India and the European Union on Tuesday called for an 'immediate, permanent and comprehensive' ceasefire in Afghanistan, and said an effective and unconditional cessation of hostilities is essential for creating the appropriate conditions for the peace process in the country.&nbsp;

Issues relating to the Afghan peace process figured prominently in talks between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell Fontelles on the sidelines of a meeting of the G7 in London.&nbsp;

A joint press statement said both Jaishankar and Borrell underlined the importance of ensuring that the soil of Afghanistan is not used by terrorist groups to threaten the security of India and the EU.&nbsp;

It said they agreed that a successful peace process requires the Taliban to engage in good faith, with a serious commitment towards finding a political solution.&nbsp;

"External Affairs Minister Jaishankar and Borrell jointly and firmly condemned the unacceptable level of violence perpetrated against the national forces of Afghanistan and civilians and the targeted assassinations of civil rights activists, mediapersons and Ulema," it said.&nbsp;

The statement said Jaiishankar and Borrell reiterated their call for an immediate, permanent and comprehensive nationwide ceasefire.&nbsp;

"An effective and unconditional cessation of hostilities is essential for creating the appropriate conditions for the negotiations to proceed meaningfully, for building trust between the parties, in instilling confidence in the Afghan people and for demonstrating a genuine commitment of the Taliban to lasting reconciliation," it said.&nbsp;

It said both sides condemned in the strongest terms all terrorist activities and reaffirmed their strong commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including its financing, the dismantling of terrorist infrastructures and countering radicalisation to ensure that Afghanistan is never again a safe haven for international terrorism.&nbsp;

(With input from agencies)&nbsp;

India and the European Union on Tuesday called for an 'immediate, permanent and comprehensive' ceasefire in Afghanistan, and said an effective and unconditional cessation of hostilities is essential for creating the appropriate conditions for the peace process in the country.

India and the European Union on Tuesday called for an 'immediate, permanent and comprehensive' ceasefire in Afghanistan, and said an effective and unconditional cessation of hostilities is essential for creating the appropriate conditions for the peace process in the country. Issues relating to the Afghan peace process figured prominently in talks between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell Fontelles on the sidelines of a meeting of the G7 in London. A joint press statement said both Jaishankar and Borrell underlined the importance of ensuring that the soil of Afghanistan is not used by terrorist groups to threaten the security of India and the EU. It said they agreed that a successful peace process requires the Taliban to engage in good faith, with a serious commitment towards finding a political solution. "External Affairs Minister Jaishankar and Borrell jointly and firmly condemned the unacceptable level of violence perpetrated against the national forces of Afghanistan and civilians and the targeted assassinations of civil rights activists, mediapersons and Ulema," it said. The statement said Jaiishankar and Borrell reiterated their call for an immediate, permanent and comprehensive nationwide ceasefire. "An effective and unconditional cessation of hostilities is essential for creating the appropriate conditions for the negotiations to proceed meaningfully, for building trust between the parties, in instilling confidence in the Afghan people and for demonstrating a genuine commitment of the Taliban to lasting reconciliation," it said. It said both sides condemned in the strongest terms all terrorist activities and reaffirmed their strong commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including its financing, the dismantling of terrorist infrastructures and countering radicalisation to ensure that Afghanistan is never again a safe haven for international terrorism. (With input from agencies)

India and EU call for 'immediate and comprehensive' ceasefire in Afghanistan 

India has become the second country in the world to report more than 20 million cases in this pandemic. Now a new variant has emerged, that is said to be "15 times more virulent".

Gravitas: New Wuhan virus variant found in India

Mutations are exacerbating India's pandemic crisis. More people are getting infected. The condition of patients is deteriorating faster & doctors are getting less time to respond. WION's Palki tells how the task to defeat the virus has got tougher for healthcare workers

Gravitas | India's deadly second wave: Mutants are exacerbating the pandemic crisis

The European Union will ask India to join its push for a global treaty on plastic pollution, according to a draft statement prepared for a virtual summit on Saturday and seen by Reuters. 
 
The draft statement, which must be signed off by EU ambassadors and needs New Delhi`s final approval, said: "The EU invited India to consider endorsing the Leaders’ Pledge for Nature, and effective engagement with like-minded countries on negotiations on a Global Plastics Agreement." 
 
The EU, Rwanda and Peru are among those pushing for a legally binding international treaty to stem the flow of plastic pollution piling up in the world`s oceans and natural habitats. 
 
The aim is to win support ahead of a UN&nbsp;meeting in February 2022 which could launch negotiations on the agreement -- paving pave the way for a deal akin to the 2015 Paris Agreement, under which nearly 200 countries committed to avoid dangerous climate change. 
 
At the virtual summit on Saturday, both sides are expected to pledge to increase cooperation to limit climate change, part of a wider bilateral agenda that the EU hopes will include closer trade ties and ways to counter China`s rise. 
 
The draft statement said the EU and India would hold regular meetings to increase collaboration in areas including renewable energy, energy storage technology, and modernising power grids. 
 
India aims to have 450 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy generation capacity by 2030, roughly five times the 93GW it has today. 
 
India is the world`s third-biggest carbon emitter after China and the United States, and is facing pressure to commit itself to net zero emissions by 2050 -- a pledge the EU and United States have both made, while China is aiming for 2060. 
 
Government sources have told Reuters the country is concerned that binding itself to such a target could constrain the energy needs of its people. 
 
The draft summit statement said the European Investment Bank and EU countries` development banks were increasing financial support to India for climate-related issues, for example in areas such as renewable energy and green transport.

The European Union will ask India to join its push for a global treaty on plastic pollution, according to a draft statement prepared for a virtual summit on Saturday and seen by Reuters.

The European Union will ask India to join its push for a global treaty on plastic pollution, according to a draft statement prepared for a virtual summit on Saturday and seen by Reuters. The draft statement, which must be signed off by EU ambassadors and needs New Delhi`s final approval, said: "The EU invited India to consider endorsing the Leaders’ Pledge for Nature, and effective engagement with like-minded countries on negotiations on a Global Plastics Agreement." The EU, Rwanda and Peru are among those pushing for a legally binding international treaty to stem the flow of plastic pollution piling up in the world`s oceans and natural habitats. The aim is to win support ahead of a UN meeting in February 2022 which could launch negotiations on the agreement -- paving pave the way for a deal akin to the 2015 Paris Agreement, under which nearly 200 countries committed to avoid dangerous climate change. At the virtual summit on Saturday, both sides are expected to pledge to increase cooperation to limit climate change, part of a wider bilateral agenda that the EU hopes will include closer trade ties and ways to counter China`s rise. The draft statement said the EU and India would hold regular meetings to increase collaboration in areas including renewable energy, energy storage technology, and modernising power grids. India aims to have 450 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy generation capacity by 2030, roughly five times the 93GW it has today. India is the world`s third-biggest carbon emitter after China and the United States, and is facing pressure to commit itself to net zero emissions by 2050 -- a pledge the EU and United States have both made, while China is aiming for 2060. Government sources have told Reuters the country is concerned that binding itself to such a target could constrain the energy needs of its people. The draft summit statement said the European Investment Bank and EU countries` development banks were increasing financial support to India for climate-related issues, for example in areas such as renewable energy and green transport.

EU seeks India's support for plastics treaty, draft summit statement suggests

After India registered more than 400,000 new cases- a new record on Saturday last week, there was a decline in daily cases, with the figure reaching 357,229 on Tuesday.

India sees record 3,780 COVID-19 deaths in 1 day

A 73-year-old Australian, who is stranded in India since March last year, has filed a lawsuit before a Sydney court against the federal government for banning flights from India and threatening to prosecute those attempting to enter the country with the possibility of a jail term and a penalty, saying the move is 'unconstitutional'.&nbsp;

The lawyers of Gary Newman, who is stranded in Bengaluru since March last year, have argued in the federal court in Sydney that the ban was 'unconstitutional'.&nbsp;

The Australian government, for the first time in history, recently imposed a ban on its citizens from returning home, if they have spent time in India up to 14 days before flying back.&nbsp;

The government threatened to prosecute them with a possibility of five years of jail term or a penalty of 66,000 Australian dollars (USD 50,899).&nbsp;

Michael Bradley and Chris Ward lodged the application before Justice Stephen Burley on Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp;

The application firstly said that the Commonwealth was acting outside its powers and secondly, Health Minister Greg Hunt's declaration was in breach of an implied freedom to return home, ABC news reported.&nbsp;

Newman is represented by Bradley and Ward, who would work as pro bono to overturn the temporary ban. Pro bono generally refers to services that are rendered by a professional for free or at a lower cost for the public good.&nbsp;

At a brief directions hearing, Ward said Newman was in Bengaluru and 'wishes' to return home, but had been 'prevented' from doing so by Hunt's declaration.&nbsp;

Burley ordered that the proceedings be expedited and a formal hearing date be determined within the next 24 to 48 hours.&nbsp;

On Saturday, Hunt issued a statement on the travel ban for Australians returning from India.&nbsp;

The statement said, ''the Government will implement a temporary pause on travellers from India entering Australian territory if the passenger has been in India within 14 days of the person's time of departure".&nbsp;

The temporary pause, announced after the National Cabinet, was based on advice about the worsening COVID-19 situation in India.&nbsp;

The pause came into effect on Monday and will be reviewed on May 15.&nbsp;

Hunt said the risk assessment that informed the decision was based on the proportion of overseas travellers in quarantine in Australia, who have acquired a COVID-19 infection in India.&nbsp;

The move triggered a backlash with several lawmakers, doctors, civil societies and businessmen criticising the government for 'abandoning' Australians in India and threatening the travellers with a hefty penalty and a jail term.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Scott Morrison, while speaking to reporters, defended the decision and said that the pause 'is working', which means it will enable the government to get Australian residents and their immediate families back on repatriation flights.&nbsp;

India is struggling with an unprecedented second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic with more than 3,00,000 daily new coronavirus cases being reported in the past one week.&nbsp;

According to Indian health ministry data on Wednesday, a record 3,780 fresh COVID-19 fatalities were registered in a single day in India, taking the death toll to 2,26,188, while 3,82,315 new coronavirus infections were recorded.&nbsp;

With the fresh cases, the total tally of COVID-19 cases in the country climbed to 2,06,65,148.&nbsp;

A 73-year-old Australian, who is stranded in India since March last year, has filed a lawsuit before a Sydney court against the federal government for banning flights from India and threatening to prosecute those attempting to enter the country with the possibility of a jail term and a penalty, saying the move is 'unconstitutional'.

A 73-year-old Australian, who is stranded in India since March last year, has filed a lawsuit before a Sydney court against the federal government for banning flights from India and threatening to prosecute those attempting to enter the country with the possibility of a jail term and a penalty, saying the move is 'unconstitutional'. The lawyers of Gary Newman, who is stranded in Bengaluru since March last year, have argued in the federal court in Sydney that the ban was 'unconstitutional'. The Australian government, for the first time in history, recently imposed a ban on its citizens from returning home, if they have spent time in India up to 14 days before flying back. The government threatened to prosecute them with a possibility of five years of jail term or a penalty of 66,000 Australian dollars (USD 50,899). Michael Bradley and Chris Ward lodged the application before Justice Stephen Burley on Wednesday afternoon. The application firstly said that the Commonwealth was acting outside its powers and secondly, Health Minister Greg Hunt's declaration was in breach of an implied freedom to return home, ABC news reported. Newman is represented by Bradley and Ward, who would work as pro bono to overturn the temporary ban. Pro bono generally refers to services that are rendered by a professional for free or at a lower cost for the public good. At a brief directions hearing, Ward said Newman was in Bengaluru and 'wishes' to return home, but had been 'prevented' from doing so by Hunt's declaration. Burley ordered that the proceedings be expedited and a formal hearing date be determined within the next 24 to 48 hours. On Saturday, Hunt issued a statement on the travel ban for Australians returning from India. The statement said, ''the Government will implement a temporary pause on travellers from India entering Australian territory if the passenger has been in India within 14 days of the person's time of departure". The temporary pause, announced after the National Cabinet, was based on advice about the worsening COVID-19 situation in India. The pause came into effect on Monday and will be reviewed on May 15. Hunt said the risk assessment that informed the decision was based on the proportion of overseas travellers in quarantine in Australia, who have acquired a COVID-19 infection in India. The move triggered a backlash with several lawmakers, doctors, civil societies and businessmen criticising the government for 'abandoning' Australians in India and threatening the travellers with a hefty penalty and a jail term. Prime Minister Scott Morrison, while speaking to reporters, defended the decision and said that the pause 'is working', which means it will enable the government to get Australian residents and their immediate families back on repatriation flights. India is struggling with an unprecedented second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic with more than 3,00,000 daily new coronavirus cases being reported in the past one week. According to Indian health ministry data on Wednesday, a record 3,780 fresh COVID-19 fatalities were registered in a single day in India, taking the death toll to 2,26,188, while 3,82,315 new coronavirus infections were recorded. With the fresh cases, the total tally of COVID-19 cases in the country climbed to 2,06,65,148.

73-yr-old Australian stuck in Bengaluru sues Morrison govt for ban on flights from India  

Top US Democratic lawmakers have launched #FreeTheVaccine campaign in support of a proposal by India and South Africa before the World Trade Organisation to temporarily waive anti-COVID vaccine patents to boost its supply.&nbsp;

More than 100 Democratic Congressmen, along with a large number of policy activists and rights bodies, launched the campaign on Tuesday, a day before the crucial meeting of the WTO General Council in Geneva.&nbsp;

"The horror in India could play out again and again in other countries if we don't act now. Blocking access to vaccines is anti-humanitarian, anti-diplomatic, and weakens American influence for good on the global stage," Congressman Lloyd Doggett tweeted.&nbsp;

Congresswoman Barbara Lee also echoed similar sentiments.&nbsp;

"India is seeing devastation right now, which could be helped if we would #FreeTheVaccine. The time is now to do what is right," she said.&nbsp;

"India's public health system is collapsing. This is no time to keep vaccines and vaccine technology from the developing world #FreeTheVaccine," Congressman Andy Levin said.&nbsp;

Last week, a group of Democratic lawmakers met Tai and White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator Jeff Zients over the issue and urged her to support the proposal.&nbsp;

The group of lawmakers included Jan Schakowsky, Lloyd Doggett, Rosa DeLauro, Earl Blumenauer, Jesús García, Barbara Lee, Adriano Espaillat, and Andy Levin.&nbsp;

"Much of the required vaccines should be manufactured abroad near those in greatest need using American technology. We need more urgent action by the administration to remove any objection to the TRIPS waiver and permit sharing of the intellectual property required for vaccine manufacturing to get underway immediately," the lawmakers said in a joint statement.&nbsp;

"To underscore the need for action now, we hope that more taxpayers, public interest advocates, religious and business leaders will join our call on the administration. With an increasing public outcry, the administration must act," they said.&nbsp;

Joining the #FreeTheVaccine campaign, Congressman Mark Pocan said India is being devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

"I joined 110 of my colleagues demanding President Joe Biden to support a TRIPS Waiver, so the world has access to life-saving COVID vaccines," he said.&nbsp;

"We must put people's lives over Big Pharma's profits. #FreeTheVaccine," Pocan said.&nbsp;

Indian American politician from New York Jaslin Kaur also appealed to President Biden to support the proposal by India and South Africa.&nbsp;

"Tomorrow is your chance to support #TRIPSWaiver before the WTO to save millions in India," she said.&nbsp;

"COVID-19 is killing 120 Indians per hour, 3,000 people dying daily, while global superpowers hoard the vaccine + refuse to release the patents. It's apartheid, it's genocide. I'll be standing with dozens of organisations + allies tomorrow to demand a free #PeoplesVaccine for all," tweeted another Indian American politician from Virginia Karishma Mehta.&nbsp;

Dozens of non-profit organisations have scheduled a rally for vaccine access for all at the National Mall on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Prominent among them are People's Action, Justice Is Global, Amnesty International, Public Action, Africans Rising, Oxfam and Association for Concerned Africa Scholars.&nbsp;

"We know governments can do much more to end the global pandemic, including sharing vaccine recipes and helping the world make billions more doses," said the rally organisers. &nbsp;

"The Biden administration has an opportunity to make vaccines available by supporting the TRIPS Waiver at the World Trade Organisation, as proposed by India and South Africa. Furthermore, the US can and should invest money in scaling up global vaccine manufacturing. Join the call to #FreeTheVaccine!" they said.&nbsp;

Top US Democratic lawmakers have launched #FreeTheVaccine campaign in support of a proposal by India and South Africa before the World Trade Organisation to temporarily waive anti-COVID vaccine patents to boost its supply.

Top US Democratic lawmakers have launched #FreeTheVaccine campaign in support of a proposal by India and South Africa before the World Trade Organisation to temporarily waive anti-COVID vaccine patents to boost its supply. More than 100 Democratic Congressmen, along with a large number of policy activists and rights bodies, launched the campaign on Tuesday, a day before the crucial meeting of the WTO General Council in Geneva. "The horror in India could play out again and again in other countries if we don't act now. Blocking access to vaccines is anti-humanitarian, anti-diplomatic, and weakens American influence for good on the global stage," Congressman Lloyd Doggett tweeted. Congresswoman Barbara Lee also echoed similar sentiments. "India is seeing devastation right now, which could be helped if we would #FreeTheVaccine. The time is now to do what is right," she said. "India's public health system is collapsing. This is no time to keep vaccines and vaccine technology from the developing world #FreeTheVaccine," Congressman Andy Levin said. Last week, a group of Democratic lawmakers met Tai and White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator Jeff Zients over the issue and urged her to support the proposal. The group of lawmakers included Jan Schakowsky, Lloyd Doggett, Rosa DeLauro, Earl Blumenauer, Jesús García, Barbara Lee, Adriano Espaillat, and Andy Levin. "Much of the required vaccines should be manufactured abroad near those in greatest need using American technology. We need more urgent action by the administration to remove any objection to the TRIPS waiver and permit sharing of the intellectual property required for vaccine manufacturing to get underway immediately," the lawmakers said in a joint statement. "To underscore the need for action now, we hope that more taxpayers, public interest advocates, religious and business leaders will join our call on the administration. With an increasing public outcry, the administration must act," they said. Joining the #FreeTheVaccine campaign, Congressman Mark Pocan said India is being devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic. "I joined 110 of my colleagues demanding President Joe Biden to support a TRIPS Waiver, so the world has access to life-saving COVID vaccines," he said. "We must put people's lives over Big Pharma's profits. #FreeTheVaccine," Pocan said. Indian American politician from New York Jaslin Kaur also appealed to President Biden to support the proposal by India and South Africa. "Tomorrow is your chance to support #TRIPSWaiver before the WTO to save millions in India," she said. "COVID-19 is killing 120 Indians per hour, 3,000 people dying daily, while global superpowers hoard the vaccine + refuse to release the patents. It's apartheid, it's genocide. I'll be standing with dozens of organisations + allies tomorrow to demand a free #PeoplesVaccine for all," tweeted another Indian American politician from Virginia Karishma Mehta. Dozens of non-profit organisations have scheduled a rally for vaccine access for all at the National Mall on Wednesday. Prominent among them are People's Action, Justice Is Global, Amnesty International, Public Action, Africans Rising, Oxfam and Association for Concerned Africa Scholars. "We know governments can do much more to end the global pandemic, including sharing vaccine recipes and helping the world make billions more doses," said the rally organisers. "The Biden administration has an opportunity to make vaccines available by supporting the TRIPS Waiver at the World Trade Organisation, as proposed by India and South Africa. Furthermore, the US can and should invest money in scaling up global vaccine manufacturing. Join the call to #FreeTheVaccine!" they said.

US lawmakers launch #FreeTheVaccine campaign in support of India, South Africa  

In a bid to reduce the burden on the testing laboratories in the country, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) issued new guidelines for COVID-19 testing. ICMR has advised to remove the requirement of testing for people travelling from one state to another.

ICMR issues new COVID-19 testing rules, says no RT-PCR tests required for domestic travel

Eight Asiatic lions at Hyderabad's Nehru Zoological Park have tested positive for COVIS-19. This is the first case of lions or any other animals testing positive in an Indian zoo.

In a first in India, 8 Asiatic lions test positive for COVID-19 in Hyderabad zoo

According to a mathematical model of a team of scientists advising the government, India's COVID-19 cases may peak between May 3-5. This comes as the Coronavirus is spreading faster than expected in the country.

Experts say India's COVID-19 infections may peak between May 3-5

India will allow mobile carriers to carry out 5G trials with equipment makers including Ericsson, Nokia and Samsung`s network unit, the government said on Tuesday, but did not name China`s Huawei among the participants. 
 
Major carriers Reliance Industries` Jio Infocomm, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea will conduct the trials along with state-run MTNL in urban, rural and semi-urban areas, the Ministry of Communications said in a statement. 
 
The statement did not mention Huawei and smaller Chinese rival ZTE among the participating network equipment suppliers. 
 
Huawei declined to comment, while ZTE and the Indian ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the list of companies involved. 
 
While India has not named the Chinese players as taking part in the six-month trials, which aim to test 5G gear and technology in different environments, it has not banned them from supplying 5G equipment to carriers. 
 
Two government officials told Reuters in March, though, that New Delhi will likely block mobile carriers from using telecom equipment made by Huawei, under procurement rules due to come into force in June. 
 
India is the world`s second-biggest market by number of phone users. Authorities are wary of awarding new technology business to Chinese companies because of security concerns, government sources have previously said, and a desire to help local telecoms equipment manufacturers. 
 
The government`s telecoms department said in March that, after June 15, carriers can only buy certain types of equipment from state-approved "trusted sources" and said New Delhi could also create a "no procurement" list of banned suppliers. 
 
Huawei and ZTE are likely to be on this embargoed list, Reuters reported in March.

India will allow mobile carriers to carry out 5G trials with equipment makers including Ericsson, Nokia and Samsung`s network unit, the government said on Tuesday, but did not name China`s Huawei among the participants.

India will allow mobile carriers to carry out 5G trials with equipment makers including Ericsson, Nokia and Samsung`s network unit, the government said on Tuesday, but did not name China`s Huawei among the participants. Major carriers Reliance Industries` Jio Infocomm, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea will conduct the trials along with state-run MTNL in urban, rural and semi-urban areas, the Ministry of Communications said in a statement. The statement did not mention Huawei and smaller Chinese rival ZTE among the participating network equipment suppliers. Huawei declined to comment, while ZTE and the Indian ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the list of companies involved. While India has not named the Chinese players as taking part in the six-month trials, which aim to test 5G gear and technology in different environments, it has not banned them from supplying 5G equipment to carriers. Two government officials told Reuters in March, though, that New Delhi will likely block mobile carriers from using telecom equipment made by Huawei, under procurement rules due to come into force in June. India is the world`s second-biggest market by number of phone users. Authorities are wary of awarding new technology business to Chinese companies because of security concerns, government sources have previously said, and a desire to help local telecoms equipment manufacturers. The government`s telecoms department said in March that, after June 15, carriers can only buy certain types of equipment from state-approved "trusted sources" and said New Delhi could also create a "no procurement" list of banned suppliers. Huawei and ZTE are likely to be on this embargoed list, Reuters reported in March.

India to allow 5G trials; Chinese suppliers like Huawei not on the list

Pfizer is in discussions with the Indian government seeking an expedited approval pathway for its COVID-19 vaccine, the company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Albert Bourla said on Monday.

Pfizer in talks with Indian govt over expedited approval of COVID-19 vaccine

Expressing concern over surging coronavirus cases in India, America's top public health expert and White House Chief Medical Adviser Dr Anthony Fauci on Monday recommended a nationwide lockdown, massive vaccination drive and the construction of a large number of makeshift hospitals.&nbsp;

"It is quite obvious to everyone that the situation in India is extremely serious," Dr Fauci, who is considered one of the world's top infectious disease specialists, said in an interview.&nbsp;

"When you have so many people getting infected, the lack of the capability to take adequate care of everyone; when you have shortages of hospital beds and oxygen and shortages of supplies, that really becomes a very desperate situation. Which is the reason why we feel it's important for the rest of the world to help out, to the extent they can," Dr Fauci said.&nbsp;

Keeping a close tab on developments in India, given that US President Joe Biden has geared up the administration to help India, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases said there are certain things that India can do immediately, mid-term and long-term basis.&nbsp;

"First of all right now, they should start getting as many people vaccinated as they possibly can, with both the vaccines that they develop themselves in India as well as supplies of vaccines that they may be able to procure from other suppliers, be that the United States, be that Russia, whatever country is willing whenever companies are willing to supply vaccine," Dr Fauci said.&nbsp;

However, getting someone 'vaccinated now' does not solve today's problem, he noted, adding that it helps prevent a problem several weeks from now. &nbsp;

"But the solution immediately right now is, and I know India is already doing it, so I'm not telling you something that you are not already doing. A few days ago, I recommended and I believe at least parts of India are doing it, that you shut down the country in lockdown," he said. &nbsp;

"Because other countries, including for example what China did last year, what Australia did when they had an outbreak, what New Zealand did, what other countries did is to completely lock down for a relatively limited period of time. You don't have to lock down for six months. You can lock down for a few weeks. Because when you walk down, it is well known, with the experience of other countries that locking down, definitely interferes with the dynamics of the viral outbreak and you could interfere with the continuity and the transmission of infection," Dr Fauci said. &nbsp;

He also recommended taking the help of the armed forces to immediately build makeshift field hospitals.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Expressing concern over surging coronavirus cases in India, America's top public health expert and White House Chief Medical Adviser Dr Anthony Fauci on Monday recommended a nationwide lockdown, massive vaccination drive and the construction of a large number of makeshift hospitals.

Expressing concern over surging coronavirus cases in India, America's top public health expert and White House Chief Medical Adviser Dr Anthony Fauci on Monday recommended a nationwide lockdown, massive vaccination drive and the construction of a large number of makeshift hospitals. "It is quite obvious to everyone that the situation in India is extremely serious," Dr Fauci, who is considered one of the world's top infectious disease specialists, said in an interview. "When you have so many people getting infected, the lack of the capability to take adequate care of everyone; when you have shortages of hospital beds and oxygen and shortages of supplies, that really becomes a very desperate situation. Which is the reason why we feel it's important for the rest of the world to help out, to the extent they can," Dr Fauci said. Keeping a close tab on developments in India, given that US President Joe Biden has geared up the administration to help India, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases said there are certain things that India can do immediately, mid-term and long-term basis. "First of all right now, they should start getting as many people vaccinated as they possibly can, with both the vaccines that they develop themselves in India as well as supplies of vaccines that they may be able to procure from other suppliers, be that the United States, be that Russia, whatever country is willing whenever companies are willing to supply vaccine," Dr Fauci said. However, getting someone 'vaccinated now' does not solve today's problem, he noted, adding that it helps prevent a problem several weeks from now. "But the solution immediately right now is, and I know India is already doing it, so I'm not telling you something that you are not already doing. A few days ago, I recommended and I believe at least parts of India are doing it, that you shut down the country in lockdown," he said. "Because other countries, including for example what China did last year, what Australia did when they had an outbreak, what New Zealand did, what other countries did is to completely lock down for a relatively limited period of time. You don't have to lock down for six months. You can lock down for a few weeks. Because when you walk down, it is well known, with the experience of other countries that locking down, definitely interferes with the dynamics of the viral outbreak and you could interfere with the continuity and the transmission of infection," Dr Fauci said. He also recommended taking the help of the armed forces to immediately build makeshift field hospitals. (With inputs from agencies)

Fauci's advice to India: Clamp nationwide lockdown, start massive vaccination

Who celebrates the sight of burning pyres? China. Many in China are seeing India's suffering as an opportunity to mock it with a sickening sense of humour.

Gravitas: China celebrates India's suffering

Does watching the news about India's second wave depress you? Can the ground reality be censored in the name of spreading positivity? India's top court has backed the free flow of information. WION's Palki shares her views on how to cover the pandemic.

Gravitas: Is relentless pandemic coverage spreading gloom?

For 12 days now, India has been adding more than 300,000 cases everyday. Scientists say the curve will touch its peak this week. Will new infections fall? Will the shortages end, or is a national lockdown now inevitable?

Gravitas | India's surge: Experts believe new cases will peak this week

Air travel in the US hit its highest mark since COVID-19 took hold more than 13 months ago, while European Union officials are proposing to ease restrictions on visitors to the continent as the vaccine sends new cases and deaths tumbling in more affluent countries.&nbsp;

The improving picture in many places contrasts with the worsening disaster in India.&nbsp;

In the US, the average number of new cases per day fell below 50,000 for the first time since October. &nbsp;

And nearly 1.67 million people were screened at US Airport checkpoints on Sunday, according to the Transportation Security Administration, the highest number since mid-March of last year.&nbsp;

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation giving him sweeping powers to invalidate local emergency measures put in place during the outbreak. &nbsp;

While the law doesn't go into effect until July, the Republican governor said he will issue an executive order to more quickly get rid of local mask mandates.&nbsp;

"I think this creates a structure that's going to be a little bit more respectful, I think, of people's businesses, jobs, schools and personal freedom," he said.&nbsp;

Las Vegas is bustling again after casino capacity limits were raised Saturday to 80% and person-to-person distancing was dropped to 3 feet (0.9 meters). &nbsp;

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that New York City's subways will begin running all night again and capacity restrictions on most businesses will end statewide in mid-May. &nbsp;

And Los Angeles County reported no coronavirus deaths on Sunday and Monday, some of which may be attributable to a lag in reporting but was nevertheless a hopeful sign that could move the county to allow an increase in capacity at events and venues, and indoor-service at bars.&nbsp;

EU officials also announced a proposal on Monday to relax restrictions on travel to the 27-nation bloc this summer, though the final decision is up to its member countries.&nbsp;

"Time to revive EU tourism industry and for cross-border friendships to rekindle safely," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said. “We propose to welcome again vaccinated visitors and those from countries with a good health situation."&nbsp;

Air travel in the US hit its highest mark since COVID-19 took hold more than 13 months ago, while European Union officials are proposing to ease restrictions on visitors to the continent as the vaccine sends new cases and deaths tumbling in more affluent countries.

Air travel in the US hit its highest mark since COVID-19 took hold more than 13 months ago, while European Union officials are proposing to ease restrictions on visitors to the continent as the vaccine sends new cases and deaths tumbling in more affluent countries. The improving picture in many places contrasts with the worsening disaster in India. In the US, the average number of new cases per day fell below 50,000 for the first time since October. And nearly 1.67 million people were screened at US Airport checkpoints on Sunday, according to the Transportation Security Administration, the highest number since mid-March of last year. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation giving him sweeping powers to invalidate local emergency measures put in place during the outbreak. While the law doesn't go into effect until July, the Republican governor said he will issue an executive order to more quickly get rid of local mask mandates. "I think this creates a structure that's going to be a little bit more respectful, I think, of people's businesses, jobs, schools and personal freedom," he said. Las Vegas is bustling again after casino capacity limits were raised Saturday to 80% and person-to-person distancing was dropped to 3 feet (0.9 meters). New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that New York City's subways will begin running all night again and capacity restrictions on most businesses will end statewide in mid-May. And Los Angeles County reported no coronavirus deaths on Sunday and Monday, some of which may be attributable to a lag in reporting but was nevertheless a hopeful sign that could move the county to allow an increase in capacity at events and venues, and indoor-service at bars. EU officials also announced a proposal on Monday to relax restrictions on travel to the 27-nation bloc this summer, though the final decision is up to its member countries. "Time to revive EU tourism industry and for cross-border friendships to rekindle safely," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said. “We propose to welcome again vaccinated visitors and those from countries with a good health situation."

COVID-19: Restrictions easing in US, Europe amid disaster in India 

A shipment carrying two oxygen generators, 548 oxygen concentrators, 365 ventilators and other medical equipment arrived here on Tuesday from Ireland to provide support in India`s fight against the second COVID-19 surge. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, it is the second shipment of medical aid from Ireland.

The ministry said it is grateful to Ireland, a European Union member, for the support which will help add to India`s oxygen capacities. "Further strengthening our cooperation. 2nd shipment from Ireland carrying 2 oxygen generators, 548 oxygen concentrators, 365 ventilators and other medical equipment arrives. Deeply grateful to our EU partner for the support which will help add to our oxygen capacities," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted.

A few days back, the first shipment from Ireland containing 700 units of oxygen concentrators and 365 ventilators arrived here. Reeling under the impact of the deadly COVID-19 wave, India reported 3,57,229 new COVID-19 cases, 3,20,289 discharges, and 3,449 deaths in the last 24 hours, as per Union Health Ministry`s data on Tuesday.

The total number of coronavirus cases in the country now stands at 2,02,82,833.The worsening COVID-19 situation in India has seen a surge in the demand for medical oxygen and beds for the COVID-19 patients.

Several countries around the world have come forward to help India as it continues to struggle with the increase in its health infrastructure needs caused by the rising coronavirus cases.The member states of the European Union are delivering medical aid following India`s request for support as the country has witnessed a record surge in COVID-19 cases in the second wave of the pandemic.

The aid is being provided through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, which is coordinated by the Emergency Response Coordination Centre of the European Commission.Several countries like Romania, Italy, Germany, France and Belgium have already sent in the supplies.

A shipment carrying two oxygen generators, 548 oxygen concentrators, 365 ventilators and other medical equipment arrived here on Tuesday from Ireland to provide support in India`s fight against the second COVID-19 surge.

A shipment carrying two oxygen generators, 548 oxygen concentrators, 365 ventilators and other medical equipment arrived here on Tuesday from Ireland to provide support in India`s fight against the second COVID-19 surge. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, it is the second shipment of medical aid from Ireland. The ministry said it is grateful to Ireland, a European Union member, for the support which will help add to India`s oxygen capacities. "Further strengthening our cooperation. 2nd shipment from Ireland carrying 2 oxygen generators, 548 oxygen concentrators, 365 ventilators and other medical equipment arrives. Deeply grateful to our EU partner for the support which will help add to our oxygen capacities," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted. A few days back, the first shipment from Ireland containing 700 units of oxygen concentrators and 365 ventilators arrived here. Reeling under the impact of the deadly COVID-19 wave, India reported 3,57,229 new COVID-19 cases, 3,20,289 discharges, and 3,449 deaths in the last 24 hours, as per Union Health Ministry`s data on Tuesday. The total number of coronavirus cases in the country now stands at 2,02,82,833.The worsening COVID-19 situation in India has seen a surge in the demand for medical oxygen and beds for the COVID-19 patients. Several countries around the world have come forward to help India as it continues to struggle with the increase in its health infrastructure needs caused by the rising coronavirus cases.The member states of the European Union are delivering medical aid following India`s request for support as the country has witnessed a record surge in COVID-19 cases in the second wave of the pandemic. The aid is being provided through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, which is coordinated by the Emergency Response Coordination Centre of the European Commission.Several countries like Romania, Italy, Germany, France and Belgium have already sent in the supplies.

India receives Covid aid including 548 oxygen concentrators, 365 ventilators from Ireland

India's total tally of COVID-19 cases crossed the&nbsp;20-million&nbsp;mark with over 50,00,000&nbsp;infections being added&nbsp;in just 15 days.&nbsp;

The total tally of coronavirus cases in the country mounted to 2,02,82,833 with 3,57,229 new infections being reported in a day, while the death toll increased to 2,22,408 with&nbsp;3,449&nbsp;new fatalities,&nbsp;according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Registering a steady increase, the active cases have increased to&nbsp;34,47,133 comprising 17 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 81.91 per cent,&nbsp;the&nbsp;data updated at 8 am showed.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 1,66,13,292,&nbsp;while the case fatality&nbsp;rate&nbsp;was&nbsp;recorded at 1.10 per cent, the data stated.&nbsp;

According to the ICMR, 29,33,10,779 samples have been tested up to&nbsp;May 3&nbsp;with&nbsp;16,63,742&nbsp;samples being tested on Monday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The 3,449 new fatalities include 567 from Maharashtra, 448 from Delhi, 285&nbsp;from Uttar Pradesh, 266&nbsp;from&nbsp;Chhattisgarh,&nbsp;239&nbsp;&nbsp;from Karnataka, 155 from Punjab, 154&nbsp;from Rajasthan, 140 each from Gujarat and Haryana, 129 from Jharkhand, 128 from Uttarakhand and 122 from Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

A total of 2,22,408 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 70,851 from Maharashtra, 17,414 from Delhi, 16,250 from Karnataka, 14,468 from Tamil Nadu, 13,447 from Uttar Pradesh, 11,637 from West Bengal, 9,472 from Punjab and 9,275 from Chhattisgarh.&nbsp;

The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.&nbsp;

"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;

(With input from agencies)&nbsp;&nbsp;

India's total tally of COVID-19 cases crossed the 20-million mark with over 50,00,000 infections being added in just 15 days. The total tally of coronavirus cases in the country mounted to 2,02,82,833 with 3,57,229 new infections being reported in a day, while the death toll increased to 2,22,408 with 3,449 new fatalities, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday.

India's total tally of COVID-19 cases crossed the 20-million mark with over 50,00,000 infections being added in just 15 days. The total tally of coronavirus cases in the country mounted to 2,02,82,833 with 3,57,229 new infections being reported in a day, while the death toll increased to 2,22,408 with 3,449 new fatalities, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday. Registering a steady increase, the active cases have increased to 34,47,133 comprising 17 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 81.91 per cent, the data updated at 8 am showed. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 1,66,13,292, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.10 per cent, the data stated. According to the ICMR, 29,33,10,779 samples have been tested up to May 3 with 16,63,742 samples being tested on Monday. The 3,449 new fatalities include 567 from Maharashtra, 448 from Delhi, 285 from Uttar Pradesh, 266 from Chhattisgarh, 239 from Karnataka, 155 from Punjab, 154 from Rajasthan, 140 each from Gujarat and Haryana, 129 from Jharkhand, 128 from Uttarakhand and 122 from Tamil Nadu. A total of 2,22,408 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 70,851 from Maharashtra, 17,414 from Delhi, 16,250 from Karnataka, 14,468 from Tamil Nadu, 13,447 from Uttar Pradesh, 11,637 from West Bengal, 9,472 from Punjab and 9,275 from Chhattisgarh. The health 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 state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation. (With input from agencies)

India's COVID-19 cases cross 20 million 

The ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 has been indefinitely suspended more players tested positive for COVID-19. The decision was taken at an emergency meeting of the BCCI.

BCCI indefinitely suspends IPL 2021 after more players test COVID-19 positive

While some countries have started looking toward relaxing mitigation measures in the not-so-distant future, but the crisis in India highlights that the pandemic is still far from over.&nbsp;

Today, the total tally of coronavirus cases in India mounted to 2,02,82,833 with 3,57,229 new infections being reported in a day, while the death toll increased to 2,22,408 with 3,449 new fatalities, according to the Union Health Ministry data.&nbsp;

According to the University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, "the number of cases that are being detected needs to be multiplied by 20 or more to get the number of infections that are occurring in India."&nbsp;

"Without drastic measures to bolster the health system to deal with this onslaught, decreased social mixing, and increased effective face mask use, the situation currently looks quite grim for India," IHME researchers wrote in a briefing.

The institute projects that India will report over 1 million deaths by the start of August. The country's official death toll currently stands at 2,22,408. 
 
It also said that the cumulative death toll due to COVID-19 could rise to 6,65,000 by the end of July, with around 3,29,000 additional deaths between April 12 to August 1. However, a universal mask coverage (95 per cent) by the end of the third week of April can bring down this figure by 70,000.&nbsp;

India's massive population deepens the challenge of containing a highly transmissible virus.

The rate of known coronavirus infections per capita is still less than the United States endured at its peak.&nbsp;

In India, there have been nearly 19 million known infections since the start of the pandemic, or roughly 1.3% of the total population – compared with more than 32 million, or almost 10% of the U.S. population.&nbsp;

A total of 2,22,408 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 70,851 from Maharashtra, 17,414 from Delhi, 16,250 from Karnataka, 14,468 from Tamil Nadu, 13,447 from Uttar Pradesh, 11,637 from West Bengal, 9,472 from Punjab and 9,275 from Chhattisgarh.

The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

While some countries have started looking toward relaxing mitigation measures in the not-so-distant future, but the crisis in India highlights that the pandemic is still far from over.

While some countries have started looking toward relaxing mitigation measures in the not-so-distant future, but the crisis in India highlights that the pandemic is still far from over. Today, the total tally of coronavirus cases in India mounted to 2,02,82,833 with 3,57,229 new infections being reported in a day, while the death toll increased to 2,22,408 with 3,449 new fatalities, according to the Union Health Ministry data. According to the University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, "the number of cases that are being detected needs to be multiplied by 20 or more to get the number of infections that are occurring in India." "Without drastic measures to bolster the health system to deal with this onslaught, decreased social mixing, and increased effective face mask use, the situation currently looks quite grim for India," IHME researchers wrote in a briefing. The institute projects that India will report over 1 million deaths by the start of August. The country's official death toll currently stands at 2,22,408. It also said that the cumulative death toll due to COVID-19 could rise to 6,65,000 by the end of July, with around 3,29,000 additional deaths between April 12 to August 1. However, a universal mask coverage (95 per cent) by the end of the third week of April can bring down this figure by 70,000. India's massive population deepens the challenge of containing a highly transmissible virus. The rate of known coronavirus infections per capita is still less than the United States endured at its peak. In India, there have been nearly 19 million known infections since the start of the pandemic, or roughly 1.3% of the total population – compared with more than 32 million, or almost 10% of the U.S. population. A total of 2,22,408 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 70,851 from Maharashtra, 17,414 from Delhi, 16,250 from Karnataka, 14,468 from Tamil Nadu, 13,447 from Uttar Pradesh, 11,637 from West Bengal, 9,472 from Punjab and 9,275 from Chhattisgarh. The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. (With inputs from agencies)

India to see over 1 million deaths by the start of August: US study projects

At a times when India's Coronavirus cases and casualties are rising exponentially, Confederation of Indian Industry has urged the government to take the “strongest national steps” and to curtail economic activity to save lives.

World Business Watch: CII chief calls for strict curbs to battle COVID-19 pandemic

India's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus </a>situation is dire, with shortages of supplies that are crippling.

The country set a daily world record on new infections.

Watch

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-how-did-the-pandemic-in-india-get-out-of-control-381790/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

One out of three new infections worldwide and nearly one out of four deaths worldwide is from India.

How did the pandemic in India get out of control?

We expected a second surge, but not of this magnitude.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-states-delay-vaccination-drive-due-to-vaccine-shortage-381774">Indian states delay vaccination drive due to vaccine shortage</a>

In February, India was reporting less than 10,000 cases in a day as new cases dropped to a nine-month low.

Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said: "India is in the endgame of the pandemic".

Now, for nine days in a row, India has reported more than 300,000 daily new cases.

So did the government of India declare victory too soon? Did experts predict such a surge? No, they did not.

Did we make it worse with mass, super spreader events? Yes, we did.

Could we have been better prepared? Of course, we could and should have been.

Governments, both at the centre and the state level, missed some obvious red flags.

The first one came six months ago, which should have provided enough time to prepare.&nbsp;

<h2>Variant discovery</h2>

India first discovered the double mutant in October 2020, the variant that is said to be driving India's surge.

Earlier this month, the double mutant was found in 61 per cent of the samples in Maharashtra, the state that is the biggest hotspot in India right now.

The double mutant has become a variant of global concern.

It has spread to at least 17 countries with the latest case being witnessed in France.

When a new variant is found, it means the virus is changing shape in order to keep spreading among people.

When India found this new variant, it should've got its guard up.

But, the warnings were ignored.

<h2>Covid committee raised alarm</h2>

A government committee had raised an alarm last month.

The National COVID-19 Supermodel Committee predicts how the virus will behave in the future by extrapolating the available data.

The head of its panel spoke to an Indian newspaper in March, saying that by March 8 and 9, it was clear that India was witnessing a second wave, especially in states like Maharashtra, Kerala and Chhattisgarh.

At this point, governments across the board should have acted with urgency.

They should have expanded their capacities, instead, they went in the opposite direction.

<h2>Coronavirus facilities reduced</h2>

Dedicated coronavirus facilities and oxygen supported beds were reduced.

An estimate suggests that these facilities fell by six per cent between December 2020 and April 2021.

Even the proposal to add more oxygen plants was caught in a bureaucratic tangle.

In October last year, the Indian government invited tenders to set up 162 new oxygen plants around the country.

They even sanctioned money for the project, but it moved slowly.

By April, only 33 of these plants had been installed.

The gap has resulted in a crisis with lives being lost due to oxygen shortage.

When the situation spiralled out of control, the system swung into action.

As many as 59 new plants were to be installed by the end of this month and as per the new target, 80 more oxygen plants will be added by May.&nbsp;

<h2>Vaccination drive</h2>

India's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccination </a>drive began in January this year.

It has been four months and the standalone numbers are good.

But if you look at the big picture, India hasn't been able to cover even 10 per cent of its population.

The population is huge and so India's vaccination drive should have been more aggressive.

So far, only two per cent of Indians have been fully vaccinated.

There is enough proof that vaccines bring down the caseload, reduce the risk of hospitalisation and death.

In the southern state of Karnataka, 30 per cent of the people who died due to the Wuhan virus had no co-morbidity.

They didn't suffer from any serious ailments and were healthy individuals.

To sum up, India is as much a victim of lapses as an unpredictable and deadly virus.

Unfortunately, hindsight can only give us lessons for the future: not undo the death and devastation of the past.

India's coronavirus situation is dire, with shortages of supplies that are crippling. The country set a daily world record on new infections. Watch One out of three new infections worldwide and nearly one out of four deaths worldwide is from India.

India's coronavirus situation is dire, with shortages of supplies that are crippling. The country set a daily world record on new infections. Watch One out of three new infections worldwide and nearly one out of four deaths worldwide is from India. How did the pandemic in India get out of control? We expected a second surge, but not of this magnitude. Also read | Indian states delay vaccination drive due to vaccine shortage In February, India was reporting less than 10,000 cases in a day as new cases dropped to a nine-month low. Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said: "India is in the endgame of the pandemic". Now, for nine days in a row, India has reported more than 300,000 daily new cases. So did the government of India declare victory too soon? Did experts predict such a surge? No, they did not. Did we make it worse with mass, super spreader events? Yes, we did. Could we have been better prepared? Of course, we could and should have been. Governments, both at the centre and the state level, missed some obvious red flags. The first one came six months ago, which should have provided enough time to prepare. Variant discovery India first discovered the double mutant in October 2020, the variant that is said to be driving India's surge. Earlier this month, the double mutant was found in 61 per cent of the samples in Maharashtra, the state that is the biggest hotspot in India right now. The double mutant has become a variant of global concern. It has spread to at least 17 countries with the latest case being witnessed in France. When a new variant is found, it means the virus is changing shape in order to keep spreading among people. When India found this new variant, it should've got its guard up. But, the warnings were ignored. Covid committee raised alarm A government committee had raised an alarm last month. The National COVID-19 Supermodel Committee predicts how the virus will behave in the future by extrapolating the available data. The head of its panel spoke to an Indian newspaper in March, saying that by March 8 and 9, it was clear that India was witnessing a second wave, especially in states like Maharashtra, Kerala and Chhattisgarh. At this point, governments across the board should have acted with urgency. They should have expanded their capacities, instead, they went in the opposite direction. Coronavirus facilities reduced Dedicated coronavirus facilities and oxygen supported beds were reduced. An estimate suggests that these facilities fell by six per cent between December 2020 and April 2021. Even the proposal to add more oxygen plants was caught in a bureaucratic tangle. In October last year, the Indian government invited tenders to set up 162 new oxygen plants around the country. They even sanctioned money for the project, but it moved slowly. By April, only 33 of these plants had been installed. The gap has resulted in a crisis with lives being lost due to oxygen shortage. When the situation spiralled out of control, the system swung into action. As many as 59 new plants were to be installed by the end of this month and as per the new target, 80 more oxygen plants will be added by May. Vaccination drive India's vaccination drive began in January this year. It has been four months and the standalone numbers are good. But if you look at the big picture, India hasn't been able to cover even 10 per cent of its population. The population is huge and so India's vaccination drive should have been more aggressive. So far, only two per cent of Indians have been fully vaccinated. There is enough proof that vaccines bring down the caseload, reduce the risk of hospitalisation and death. In the southern state of Karnataka, 30 per cent of the people who died due to the Wuhan virus had no co-morbidity. They didn't suffer from any serious ailments and were healthy individuals. To sum up, India is as much a victim of lapses as an unpredictable and deadly virus. Unfortunately, hindsight can only give us lessons for the future: not undo the death and devastation of the past.

Several signs were ignored as India battered by fresh wave of coronavirus

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a virtual summit with his British counterpart Boris Johnson on May 4 during which they will unveil a 10-year roadmap to further broad base bilateral ties.

Indian PM Modi to hold virtual summit with British counterpart Johnson on May 4

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