US, something we will never forget, and now we want to make sure that we are there for India" Last year, India had sent HCQ to US. Both sides have been engaging with each over dealing with the crisis, especially under the Quad grouping of US, India, Australia, and Japan. After the first virtual summit that took place earlier this year, it was decided that more Covid vaccines will be manufactured under the Quad Covid Vaccine initiative. Calling EAM, friend and colleague, US Secretary of state said, "US and India are working together on so many of the most important challenges of our time, one those are having a profound impact on the lives of our citizens". He highlighted how both countries are "united" in "confronting covid" & the "challenge posed by climate change" even as they have "partnered directly through the quad, other institutions like the UN" and "partnership between US and India is vital, it is strong and increasingly productive". EAM Jaishankar is on a week-long visit to US, during which he held talks with the US defense secretary and USTR in Washington and will meet UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York.

Blinken says US and India united in tackling COVID-19

Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar met his US counterpart Anthony Blinken where the two top diplomats discussed bilateral issues between the United States and India. Anthony Blinken said that the US and India are united in confronting multiple issues together including the COVID pandemic and climate change.

Indian EAM meets US Secy of State, other top officials

India has expressed its 'strong opposition' to the comments made by United Nations General Assembly President Volkan Bozkir on Kashmir during his visit to Pakistan. Dismissing his 'unwarranted references' on Jammu and Kashmir, the ministry of external affairs in a strongly worded statement called the comments 'unacceptable'.&nbsp;

The statement said, "when an incumbent President of the UN General Assembly makes misleading and prejudiced remarks, he does a great disservice to the office he occupies", adding, his "behaviour is truly regrettable and surely diminishes his standing on the global platform." India also dismissed equating of Palestine and J&amp;K saying that there is no ‘basis for comparison to other global situations'. &nbsp;

During his Pakistan visit, the UNGA President equated Palestine with Jammu and Kashmir issue, and said it's the 'duty of Pakistan to bring this to UN Platform more strongly'. Volkan Bozkır is a Turkish diplomat and politician and the first Turkish national to hold the post of President of the United Nations General Assembly. The term of the presidency of UNGA is for a one year, and he or she is expected to remain impartial.&nbsp;

The comments will be seen as a violation of the code of ethics mentioned in Annex XI (a) for the President of the General Assembly as enshrined under resolution 70/305 of 13 September 2016. The Annex, para 2 says, "The President shall perform his or her duties and responsibilities in an impartial and equitable manner and in full honesty and good faith".&nbsp;

Also, the same code, Para 3 states that President 'shall avoid any action' that 'might result in or create the appearance of' giving 'unwarranted preferential treatment to any State..', in this case, is Pakistan. &nbsp;

Para 5 points out, "President shall avoid any situation involving a conflict between his or her own personal or private interest and the interests of the Presidency or the United Nations". His comments are perceived to be shadowed by the Turkish foreign policy, which has taken the Pakistani position on Jammu and Kashmir irking India. &nbsp;

India has expressed its 'strong opposition' to the comments made by United Nations General Assembly President Volkan Bozkir on Kashmir during his visit to Pakistan.

India has expressed its 'strong opposition' to the comments made by United Nations General Assembly President Volkan Bozkir on Kashmir during his visit to Pakistan. Dismissing his 'unwarranted references' on Jammu and Kashmir, the ministry of external affairs in a strongly worded statement called the comments 'unacceptable'. The statement said, "when an incumbent President of the UN General Assembly makes misleading and prejudiced remarks, he does a great disservice to the office he occupies", adding, his "behaviour is truly regrettable and surely diminishes his standing on the global platform." India also dismissed equating of Palestine and J&K saying that there is no ‘basis for comparison to other global situations'. During his Pakistan visit, the UNGA President equated Palestine with Jammu and Kashmir issue, and said it's the 'duty of Pakistan to bring this to UN Platform more strongly'. Volkan Bozkır is a Turkish diplomat and politician and the first Turkish national to hold the post of President of the United Nations General Assembly. The term of the presidency of UNGA is for a one year, and he or she is expected to remain impartial. The comments will be seen as a violation of the code of ethics mentioned in Annex XI (a) for the President of the General Assembly as enshrined under resolution 70/305 of 13 September 2016. The Annex, para 2 says, "The President shall perform his or her duties and responsibilities in an impartial and equitable manner and in full honesty and good faith". Also, the same code, Para 3 states that President 'shall avoid any action' that 'might result in or create the appearance of' giving 'unwarranted preferential treatment to any State..', in this case, is Pakistan. Para 5 points out, "President shall avoid any situation involving a conflict between his or her own personal or private interest and the interests of the Presidency or the United Nations". His comments are perceived to be shadowed by the Turkish foreign policy, which has taken the Pakistani position on Jammu and Kashmir irking India.

India slams UNGA prez Bozkir's Kashmir remarks; Says comments 'unacceptable' 

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