For six days, India has reported over 200 new Covid infections daily. But New Delhi is unable to take its eyes off the border with China. China is using the pandemic in India to keep the border stand-off intact, and to accept the status quo. Essentially, China is walking away from disengagement.

No movement and no pullback has taken place at the border and after a promising start, talks between the countries have stalled. China seems unwilling to discuss disengagement any further. In February this year, both India and China had agreed to disengage at Pangong Tso - the long and narrow lake in Ladakh which was one of the flash points in the standoff. Disengagement was completed in 10 days after both militaries moved back to their respective sides.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-indias-covid-surge-china-senses-an-opportunity-378893/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A four kilometre long buffer zone was created, and patrols to the Line of Actual Control were suspended temporarily.

What about the other flash points?

India and China agreed to keep talking about other flash points in February. But now China refuses to disengage further. Hot Springs, Gogra Post and Depsang Plains are the other flash points. Reports say China had earlier agreed to pull back troops from here. But not anymore.

According to one report, China still has platoon level strength with vehicles in at least two areas - Hot Springs and the Gogra Post. A platoon is a military unit that is usually made up of two or more squads of troops. Reports say China has at least&nbsp;60 soldiers in the Gogra-Hot Springs area.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinas-pla-has-deployed-advanced-rocket-launchers-in-western-theatre-command-report-378848" hreflang="en">China's PLA has deployed advanced rocket launchers in western theatre command: Report</a>

So far, India and China have held 11 rounds of military level talks. The last one happened on April 9.&nbsp;It is believed that during that round, China behaved as if it is no longer interested in discussing the border dispute.

Reports say the Chinese told the Indian side that they should "be happy with what has been achieved".

What triggered this shift? &nbsp;

Firstly, China reportedly wanted both sides to first de-escalate, then disengage. China wanted a pullback of additional troops first, removal of the back-up, and then disengagement at the frontline. India refused because this situation would have worked in China's favour. It can move its troops much faster than India, for it has better infrastructure on the Chinese side.

If both sides pull back additional troops&nbsp;and there's another conflict, Chinese support will reach much faster than Indian support, weakening India’s border defences. One analyst believes that tensions can escalate, for the lack of progress in talks, the arrival of summer, and the US drive to strengthen ties with China’s neighbours.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indo-china-partnership-under-considerable-strain-due-to-2020-lac-incident-says-indian-envoy-to-china-378863" hreflang="en">Indo-China partnership under 'considerable strain' due to 2020 LAC incident, says Indian envoy to China</a>

China could already be escalating border deployments. Reports say that China has deployed a long range rocket launcher as "a deterrent to India". An advanced system, it is deployed 17,000 feet above sea level in Xinjiang, which shares a border with India. China has not only deployed a rocket launcher close to the border, it's also conducting drills.

India is still looking for a diplomatic solution but it may not be easy. The last round of talks ended without a joint statement. Since September last year, India and China have been releasing joint statements to play up the prospect of disengagement. This time, they did not. Instead, New Delhi did some straight talking.

On Monday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke about the standoff and said that China brought enormous force to the border without provocations. He added that India must "have a return to peace and tranquillity on border, and there are no two ways about it".

For six days, India has reported over 200 new Covid infections daily. But New Delhi is unable to take its eyes off the border with China. China is using the pandemic in India to keep the border stand-off intact, and to accept the status quo.

For six days, India has reported over 200 new Covid infections daily. But New Delhi is unable to take its eyes off the border with China. China is using the pandemic in India to keep the border stand-off intact, and to accept the status quo. Essentially, China is walking away from disengagement. No movement and no pullback has taken place at the border and after a promising start, talks between the countries have stalled. China seems unwilling to discuss disengagement any further. In February this year, both India and China had agreed to disengage at Pangong Tso - the long and narrow lake in Ladakh which was one of the flash points in the standoff. Disengagement was completed in 10 days after both militaries moved back to their respective sides. A four kilometre long buffer zone was created, and patrols to the Line of Actual Control were suspended temporarily. What about the other flash points? India and China agreed to keep talking about other flash points in February. But now China refuses to disengage further. Hot Springs, Gogra Post and Depsang Plains are the other flash points. Reports say China had earlier agreed to pull back troops from here. But not anymore. According to one report, China still has platoon level strength with vehicles in at least two areas - Hot Springs and the Gogra Post. A platoon is a military unit that is usually made up of two or more squads of troops. Reports say China has at least 60 soldiers in the Gogra-Hot Springs area. Also read: China's PLA has deployed advanced rocket launchers in western theatre command: Report So far, India and China have held 11 rounds of military level talks. The last one happened on April 9. It is believed that during that round, China behaved as if it is no longer interested in discussing the border dispute. Reports say the Chinese told the Indian side that they should "be happy with what has been achieved". What triggered this shift? Firstly, China reportedly wanted both sides to first de-escalate, then disengage. China wanted a pullback of additional troops first, removal of the back-up, and then disengagement at the frontline. India refused because this situation would have worked in China's favour. It can move its troops much faster than India, for it has better infrastructure on the Chinese side. If both sides pull back additional troops and there's another conflict, Chinese support will reach much faster than Indian support, weakening India’s border defences. One analyst believes that tensions can escalate, for the lack of progress in talks, the arrival of summer, and the US drive to strengthen ties with China’s neighbours. Also read: Indo-China partnership under 'considerable strain' due to 2020 LAC incident, says Indian envoy to China China could already be escalating border deployments. Reports say that China has deployed a long range rocket launcher as "a deterrent to India". An advanced system, it is deployed 17,000 feet above sea level in Xinjiang, which shares a border with India. China has not only deployed a rocket launcher close to the border, it's also conducting drills. India is still looking for a diplomatic solution but it may not be easy. The last round of talks ended without a joint statement. Since September last year, India and China have been releasing joint statements to play up the prospect of disengagement. This time, they did not. Instead, New Delhi did some straight talking. On Monday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke about the standoff and said that China brought enormous force to the border without provocations. He added that India must "have a return to peace and tranquillity on border, and there are no two ways about it".

How China is using India's pandemic crisis to keep border standoff alive

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As India battles a devastating second wave, China is sensing an opportunity. It has refused to de-escalate further and deployed advanced rocket launchers. WION’s Palki Sharma tells you how Beijing is keeping the border standoff with India alive.

Gravitas: India's Covid Surge: China senses an opportunity

An Israeli Cyber-Crime Specialist has discovered a hack at Domino's India. Credit Card data of 1 million customers could have been stolen. The hacker is now allegedly trying to sell the data on the dark web. WION’s Palki Sharma tells you more.

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The Indian foreign minister is in the UAE and so is the foreign minister of Pakistan. Is this a mere coincidence or part of a plan? What's cooking in Abu Dhabi?&nbsp;

The visits have come just days after a top Emirati diplomat confirmed that the UAE was playing a key role in bringing both countries, India and Pakistan, to the talking table. The diplomat in question is the UAE's ambassador to the United States, Yousef Al Otaiba.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-india-pakistan-signs-of-a-thaw-378691/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On Saturday, Pakistan’s foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi embarked on a three-day trip to the UAE. India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar landed on Sunday.&nbsp;

Interestingly, this was the second time both foreign ministers were in the same country at the same time, that too in less than three weeks.&nbsp;

They both came face-to-face in Tajikistan's capital Dushanbe for the Heart of Asia summit on March 30, but no meeting took place. Did they happen to meet this time? Reports say they didn't.&nbsp;

In fact, there were no bilateral meetings on the agenda at all. So, what happened then?&nbsp;

In his day-long visit, Dr S Jaishankar met his UAE counterpart Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. They discussed bilateral cooperation, economic collaboration, community welfare, and post-pandemic economic recovery. &nbsp;&nbsp;

As for Qureshi, in his meeting with UAE's foreign minister, the discussions ranged from bilateral trade, investment to job opportunities for the Pakistani diaspora. &nbsp;

This is what we know officially and we don't want to make any assumptions but the last-minute nature of these visits and the events that lead to them and the accompanying statements from top diplomats leave very little scope for imagination. &nbsp;

The first indication came on February 25, the second anniversary of the Balakot airstrikes. Both India and Pakistan surprised the world and issued a joint statement, agreeing to strictly observe ceasefire along the Line of Control.&nbsp;

Then in March, the real rulers extended an olive branch, the Pakistan Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa called a stable Indo-Pak relationship, the key to unlocking South Asia's potential. &nbsp;

The same month, on March 31, Pakistan's economic coordination committee recommended that the ban on importing sugar and cotton from India be lifted. The positive headlines lasted barely 24 hours and the ban was imposed again due to domestic pressure but the recommendation gave a whiff of normalisation of ties. &nbsp;

This was followed by reports of Emirati officials facilitating back-channel talks between the two sides. Now, the coinciding visits of both foreign ministers have once again reignited speculation. &nbsp;

Both Islamabad and New Delhi maintain absolute silence on what's happening but as they say, sometimes silence itself speaks volumes, and especially when it comes to the India-Pakistan conundrum, nothing speaks louder than silence.&nbsp;

The Indian foreign minister is in the UAE and so is the foreign minister of Pakistan. Is this a mere coincidence or part of a plan? What's cooking in Abu Dhabi? The visits have come just days after a top Emirati diplomat confirmed that the UAE was playing a key role in bringing both countries, India and Pakistan, to the talking table.

The Indian foreign minister is in the UAE and so is the foreign minister of Pakistan. Is this a mere coincidence or part of a plan? What's cooking in Abu Dhabi? The visits have come just days after a top Emirati diplomat confirmed that the UAE was playing a key role in bringing both countries, India and Pakistan, to the talking table. The diplomat in question is the UAE's ambassador to the United States, Yousef Al Otaiba. On Saturday, Pakistan’s foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi embarked on a three-day trip to the UAE. India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar landed on Sunday. Interestingly, this was the second time both foreign ministers were in the same country at the same time, that too in less than three weeks. They both came face-to-face in Tajikistan's capital Dushanbe for the Heart of Asia summit on March 30, but no meeting took place. Did they happen to meet this time? Reports say they didn't. In fact, there were no bilateral meetings on the agenda at all. So, what happened then? In his day-long visit, Dr S Jaishankar met his UAE counterpart Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. They discussed bilateral cooperation, economic collaboration, community welfare, and post-pandemic economic recovery. As for Qureshi, in his meeting with UAE's foreign minister, the discussions ranged from bilateral trade, investment to job opportunities for the Pakistani diaspora. This is what we know officially and we don't want to make any assumptions but the last-minute nature of these visits and the events that lead to them and the accompanying statements from top diplomats leave very little scope for imagination. The first indication came on February 25, the second anniversary of the Balakot airstrikes. Both India and Pakistan surprised the world and issued a joint statement, agreeing to strictly observe ceasefire along the Line of Control. Then in March, the real rulers extended an olive branch, the Pakistan Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa called a stable Indo-Pak relationship, the key to unlocking South Asia's potential. The same month, on March 31, Pakistan's economic coordination committee recommended that the ban on importing sugar and cotton from India be lifted. The positive headlines lasted barely 24 hours and the ban was imposed again due to domestic pressure but the recommendation gave a whiff of normalisation of ties. This was followed by reports of Emirati officials facilitating back-channel talks between the two sides. Now, the coinciding visits of both foreign ministers have once again reignited speculation. Both Islamabad and New Delhi maintain absolute silence on what's happening but as they say, sometimes silence itself speaks volumes, and especially when it comes to the India-Pakistan conundrum, nothing speaks louder than silence.

Are India and Pakistan heading for normalisation of relations? 

EAM S. Jaishankar was in UAE this weekend, so was Pak Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi. What went down in Abu Dhabi? Are there signs of a thaw between New Delhi & Islamabad? WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas | India & Pakistan: Signs of a thaw?

The Indian government has allowed all adults to get the COVID-19 vaccine from May 1st. Authorities are all set to launch the third phase of vaccination next month.

Coronavirus Update: Indian govt allows all adults to get vaccinated from 1st May

Hundreds of hardline Islamists have been arrested by Bangladesh police over the past week, officials said on Sunday, after deadly protests against the visit of India's leader.&nbsp;

At least 13 protesters died during the days-long demonstrations in late March over Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit.&nbsp;

The protests across several districts in Bangladesh were mostly led by the hardline Islamist group Hefazat-e-Islam.&nbsp;

Police said Mamunul Haque, 47, the firebrand joint secretary of Hefazat, was detained on Sunday after a top Islamic seminary in the capital Dhaka was raided.&nbsp;

"He was arrested over charges of violence by Hefazat-e-Islam," police spokesman Ifetkharul Islam said.&nbsp;

Haque was the seventh senior leader from Hefazat to be arrested this week, police said.&nbsp;

The leaders were expected to be charged with the outbreak of violence during the anti-Modi protests and demonstrations in 2013 that left nearly 50 people dead.&nbsp;

A further 298 Hefazat supporters and activists were arrested in the eastern rural district of Brahmanbaria where anti-Modi demonstrations were also held, police said on Sunday.&nbsp;

"We arrested them by identifying them through video footage," Brahmanbaria police's deputy chief, Mohammad Roish Uddin, said. &nbsp;

Hefazat spokesman Jakaria Noman Foyezi said that 23 leaders of his organisation had been detained by police.&nbsp;

He called police claims against them 'false and fabricated'.&nbsp;

Hefazat, which was found in 2010, is Bangladesh's largest hardline Islamist outfit.&nbsp;

The group draws its support from millions of students and teachers in thousands of the Muslim-majority madrasas. &nbsp;

A 2013 rally in Dhaka by thousands of Hefazat supporters demanding a blasphemy law ended in unrest and dozens of deaths.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Hundreds of hardline Islamists have been arrested by Bangladesh police over the past week, officials said on Sunday, after deadly protests against the visit of India's leader.

Hundreds of hardline Islamists have been arrested by Bangladesh police over the past week, officials said on Sunday, after deadly protests against the visit of India's leader. At least 13 protesters died during the days-long demonstrations in late March over Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit. The protests across several districts in Bangladesh were mostly led by the hardline Islamist group Hefazat-e-Islam. Police said Mamunul Haque, 47, the firebrand joint secretary of Hefazat, was detained on Sunday after a top Islamic seminary in the capital Dhaka was raided. "He was arrested over charges of violence by Hefazat-e-Islam," police spokesman Ifetkharul Islam said. Haque was the seventh senior leader from Hefazat to be arrested this week, police said. The leaders were expected to be charged with the outbreak of violence during the anti-Modi protests and demonstrations in 2013 that left nearly 50 people dead. A further 298 Hefazat supporters and activists were arrested in the eastern rural district of Brahmanbaria where anti-Modi demonstrations were also held, police said on Sunday. "We arrested them by identifying them through video footage," Brahmanbaria police's deputy chief, Mohammad Roish Uddin, said. Hefazat spokesman Jakaria Noman Foyezi said that 23 leaders of his organisation had been detained by police. He called police claims against them 'false and fabricated'. Hefazat, which was found in 2010, is Bangladesh's largest hardline Islamist outfit. The group draws its support from millions of students and teachers in thousands of the Muslim-majority madrasas. A 2013 rally in Dhaka by thousands of Hefazat supporters demanding a blasphemy law ended in unrest and dozens of deaths. (With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh cracks down on Islamist hardliners after protests against Indian PM 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the nation, dispelling fears of another lockdown as COVID-19 cases continue to break new records everyday.

Modi urged state governments to use the lockdown as a last resort in a bid to contain the spread of the virus. He also implored citizens to stay-at-home, and to not spread panic about the pandemic and to adhere to COVID-19 guidelines.

In addition, Modi reassured people that the government is working with states and private companies to accentuate the supply of oxygen, and to improve the production of vaccines. He also reminded that vaccination is open for all aged 18 and above starting May 1 in the country.

PM Modi said that the government has taken several steps to increase availability of hospital beds in the country. He said that sensitivity and speed are the dictating factors for the government's approach to tackling the medical crisis brewing in the country.

"The demand for oxygen has seen sharp increase in many parts of the country due to corona crisis. The Centre, state governments, private sector are trying to make oxygen available to all those who are in need of it. Many steps are being taken in this direction," he said.

"Work is on to increase the number of beds in hospitals. In some cities, large COVID-19 dedicated hospitals are being built," he added.

The Prime Minister also spoke about the pain of people who had lost their loved ones to the pandemic and expressed his sympathies.

"I understand the pain you are going through and express my sympathies to the families who have lost their loved ones due to COVID-19."

Modi also referred to the challenge before the country as big, but urged people to "overcome it with our resolve, courage and preparation". "Till now, more than 12 crore vaccine doses have been administered. From May 1, those above the age of 18 years can be vaccinated", the PM added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the nation, dispelling fears of another lockdown as COVID-19 cases continue to break new records everyday.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the nation, dispelling fears of another lockdown as COVID-19 cases continue to break new records everyday. Modi urged state governments to use the lockdown as a last resort in a bid to contain the spread of the virus. He also implored citizens to stay-at-home, and to not spread panic about the pandemic and to adhere to COVID-19 guidelines. In addition, Modi reassured people that the government is working with states and private companies to accentuate the supply of oxygen, and to improve the production of vaccines. He also reminded that vaccination is open for all aged 18 and above starting May 1 in the country. PM Modi said that the government has taken several steps to increase availability of hospital beds in the country. He said that sensitivity and speed are the dictating factors for the government's approach to tackling the medical crisis brewing in the country. "The demand for oxygen has seen sharp increase in many parts of the country due to corona crisis. The Centre, state governments, private sector are trying to make oxygen available to all those who are in need of it. Many steps are being taken in this direction," he said. "Work is on to increase the number of beds in hospitals. In some cities, large COVID-19 dedicated hospitals are being built," he added. The Prime Minister also spoke about the pain of people who had lost their loved ones to the pandemic and expressed his sympathies. "I understand the pain you are going through and express my sympathies to the families who have lost their loved ones due to COVID-19." Modi also referred to the challenge before the country as big, but urged people to "overcome it with our resolve, courage and preparation". "Till now, more than 12 crore vaccine doses have been administered. From May 1, those above the age of 18 years can be vaccinated", the PM added. (With inputs from agencies)

No lockdown: PM Modi's address to nation focuses on vaccination and prevention

India's Ambassador to China Vikram Misri has said "closer developmental partnership" between India and China has&nbsp;been "under considerable strain" due to the "serious incidents" and the "resultant violation of peace and tranquility" at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh in April 2020.

Chinese aggressive actions in Galwan led to the death of 20 Indian soldiers, the worst such incident at the LAC since 1970s. Both sides have been engaging in multiple rounds of talks and in February this year disengagement at the Pangong lake was achieved but&nbsp;disengagement in Gogra, Hot Springs, and resolution at Depsang plains&nbsp;remains.&nbsp;

Highlighting how the development had a "particularly strong" impact on the "public opinion", Envoy Vikram said, "tendency in some quarters [is] to sweep this situation under the carpet and characterise it as just a minor issue and a matter of perspective" which is "inadvisable" as takes "us further away from a sustained solution to present difficulties and deeper into an unfulfilling stalemate".

He explained that it "would be tantamount to running away from the problem and in a direction opposite to that where the promise of our closer development partnership lies."

While the February breakthrough of disengagement at Pangong has been positive development, other friction points remain, with Beijing slow to move on them so far.&nbsp;India has been consistently saying that "complete disengagement" can only improve the ties.

The Indian envoy said,"we must achieve complete disengagement in all friction areas... it would also help in restoring peace and tranquility and, together, these would provide conditions for gradual and step-by-step progress in the bilateral relationship"

Since the Chinese aggressive action of last year, India banned many Chinese apps and increased scrutiny on Chinese investment in the country. Increased focus has been on alternative supply chains which have been dominated by China.

The envoy, without directly mentioning Quad grouping said, "we must remember... that multilateral structures are presently under some stress" and this has created space for a "number of plurilateral initiatives" which "essentially represent efforts by groups of interested actors" and "it is important to afford space to them rather than prejudge them."

Beijing has been critical of Quad, a grouping of India, US, Australia, and Japan calling it "Asian Nato" while being silent on similar formats it has been engaging in. China is keen on the "Himalayan Quad" involving Nepal, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and itself.

India's Ambassador to China Vikram Misri has said "closer developmental partnership" between India and China has been "under considerable strain" due to the "serious incidents" and the "resultant violation of peace and tranquility" at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh in April 2020.

India's Ambassador to China Vikram Misri has said "closer developmental partnership" between India and China has been "under considerable strain" due to the "serious incidents" and the "resultant violation of peace and tranquility" at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh in April 2020. Chinese aggressive actions in Galwan led to the death of 20 Indian soldiers, the worst such incident at the LAC since 1970s. Both sides have been engaging in multiple rounds of talks and in February this year disengagement at the Pangong lake was achieved but disengagement in Gogra, Hot Springs, and resolution at Depsang plains remains. Highlighting how the development had a "particularly strong" impact on the "public opinion", Envoy Vikram said, "tendency in some quarters [is] to sweep this situation under the carpet and characterise it as just a minor issue and a matter of perspective" which is "inadvisable" as takes "us further away from a sustained solution to present difficulties and deeper into an unfulfilling stalemate". He explained that it "would be tantamount to running away from the problem and in a direction opposite to that where the promise of our closer development partnership lies." While the February breakthrough of disengagement at Pangong has been positive development, other friction points remain, with Beijing slow to move on them so far. India has been consistently saying that "complete disengagement" can only improve the ties. The Indian envoy said,"we must achieve complete disengagement in all friction areas... it would also help in restoring peace and tranquility and, together, these would provide conditions for gradual and step-by-step progress in the bilateral relationship" Since the Chinese aggressive action of last year, India banned many Chinese apps and increased scrutiny on Chinese investment in the country. Increased focus has been on alternative supply chains which have been dominated by China. The envoy, without directly mentioning Quad grouping said, "we must remember... that multilateral structures are presently under some stress" and this has created space for a "number of plurilateral initiatives" which "essentially represent efforts by groups of interested actors" and "it is important to afford space to them rather than prejudge them." Beijing has been critical of Quad, a grouping of India, US, Australia, and Japan calling it "Asian Nato" while being silent on similar formats it has been engaging in. China is keen on the "Himalayan Quad" involving Nepal, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and itself.

Indo-China partnership under 'considerable strain' due to 2020 LAC incident, says Indian envoy to China

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar has said that he has asked 'some big countries' to keep raw material for Covid vaccine 'flowing'. India produces 60% of global vaccines and has been termed as the 'pharmacy of the world'. &nbsp;

Speaking at an event, he said, "Today as foreign minister, I am pushing other countries, particularly some big countries that look please keep the raw materials flowing for vaccines to be made in India."&nbsp;

He explained, "Can I go around the world and tell people that guys, keep your supply chains flowing towards me and by the way the end product.. I am asking you for raw material but I am not going to give you the vaccine. Look at the vaccine, your largest vaccine under production is an international product, It’s a co-creation, it’s a co-production." &nbsp;

The development comes even as the US has remained non-committal on allowing the opening up of export of raw material for vaccines to India. On Monday, questions were asked to both White House spokesperson Jen Psaki and US President Joe Biden's chief Medical Adviser Dr Anthony Fauci on the issue, but no direct answers came. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Dr Jaishankar also batted for the export of vaccines saying, those questioning it are 'shortsighted'. He said, "If you get into this, why are you exporting abroad, then someone else will ask, why I am exporting to India. That is so shortsighted, only really irresponsible people, non-serious people can make some kind of argument." &nbsp;

India has supplied 660.13 lakh doses of Covid vaccines to 92 countries along with UN health workers and UN Peacekeepers as of April 20. Of this, 106.15 lakh has been supplied as a gift, 357.92 commercially, and 192.06 under the Covax facility. India began the export of vaccines days after it began its domestic vaccination in January, with Bhutan and Maldives being the first countries to get it as a gift. Albania was the last country as of now to get on April 16, with a gift of 0.50 lakh doses. &nbsp;&nbsp;

He also dismissed 'those who talk about why you doing this to the world', highlighting, "It’s not we are not prioritising our people" and "when things got tough, we actually spoke to the world very honestly and said look we have done our best to live up to the commitments, contractual commitments to the producers, Covax commitments, GAVI...but right now, please understand I have a very situation at home, and most countries understand that."&nbsp;

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar has said that he has asked 'some big countries' to keep raw material for Covid vaccine 'flowing'. India produces 60% of global vaccines and has been termed as the 'pharmacy of the world'.

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar has said that he has asked 'some big countries' to keep raw material for Covid vaccine 'flowing'. India produces 60% of global vaccines and has been termed as the 'pharmacy of the world'. Speaking at an event, he said, "Today as foreign minister, I am pushing other countries, particularly some big countries that look please keep the raw materials flowing for vaccines to be made in India." He explained, "Can I go around the world and tell people that guys, keep your supply chains flowing towards me and by the way the end product.. I am asking you for raw material but I am not going to give you the vaccine. Look at the vaccine, your largest vaccine under production is an international product, It’s a co-creation, it’s a co-production." The development comes even as the US has remained non-committal on allowing the opening up of export of raw material for vaccines to India. On Monday, questions were asked to both White House spokesperson Jen Psaki and US President Joe Biden's chief Medical Adviser Dr Anthony Fauci on the issue, but no direct answers came. Dr Jaishankar also batted for the export of vaccines saying, those questioning it are 'shortsighted'. He said, "If you get into this, why are you exporting abroad, then someone else will ask, why I am exporting to India. That is so shortsighted, only really irresponsible people, non-serious people can make some kind of argument." India has supplied 660.13 lakh doses of Covid vaccines to 92 countries along with UN health workers and UN Peacekeepers as of April 20. Of this, 106.15 lakh has been supplied as a gift, 357.92 commercially, and 192.06 under the Covax facility. India began the export of vaccines days after it began its domestic vaccination in January, with Bhutan and Maldives being the first countries to get it as a gift. Albania was the last country as of now to get on April 16, with a gift of 0.50 lakh doses. He also dismissed 'those who talk about why you doing this to the world', highlighting, "It’s not we are not prioritising our people" and "when things got tough, we actually spoke to the world very honestly and said look we have done our best to live up to the commitments, contractual commitments to the producers, Covax commitments, GAVI...but right now, please understand I have a very situation at home, and most countries understand that."

Pushing countries to keep vaccine raw material flowing says EAM; Bats for vaccine export  

India's COVID-19 cases are rising rapidly. Experts also identified third mutation in Indian variant.

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Pizza chain Domino's India has suffered a data leak that included sensitive customer information such as their names, phone numbers, and credit card details has allegedly been breached.

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Europe's drug regulator was expected to rule on Tuesday on the safety of the Johnson &amp; Johnson Covid-19 vaccine after fears it could be linked to extremely rare blood clots, while India said it will make shots available to all adults as it battles a terrifying wave of infections.&nbsp;

The United States is also expected to announce its decision on the single-shot J&amp;J vaccine by Friday, as nations around the world try to accelerate their rollouts and revive their pandemic-ravaged economies.&nbsp;

The European Medicines Agency was due to hold a press conference from Amsterdam on Tuesday, after reviewing four cases, one fatal, of rare blood clots reported among people, who got the J&amp;J shot.&nbsp;

But the number of reported clots were 'extremely small' compared with the 4.5 million J&amp;J shots administered worldwide, the EMA has said.&nbsp;

That comparison echoes the comments by top US pandemic advisor Anthony Fauci, who described the clots as 'an extraordinarily rare event'.&nbsp;

Fauci said on Sunday, he believed the US would resume use of the jab, possibly with some restrictions or warnings.&nbsp;

The J&amp;J vaccine concerns follow similar reports of blood clots in a very small number of people, who received the AstraZeneca shot.&nbsp;

The EMA described those clots as a 'very rare' side effect, stressing that the AstraZeneca jab's benefits outweigh the risks.&nbsp;

The leaders of Europe are keen to accelerate vaccinations and expand availability after facing intense criticism over a sluggish rollout and with the public desperate for a return to some degree of normality.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Europe's drug regulator was expected to rule on Tuesday on the safety of the Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine after fears it could be linked to extremely rare blood clots, while India said it will make shots available to all adults as it battles a terrifying wave of infections.

Europe's drug regulator was expected to rule on Tuesday on the safety of the Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine after fears it could be linked to extremely rare blood clots, while India said it will make shots available to all adults as it battles a terrifying wave of infections. The United States is also expected to announce its decision on the single-shot J&J vaccine by Friday, as nations around the world try to accelerate their rollouts and revive their pandemic-ravaged economies. The European Medicines Agency was due to hold a press conference from Amsterdam on Tuesday, after reviewing four cases, one fatal, of rare blood clots reported among people, who got the J&J shot. But the number of reported clots were 'extremely small' compared with the 4.5 million J&J shots administered worldwide, the EMA has said. That comparison echoes the comments by top US pandemic advisor Anthony Fauci, who described the clots as 'an extraordinarily rare event'. Fauci said on Sunday, he believed the US would resume use of the jab, possibly with some restrictions or warnings. The J&J vaccine concerns follow similar reports of blood clots in a very small number of people, who received the AstraZeneca shot. The EMA described those clots as a 'very rare' side effect, stressing that the AstraZeneca jab's benefits outweigh the risks. The leaders of Europe are keen to accelerate vaccinations and expand availability after facing intense criticism over a sluggish rollout and with the public desperate for a return to some degree of normality. (With inputs from agencies)

EU to rule on Johnson & Johnson vaccine’s safety  

In the Covid-ravaged 2020-21 fiscal (April 2020 to March 2021), the economy is projected to have contracted by up to 8 per cent.

Brokerages downgrade India's GDP growth projections for FY'22

India’s foreign exchange reserves rose by $4.344 billion during the week ended April 9. According to the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) weekly statistical supplement

India’s foreign exchange reserves increase by $4.34 billion

In view of the steep rise in Covid-19 cases, the Rajasthan government has announced a 15-day lockdown starting from Monday and will continue till May 3. 
 
The home department, late on Sunday night, issued new guidelines, and the lockdown period has been named 'Public Discipline Fortnight'. All offices except those connected with essential services shall remain closed. 
 
Shops connected to grocery, fruit, dairy products, etc. shall remain open till 5 pm. Vegetable vendors have been allowed to sell their stuff by 7 pm. Petrol pumps shall remain open till 8 pm, as per the new guidelines. 
 
Public transport shall remain open in the state and factories and manufacturing units shall also remain operational. NREGA projects will also continue to ensure workers get regular jobs. 
 
According to the guidelines, the bazaars, malls, shopping complexes, cinema halls and all religious places shall remain closed. All the educational institutes, coaching centres, libraries, social and political programmes, etc. have also been suspended. 
 
"All commercial offices and markets shall remain closed except the essential services. Commuters from bus stops, metro stations and airports shall have to show tickets to commute, those coming to Rajasthan from other states shall have to show their RT-PCR reports collected within 72 hours of travel. 
 
"Pregnant women will be allowed to travel to hospital. Those going to take Covid shots will be permitted and the PDS shops will also run all through the week. Only 50 people will be allowed to attend wedding parties while 20 for a funeral. Telecom, Internet services, postal services, cable services, etc. will remain open" said the guidelines.

In view of the steep rise in Covid-19 cases, the Rajasthan government has announced a 15-day lockdown starting from Monday and will continue till May 3. The home department, late on Sunday night, issued new guidelines, and the lockdown period has been named 'Public Discipline Fortnight'.

In view of the steep rise in Covid-19 cases, the Rajasthan government has announced a 15-day lockdown starting from Monday and will continue till May 3. The home department, late on Sunday night, issued new guidelines, and the lockdown period has been named 'Public Discipline Fortnight'. All offices except those connected with essential services shall remain closed. Shops connected to grocery, fruit, dairy products, etc. shall remain open till 5 pm. Vegetable vendors have been allowed to sell their stuff by 7 pm. Petrol pumps shall remain open till 8 pm, as per the new guidelines. Public transport shall remain open in the state and factories and manufacturing units shall also remain operational. NREGA projects will also continue to ensure workers get regular jobs. According to the guidelines, the bazaars, malls, shopping complexes, cinema halls and all religious places shall remain closed. All the educational institutes, coaching centres, libraries, social and political programmes, etc. have also been suspended. "All commercial offices and markets shall remain closed except the essential services. Commuters from bus stops, metro stations and airports shall have to show tickets to commute, those coming to Rajasthan from other states shall have to show their RT-PCR reports collected within 72 hours of travel. "Pregnant women will be allowed to travel to hospital. Those going to take Covid shots will be permitted and the PDS shops will also run all through the week. Only 50 people will be allowed to attend wedding parties while 20 for a funeral. Telecom, Internet services, postal services, cable services, etc. will remain open" said the guidelines.

COVID-19 in India: Rajasthan state imposes strict 15-day lockdown from today

India's Minister for External Affairs S Jaishankar to visit Abu Dhabi today (18th April). Jaishankar's Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi will also be present on the same day.

Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar will discuss economic cooperation, welfare

India has continued to record alarming number of COVID-19 cases everyday. Country has reported 273,810 cases and 1,619 deaths in last 24 hours. India's COVID-19 cases surpassed 15 Million mark.

India continues to record alarming number of COVID-19 cases

India is witnessing record surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths since the pandemic began. Why is there such a sudden spike? What is different this time? Watch video to know more.

How is India’s second wave different from the first?

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