A U.S commission has urged the State Department to put India on a religious freedoms blacklist. Amid a series of police shootings of black Americans, does the U.S have the moral authority to judge others? WION’s Palki Sharma decodes American double standards on social justice.

Gravitas: U.S commission wants India on religious freedoms blacklist

At least eight people have died and 384 rescued after a glacier broke and triggered an avalanche close to the Indo-China border in the Indian state of Uttarakhand on Friday.

8 dead, 348 rescued after an avalanche hit Indian state of Uttarakhand

Indian pharmaceutical firm Zydus Cadila announced that it has received emergency use approval from the Drug Controller General of India (DGCI) for its antiviral drug Virafin.

India: New COVID drug gets regulator's nod

Kuwait and Iran restricted flights and passengers from India until further notice after the south Asian giant recorded its highest daily Covid death toll and some hospitals ran out of oxygen.

The region's busiest international air hub, the United Arab Emirates, had already announced on Thursday that it would suspend flights to and from India from Sunday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Germany restricts travel from 'high-risk' India">Germany restricts travel from 'high-risk' India</a>

"In view of the health situation, it has been decided to suspend direct commercial air links with India until further notice," the Kuwaiti government tweeted late Friday.

It said Kuwait residents would only be allowed to return to the emirate via third countries if they stopped over for at least 14 days.

Expatriate workers make up some 70 percent of Kuwait's population and include hundreds of thousands of Indians.

The Iranian authorities said on Saturday that they were suspending air arrivals from India and Pakistan.

"Flights to and from the two countries of India and Pakistan will be banned" from midnight, aviation authority spokesman Mohammad Hassan Zibakhsh said, quoted by state news agency IRNA.

"There are no scheduled flights between Iran and India. Nevertheless, accepting connecting passengers from the noted countries will be banned."

As the clock ticked down to the shutdown of the air corridor between India and the UAE -- one of the world's busiest -- fares soared as Indians who could afford it scrambled to escape the Covid surge.

Price comparison websites showed one-way commercial flights from Mumbai to Dubai on Friday and Saturday costing as much as 80,000 rupees ($1,000) -- around 10 times the usual rate.

No tickets were on offer from Sunday when the 10-day flight suspension comes into force.

The UAE is home to roughly 3.3 million Indians who make up a third of the population -- most of them in Dubai.

Beyond the Gulf, Canada suspended flights from both India and Pakistan for 30 days, while the US State Department urged Americans to avoid travel to India, even if they are vaccinated.

Concern has focussed on one new strain of the virus in particular that has spread rapidly in India and has already been detected in Europe.

Iran said later that it was also suspending flights and passengers from India over the health crisis.

Kuwait and Iran restricted flights and passengers from India until further notice after the south Asian giant recorded its highest daily Covid death toll and some hospitals ran out of oxygen.

Kuwait and Iran restricted flights and passengers from India until further notice after the south Asian giant recorded its highest daily Covid death toll and some hospitals ran out of oxygen. The region's busiest international air hub, the United Arab Emirates, had already announced on Thursday that it would suspend flights to and from India from Sunday. Also read: Germany restricts travel from 'high-risk' India "In view of the health situation, it has been decided to suspend direct commercial air links with India until further notice," the Kuwaiti government tweeted late Friday. It said Kuwait residents would only be allowed to return to the emirate via third countries if they stopped over for at least 14 days. Expatriate workers make up some 70 percent of Kuwait's population and include hundreds of thousands of Indians. The Iranian authorities said on Saturday that they were suspending air arrivals from India and Pakistan. "Flights to and from the two countries of India and Pakistan will be banned" from midnight, aviation authority spokesman Mohammad Hassan Zibakhsh said, quoted by state news agency IRNA. "There are no scheduled flights between Iran and India. Nevertheless, accepting connecting passengers from the noted countries will be banned." As the clock ticked down to the shutdown of the air corridor between India and the UAE -- one of the world's busiest -- fares soared as Indians who could afford it scrambled to escape the Covid surge. Price comparison websites showed one-way commercial flights from Mumbai to Dubai on Friday and Saturday costing as much as 80,000 rupees ($1,000) -- around 10 times the usual rate. No tickets were on offer from Sunday when the 10-day flight suspension comes into force. The UAE is home to roughly 3.3 million Indians who make up a third of the population -- most of them in Dubai. Beyond the Gulf, Canada suspended flights from both India and Pakistan for 30 days, while the US State Department urged Americans to avoid travel to India, even if they are vaccinated. Concern has focussed on one new strain of the virus in particular that has spread rapidly in India and has already been detected in Europe. Iran said later that it was also suspending flights and passengers from India over the health crisis.

Kuwait, Iran restrict India flights over Covid

India is suffering a critical shortage of raw materials & accessories to make COVID-19 vaccines. But at the time of crisis US has refused to comment on lifting the on going ban on the export of vaccine raw materials to India.

US silent on lifting ban on vaccine raw materials export to India

India reported more than 300,000 new infections for a second straight day. Shortages are crippling India's response. But, regulators have given emergency approval to a drug that can help patients recover faster. WION’s Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: India's second wave: Regulators approve promising drug

At least 13 COVID-19 patients have so far been killed in Maharashtra after a fire that broke in a hospital located near Mumbai. The fire broke out inside the ICU ward of the hospital, where 17 patients were admitted.

India: 13 COVID-19 patients die as fire breaks out at Maharashtra hospital

The second <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus </a>wave shows no sign of abating.

If we see India's number, daily infections set a world record today.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-india-sets-world-record-for-new-wuhan-virus-cases-379346/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

More than 314,000 new cases were recorded in a day, taking the nation's tally to almost 16 million cases.

It is the second-highest in the world.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-new-daily-covid-cases-top-300000-highest-in-the-world-379187">India's new daily Covid cases top 300,000, highest in the world</a>

The worse part is, India is struggling with shortages from medicines to oxygen.

But it's not all bad news as the recoveries bring hope.&nbsp;

Over 13 million people or more than 84 per cent of patients in India have recovered from the deadly virus.&nbsp;

As many as 1.16 per cent or 180,000 people have died.

India's best bet to curb this surge is to vaccinate as many people as possible promptly.&nbsp;

So far, more than 130 million doses have been given.

Not even 0.1 per cent of people got infected after taking the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccine shots</a>.

The percentage of people who have been infected is not more than 0.04 per cent, meaning only two to four people out of 10,000 actually got infected after taking the shots.

On May 1, India will open its vaccination programme to all adults above the age of 18.

<h2>What's happening with the world</h2>

Numbers are not as bad as India, but not good either.

The surge in Europe and South America began in March and it's not slowing down.

In all, more than 143 million people have been infected since last year and over three million have died worldwide.

In the last 14 days, the cases have grown by 23 per cent and deaths rose by 14 per cent.

Countries are stepping up vaccination and over 944 million doses have been administered in 170 countries.

The daily average is 16 million doses, but at this rate, we'll take years to achieve global herd immunity.&nbsp;

The EU booked more than a billion shots in advance, but the vaccination campaign has struggled to take off.

And now the bloc is preparing to sue AstraZeneca. Reports say the European Commission will launch legal proceedings against the company. AstraZeneca was supposed to supply at least 300 million doses to the EU, but it has slashed its deliveries by two thirds because of manufacturing and other issues.

Also, vaccine counterfeiting is happening in Poland and Mexico.

Fake Pfizer vaccines are on sale here at a price of 1,000 dollars a shot.

"It was an underground operation, a kind of clinic, which had been made known through various online media," Hugo López-Gatell Ramírez, Mexico's deputy health secretary, said.&nbsp;

"This clinic was found selling what were supposed to be Pfizer vaccines, at exorbitant prices of up to 40,000-50,000 pesos for the vaccine."

Reports say the vials were found in beer coolers.

Some 80 people got the fake Pfizer shot in Mexico.

Fortunately, they were harmless injections, but the prospect is scary.

The cases are rising, countries are squabbling, there is a shortage of vaccines and now fake jabs have become an issue.&nbsp;

The world needs united global leadership to defeat the pandemic, but where are the leaders?

The second coronavirus wave shows no sign of abating. If we see India's number, daily infections set a world record today. Watch | More than 314,000 new cases were recorded in a day, taking the nation's tally to almost 16 million cases.

The second coronavirus wave shows no sign of abating. If we see India's number, daily infections set a world record today. Watch | More than 314,000 new cases were recorded in a day, taking the nation's tally to almost 16 million cases. It is the second-highest in the world. Also read | India's new daily Covid cases top 300,000, highest in the world The worse part is, India is struggling with shortages from medicines to oxygen. But it's not all bad news as the recoveries bring hope. Over 13 million people or more than 84 per cent of patients in India have recovered from the deadly virus. As many as 1.16 per cent or 180,000 people have died. India's best bet to curb this surge is to vaccinate as many people as possible promptly. So far, more than 130 million doses have been given. Not even 0.1 per cent of people got infected after taking the vaccine shots. The percentage of people who have been infected is not more than 0.04 per cent, meaning only two to four people out of 10,000 actually got infected after taking the shots. On May 1, India will open its vaccination programme to all adults above the age of 18. What's happening with the world Numbers are not as bad as India, but not good either. The surge in Europe and South America began in March and it's not slowing down. In all, more than 143 million people have been infected since last year and over three million have died worldwide. In the last 14 days, the cases have grown by 23 per cent and deaths rose by 14 per cent. Countries are stepping up vaccination and over 944 million doses have been administered in 170 countries. The daily average is 16 million doses, but at this rate, we'll take years to achieve global herd immunity. The EU booked more than a billion shots in advance, but the vaccination campaign has struggled to take off. And now the bloc is preparing to sue AstraZeneca. Reports say the European Commission will launch legal proceedings against the company. AstraZeneca was supposed to supply at least 300 million doses to the EU, but it has slashed its deliveries by two thirds because of manufacturing and other issues. Also, vaccine counterfeiting is happening in Poland and Mexico. Fake Pfizer vaccines are on sale here at a price of 1,000 dollars a shot. "It was an underground operation, a kind of clinic, which had been made known through various online media," Hugo López-Gatell Ramírez, Mexico's deputy health secretary, said. "This clinic was found selling what were supposed to be Pfizer vaccines, at exorbitant prices of up to 40,000-50,000 pesos for the vaccine." Reports say the vials were found in beer coolers. Some 80 people got the fake Pfizer shot in Mexico. Fortunately, they were harmless injections, but the prospect is scary. The cases are rising, countries are squabbling, there is a shortage of vaccines and now fake jabs have become an issue. The world needs united global leadership to defeat the pandemic, but where are the leaders?

India, world struggle with COVID-19 infections and concerns are endless

Amidst of battling second wave of Coronavirus Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair three high-levels meeting today to take stock of COVID-19 situation in the country.

Indian PM Modi to chair 3 high-level meetings today on COVID-19 situation

Hospitals across India are reporting shortage of oxygen cylinders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high level meeting in order to review oxygen crisis across the country and discussed ways to boost availability.

Indian PM Modi chairs high-level meeting amid oxygen crisis

India recorded the world's highest daily tally of 314,835 infections today. What about the recoveries? Since last year - more than 84% of the patients in India have recovered. WION’s Palki Sharma brings you the latest.

Gravitas: India sets world record for new Wuhan virus cases

Even as the Covid crisis wreaks havoc in India, the country is all set to get essential supplies from Remdesivir to oxygen to containers from a whole host of countries.

WION has learnt&nbsp;that quite a few will be sending supplies, starting with Russians who have offered to help in any way possible.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-update-india-records-332730-cases-and-2263-deaths-in-24-hours-379467/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;

India is also looking towards its east to Singapore for supplies, and trying to source oxygen and ISO containers from the South East Asian Country. ISO containers are large standardised shipping containers that can be used across different modes of transport.

Earlier on Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron sent a "message of solidarity to the Indian people&nbsp;facing a resurgence of COVID-19 cases".

He said, "France is with you in this struggle, which spares no one. We stand ready to provide our support."

The European Union has also extended support during a conversation between Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission and India's External Affairs Minister&nbsp;S Jaishankar.

Jaishankar, after the meet, tweeted, "Appreciated the support offered by EU on Covid challenges currently faced by India. Confident that EU will help strengthen our capabilities at this critical juncture."

Charles Michel, President of the European Council in a tweet said, "the EU stands in solidarity with Indian people amidst resurgent COVID-19 pandemic. The fight against the virus is a common fight." EU's support to India will be discussed during the EU-India Leaders’ meeting on May 8.&nbsp;

In the fray are countries like Germany, Australia as well. Armed Forces Medical Services or AFMS will be importing 23 mobile oxygen generation plants from Germany. These plants&nbsp;which are expected to come to the country within a week and will be deployed in AFMS hospitals catering to Covid patients. From Germany, containers are also being imported.&nbsp;

When it comes to Japan, under its grant assistance, oxygen generators will be provided with a procurement process still underway. Tokyo has in the past extended 50 billion yen Covid emergency assistance and 1 billion yen grant assistance.

Even as the Covid crisis wreaks havoc in India, the country is all set to get essential supplies from Remdesivir to oxygen to containers from a whole host of countries.

Even as the Covid crisis wreaks havoc in India, the country is all set to get essential supplies from Remdesivir to oxygen to containers from a whole host of countries. WION has learnt that quite a few will be sending supplies, starting with Russians who have offered to help in any way possible. Watch | India is also looking towards its east to Singapore for supplies, and trying to source oxygen and ISO containers from the South East Asian Country. ISO containers are large standardised shipping containers that can be used across different modes of transport. Earlier on Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron sent a "message of solidarity to the Indian people facing a resurgence of COVID-19 cases". He said, "France is with you in this struggle, which spares no one. We stand ready to provide our support." The European Union has also extended support during a conversation between Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission and India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Jaishankar, after the meet, tweeted, "Appreciated the support offered by EU on Covid challenges currently faced by India. Confident that EU will help strengthen our capabilities at this critical juncture." Charles Michel, President of the European Council in a tweet said, "the EU stands in solidarity with Indian people amidst resurgent COVID-19 pandemic. The fight against the virus is a common fight." EU's support to India will be discussed during the EU-India Leaders’ meeting on May 8. In the fray are countries like Germany, Australia as well. Armed Forces Medical Services or AFMS will be importing 23 mobile oxygen generation plants from Germany. These plants which are expected to come to the country within a week and will be deployed in AFMS hospitals catering to Covid patients. From Germany, containers are also being imported. When it comes to Japan, under its grant assistance, oxygen generators will be provided with a procurement process still underway. Tokyo has in the past extended 50 billion yen Covid emergency assistance and 1 billion yen grant assistance.

Amid Covid surge, India looking to get Remdesivir, oxygen from several countries 

India on Friday recorded as many as the world's highest single-day spike with 332,730 fresh COVID-19 new cases. This record breaking rise in Coronavirus infections has overwhelmed hospitals and led to extreme shortages of beds and oxygen.

Coronavirus Update: India records 332,730 cases and 2,263 deaths in 24-hours

India is battling a record breaking rise in COVID-19 infections that has overwhelmed hospitals and led to extreme shortages of beds and oxygen. Country's health care system is on the verge of collapse due to the devastating second wave of the pandemic

India grappled by second wave of COVID-19, scarcity of beds and oxygen

Vaccines are effective in reducing caseloads and preventing death, according to evidence. There is a clear divide between those who got the jabs first, and those who did not. As a result, the global struggle to tame the virus continues.&nbsp;

The masks have come off in Israel and the people are back on the streets. The beaches are packed and friends can embrace, without fear. Most adults in Israel have got at least one jab. Now, kids could be next as Israel is gearing up for the second round of vaccinations. The focus this time is on 12 to 15 year olds.&nbsp;

Israel might have reached herd immunity but the rest of the world is still struggling to find its way out of this pandemic. New infections worldwide touched a new high last week with more than 5.2 million people testing positive, an increase of 12 per cent from a week earlier.&nbsp;

While Brazil and India are driving the global caseloads, European countries like France and Germany are experiencing large outbreaks too. France now plans to lift restrictions in May while in Germany, the government has come up with a new law to impose tougher restrictions on states. A move that triggered protests in Berlin. &nbsp;

But some other European nations are in much better shape, such as Belgium, Switzerland and Denmark, who have announced easing of restrictions as their caseloads reduce.&nbsp;

The case of Denmark stands out unlike the major European powers as it avoided a third wave. Its infection and death rates are among the lowest in Europe.&nbsp;

Now, Denmark is in a position to fully implement a vaccine passport, known as the Coronapas. The digital app shows a certificate of vaccination or a citizen's latest negative coronavirus test. &nbsp;

The European Union wants to implement such digital certificates across all 27 member states by June as it tries to allow free movement of Europeans again. Denmark could be the first to get there as the country lifts the restrictions. Citizens would now need a Coronapas to enjoy their freedoms again.&nbsp;

Those, who don't get their jabs, might struggle to move around in the future as countries mull movement restrictions for the unvaccinated. The UAE is one of them. After vaccinating 65 per cent of its eligible population, the UAE is considering strict measures to restrict the unvaccinated. This could include entry bans in some places and curbs on access to public services.&nbsp;

Israel's mass inoculation drive has given the rest of the world a glimpse into the future. Other countries are now betting on the jabs to end restrictions. With more than 925 million doses administered across 155 countries by now, it looks like the vaccines will be the only key you would need to leave the safety of your home. &nbsp;

Vaccines are effective in reducing caseloads and preventing death, according to evidence. There is a clear divide between those who got the jabs first, and those who did not.

Vaccines are effective in reducing caseloads and preventing death, according to evidence. There is a clear divide between those who got the jabs first, and those who did not. As a result, the global struggle to tame the virus continues. The masks have come off in Israel and the people are back on the streets. The beaches are packed and friends can embrace, without fear. Most adults in Israel have got at least one jab. Now, kids could be next as Israel is gearing up for the second round of vaccinations. The focus this time is on 12 to 15 year olds. Israel might have reached herd immunity but the rest of the world is still struggling to find its way out of this pandemic. New infections worldwide touched a new high last week with more than 5.2 million people testing positive, an increase of 12 per cent from a week earlier. While Brazil and India are driving the global caseloads, European countries like France and Germany are experiencing large outbreaks too. France now plans to lift restrictions in May while in Germany, the government has come up with a new law to impose tougher restrictions on states. A move that triggered protests in Berlin. But some other European nations are in much better shape, such as Belgium, Switzerland and Denmark, who have announced easing of restrictions as their caseloads reduce. The case of Denmark stands out unlike the major European powers as it avoided a third wave. Its infection and death rates are among the lowest in Europe. Now, Denmark is in a position to fully implement a vaccine passport, known as the Coronapas. The digital app shows a certificate of vaccination or a citizen's latest negative coronavirus test. The European Union wants to implement such digital certificates across all 27 member states by June as it tries to allow free movement of Europeans again. Denmark could be the first to get there as the country lifts the restrictions. Citizens would now need a Coronapas to enjoy their freedoms again. Those, who don't get their jabs, might struggle to move around in the future as countries mull movement restrictions for the unvaccinated. The UAE is one of them. After vaccinating 65 per cent of its eligible population, the UAE is considering strict measures to restrict the unvaccinated. This could include entry bans in some places and curbs on access to public services. Israel's mass inoculation drive has given the rest of the world a glimpse into the future. Other countries are now betting on the jabs to end restrictions. With more than 925 million doses administered across 155 countries by now, it looks like the vaccines will be the only key you would need to leave the safety of your home.

COVID-19: Vaccine a must for travel in future? 

A total of 3,14,835 fresh infections were registered in a span of 24 hours, while the toll increased to 1,84,657 with a record 2,104 new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.

Breaking News: India records over 3.14 lakh new cases, 2,104 deaths in a day

India’s vaccines can fight off the double mutation, but the numbers are still rising. India set a double record on Tuesday with almost 300,000 new cases and more than 2,000 deaths in 24 hours.&nbsp;

There were 825,000 cases reported globally and 300,000 of them came from India, almost 36% of the global caseload. So, what's India's exit route here?&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-made-in-india-vaccine-neutralises-deadly-mutations-379131/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Simple, vaccines. On May 1, India will begin vaccinating all adults, but are we ready for this phase? &nbsp;

State governments can buy Covishield at Rs 400 per dose, which is around five US dollars. Private hospitals will have to pay Rs 600 per dose, which is around eight US dollars.&nbsp;

Vaccine makers will divide their output in two parts, one half goes to the central govt and the second half will be sold to states and in the open market. So, hospitals and state govts can buy directly and distribute any way they like.&nbsp;

Either sell or give the shots for free. If you are 45 plus, you can still get vaccinated free of cost but only at government facilities. If you are in the 18 to 45 category, you will have to visit a private hospital. They will charge you more than Rs 600, which depends on where the government caps the price. And these are the prices for Covishield. Bharat Biotech and Sputnik are yet to announce their rates. Chances are they will be somewhere between Rs 700 and Rs 1,000 per dose. Somewhere in the 10 US dollar range.&nbsp;

India is also expanding capacity as the government has granted 610 million dollars to the two vaccine makers, Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech. Bharat Biotech is expanding output to 700 million doses per year, which means around 60 million shots of Covaxin per month.&nbsp;

Covaxin's biggest market is still India, but it is being studied around the world including in the US and Europe. &nbsp;

Serum Institute is producing 70 million doses of Covishield per week and with additional funds, they are hoping to produce 100 million doses by the end of May. And if everything goes to plan, Sputnik shipments should also start arriving by then.&nbsp;

Two doses of a vaccine, that's the accepted norm, but if you have recovered from the coronavirus, you may need only one shot. &nbsp;

According to a new study, recovered patients could do with a single shot to build immunity as the body remembers the virus and one shot may be enough to jolt that memory.&nbsp;

In February, Israel recommended a single shot for recovered patients and so far, their rollout has been flawless. &nbsp;

The hysteria about the vaccine side effects is cooling down as people have started realising that side effects are rare, but natural. &nbsp;

Johnson and Johnson jab has got a clean chit from the European Union. They have listed blood clots as a rare side effect. So, the benefits continue to outweigh the risks.&nbsp;

Most European countries have resumed use of AstraZeneca’s vaccine. Mexico's president took the jab on live television. Confidence in AstraZeneca is slowly building up, but in the United States, women are reporting an unusual side effect. They are complaining of heavier and off-cycle periods after getting the jab. Vaccines are known to disrupt menstrual cycles. So, your body will course-correct itself in time. &nbsp;

States are accusing each other of looting oxygen cylinders. In the national capital, three hospitals were down to just a few hours of oxygen and in the middle of this shortage, some states are hoarding. So, the central government has stepped in. It is planning to restructure oxygen allocation to states.&nbsp;

India has enough capacity for this crisis but there are too many bottlenecks. Like there may be oxygen, but not enough cryogenic tankers to transport it, and there is a limit to what these new oxygen trains can do.&nbsp;

Mistakes like in Nashik, where oxygen started leaking while oxygen tankers were filling up the local hospital's stock, should not happen as 22 patients died because they couldn't get oxygen. &nbsp;

India’s vaccines can fight off the double mutation, but the numbers are still rising. India set a double record on Tuesday with almost 300,000 new cases and more than 2,000 deaths in 24 hours.

India’s vaccines can fight off the double mutation, but the numbers are still rising. India set a double record on Tuesday with almost 300,000 new cases and more than 2,000 deaths in 24 hours. There were 825,000 cases reported globally and 300,000 of them came from India, almost 36% of the global caseload. So, what's India's exit route here? Simple, vaccines. On May 1, India will begin vaccinating all adults, but are we ready for this phase? State governments can buy Covishield at Rs 400 per dose, which is around five US dollars. Private hospitals will have to pay Rs 600 per dose, which is around eight US dollars. Vaccine makers will divide their output in two parts, one half goes to the central govt and the second half will be sold to states and in the open market. So, hospitals and state govts can buy directly and distribute any way they like. Either sell or give the shots for free. If you are 45 plus, you can still get vaccinated free of cost but only at government facilities. If you are in the 18 to 45 category, you will have to visit a private hospital. They will charge you more than Rs 600, which depends on where the government caps the price. And these are the prices for Covishield. Bharat Biotech and Sputnik are yet to announce their rates. Chances are they will be somewhere between Rs 700 and Rs 1,000 per dose. Somewhere in the 10 US dollar range. India is also expanding capacity as the government has granted 610 million dollars to the two vaccine makers, Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech. Bharat Biotech is expanding output to 700 million doses per year, which means around 60 million shots of Covaxin per month. Covaxin's biggest market is still India, but it is being studied around the world including in the US and Europe. Serum Institute is producing 70 million doses of Covishield per week and with additional funds, they are hoping to produce 100 million doses by the end of May. And if everything goes to plan, Sputnik shipments should also start arriving by then. Two doses of a vaccine, that's the accepted norm, but if you have recovered from the coronavirus, you may need only one shot. According to a new study, recovered patients could do with a single shot to build immunity as the body remembers the virus and one shot may be enough to jolt that memory. In February, Israel recommended a single shot for recovered patients and so far, their rollout has been flawless. The hysteria about the vaccine side effects is cooling down as people have started realising that side effects are rare, but natural. Johnson and Johnson jab has got a clean chit from the European Union. They have listed blood clots as a rare side effect. So, the benefits continue to outweigh the risks. Most European countries have resumed use of AstraZeneca’s vaccine. Mexico's president took the jab on live television. Confidence in AstraZeneca is slowly building up, but in the United States, women are reporting an unusual side effect. They are complaining of heavier and off-cycle periods after getting the jab. Vaccines are known to disrupt menstrual cycles. So, your body will course-correct itself in time. States are accusing each other of looting oxygen cylinders. In the national capital, three hospitals were down to just a few hours of oxygen and in the middle of this shortage, some states are hoarding. So, the central government has stepped in. It is planning to restructure oxygen allocation to states. India has enough capacity for this crisis but there are too many bottlenecks. Like there may be oxygen, but not enough cryogenic tankers to transport it, and there is a limit to what these new oxygen trains can do. Mistakes like in Nashik, where oxygen started leaking while oxygen tankers were filling up the local hospital's stock, should not happen as 22 patients died because they couldn't get oxygen.

Vaccines only hope as India’s fight with Covid-19 gets intense  

India has recorded the highest one-day tally of new Coronavirus cases anywhere in the world. The country has recorded more than 300,000 COVID-19 cases.

Coronavirus Update: India records 314,835 cases in 24 hours

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday highlighted how India is battling climate change and called for altering "lifestyle" to battle this global menace.&nbsp;

"For humanity to combat climate change, concrete action is needed. We need such action at a high speed, at a large scale, and with a global scope," Modi said as he addressed the virtual climate summit.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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"Humanity is battling a global pandemic right now and this event is a timely reminder that grave threat of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ClimateChange?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ClimateChange</a> hasn't disappeared. It is a lived reality for millions around the world," says Indian PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LeadersClimateSummit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LeadersClimateSummit</a> <a href="https://t.co/ncsrwS6h4L">pic.twitter.com/ncsrwS6h4L</a>
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He said that India's renewable energy target of 450 GW by 2030 shows the nation's "commitment".&nbsp;

"Despite our developmental challenges, we have taken many bold steps on clean energy, energy efficiency, afforestation, and biodiversity," Modi said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-nation-can-solve-this-crisis-on-their-own-says-biden-as-he-opens-virtual-climate-summit-379286">'No nation can solve this crisis on their own,' says Biden as he opens virtual climate summit</a>

He also said New Delhi has encouraged global initiatives on this issue, including International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilience Infrastructure.

Modi asked other countries to "create templates of sustainable development in India," adding that this can also help other developing nations to get affordable access to green finance and clean technology.&nbsp;

"That is why President Biden and I are launching the India-US Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030 Partnership," Modi said, adding that it will help in investment, demonstrating green technologies, among others.&nbsp;

Modi also said, "India's per capita carbon footprint is 60 per cent lower than the global average."

"It is because of our lifestyle still rooted in sustainable traditional practices," the Indian PM said, underscoring the importance of lifestyle change in battling climate change.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday highlighted how India is battling climate change and called for altering "lifestyle" to battle this global menace.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday highlighted how India is battling climate change and called for altering "lifestyle" to battle this global menace. "For humanity to combat climate change, concrete action is needed. We need such action at a high speed, at a large scale, and with a global scope," Modi said as he addressed the virtual climate summit. Watch | "Humanity is battling a global pandemic right now and this event is a timely reminder that grave threat of #ClimateChange hasn't disappeared. It is a lived reality for millions around the world," says Indian PM @narendramodi at #LeadersClimateSummit pic.twitter.com/ncsrwS6h4L — WION (@WIONews) April 22, 2021 × He said that India's renewable energy target of 450 GW by 2030 shows the nation's "commitment". "Despite our developmental challenges, we have taken many bold steps on clean energy, energy efficiency, afforestation, and biodiversity," Modi said. Also read | 'No nation can solve this crisis on their own,' says Biden as he opens virtual climate summit He also said New Delhi has encouraged global initiatives on this issue, including International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilience Infrastructure. Modi asked other countries to "create templates of sustainable development in India," adding that this can also help other developing nations to get affordable access to green finance and clean technology. "That is why President Biden and I are launching the India-US Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030 Partnership," Modi said, adding that it will help in investment, demonstrating green technologies, among others. Modi also said, "India's per capita carbon footprint is 60 per cent lower than the global average." "It is because of our lifestyle still rooted in sustainable traditional practices," the Indian PM said, underscoring the importance of lifestyle change in battling climate change.

Indian PM Modi calls for 'lifestyle' change to battle climate crisis

The Paper Mache has traveled from Iran to Kashmir in the 15th century. The Kashmiri Paper Mache artisans, they have converted a variety of articles into attractive works of art.

Paper Mache: One of the oldest crafts of Kashmir

As India gets ready to vaccinate people in the 18+ age group, @palkisu tells you where you can get the jab and at what cost.

Gravitas: INDIA'S SECOND WAVE: 5 BIG QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Can a "Made-in-India" vaccine crush India's deadly second wave? Updated data from Covaxin's final phase of trials shows that the vaccine can "neutralise" deadly mutations - including the double mutant. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more. An interim analysis of the final phase data.

Gravitas: Made-In-India vaccine "neutralises" deadly mutations

India is deliberating on importing oxygen containers and equipment from friendly foreign nations to address the oxygen crisis faced by the country in the middle of the raging second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. 
 
The Central government is also planning to press the Indian Air Force (IAF) into airlifting oxygen containers and equipment from other nations. 
 
"The deliberations are still on," said a source, adding that the places from where these containers and other equipment could be airlifted have been identified. 
 
The source said that the problem India is facing in importing oxygen is transportation due to an acute shortage of containers to carry the life saving gas. The government is in talks with all the stakeholders in this matter. 
 
With the second wave of Covid-19 hitting India hard, the Centre has roped in the Indian Air Force to airlift oxygen cylinders, regulators, and essential medicines as the National Capital Region faces shortage of oxygen cylinders and medicines. 
 
The IAF has started airlifting personnel, doctors and nursing staff to help the government battle the pandemic. 
 
Sources said that the IAF has airlifted doctors and nursing staff from Kochi, Mumbai, Vizag and Bengaluru for setting up of a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Covid hospital in Delhi. 
 
The force has also airlifted oxygen containers from the DRDO in Bengaluru for the Covid centres in Delhi. 
 
On Tuesday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had directed all the defence establishments to set up more Covid-19 hospitals, use emergency powers and bring in retired personnel to tackle the crisis. 
 
A roadmap on how military infrastructure can be used to ramp up the fight against Covid-19 was also discussed in a Covid preparedness review meeting chaired by the minister. 
 
The DRDO had stated that it has set up a Covid hospital in Delhi with 250 beds, and the capacity will be increased to 500 and then to 1,000, if required. 
 
Rajnath Singh had instructed that more fully functional Covid hospitals should be set up in Lucknow, Patna, Varanasi and Ahmedabad within 8-10 days and also at other places where they are required. 
 
He said that the ESIC Hospital, which was converted to a Covid hospital in Patna, has started functioning with 500 beds. He added that work is on at a war footing to set up a 450-bed hospital in Lucknow, a 750-bed hospital in Varanasi and a 900-bed hospital in Ahmedabad. 
 
There were also discussions on roping in retired military doctors and nursing staff for assistance if they are willing to volunteer. 
 
The minister had also suggested to utilise the services of vaccinated retired armed forces personnel to assist the civil administration and state governments to deal with the current situation.

India is deliberating on importing oxygen containers and equipment from friendly foreign nations to address the oxygen crisis faced by the country in the middle of the raging second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.

India is deliberating on importing oxygen containers and equipment from friendly foreign nations to address the oxygen crisis faced by the country in the middle of the raging second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Central government is also planning to press the Indian Air Force (IAF) into airlifting oxygen containers and equipment from other nations. "The deliberations are still on," said a source, adding that the places from where these containers and other equipment could be airlifted have been identified. The source said that the problem India is facing in importing oxygen is transportation due to an acute shortage of containers to carry the life saving gas. The government is in talks with all the stakeholders in this matter. With the second wave of Covid-19 hitting India hard, the Centre has roped in the Indian Air Force to airlift oxygen cylinders, regulators, and essential medicines as the National Capital Region faces shortage of oxygen cylinders and medicines. The IAF has started airlifting personnel, doctors and nursing staff to help the government battle the pandemic. Sources said that the IAF has airlifted doctors and nursing staff from Kochi, Mumbai, Vizag and Bengaluru for setting up of a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Covid hospital in Delhi. The force has also airlifted oxygen containers from the DRDO in Bengaluru for the Covid centres in Delhi. On Tuesday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had directed all the defence establishments to set up more Covid-19 hospitals, use emergency powers and bring in retired personnel to tackle the crisis. A roadmap on how military infrastructure can be used to ramp up the fight against Covid-19 was also discussed in a Covid preparedness review meeting chaired by the minister. The DRDO had stated that it has set up a Covid hospital in Delhi with 250 beds, and the capacity will be increased to 500 and then to 1,000, if required. Rajnath Singh had instructed that more fully functional Covid hospitals should be set up in Lucknow, Patna, Varanasi and Ahmedabad within 8-10 days and also at other places where they are required. He said that the ESIC Hospital, which was converted to a Covid hospital in Patna, has started functioning with 500 beds. He added that work is on at a war footing to set up a 450-bed hospital in Lucknow, a 750-bed hospital in Varanasi and a 900-bed hospital in Ahmedabad. There were also discussions on roping in retired military doctors and nursing staff for assistance if they are willing to volunteer. The minister had also suggested to utilise the services of vaccinated retired armed forces personnel to assist the civil administration and state governments to deal with the current situation.

India plans to import oxygen containers, press IAF into service

The total Covid vaccinations across the country have crossed the 13.22 crore mark on Wednesday with more than 21.21 lakh vaccine doses administered till evening. 
 
According to the Union Health Ministry, the cumulative number of Covid vaccine doses administered in the country stands at 13,22,40,352 till 8 pm&nbsp;on Wednesday, as per the provisional report. 
 
"These include 92,19,080 Healthcare Workers (HCWs) who have taken the first dose and 58,51,361 HCWs who have taken the second dose. 1,16,28,882 Frontline Workers (FLWs) have taken the first dose and 59,32,541 FLWs have been administered the second dose. 4,43,89,584 persons aged between 45 years to 60 years old have administered first dose and second dose administered to 16,28,837 persons between 45 years old to 60 years. 
 
First dose of vaccine was also administered to 4,78,44,204 beneficiaries above 60 years and 57,45,863 people above 60 years the administered second dose. 
 
"Total 21,21,042 vaccine doses were given till 8 p.m. today, the 96th day of nationwide Covid vaccination. Out of which 14,35,858 beneficiaries were vaccinated for first dose and 6,85,184 beneficiaries received second dose of the vaccine as per the provisional report. Final reports would be completed for the day by late tonight," the Health Ministry said.

The total Covid vaccinations across the country have crossed the 13.22 crore mark on Wednesday with more than 21.21 lakh vaccine doses administered till evening.

The total Covid vaccinations across the country have crossed the 13.22 crore mark on Wednesday with more than 21.21 lakh vaccine doses administered till evening. According to the Union Health Ministry, the cumulative number of Covid vaccine doses administered in the country stands at 13,22,40,352 till 8 pm on Wednesday, as per the provisional report. "These include 92,19,080 Healthcare Workers (HCWs) who have taken the first dose and 58,51,361 HCWs who have taken the second dose. 1,16,28,882 Frontline Workers (FLWs) have taken the first dose and 59,32,541 FLWs have been administered the second dose. 4,43,89,584 persons aged between 45 years to 60 years old have administered first dose and second dose administered to 16,28,837 persons between 45 years old to 60 years. First dose of vaccine was also administered to 4,78,44,204 beneficiaries above 60 years and 57,45,863 people above 60 years the administered second dose. "Total 21,21,042 vaccine doses were given till 8 p.m. today, the 96th day of nationwide Covid vaccination. Out of which 14,35,858 beneficiaries were vaccinated for first dose and 6,85,184 beneficiaries received second dose of the vaccine as per the provisional report. Final reports would be completed for the day by late tonight," the Health Ministry said.

Cumulative vaccination in India crosses 130 million mark

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