In an effort to combat the second wave of COVID-19 in the financial year 2020-21, India Inc has spent a huge sum of over Rs 16 billion, said a study conducted by CSR knowledge and impact intelligence portal CSRBOX. &nbsp;

In the study, over 350 public listed companies were included. It has revealed that over 750 corporate social responsibility initiatives were launched in response to the second wave. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Kashmir willow bats to get GI tagging for a big boost in international markets

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Almost 35% of these projects were implemented in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh. &nbsp;

The report, which has been titled CSR Response to COVID 2.0, says corporate India supported by providing over 200 oxygen plants, setting up more than 75 makeshift hospitals and covid wards with over 10,000 beds, 3,500 ventilators and 140,000 oxygen concentrators. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/all-adults-in-six-states-union-territories-have-got-first-vaccine-dose-indian-health-ministry-412776" hreflang="en">All adults in six states, Union Territories have got first vaccine dose: Indian health ministry</a>

Around 33 companies contributed over Rs 1.5 billion to conduct community awareness activities in 17 states. &nbsp;

CSRBOX founder and CEO Bhomik Shah said, “Corporates have responded to covid with great urgency and remarkable flexibility, fast-tracking CSR project approvals for the timely procurement of essential medical supplies, working in tandem with central, state governments and local agencies. We have witnessed unprecedented involvement by corporate India in responding to the situation on the ground."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In an effort to combat the second wave of COVID-19 in the financial year 2020-21, India Inc has spent a huge sum of over Rs 16 billion, said a study conducted by CSR knowledge and impact intelligence portal CSRBOX.

In an effort to combat the second wave of COVID-19 in the financial year 2020-21, India Inc has spent a huge sum of over Rs 16 billion, said a study conducted by CSR knowledge and impact intelligence portal CSRBOX. In the study, over 350 public listed companies were included. It has revealed that over 750 corporate social responsibility initiatives were launched in response to the second wave. Watch: Kashmir willow bats to get GI tagging for a big boost in international markets × Almost 35% of these projects were implemented in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh. The report, which has been titled CSR Response to COVID 2.0, says corporate India supported by providing over 200 oxygen plants, setting up more than 75 makeshift hospitals and covid wards with over 10,000 beds, 3,500 ventilators and 140,000 oxygen concentrators. Also Read | All adults in six states, Union Territories have got first vaccine dose: Indian health ministry Around 33 companies contributed over Rs 1.5 billion to conduct community awareness activities in 17 states. CSRBOX founder and CEO Bhomik Shah said, “Corporates have responded to covid with great urgency and remarkable flexibility, fast-tracking CSR project approvals for the timely procurement of essential medical supplies, working in tandem with central, state governments and local agencies. We have witnessed unprecedented involvement by corporate India in responding to the situation on the ground." (With inputs from agencies)

To combat COVID-19's second wave, India Inc spent over Rs 16 billion

Over 10 million Indians have lost their jobs because of the second wave of COVID-19, and around 97 per cent of households' incomes have declined since the beginning of the pandemic last year, Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) chief executive Mahesh Vyas said on Monday.

The unemployment rate measured by the think-tank is expected to come at 12 per cent at the end of May as against 8 per cent in April, Vyas told PTI, adding this signifies that about 10 million Indians have lost jobs in this period.

Stating that the main reason for the job losses is "mainly the second wave" of COVID-19 infections, Vyas said, "As the economy opens up, part of the problem will be solved but not entirely."

He explained that people who lose jobs find it hard to get employment, specifying that while the informal sector jobs come back quickly, the formal sector and better quality job opportunities take up to a year to come back.

Unemployment rate had touched a record high of 23.5 per cent in May 2020 because of the national lockdown. Many experts opine that the second wave of infections has peaked and states will slowly start to ease the economic activity-impacting restrictions in a calibrated fashion.

Vyas further said an unemployment rate of 3-4 per cent should be considered as "normal" for the Indian economy, hinting that the unemployment number will have to decline for longer before the situation improves.

He said CMIE has completed a nation-wide survey of 1.75 lakh households in April which throws up worrying trends on income generation during the last one year, which has witnessed two waves of the pandemic.

Only 3 per cent of those polled said they have witnessed an increase in incomes, while 55 per cent said their incomes have declined, he said.

An additional 42 per cent of the people said their incomes remained the same as that in the year-ago period. 
"If we adjust for inflation, we find that 97 per cent of the households in the country have witnessed a decline in incomes during the pandemic," he pointed out.

The labour participation rate, or the percentage of the working age population which is in the market, has come down to 40 per cent as of now from the pre-pandemic levels of 42.5 per cent, he added.

Over 10 million Indians have lost their jobs because of the second wave of COVID-19, and around 97 per cent of households' incomes have declined since the beginning of the pandemic last year, Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) chief executive Mahesh Vyas said on Monday.

Over 10 million Indians have lost their jobs because of the second wave of COVID-19, and around 97 per cent of households' incomes have declined since the beginning of the pandemic last year, Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) chief executive Mahesh Vyas said on Monday. The unemployment rate measured by the think-tank is expected to come at 12 per cent at the end of May as against 8 per cent in April, Vyas told PTI, adding this signifies that about 10 million Indians have lost jobs in this period. Stating that the main reason for the job losses is "mainly the second wave" of COVID-19 infections, Vyas said, "As the economy opens up, part of the problem will be solved but not entirely." He explained that people who lose jobs find it hard to get employment, specifying that while the informal sector jobs come back quickly, the formal sector and better quality job opportunities take up to a year to come back. Unemployment rate had touched a record high of 23.5 per cent in May 2020 because of the national lockdown. Many experts opine that the second wave of infections has peaked and states will slowly start to ease the economic activity-impacting restrictions in a calibrated fashion. Vyas further said an unemployment rate of 3-4 per cent should be considered as "normal" for the Indian economy, hinting that the unemployment number will have to decline for longer before the situation improves. He said CMIE has completed a nation-wide survey of 1.75 lakh households in April which throws up worrying trends on income generation during the last one year, which has witnessed two waves of the pandemic. Only 3 per cent of those polled said they have witnessed an increase in incomes, while 55 per cent said their incomes have declined, he said. An additional 42 per cent of the people said their incomes remained the same as that in the year-ago period. "If we adjust for inflation, we find that 97 per cent of the households in the country have witnessed a decline in incomes during the pandemic," he pointed out. The labour participation rate, or the percentage of the working age population which is in the market, has come down to 40 per cent as of now from the pre-pandemic levels of 42.5 per cent, he added.

Covid second wave rendered 10 million Indians jobless; 97% households' incomes declined: Report

India has reported its lowest daily rise in new cases in 44 days. For the second time, India recorded less than 200,000 infections. Palki Sharma decodes the numbers.

Gravitas: India reports its lowest daily cases in weeks

India's daily infections have dropped below 300,000 for the first time in 25 days. Has India's deadly second wave touched its peak? Palki Sharma has the answers.

Gravitas: India's COVID Surge: New cases drop for the first time in 25 days

The daily COVID-19 infections across India have gone below the 300,000 mark. 281,386 fresh cases have been recorded in the last 24 hours and the nations total caseload down stands at 24.97 million.

India COVID-19: Daily infections slip below 300,000 mark, daily deaths rise by 4,106

On Tuesday, India recorded its lowest count of daily cases in 14 days. New infections have dipped in major hotspots like Maharashtra and Delhi. Has India's deadly second wave peaked? Palki Sharma brings you an assessment.

Gravitas: India's COVID surge: Major hotspots register a dip in new cases

India's new infections and deaths still remain close to record highs. On Sunday, testing hit a new low. While a shortage of doses has slowed down India's vaccination drive. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Less than 3% of Indians have been fully vaccinated

India continues to battle its deadly second wave of Coronavirus pandemic and for the first time in 4 days the country reported less than 400,000 daily cases. WION tells you more on India's COVID-19 crisis.

India reported less than 400,000 COVID-19 cases after 4 days

The second wave of COVID-19 in India is a tragedy, US Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy has said, underlining the need for countries to help each other during the crisis.

"If COVID-19 has taught us anything, it's that we need each other to get through this pandemic."

"As a world, we need each other in terms of countries to step up to help make sure that the world has an adequate supply of vaccine, to ensure people have treatments available, supply of PPE because the threat of COVID in any part of the world is ultimately a threat to every country," Indian-American Murthy told a news channel in an interview.

To a question on the current Covid crisis in India and if the US might face a similar situation, Murthy hoped that it never happens.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="India sets yet another record with over 414,000 new COVID-19 cases; death toll stands at 234,083">India sets yet another record with over 414,000 new COVID-19 cases; death toll stands at 234,083</a>

"But it is always a possibility and that we have to be mindful of. And I'm cautiously optimistic that we will do well in this country, especially if we keep up our efforts at the vaccination campaign,&nbsp;he said on Thursday.

"What's happening in India is a tragedy. And India has two challenges or has many challenges, but in terms of their variants, it has to B117 variant, which is the predominant one circulating here, which we know is at least 50 per cent or more contagious than the variant we were dealing with last year in the US,&nbsp;Murthy said.

The 617 variant of the deadly virus may or may not be more transmissible, he said, adding that doctors are still trying to understand it.

"It's just what they do. But they can't mutate, if they're not spreading, if they're not replicating within people. That's why we got to work hard. Just remember, this is not an effort that one person can take care of on their own or one country on its own," said the Indian-American surgeon general.&nbsp;

The second wave of COVID-19 in India is a tragedy, US Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy has said, underlining the need for countries to help each other during the crisis.

The second wave of COVID-19 in India is a tragedy, US Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy has said, underlining the need for countries to help each other during the crisis. "If COVID-19 has taught us anything, it's that we need each other to get through this pandemic." "As a world, we need each other in terms of countries to step up to help make sure that the world has an adequate supply of vaccine, to ensure people have treatments available, supply of PPE because the threat of COVID in any part of the world is ultimately a threat to every country," Indian-American Murthy told a news channel in an interview. To a question on the current Covid crisis in India and if the US might face a similar situation, Murthy hoped that it never happens. Also read: India sets yet another record with over 414,000 new COVID-19 cases; death toll stands at 234,083 "But it is always a possibility and that we have to be mindful of. And I'm cautiously optimistic that we will do well in this country, especially if we keep up our efforts at the vaccination campaign, he said on Thursday. "What's happening in India is a tragedy. And India has two challenges or has many challenges, but in terms of their variants, it has to B117 variant, which is the predominant one circulating here, which we know is at least 50 per cent or more contagious than the variant we were dealing with last year in the US, Murthy said. The 617 variant of the deadly virus may or may not be more transmissible, he said, adding that doctors are still trying to understand it. "It's just what they do. But they can't mutate, if they're not spreading, if they're not replicating within people. That's why we got to work hard. Just remember, this is not an effort that one person can take care of on their own or one country on its own," said the Indian-American surgeon general.

Covid second wave in India a tragedy, says US Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy

IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals have announced a contribution of ₹7.5 Crores to help India fight the second wave of COVID-19.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wion-exclusive-will-do-more-says-cricketer-pat-cummins-after-covid-donation-to-india-wins-hearts-381135" hreflang="en">WION Exclusive: Will do more, says cricketer Pat Cummins after Covid donation to India wins hearts</a>

The team owners and team management of the Indian Premier League team contributed this amount to support the people impacted by the massive surge in cases.&nbsp;

"Players along with the team owners and team management have come forward to raise funds and have been working along with the Rajasthan Royals' philanthropic arm Royal Rajasthan Foundation (RRF) in partnership with the British Asian Trust (BAT).

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Rajasthan Royals announce a contribution of over $1 milion from their owners, players and management to help with immediate support to those impacted by COVID-19. This will be implemented through <a href="https://twitter.com/RoyalRajasthanF?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RoyalRajasthanF</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/britishasiantst?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@britishasiantst</a>. 
 
Complete details 👇<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoyalsFamily?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RoyalsFamily</a>
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajasthanroyals/status/1387703407444590593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"BAT works closely with the Indian Government on many initiatives – especially in the area of skills and education. The Trust’s founder, Prince Charles, launched an emergency "Oxygen for India" appeal, which is currently focused on acquisition and distribution of oxygen concentrators, devices that can provide the enriched gas straight from the air, to treat patients when hospital supplies are under strain.

"The funds raised by Rajasthan Royals will help pan India, with an initial focus on the state of Rajasthan, where the RRF, Chaired by Ranjit Barthakur, has numerous initiatives it continues to support.

IN PICS:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-2021-ab-de-villiers-enters-the-5000-runs-club-joins-the-elite-list-381132">IPL 2021: AB de Villiers enters the 5,000 runs club; joins the elite list</a>

"Having the team owners and its players come together has enabled this initiative to reach the scale it has, providing aid to tackle the current crisis and help people get the single most pressing necessity at this time - Oxygen," RR said in a release.

The Government of India on Wednesday recorded nearly 1.32 crore (13.2 million) registrations for coronavirus vaccination from May 1.

In the third phase of the vaccination drive, everyone above the age of 18 will be eligible to get inoculated against Covid-19.

The Union Health Ministry highlighted that vaccination is a critical component of the containment and management strategy of the Government of India in its fight against the Covid pandemic.

"So we close Day 1 with 1.32 crore registrations on http://Cowin.gov.in. Kudos to Team CoWIN for building a truly scalable and robust platform. Handling more than 50000 API calls per second is mammoth!!," Aarogya Setu tweeted.

IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals have announced a contribution of ₹7.5 Crores to help India fight the second wave of COVID-19. ALSO READ: WION Exclusive: Will do more, says cricketer Pat Cummins after Covid donation to India wins hearts The team owners and team management of the Indian Premier League team contributed this amount to support the people impacted by the massive surge in cases.

IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals have announced a contribution of ₹7.5 Crores to help India fight the second wave of COVID-19. ALSO READ: WION Exclusive: Will do more, says cricketer Pat Cummins after Covid donation to India wins hearts The team owners and team management of the Indian Premier League team contributed this amount to support the people impacted by the massive surge in cases. "Players along with the team owners and team management have come forward to raise funds and have been working along with the Rajasthan Royals' philanthropic arm Royal Rajasthan Foundation (RRF) in partnership with the British Asian Trust (BAT). Rajasthan Royals announce a contribution of over $1 milion from their owners, players and management to help with immediate support to those impacted by COVID-19. This will be implemented through @RoyalRajasthanF and @britishasiantst. Complete details 👇#RoyalsFamily — Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) April 29, 2021 × "BAT works closely with the Indian Government on many initiatives – especially in the area of skills and education. The Trust’s founder, Prince Charles, launched an emergency "Oxygen for India" appeal, which is currently focused on acquisition and distribution of oxygen concentrators, devices that can provide the enriched gas straight from the air, to treat patients when hospital supplies are under strain. "The funds raised by Rajasthan Royals will help pan India, with an initial focus on the state of Rajasthan, where the RRF, Chaired by Ranjit Barthakur, has numerous initiatives it continues to support. IN PICS: IPL 2021: AB de Villiers enters the 5,000 runs club; joins the elite list "Having the team owners and its players come together has enabled this initiative to reach the scale it has, providing aid to tackle the current crisis and help people get the single most pressing necessity at this time - Oxygen," RR said in a release. The Government of India on Wednesday recorded nearly 1.32 crore (13.2 million) registrations for coronavirus vaccination from May 1. In the third phase of the vaccination drive, everyone above the age of 18 will be eligible to get inoculated against Covid-19. The Union Health Ministry highlighted that vaccination is a critical component of the containment and management strategy of the Government of India in its fight against the Covid pandemic. "So we close Day 1 with 1.32 crore registrations on http://Cowin.gov.in. Kudos to Team CoWIN for building a truly scalable and robust platform. Handling more than 50000 API calls per second is mammoth!!," Aarogya Setu tweeted.

IPL 2021- Rajasthan Royals donate $1 million to help India fight COVID-19

ADB on Wednesday said the Indian economy is projected to grow at 11 per cent in the current financial year on the back of the strong vaccination programme, but cautioned that second wave of Covid is worrying.&nbsp;

"India's economy is expected to grow 11 per cent in fiscal year (FY) 2021, which ends on March 31, 2022, amid a strong vaccine drive. However, the recent surge in COVID-19 cases may put this recovery at risk," said the Asian Development Outlook (ADO) 2021.&nbsp;

Continued economic recovery boosted by increased public investment, vaccine rollout and a surge in domestic demand will trigger this strong rebound, ADB said.&nbsp;

The predictions are based on assumption that there is extensive vaccine deployment across the country and the second wave of coronavirus is contained.&nbsp;

According to ADB's flagship publication Asian Development Outlook, "the second wave of COVID-19 cases is worrying, especially if vaccine rollout faulters or fails to contain it."&nbsp;

Another risk is the further tightening of global financial conditions, which would apply pressure on India's market interest rates and therefore affect economic normalisation, the report added.&nbsp;

Going further, ADB forecasts India's economic growth to moderate to seven per cent in FY2022, on account of disappearance of base effect.&nbsp;

The economy is expected to have contracted by eight per cent in FY2020, in line with the government's second advance estimate, it said.&nbsp;

ADB Country Director for India Takeo Konishi said India's economy faced its worst contraction in FY2020 due to the COVID-19 shock.&nbsp;

"With large government stimulus and the ongoing vaccination drive, we expect economic activity will continue its recovery that started from the third quarter of FY2020 and rebound strongly in the current fiscal year with an uptick in domestic demand, especially in urban services," said Konishi.&nbsp;

The government's boost to public investment through its infrastructure push, incentives for manufacturing, and continued support to boost rural incomes will support India's accelerated recovery, Konishi said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

ADB on Wednesday said the Indian economy is projected to grow at 11 per cent in the current financial year on the back of the strong vaccination programme, but cautioned that second wave of Covid is worrying.

ADB on Wednesday said the Indian economy is projected to grow at 11 per cent in the current financial year on the back of the strong vaccination programme, but cautioned that second wave of Covid is worrying. "India's economy is expected to grow 11 per cent in fiscal year (FY) 2021, which ends on March 31, 2022, amid a strong vaccine drive. However, the recent surge in COVID-19 cases may put this recovery at risk," said the Asian Development Outlook (ADO) 2021. Continued economic recovery boosted by increased public investment, vaccine rollout and a surge in domestic demand will trigger this strong rebound, ADB said. The predictions are based on assumption that there is extensive vaccine deployment across the country and the second wave of coronavirus is contained. According to ADB's flagship publication Asian Development Outlook, "the second wave of COVID-19 cases is worrying, especially if vaccine rollout faulters or fails to contain it." Another risk is the further tightening of global financial conditions, which would apply pressure on India's market interest rates and therefore affect economic normalisation, the report added. Going further, ADB forecasts India's economic growth to moderate to seven per cent in FY2022, on account of disappearance of base effect. The economy is expected to have contracted by eight per cent in FY2020, in line with the government's second advance estimate, it said. ADB Country Director for India Takeo Konishi said India's economy faced its worst contraction in FY2020 due to the COVID-19 shock. "With large government stimulus and the ongoing vaccination drive, we expect economic activity will continue its recovery that started from the third quarter of FY2020 and rebound strongly in the current fiscal year with an uptick in domestic demand, especially in urban services," said Konishi. The government's boost to public investment through its infrastructure push, incentives for manufacturing, and continued support to boost rural incomes will support India's accelerated recovery, Konishi said. (With inputs from agencies)

India's GDP to grow at 11pc this fiscal; second wave of Covid a worry: ADB  

Are mutants driving the second wave of infections? Do vaccines work against the variants? Why are vaccinated people getting the virus? WION's Palki Sharma answers the 5 big questions on the second wave.

Gravitas: All your second wave questions answered

The new COVID-19 wave in India, in which the number of cases is skyrocketing, is hitting children hard. As per the data from the Union Health Ministry of India 79,688 children have been infected in the five worst hit states since March.

Kids at more risk in India's second COVID-19 wave

Delhi has approved Russia's Sputnik V vaccine for emergency use. It is the third jab in India's arsenal after Covishield and Covaxin but could this have been done earlier?&nbsp;

Sputnik has been approved in 59 countries. Millions of shots have already been administered. What does this say about India's vaccination drive?&nbsp;

A third vaccine to tackle a second wave, India is all set to roll out Russia's Sputnik V. A committee of experts has approved the jab for emergency use. A green light from the national regulator is just a formality now. India has approved two other shots, Covishield manufactured by the Serum Institute and Covaxin developed by Bharat Biotech. The timing of Sputnik's approval is crucial. India is entering the business end of its vaccination drive. Next on the eligibility list is the country's youth. &nbsp;

A mammoth demographic of close to 700 million people. So, a third vaccine will give India an edge but how is Sputnik-V different from Covishield and Covaxin?&nbsp;

Sputnik-V has a reported efficacy of 91.6 per cent. Covishield's latest efficacy number is 79% and for Covaxin it's 81% but experts say don't get carried away by efficacy numbers. &nbsp;

Remember, all vaccines are intended to prevent hospitalisation and death not the disease itself. What about the cost? &nbsp;

Sputnik is priced at less than 10 dollars. It can be stored in conventional refrigerators and much like Covishield and Covaxin, it is administered in two doses. Ideally, they should be 21 days apart.&nbsp;

The Russian developers have signed multiple deals to produce in India. 200 million doses with Virchow Biotech and Stelis Biopharma. 100 million more from Panacea Biotec. Combined, India has the capacity to produce 850 million Sputnik doses per year. &nbsp;

For Indian regulators, it is expected to be a busy couple of months. Four more vaccine candidates are waiting in line, Johnson and Johnson, Novavax, Zydus Cadila's vaccine and Bharat Biotech's intranasal vaccine. Reports say they could all get approval by October 2021.&nbsp;

What's driving this slew of approvals? Fear of shortages. The world's pharmacy is running out of jabs. India is producing around 70 million doses per month but India's daily vaccination rate is 3.5 million. That's more than 105 million shots a month. The equation is simple. India needs 100 million doses but it is producing only 70 million.&nbsp;

India has three options here. One, to spend public money to boost private production. The Serum Institute wants 3,000 crore rupees to expand capacity. The government could oblige. &nbsp;

Number two, approve more vaccines like Sputnik-V. And number three, rope in more vaccine manufacturing centres. We're talking about private labs and factories dedicated to other vaccines.&nbsp;

This call must be taken by the producers. There is a fourth more drastic option to ban vaccine exports, the global north has already done this. There is domestic pressure to freeze exports but India is keen to fulfil its global commitments. India's policy was flawed to begin with. Two vaccines for 1.2 billion people were never going to work. The vaccine gifts and exports were added pressure. New Delhi got humanitarianism and politics right, the arithmetic not so much.&nbsp;

Delhi has approved Russia's Sputnik V vaccine for emergency use. It is the third jab in India's arsenal after Covishield and Covaxin but could this have been done earlier?

Delhi has approved Russia's Sputnik V vaccine for emergency use. It is the third jab in India's arsenal after Covishield and Covaxin but could this have been done earlier? Sputnik has been approved in 59 countries. Millions of shots have already been administered. What does this say about India's vaccination drive? A third vaccine to tackle a second wave, India is all set to roll out Russia's Sputnik V. A committee of experts has approved the jab for emergency use. A green light from the national regulator is just a formality now. India has approved two other shots, Covishield manufactured by the Serum Institute and Covaxin developed by Bharat Biotech. The timing of Sputnik's approval is crucial. India is entering the business end of its vaccination drive. Next on the eligibility list is the country's youth. A mammoth demographic of close to 700 million people. So, a third vaccine will give India an edge but how is Sputnik-V different from Covishield and Covaxin? Sputnik-V has a reported efficacy of 91.6 per cent. Covishield's latest efficacy number is 79% and for Covaxin it's 81% but experts say don't get carried away by efficacy numbers. Remember, all vaccines are intended to prevent hospitalisation and death not the disease itself. What about the cost? Sputnik is priced at less than 10 dollars. It can be stored in conventional refrigerators and much like Covishield and Covaxin, it is administered in two doses. Ideally, they should be 21 days apart. The Russian developers have signed multiple deals to produce in India. 200 million doses with Virchow Biotech and Stelis Biopharma. 100 million more from Panacea Biotec. Combined, India has the capacity to produce 850 million Sputnik doses per year. For Indian regulators, it is expected to be a busy couple of months. Four more vaccine candidates are waiting in line, Johnson and Johnson, Novavax, Zydus Cadila's vaccine and Bharat Biotech's intranasal vaccine. Reports say they could all get approval by October 2021. What's driving this slew of approvals? Fear of shortages. The world's pharmacy is running out of jabs. India is producing around 70 million doses per month but India's daily vaccination rate is 3.5 million. That's more than 105 million shots a month. The equation is simple. India needs 100 million doses but it is producing only 70 million. India has three options here. One, to spend public money to boost private production. The Serum Institute wants 3,000 crore rupees to expand capacity. The government could oblige. Number two, approve more vaccines like Sputnik-V. And number three, rope in more vaccine manufacturing centres. We're talking about private labs and factories dedicated to other vaccines. This call must be taken by the producers. There is a fourth more drastic option to ban vaccine exports, the global north has already done this. There is domestic pressure to freeze exports but India is keen to fulfil its global commitments. India's policy was flawed to begin with. Two vaccines for 1.2 billion people were never going to work. The vaccine gifts and exports were added pressure. New Delhi got humanitarianism and politics right, the arithmetic not so much.

India looks to tackle second wave successfully as Sputnik V jab gets nod

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Wednesday clarified that the state has ample medicines and other medical supplies in case of a second COVID-19 wave.

In a press note, the FDA said that the possibility of a second coronavirus wave in Maharashtra cannot be ruled out and for that the state must be prepared with all necessary medicines like Remdesivir and Favipiravir along with equipment like masks, sanitisers and oxygen supply and more.

The FDA commissioner of the state has held an assembly meeting regarding the available stock of necessary medicines and equipment for COVID-19. He was satisfied after the meeting as the stocks were available to tackle a possible second wave of the virus.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-role-can-india-play-in-coronavirus-vaccine-inoculation-365760" hreflang="en">What role can India play in coronavirus vaccine inoculation?</a>

According to the FDA, the state has 51,425 injections of Remdesivir, 20,25,381 Favipiravir tablets and their Nagpur lab has currently stored 1.97 lakh injections that are ready to be distributed.

Furthermore, oxygen for medical use is also available in ample quantities with 30 producers, 88 riffillers/distributers. Maharashtra has a collective capacity of 1287 metric tonnes per day of medical oxygen while the demand is at 513 MT per day. Hence the commissioner was assured that there was no shortage in terms of availability of medical oxygen.

The FDA also assured that N-95 masks, 2ply masks, 3ply masks and sanitisers will be available in the market at reasonable prices.

Maharashtra continues to be one of the worst affected states in the country. The number of new cases in the state has seen a surge over the last few weeks.

State authorities have also imposed a night curfew in Aurangabad from 11 pm to 6 am till March 8 exempting essential services.

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Sunday collected a total fine of Rs 28 lakh from 14,000 people in the city who were caught without face masks in public spaces.

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Wednesday clarified that the state has ample medicines and other medical supplies in case of a second COVID-19 wave.

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Wednesday clarified that the state has ample medicines and other medical supplies in case of a second COVID-19 wave. In a press note, the FDA said that the possibility of a second coronavirus wave in Maharashtra cannot be ruled out and for that the state must be prepared with all necessary medicines like Remdesivir and Favipiravir along with equipment like masks, sanitisers and oxygen supply and more. The FDA commissioner of the state has held an assembly meeting regarding the available stock of necessary medicines and equipment for COVID-19. He was satisfied after the meeting as the stocks were available to tackle a possible second wave of the virus. Also read| What role can India play in coronavirus vaccine inoculation? According to the FDA, the state has 51,425 injections of Remdesivir, 20,25,381 Favipiravir tablets and their Nagpur lab has currently stored 1.97 lakh injections that are ready to be distributed. Furthermore, oxygen for medical use is also available in ample quantities with 30 producers, 88 riffillers/distributers. Maharashtra has a collective capacity of 1287 metric tonnes per day of medical oxygen while the demand is at 513 MT per day. Hence the commissioner was assured that there was no shortage in terms of availability of medical oxygen. The FDA also assured that N-95 masks, 2ply masks, 3ply masks and sanitisers will be available in the market at reasonable prices. Maharashtra continues to be one of the worst affected states in the country. The number of new cases in the state has seen a surge over the last few weeks. State authorities have also imposed a night curfew in Aurangabad from 11 pm to 6 am till March 8 exempting essential services. Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Sunday collected a total fine of Rs 28 lakh from 14,000 people in the city who were caught without face masks in public spaces.

Maharashtra has ample medical supply for second COVID-19 wave, says state FDA

Various European countries are struggling to control the second wave of the novel coronavirus, and Germany, too, has seen a surge in COVID-19 cases. The local authorities have claimed a massive increase in coronavirus patients in the second wave.

German hospitals are struggling to pay attention and accommodate the incoming COVID-19 patients, many of whom are brought in critical condition and need to be admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Hospitals have seen a nearly 40 per cent increase in COVID-19 patients requiring intensive care.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biggest-crisis-south-korea-tightens-covid-19-restrictions-amid-record-high-surge-347930" hreflang="en">South Korea tightens COVID-19 restrictions amid record high surge</a>

This increase is almost five times more than what was seen during the first wave of coronavirus in Germany during the spring season.

“In states like Saxony, the number of patients in intensive care is five times higher than it was in April. Hospitals are either reaching their capacity limits or have already exceeded them,” Gerald Gass, the head of the German Hospital Federation (DKG), an umbrella group uniting regional hospital associations, told a local newspaper.

In addition to an increase in the ICU patients, on an average, nearly 16,000 patients are being treated for the deadly virus in the normal wards of the German hospitals. The increase has raised concerns for the local authorities who fear the bigger hospitals will soon run out of space to accommodate critically ill patients.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/traveling-be-prepared-to-quarantine-347929" hreflang="en">Traveling? Be prepared to quarantine</a>

During the first wave in the European country, the smaller hospitals were attending to the infected cases but were transferring the critically ill patients to the bigger hospitals with more resources. however, with an increase in the cases and ICU patients, the transferring process is getting tougher for the hospitals to manage, raising serious concerns. The hospitals are now, usually, packed to the highest occupancy limit.

Some hospitals have also claimed to have a full-bed attendance in their ICU wards for almost a week now. The experts are also raising concern over lack of qualified nurses and hospital staff, and have complained on behalf of the existing staff who are tired after being "stretched thin for years".

Uwe Janssens, the head of the German Association of Intensive and Emergency Medicine (DIVI) told a local agency that the experts and authorities are unsure of how will the hospitals be able to manage the inflow of COVID-19 patients if the situation remains as grim in the few upcoming weeks too.

As of now, the German government has imposed a new and stricter partial lockdown which will stay in place at least till January 10, as the country crossed the mark of 1.7 million COVID-19 cases this week.

Various European countries are struggling to control the second wave of the novel coronavirus, and Germany, too, has seen a surge in COVID-19 cases. The local authorities have claimed a massive increase in coronavirus patients in the second wave.

Various European countries are struggling to control the second wave of the novel coronavirus, and Germany, too, has seen a surge in COVID-19 cases. The local authorities have claimed a massive increase in coronavirus patients in the second wave. German hospitals are struggling to pay attention and accommodate the incoming COVID-19 patients, many of whom are brought in critical condition and need to be admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Hospitals have seen a nearly 40 per cent increase in COVID-19 patients requiring intensive care. Also read| South Korea tightens COVID-19 restrictions amid record high surge This increase is almost five times more than what was seen during the first wave of coronavirus in Germany during the spring season. “In states like Saxony, the number of patients in intensive care is five times higher than it was in April. Hospitals are either reaching their capacity limits or have already exceeded them,” Gerald Gass, the head of the German Hospital Federation (DKG), an umbrella group uniting regional hospital associations, told a local newspaper. In addition to an increase in the ICU patients, on an average, nearly 16,000 patients are being treated for the deadly virus in the normal wards of the German hospitals. The increase has raised concerns for the local authorities who fear the bigger hospitals will soon run out of space to accommodate critically ill patients. Also read| Traveling? Be prepared to quarantine During the first wave in the European country, the smaller hospitals were attending to the infected cases but were transferring the critically ill patients to the bigger hospitals with more resources. however, with an increase in the cases and ICU patients, the transferring process is getting tougher for the hospitals to manage, raising serious concerns. The hospitals are now, usually, packed to the highest occupancy limit. Some hospitals have also claimed to have a full-bed attendance in their ICU wards for almost a week now. The experts are also raising concern over lack of qualified nurses and hospital staff, and have complained on behalf of the existing staff who are tired after being "stretched thin for years". Uwe Janssens, the head of the German Association of Intensive and Emergency Medicine (DIVI) told a local agency that the experts and authorities are unsure of how will the hospitals be able to manage the inflow of COVID-19 patients if the situation remains as grim in the few upcoming weeks too. As of now, the German government has imposed a new and stricter partial lockdown which will stay in place at least till January 10, as the country crossed the mark of 1.7 million COVID-19 cases this week.

German hospitals see 40% more COVID-19 patients than first wave; hospitals struggle

A second wave is sweeping through major countries across the world: +Major European Countries are imposing restrictions again +Spain & France have reached 1 million cases +US could be staring at a 'third surge' in cases WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Wuhan Coronavirus Pandemic, Tracking the second wave

Hospital's Intensive Care Units (ICU) are filling up again, the lockdowns are back and&nbsp;new infections are breaking records.

The worst of this oandemic, it seems, is not over yet. Right now, the world has four active hotspots. The United States is reporting a massive surge from 30,000- 35,000 new cases in early September,&nbsp;America is now averaging 50,000 new cases daily. In one week, the US reported more than 350,000 cases. Those numbers were recorded from Ocotber 08-14.

Second is India with the world's second highest number of cases. While there has been a drop in the number of daily infections, we are far from containing the virus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/winter-is-coming-is-the-world-ready-to-fight-coronavirus-in-winters-335853">Also read|&nbsp;Winter is coming: Is the world ready to fight coronavirus in winters?</a>

In Europe, dozens of cities have been forced to go into a lockdown again because the continent is reporting more daily infections that the three worst hit countries — the United States, India and Brazil. Over the past week, Europe has recorded more than 100 thousand new infections every day.

In Russia too the coronavirus is far from contained. More than 15,000 infections were recorded in the past 24 hours alone; it's a new record for Russia.

This is the second wave of the novel coronavirus. We may have learned to live with the virus but that hasn't slowed it down.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizer-plans-to-seek-authorisation-for-covid-vaccine-in-november-335807">Also read|&nbsp;Pfizer plans to seek authorisation for Covid vaccine in November</a>

As the restrictions were lifted worldwide, more people were infected and&nbsp;the cases began to rise.

As a result, the entire continent suppressed the first wave of infections and&nbsp;re-opened cities. Now the European governments are battling the worst outbreak since April and France is among the worst hit. It has declared a state of health emergency.

The United Kingdom is imposing restrictions in hard hit regions such as Liverpool where the people were just not ready to accept the latest round of curbs. So, they took over the streets and&nbsp;partied right before the restrictions kicked in.

Similar scenes played out in Glasgow and the Hague,&nbsp;in the Netherlands too. The images from the streets left the authorities and health experts horrified. They face a real struggle in containing the pandemic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/remdesivir-did-not-cut-hospital-stay-or-mortality-in-virus-patients-who-335678">Also read|&nbsp;Remdesivir did not cut hospital stay or mortality in virus patients: WHO</a>

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning for Europe that if the restrictions are relaxed the daily mortality rates could go up by four to five times. Experts say the changing weather is contributing to the surge.

The Regional Director for Europe at the WHO, Dr. Hans Kluge said, "The fall/winter surge continues to unfold in europe with exponential increases in daily cases and matching percentage increases in daily deaths. The evolving epidemiological situation in Europe raises great concern: daily numbers of cases are up, hospital admissions are up and covid is now the fifth leading cause of deaths and the bar of a 1,000 deaths per day has now been reached."

The situation is not just worsening in Eruope. The virus is surging again and the authorities around the world are running out of options. More and more countries are imposing another round of lockdowns and tougher restrictions because&nbsp;we don't have a vaccine or an effective treatment yet, even after ten months of the outbreak.

The second major threat is that of re-infections, which means those recovered from the virus may be infected again. Such cases are rare right now, but scientists have found that immunity to this virus fades.

The US President Donald Trump should take note because he has been going around calling himself immune and threatening to kiss people.

A case from Nevada of a 25-year-old is worth mentioning here who was infected twice and in&nbsp;both instances he showed symptoms. India too has three suspected cases of re-infection. Indian authorities have now decided to consider 100 days as the cut-off period for a re-infection.

So, we have no vaccine or treatment for the deadly vius yet, and some believe that it may never go away like the&nbsp;flu or cold, but much deadlier.

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&nbsp;

The pandemic can end, if we take notes from history.&nbsp;Pandemics of the past ended, when enough people developed immunity to a disease either through herd immunity or through a vaccine.

Hospital's Intensive Care Units (ICU) are filling up again, the lockdowns are back and new infections are breaking records. The worst of this oandemic, it seems, is not over yet.

Hospital's Intensive Care Units (ICU) are filling up again, the lockdowns are back and new infections are breaking records. The worst of this oandemic, it seems, is not over yet. Right now, the world has four active hotspots. The United States is reporting a massive surge from 30,000- 35,000 new cases in early September, America is now averaging 50,000 new cases daily. In one week, the US reported more than 350,000 cases. Those numbers were recorded from Ocotber 08-14. Second is India with the world's second highest number of cases. While there has been a drop in the number of daily infections, we are far from containing the virus. Also read| Winter is coming: Is the world ready to fight coronavirus in winters? In Europe, dozens of cities have been forced to go into a lockdown again because the continent is reporting more daily infections that the three worst hit countries — the United States, India and Brazil. Over the past week, Europe has recorded more than 100 thousand new infections every day. In Russia too the coronavirus is far from contained. More than 15,000 infections were recorded in the past 24 hours alone; it's a new record for Russia. This is the second wave of the novel coronavirus. We may have learned to live with the virus but that hasn't slowed it down. Also read| Pfizer plans to seek authorisation for Covid vaccine in November As the restrictions were lifted worldwide, more people were infected and the cases began to rise. As a result, the entire continent suppressed the first wave of infections and re-opened cities. Now the European governments are battling the worst outbreak since April and France is among the worst hit. It has declared a state of health emergency. The United Kingdom is imposing restrictions in hard hit regions such as Liverpool where the people were just not ready to accept the latest round of curbs. So, they took over the streets and partied right before the restrictions kicked in. Similar scenes played out in Glasgow and the Hague, in the Netherlands too. The images from the streets left the authorities and health experts horrified. They face a real struggle in containing the pandemic. Also read| Remdesivir did not cut hospital stay or mortality in virus patients: WHO The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning for Europe that if the restrictions are relaxed the daily mortality rates could go up by four to five times. Experts say the changing weather is contributing to the surge. The Regional Director for Europe at the WHO, Dr. Hans Kluge said, "The fall/winter surge continues to unfold in europe with exponential increases in daily cases and matching percentage increases in daily deaths. The evolving epidemiological situation in Europe raises great concern: daily numbers of cases are up, hospital admissions are up and covid is now the fifth leading cause of deaths and the bar of a 1,000 deaths per day has now been reached." The situation is not just worsening in Eruope. The virus is surging again and the authorities around the world are running out of options. More and more countries are imposing another round of lockdowns and tougher restrictions because we don't have a vaccine or an effective treatment yet, even after ten months of the outbreak. The second major threat is that of re-infections, which means those recovered from the virus may be infected again. Such cases are rare right now, but scientists have found that immunity to this virus fades. The US President Donald Trump should take note because he has been going around calling himself immune and threatening to kiss people. A case from Nevada of a 25-year-old is worth mentioning here who was infected twice and in both instances he showed symptoms. India too has three suspected cases of re-infection. Indian authorities have now decided to consider 100 days as the cut-off period for a re-infection. So, we have no vaccine or treatment for the deadly vius yet, and some believe that it may never go away like the flu or cold, but much deadlier. × The pandemic can end, if we take notes from history. Pandemics of the past ended, when enough people developed immunity to a disease either through herd immunity or through a vaccine.

Second wave of coronavirus is near, end of pandemic is not

Germany, France, Spain and Italy witnessed a new wave of coronavirus as Spanish capital Madrid asked residents to stay home as it recorded 8,000 cases in 24 hours.

Watch:

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France recorded 4,000 new cases for the second successive day even as Czech authorities said 506 new coronavirus cases were reported on Friday.

Germany had recorded 2,000 in 24 hours on Saturday with the country's disease control authority reporting 2,034 new cases and seven deaths, taking the total deaths to 9,267 and 232,082 infection cases.

The Czech Republic reported 21,551 coronavirus cases with 411 deaths. Nineteen people have died due to the virus in the past week in Czechia. The country has removed restrictions in May.

Switzerland recorded 306 new coronavirus cases on Friday which was highest since April as Health Minister Alain Berset said, "The situation is under control, but remains fragile." Switzerland has a total of 39,232 coronavirus cases with 1,505 new cases reported in the past one week. The country has recorded &nbsp;1,719 deaths so far due to the virus.

As schools reopened in Switzerland authorities have increased testing to 10,000 a day with a million test conducted as reports say 5.1 per cent have tested positive.&nbsp;

As the pandemic continues to rage in the continent, Austria said it would curb ski partying in order to keep the virus in check after thousands of international holidaymakers had become infected with the virus in Ischgl in the western Tyrol in March.

Austria has recorded 24,600 coronavirus cases with 730 deaths but has seen a recent surge in cases with 347 new infections in recent times as the country lifted its lockdown which was imposed in April.

Germany, France, Spain and Italy witnessed a new wave of coronavirus as Spanish capital Madrid asked residents to stay home as it recorded 8,000 cases in 24 hours.

Germany, France, Spain and Italy witnessed a new wave of coronavirus as Spanish capital Madrid asked residents to stay home as it recorded 8,000 cases in 24 hours. Watch: France recorded 4,000 new cases for the second successive day even as Czech authorities said 506 new coronavirus cases were reported on Friday. Germany had recorded 2,000 in 24 hours on Saturday with the country's disease control authority reporting 2,034 new cases and seven deaths, taking the total deaths to 9,267 and 232,082 infection cases. The Czech Republic reported 21,551 coronavirus cases with 411 deaths. Nineteen people have died due to the virus in the past week in Czechia. The country has removed restrictions in May. Switzerland recorded 306 new coronavirus cases on Friday which was highest since April as Health Minister Alain Berset said, "The situation is under control, but remains fragile." Switzerland has a total of 39,232 coronavirus cases with 1,505 new cases reported in the past one week. The country has recorded 1,719 deaths so far due to the virus. As schools reopened in Switzerland authorities have increased testing to 10,000 a day with a million test conducted as reports say 5.1 per cent have tested positive. As the pandemic continues to rage in the continent, Austria said it would curb ski partying in order to keep the virus in check after thousands of international holidaymakers had become infected with the virus in Ischgl in the western Tyrol in March. Austria has recorded 24,600 coronavirus cases with 730 deaths but has seen a recent surge in cases with 347 new infections in recent times as the country lifted its lockdown which was imposed in April.

COVID-19: Germany, France face new surge as Europe grapples with virus

New COVID-19 clusters are disrupting the peak summer vacations across Europe. The authorities in some countries are reimposing restrictions. Watch report.

Lockdown reimposed in some European countries due to 2nd COVID-19 wave

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