LIVE! 2nd wave's peak may be reached in mid-May: CEA

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Tue, 20 April 2021

2nd wave's peak may be reached in mid-May: CEA

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23:46 Covid 2nd wave's peak may be reached in mid-May: CEA

Amid surging coronavirus cases across the country, Chief Economic Adviser K V Subramanian on Tuesday said the peak for the second wave of the pandemic might be reached by the middle of the next month and expressed hope that its impact on the economy would not be large.

He said his assessment on the peak for this fresh wave of COVID-19 cases is based on research done by various bodies, including the Indian Council of Medical Research.

"I am not an epidemiologist. I am just looking at it...I have read far more papers on epidemiology than on economics, but based on some very nice mathematical modelling of the COVID pandemic by IIT Kanpur and based on some of the research put out by ICMR etc, I am saying it's likely that India's second wave peak might be around mid-May," he said.

Addressing a virtual event organised by Great Lakes Institute of Management, Subramanian said he is not an expert in this area so his assessment should be taken with enough caveats.

On the long-term impact of the fresh wave on the economy, he said it should not be large as the government has taken several steps to check production loss, especially by MSMEs.

He said India has worked on turning the crisis into opportunity by implementing a slew of reforms for addressing supply-side constraints.

"Capital expenditure driven growth is far more likely to generate sustained growth because it leads to fiscal policy and monetary policy being in sync with each other rather than contrasting with each other," he noted.

There are a lot of fundamental aspects that have been put in place so that the impact of the pandemic is minimised to the largest extent, he said.

On the macroeconomic front, he said some of the steps taken at the moment will bear fruits 18-20 months later.

Citing the example of the 1991 liberalisation, he said it took more than two years for growth to hit over 6 per cent post opening up of the economy. -- PTI

Mumbai reported 7,214 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, taking its tally to 5,93,906, while 35 patients succumbed to the infection, the city civic body said.

With 7,214 more infections, the COVID-19 caseload jumped to 5,93,906, while the death toll increased to 12,439, according to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's updated data.

Mumbai has reported about 170 less new cases and 22 fewer deaths compared to Monday. The previous day, the city had reported 7,381 new cases and 57 deaths.

According to the data, the number of COVID-19 tests done so far crossed the 50-lakh mark and reached 50,27,882 after 45,350 samples were examined in the last 24 hours.

Also, 9,641 more patients were discharged from hospitals during the day, pushing the number of recovered people to 4,96,263, the civic body said.

Currently, Mumbai has 83,934 active COVID-19 cases, the data showed.

The city's COVID-19 recovery rate stood at 84 per cent, while the case growth rate was 1.44 per cent, the BMC said.

According to the BMC, Mumbai has 104 containment zones in slums and 'chawls' (old row tenements), while the number of sealed buildings has increased to 1,141.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday alleged that the shortage of medical oxygen was due to the lack of logistics to transport it, and asked why the government did not

make arrangements when a second COVID-19 wave was "inevitable".

She urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to use every resource at his disposal to move medical oxygen to wherever it is needed.

With cases hitting a new peak in several parts of the country, the demand for medical oxygen has increased as it is a critical component in the treatment of COVID-19-affected patients.

"India produces 7500 MT of O2 per day, we are one of the biggest producers in the world," Gandhi said in a tweet.

Oxygen shortage is due to lack of logistics to transport it and the government "has failed us", she added.

"Why did it not make arrangements when a second wave was inevitable? There was time. It's still not too late," Gandhi further said.

"For God's sake @narendramodi Ji do it now. Use every resource you have at your disposal to move it to where it is needed. People are dying. Every life matters," she asserted. -- PTI

The Maharashtra government on Tuesday announced a Rs 107 crore package for the state's 7.15 lakh autorickshaw drivers under which each of them would get Rs 1,500 as relief for the 15-day 'break the chain' restrictions in place to curb the surge in COVID-19 cases, officials said.

The decision was taken after a meeting in Mantralaya between the state government and leaders of autorickshaw unions, an official release said.

The release said the money, which would be to tide over loss of income during this period, will be transferred online to Aadhaar linked bank accounts through a system that is being developed.

This system will have the details of drivers, their licence and vehicle numbers etc, it said.

The restrictions under the 'break the chain' initiative will be in place till May 1. -- PTI

23:09 Govt waives import duty on Remdesivir

Amid surging COVID-19 cases in the country, the government on Tuesday waived customs duty on Remdesivir, its raw materials and other components used to make the antiviral drug.

The move would help augment domestic availability and reduce cost of the injection.

Remdesivir is being used in the treatment of coronavirus.

In a notification, the Department of Revenue said "the central government, on being satisfied that it is necessary in the public interest to do, hereby exempts the goods...when imported into India, from the whole of the duty of customs leviable".

The items on which the duty has been waived include Remdesivir active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), injection Remdesivir, and beta Cyclodextrin used in manufacture of Remdesivir.

This import duty exemption would remain in force till October 31 this year.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal tweeted, "In line with PM @NarendraModi's priority to ensure affordable medical care for COVID-19 patients, imports of Remdesivir API, injection and specific inputs have been made import duty free. This should increase supply and reduce cost thus providing relief to patients."

Earlier on April 11, in view of increased demand for Remdesivir, the Centre banned export of the injection and its APIs till the situation improves.

The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) had last week said various drug companies had cut the prices of Remdesivir injection on the intervention of the government.

Cadila Healthcare has reduced the price of its REMDAC (Remdesivir 100 mg) injection to Rs 899 from Rs 2,800.

Similarly, Syngene International has cut the price of its brand RemWin to Rs 2,450 from Rs 3,950.

Hyderabad-based Dr Reddy's Laboratories has cut the price of REDYX, which used to cost Rs 5,400, to Rs 2,700 now. Similarly, Cipla has reduced the price of its CIPREMI brand to Rs 3,000 from Rs 4,000.

Mylan has also reduced the price of its brand from Rs 4,800 to Rs 3,400. Similarly, Jubilant Generics has cut the price of its Remdesivir brand to Rs 3,400 from Rs 4,700 earlier.

Hetero Healthcare has cut the price of its brand COVIFOR from Rs 5,400 to Rs 3,490. -- PTI

The Congress lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday after he addressed the nation on the coronavirus situation and advised states against clamping lockdown, and said he has chosen to relinquish his responsibilities and put the onus of saving India on NGOs, children and the youth.

The Congress said the prime minister has left the people to fend for.themselves in fighting the pandemic and described his address to the nation as "nothing but empty talk".

"PM Modi's address to the nation was again today nothing but empty talk," Congress senior spokesperson Ajay Maken said in a statement.

He said the nation is going through an unprecedented and deadly crisis and it is taking days to first get the tests conducted and there are no beds in hospitals, and those hospitalized are not able to get life saving drugs or something as basic as oxygen.

"The PM was expected to tell the nation as to what has the govt done in terms of increasing beds in hospitals, increasing oxygen output and streamlining supplies, making drugs like Remdesivir and Tocilizumab available, increasing the number of Ventilators and enhancing vaccination.

"However, he chose to relinquish all his responsibilities and put the onus of saving India on NGOs, Youth and Baal Mitras," Maken said.

He said the prime minister has put the onus of doing whatever little possible on state governments and that also by practically advising them to not implement lockdown.

Amid a staggering surge in COVID-19 cases, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said a lockdown should be the "last resort" to deal with the raging pandemic and asked states to convince migrant workers to stay put at their places of work with a guarantee for their lives and livelihood.

The Congress leader said migrant labourers are yet again forced into reverse migration as state after state is being left with no option but imposing a lockdown.

Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said, "The crux of today's lesson by Prime Minister at 8.45 PM is -- nothing is in my hands. People should take care of their lives themselves."

Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari said, "Sub text of PM's speech: Guys you are on kind of on your own."

"If you are able to finally make it to the other side we will definitely meet again in some Utsav or Mahatsov. Until then all the best. May God be with you," Tewari said on Twitter.

Another Congress spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill said, "The Crux of PM statement is -- You are on your Own. Photo Credit is Mine and Crisis Management is Yours; Entire monologue was loaded with hollow sermons instead of sound strategy to come out of current tailspin."

He said the prime minister should have answered one simple question: "Why didn't GOI prepare for the second wave?" -- PTI

A record 28,395 coronavirus cases and 277 deaths marked the aggravation of the pandemic situation in Delhi on Tuesday as the positivity rate shot up to 32.82 per cent -- meaning every third sample came out positive -- amid a "serious oxygen crisis" unfolding in the city.

The city also faced acute shortage of ICU beds as the Delhi government warned that there will be an outrage if sufficient quantity of medical oxygen does not reach health facilities by Wednesday morning. It said oxygen is available only for the next 8-12 hours in most hospitals treating COVID-19 patients.

Only 30 ICU beds for COVID patients were available in hospitals across Delhi at 10 pm, according to government data.

The national capital has reported 1,100 deaths due to the deadly virus in the last six days.

On Monday, Delhi had recorded 23,686 cases with a positivity rate of 26.12 per cent and 240 fatalities. It had witnessed 25,462 cases with a positivity rate of 29.74 per cent on Sunday, while the day before 24,375 COVID-19 infections and 167 fatalities were reported.

The city had witnessed 161 deaths on Sunday, 167 on Saturday, 141 on Friday and 112 on Thursday.

With the fresh cases, the national capital's cumulative tally has risen to 9,05,541. The death toll stands at 12,638, according to the latest health bulletin.

A total of 86,526 tests, including 56,724 RT-PCR ones, were conducted the previous day, it said.

So far, over 8.07 lakh patients have recovered in Delhi, the bulletin said, adidng the number of active cases in the city increased to 85,575 from 76,887 the day before.

The number of people under home isolation increased to 40,124 from 37,337 on Monday, while that of containment zones mounted to 17,151 from 15,039 the day before, it said.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesay urged the Centre "with folded hands" to provide medical oxygen to Delhi. "Serious oxygen crisis persists in Delhi," he tweeted, adding some hospitals are left with just a few hours of it.

In another tweet, he said, "I urge the Central government with folded hands to urgently provide oxygen to Delhi."

"Most hospitals in Delhi have only eight to 12 hours of oxygen left. We have been asking the Centre to increase its supply for the last seven days. There will be chaos in Delhi if hospitals do not get enough oxygen by Wednesday morning," Sisodia tweeted in Hindi. -- PTI

The Supreme Court on Tuesday said only urgent matters will be listed for hearing in the apex court from April 22 amid the prevailing situation of COVID-19 pandemic.

"In continuation of Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) dated July 4, 2020 and circular(s) issued earlier regarding mentioning of matter(s), it is hereby notified for the information of all concerned: (a) only urgent matters will be listed for hearing w.e.f April 22, 2021," a circular issued by the top court administration said.

The apex court administration also came out with another notice which said in view of the prevailing COVID situation, the competent authority has been pleased to direct as follows: 1. The matters shown in the final cause lists of miscellaneous matters and regular hearing matters for April 22, 2021 (Thursday) will not be taken up for hearing and the same stand adjourned.

The circular said that advocate-on-record or party-in-person may send the signed and verified mentioning-application along with synopsis containing the grounds of urgency not exceeding one page in fresh matter only by e-mail on working days by 1 PM and by 11.30 AM on Saturday.

It said the same shall be processed for listing on the next to next working day, subject to availability of the concerned bench and approval of the competent authority.

It said the mentioning applications received thereafter shall be processed for listing on the working day after the next to next working day.

It said "the advocate-on-record/party-in-person may send signed and verified mentioning-application along with synopsis containing the grounds of urgency not exceeding one page in the IA (Interlocutory Application) in pending matter and Miscellaneous Application (MA) in disposed of matter only by e-mail . and the same shall be processed for listing on the next to next working day, subject to availability of the concerned bench and approval of the competent authority."

"The mentioning applications received thereafter shall be processed for listing on the working day after the next to next working day, subject to availability of the concerned bench and approval of the competent authority," it said. -- PTI

21:23 Weekend curfew imposed in UP

In a bid to curb the Covid-19 spread, the Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday imposed till further orders a weekend curfew in the entire state and a night curfew during weekdays in all districts having more than 500 cases.

While the night curfew in the districts with 500-plus cases will be effective from 8 pm to 7 am next day starting Tuesday, the weekend curfew will be enforced from Friday 8 pm to Monday 7 am, during which all non-essential activities will be restricted.

A top UP government official had earlier said the night curfew will be imposed 'throughout' the state.

These decisions, aimed at breaking the transmission chain of the virus spread, were taken in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

The night curfew was imposed earlier in Kanpur, Gorakhpur, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Allahabad, Meerut, Ghaziabad, Bareilly and Muzaffarnagar districts and the Lucknow Municipal Corporation area of the state.

A state government bulletin issued on Covid-19 situation in the state on Monday had said the districts registering less than 500 cases include Maharajganj (497), Hamirpur (489), Mahoba (387), Sharvasti (354), Baghpat (306), Pilibhit (279), Kasganj (112) and Hathras (89).

The move by the UP government came hours after the Supreme Court on Tuesday stayed an Allahabad high court order asking the state government to impose strict restrictions till April 26 in five cities amid the surge in Covid-19 cases.

A bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde passed the order after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for Uttar Pradesh, told it that the state government has taken several steps to contain the spread of coronavirus but to lockdown five cities by a judicial order may not be the right approach.

The high court had asked the UP government to impose strict restrictions including the closing of malls, shopping complexes and restaurants till April 26 in five cities -- Allahabad, Lucknow, Varanasi, Kanpur, Nagar and Gorakhpur -- but stopped short of calling it a "complete lockdown".

On the issue of migrants coming back to the state from Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Delhi, Chief Minister Adityanath said the bordering districts of UP must exercise special caution, and provisions should be made for smooth movement of the migrant workers.

He also asked the Home Department and the Transport Department to coordinate and act to provide adequate facilities for the testing and treatment of the migrant labourers. -- PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged states to use lockdown as the last resort in their fight against COVID-19.

"We need to save nation from lockdown. Use lockdown as the last option," Modi said during his address to the nation.

He asked states to focus on containment zone than imposing lockdown.

In his address to the nation PM Modi said that the state governments must ensure the well-being of the migrants.

He added that the Centre will take all steps to ensure that migrants are vaccinated in the states they reside in.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the nation on COVID-19 situation.

Here are some of the highlights of his address.

- We are facing the second wave of COVID19 now. 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

- The challenge before is big but we have to overcome it with our resolve, courage and preparation

- The demand for oxygen has increased in many parts of the country. The Centre, state govt, 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:

- Work is on to increase the number of beds in hospitals. In some cities, large COVID-19 dedicated hospitals are being built

With the third phase of COVID-19 vaccination opening up in less than two weeks for everyone above 18 years largely through private facilities, government data shows almost all small states and union territories are still entirely or mostly dependent upon government facilities.

According to the government's CoWIN portal, 13 small states and union territories have less than 10 private facilities where vaccination against COVID-19 infection is being conducted and out of these, five states and union territories have no private facilities for vaccination.

The states and union territories with less than 10 private facilities for vaccination are - Andaman and Nicobar (0 private facility), Arunachal Pradesh (0), Dadra and Nagar Haveli (2), Daman and Diu (0), Ladakh (0), Lakshadweep (0), Manipur (3), Meghalaya (7), Nagaland (4), Puducherry (7), Sikkim (1), Tripura (1) and Mizoram (2), according to the CoWIN portal's dashboard.

A senior health ministry official had earlier said some states and union territories have no private facilities conducting vaccination due to absence of such facilities there.

Interestingly, Tamil Nadu is the only state in the country with over 1,000 private facilities conducting vaccinations. It has 1118 facilities.

In comparison, Delhi, Kerala and Uttar Pradesh reporting high numbers of COVID-19 cases have 817, 230, 1101 and 561 private facilities conducting vaccinations respectively.

The role of private facilities conducting vaccinations holds importance in view of the government's announcement to liberalise the vaccination drive to allow states, private hospitals and industrial establishments to procure the doses directly from manufacturers in the third phase of COVID-19 vaccinations.

In the third phase commencing from May 1, all above 18 years of age will be eligible for COVID vaccination.

The announcement comes as India grappled to rein in the surging coronavirus infections that crossed 1.50 crore. -- PTI

20:23 PM Modi to address nation at 8:45 pm

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation on the COVID-19 situation at 8:45 pm.

Two low-intensity tremors were experienced in the Koyna Dam region in Maharashtra's Satara district on Tuesday, an official said.

A tremor of 2.6 magnitude took place at 3:21pm and another of 2.8 magnitude soon after, the epicentre being close to Chikhli village, some 20 kilometres from the dam, said thedistrict official.

There was no report of damage to property or injury to anyone, he added. -- PTI

Geeta Kumari, a migrant daily wager from Nepal, fears that the six-day-long lockdown in Delhi might turn to be a repeat of last year and her family will run out of work and resources soon.

Waiting with her family at the Kaushambi Bus depot, ready to leave the city, Kumari says, "We fear that it will be a repeat of last year. What if the lockdown is extended? What if they completely stop construction activities for a longer period? What will we eat then? Last time we waited for the situation to get better but ultimately had to go back home anyway."

"I have seven members in my family, including a senior citizen. During the last lockdown, we went to Nepal after the situation became worse. We returned around four to five months ago. We work as a daily labourers and do not have work due to the ongoing situation. We have no work back in our native place so we will have to come back but not sure when as the lockdown could be extended," she told PTI.

Scenes similar to last year's migrant exodus could be seen replaying at interstate bus terminals with thousands of migrant workers gathering there to catch a bus home, hours after Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced a week-long lockdown and appealed to them with folded hands not to leave Delhi while sounding a word of assurance -- "Main hoon na" (I am here for you).

The chief minister appealed workers to not leave Delhi, saying the short period of lockdown would need not be extended. At present, there is no restriction on inter-state movement during the lockdown.

Chandan Siroj, a native of Jaunpur in Uttar Pradesh, said that during the last lockdown, he travelled in a truck to reach his home.

"We were stuck for over one month here last year during the lockdown. The food was not an issue, but we were scared for our lives. We reached Jaunpur after travelling in a truck.

"We came back around two months ago. On Monday, we told our employer that we are leaving for Jaunpur and requested him for some money. He only gave Rs 500 each to us. Its not going to be the same this year, nobody will help," Siroj said who works, along with his four friends from Jaunpur, at a factory in north Delhi's Anand Parbat area.

Dharamvir Singh, 24, a native of Akbarpur near Lucknow, was looking for a bus to his hometown. He, however, had different reasons to go home.

"I work as a carpenter in west Delhi's Subhash Nagar. I have to go to my hometown as my sister is getting married next week. Earlier, I was planning to go there this weekend, but after the lockdown was announced by the government, my family told me to come as soon as possible. I somehow reached Anand Vihar to board a bus till Lucknow," he said.

"I hope the situation does not deteriorate as I have to return for earning my livelihood. We will be again out of work and there will again be a crisis," he added.

At Kaushambi bus stand, several announcements were being made asking people to maintain social distancing, wear mask and regularly sanitise themselves.

A bus conductor said they have instructions that there should not many passengers inside the bus and that they have to maintain social distancing.

Deepak Kumar, an e-rickshaw driver at Dilshad Garden, said he is not leaving for his hometown now but he is having trouble making ends meet as he is not getting many passengers.

"We are barely getting one or two passengers. It will become difficult to survive as my family's financial condition in not good. I am not going back home because I have to earn a livelihood and send money but what will I do if I don't get any passengers due to lockdown," he wondered. -- PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not travel to Portugal for the India-EU summit next month in view of the COVID-19 situation and the meeting will be held virtually.

The Ministry of External Affairs said it has been decided, in consultation with EU and Portuguese leadership, to hold the summit in a virtual format on May 8.

"In view of the COVID-19 situation, it has been decided, in consultation with the EU and Portuguese leadership, to hold the India-EU leaders' meeting in a virtual format on May 8," MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.

"The India-EU Leaders' meeting in the EU+27 format, the first time that such a meeting is being held, reflects the shared ambition of both sides to further deepen the strategic partnership," he said.

Bagchi was responding to media queries on the issue.

The prime minister was expected to visit France as part of the trip to attend the India-EU summit. -- PTI

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday urged the Centre to provide medical oxygen to Delhi, saying some hospitals are going to run out of it in a few hours.

He had on Sunday termed the shortage of oxygen for coronavirus patients an "emergency".

Kejriwal also wrote to Union Minister of Commerce and Industries Piyush Goyal, seeking his intervention in the matter.

"Serious oxygen crisis persists in Delhi. I again urge the Centre to urgently provide oxygen to Delhi. Some hospitals are left with just a few hours of oxygen," the chief minister tweeted.

The Delhi government had on Monday set up a 24-member committee to ensure "rational" use of oxygen for treatment of COVID-19 patients

An order issued by the Health Department said the 'Oxygen Audit Committee' will identify areas of wasteful consumption.

The consumption of oxygen has undergone a quantum increase with the admission of a large number of serious patients who require oxygen support, it said. -- PTI

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray to announce decision on a total lockdown tomorrow, Maharashtra Minister Rajesh Tope said.

Tomorrow after 8pm, the CM will announce the decision on lockdown in the state, Tope said.

He said that all ministers have requested Thackeray to announce a complete lockdown in the state from tomorrow at 8 pm.

18:08 Reliance manufactures 700 tonnes of oxygen

Billionaire Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries Ltd has tweaked manufacturing at its Jamnagar oil refineries to produce over 700 tonnes a day of medical-grade oxygen which is being supplied free of cost to states badly affected by COVID-19, sources said.

The company's Jamnagar refineries in Gujarat initially produced 100 tonnes of medical-grade oxygen, which has quickly been ramped up to over 700 tonnes, people aware of the matter said.

The supplies being made to states like Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh will provide relief to over 70,000 critically ill patients everyday. The company plans to raise medical-grade oxygen production capacity to 1,000 tonnes, sources said, without giving a timeline. An e-mail sent to the company for comments remained unanswered. Medical-grade oxygen is not a product that was produced at the Jamnagar refineries, which convert crude oil into products such as diesel, petrol and jet fuel.

Tanmay Fadnavis

18:06 Fadnavis' kin gets out of turn Covid vaccination

A young relative of Maharashtra BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis shared a photo of him getting COVID-19 prevention vaccine, triggering a controversy as he does not fulfil the age criteria to receive the shot.

As the photo of Tanmay Fadnavis, who appears to be in his 20s, went viral on social media on Monday, Devendra Fadnavis's office here issued a statement on Tuesday, saying it was "completely improper" if the age criteria has been violated and added that all should follow rules.

Tanmay is a grandson of Devendra Fadnavis's aunt Shobatai Fadnavis, a senior BJP leader and former minister. He took the vaccine dose at the National Cancer Institute in Nagpur and posted the photo on social media.

As the controversy over violation of age criteria for vaccination raged, Devendra Fadnavis sought to distance himself from the row. The statement from the former chief minister's office said The concerned person, Tanmay Fadnavis, is my distant relative and I am not aware of under which criteria he received the vaccine.

"If he is eligible for vaccination then I have no objection and if he is not eligible than it is completely improper." "Even, my wife and daughter have not yet received vaccine as per the criteria. Although, all above the age of 18 years can take vaccine (from May 1), all should follow the rules, the Leader of Opposition in the assembly said. At present, the vaccination is open only to those aged 45 and above. On Monday, the Centre announced that everyone above 18 years of age will be eligible to get vaccinated against COVID-19 from May 1.

17:38 Rajnath asks defence PSUs for beds, oxygen

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday asked defence public sector undertakings, DRDO and Ordnance Factory Board to work on a war footing to provide oxygen cylinders and extra beds to state governments at the earliest to help them in dealing with the surging cases of COVID 19.

At a virtual meeting with the top defence brass, Singh also granted emergency financial powers to three forces and other defence agencies for procurement of medical equipment and for creation of additional capacities in view of the pandemic, officials said.

The defence minister asked the armed forces to be in close contact with the civil administrations across the country and to provide any required assistance.

The meeting was attended by Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of Army Staff Gen M M Naravane, Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) Surg Vice Admiral Rajat Datta and DRDO Chairman G Satheesh Reddy.

Officials said Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has already shared with private industry its oxygen generation technology which was developed for use on board Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, They also said work is going on to set up a 450-bed hospital in Lucknow, 750-bed hospital in Varanasi and 900-bed hospital in Ahmedabad. India is witnessing a massive spike in coronavirus infections and many states are reporting shortage of hospital beds, oxygen and essential drugs to deal with the pandemic. PTI

17:35 PM wishes Rahul a quick recovery

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday a speedy recovery from coronavirus. Gandhi tweeted earlier that he had tested positive for COVID-19 with mild symptoms "I pray for the good health and quick recovery of Lok Sabha MP Shri Rahul Gandhi Ji," Modi tweeted. PTI

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh grants emergency financial powers to three forces for procurement of medical equipment: Officials.

Domestic equity benchmarks Sensex and Nifty erased early gains to finish with losses for the second day on the trot on Tuesday, as surging COVID-19 cases and growing localised restrictions continued to dent investor sentiment.

The BSE Sensex slipped 243.62 points or 0.51 per cent to close the session at 47,705.80, an over two-month low. Intra-day, the BSE gauge rose as much as 529 points to touch the day's peak of 48,478.34. Likewise, the NSE Nifty climbed over 167 points to reclaim the key 14,500-level during the day, but surrendered all its gains to end at 14,296.40, showing a drop of 63.05 points or 0.44 per cent.

On the Sensex chart, UltraTech Cement, HCL Tech, HDFC, Tech Mahindra, HDFC Bank and HUL emerged as the major laggards -- falling as much as 4.70 per cent. On the other hand, Bajaj Finserv, Dr Reddy's, Bajaj Finance, Bajaj Auto, M&M and Maruti were among the top gainers, climbing up to 3.70 per cent

Ex King of Nepal Gyanendra

17:07 Nepal royals test +ve after Kumbh visit

Nepal's former King Gyanendra Shah and former Queen Komal Shah have tested positive for the coronavirus on their return from India after participating in the Maha Kumbh at Haridwar, according to a media report on Tuesday.

The 73-year-old former King and 70-year-old former Queen recently returned from India where they had taken a holy dip at Haridwar's Har Ki Pauri during the Maha Kumbh -- a religious congregation of Hindu seers and devotees, according to the Health Ministry.

Their samples for the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test were confirmed positive for the COVID-19 infection, The Himalayan Times reported. According to the report, hundreds of people had gathered at the airport in Kathmandu to welcome the former king and queen during their arrival back home. The authorities have also initiated a contact tracing to test anyone who came in contact with the royal couple.

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday expressed hope that the Central government was allocating or diverting resources and medicines, like Remdesivir, based on the needs and situation of each state, otherwise "people will have blood on their hands".

"We will be doomed," a bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Rekha Palli said with regard to any non-application of mind in allocation and diversion of resources and medicines.

Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Chetan Sharma and central government standing counsel Moniika Arora told the court that medical opinion was divided on use of Remdesivir. Senior advocate Rahul Mehra, appearing for the Delhi government, told the court that doctors were prescribing Remdesivir and people are unable to get it from the market despite having prescriptions.

"Long and short of it is that it (Remdesivir) is in short supply," the bench said and added that giving clearance for setting up units to manufacture would not yield quick results as establishing the facilities for manufacture takes time.

The observations by the bench came during the hearing of a disposed of petition related to COVID-19 tests and the high court revived it on April 19 by noting that the virus has raised its "ugly head" once again and the pandemic is raging with much greater intensity and "it is evident that the healthcare infrastructure is at the stage of imminent collapse". PTI

The Indian Army on Tuesday said it is converting its base hospital in Delhi to an exclusive COVID-19 facility for armed forces personnel as well as veterans. This facility will be available for COVID-19 patients from Thursday, it said on Twitter.

The Army said on Twitter, "Base Hospital Delhi Cantt BHDC is being converted into an exclusive COVID-19 facility for Indian armed forces and veterans with effect from April 22, 2021."

"All OPDs (out patient department) will shift and function at Army Hospital Research and Referral (AHRR) with effect from April 22," it added. Moreover,the Army said an online tri-service teleconsultation service called "SeHAT OPD" is functional right now for veterans,armed forces personnel as well as their dependents.

"For ailments and prescriptions for continuation of medications log in to http:ehatopd.in," it added. India's total tally of COVID-19 cases climbed to 1,53,21,089 with 2,59,170 new coronavirus infections being reported in a day, while active cases surpassed the 20-lakh mark, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday. The death toll increased to 1,80,530 with a record 1,761 new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed. PTI

16:30 Mamata slams Centre's vaccine policy

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hitting out at the Centre's new vaccine policy and terming it "hollow, without substance and a regrettable show" of evasion of responsibility.

The central government on Monday announced that everyone above 18 years of age will be eligible to get vaccinated against COVID-19 from May 1, liberalising the vaccination drive to allow states, private hospitals and industrial establishments to procure the doses directly from manufacturers.

"I am informed that the central government has announced the much-delayed universal vaccine policy on 19th April, 2021, which appears to be hollow, without substance and a regrettable show of evasion of responsibility by the central government at a time of crisis," Banerjee said in the letter.

She also reminded the prime minister that she had in a letter dated February 24, 2021 requested his intervention to allow West Bengal purchase vaccines directly with state resources and give free vaccination to people of the state.

"No response was received from your end. Now when the number of cases in the second wave of COVID is spiralling like anything, the Centre has chosen to tactically indulge in empty rhetoric and shy away from its responsibility for making available vaccines to the people of the country," Banerjee wrote.

She pointed out that the announcement made on Monday did not address major issues like ensuring quality, efficacy, stable flow of supply of required number of doses by the manufacturers and also the price at which the vaccines are to be purchased by the states.

"It is apprehended that the announced policy might lead to unscrupulous mechanisms in the market, including pricing of vaccines as it appears to be based on market prices which may put the common people under huge financial burden. "More importantly, the supply would also become very erratic because the vaccine manufacturers are hardly prepared to scale up their production capacities to the desired levels to meet the nationwide demand," the West Bengal chief minister said. -- PTI

To support vaccination campaigns in India and across the globe, Bharat Biotech has ramped up the manufacturing capacity of its COVID-19 vaccine, Covaxin, to 700 million doses per annum, the vaccine maker said on Tuesday.

Manufacturing scale up has been carried out in a stepwise manner across multiple facilities at Hyderabad and Bangalore, the company said in a statement. Inactivated vaccines, while highly safe, are extremely complex and expensive to manufacture, resulting in lower yields when compared to live virus vaccines, it noted.

"The company is able to expand COVAXIN manufacturing capacity in a short timeline, mainly due to the availability of new specially designed BSL- 3 facilities, first of its kind for manufacturing in India that have been repurposed and preexisting expertise and know how to manufacture, test and release highly purified inactivated viral vaccines," the company said.

Manufacturing partnerships are being explored with partners in other countries, who have prior expertise with commercial scale manufacture of inactivated viral vaccines under biosafety containment, it added.

The Hyderabad-based firm said it has partnered with Indian Immunologicals (IIL) to manufacture the drug substance for COVAXIN. The technology transfer process is well underway and IIL has the capabilities and expertise to manufacture inactivated viral vaccines at commercial scale and under biosafety containment, it added.

The company said it uses a proprietary adjuvant Algel-IMDG, that has now proven to be a safe and effective adjuvant, especially to stimulate memory T cell responses. The synthesis and manufacture of the IMDG component has been successfully indigenised and will be manufactured at commercial scale within the country, it added.

"This is the first instance where a novel adjuvant has been commercialised in India," Bharat Biotech said. COVAXIN has received Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for COVID-19 treatment in India and in several countries across the globe with another 60 in the process.

Maharashtra today ordered tougher measures to fight Covid, saying groceries, vegetable shops and dairies will be open only for four hours and home delivery will not be allowed after 8 pm.

All groceries, vegetable shops, dairies, bakeries, fruit vendors will be open only between 7 am and 11am, according to a new state order. This goes for bakeries, confectionaries and all shops selling food (including chicken, mutton, poultry, fish and eggs).

These shops were open until 8 pm, but now only have a four-hour window.

Home deliveries may be allowed from 7 am to 8 pm, depending on local authorities, according to the order.

The decision was taken after a meeting of the Maharashtra government yesterday. It was discussed that people were going out in the name of buying groceries through the day, crowding market places.

15:42 Covishield maker hails financial aid from govt

Vaccine major Serum Institute of India (SII) on Tuesday hailed government's initiative to provide financial aid to manufacturers to ramp up production of COVID-19 vaccine in the country.

"On behalf of the vaccine industry in India, I would like to thank and applaud Shri @narendramodi Ji, @nsitharaman Ji, for your decisive policy changes and swift financial aid which will help vaccine production and distribution in India," SII CEO Adar Poonawalla said in a tweet.

In order to ramp up supplies ahead of the opening of Covid-19 vaccination to all citizens over 18 years of age, the government has approved a payment of about Rs 4,500 crore as advance to vaccine makers like Serum Institute of India (SII) and Bharat Biotech against future supplies, sources said. SII will supply 200 million doses and Bharat Biotech is to supply another 90 million doses to the government by July at a pre-agreed rate of Rs 150 per dose.

Sources said the finance ministry has relaxed rules to allow advance payment without bank guarantee to help the vaccine makers ramp up production. SII will get Rs 3,000 crore in advance and Bharat Biotech about Rs 1,500 crore.

Earlier this month, Poonawalla had said that the company would require around Rs 3,000 crore to ramp up production capacity for making vaccines for COVID-19.

Congress leader P Chidambaram said today that by liberalising the price of vaccine and not fixing a price for states at the same rate as available to Union Govt, the govt is paving the way to unhealthy price bidding and profiteering. States with limited resources will be at a considerable disadvantage.

"States already way down by shrinking GST revenues, lower tax devolution, reduced grants-in-aid & increased borrowing would've to bear this additional burden. Meanwhile, nobody knows where the thousands of crores of rupees collected under PM CARES being deployed."

Apart from Rahul Gandhi, in the Congress party, senior leader Anand Sharma has tested positive for COVID-19 and has been shifted to a private hospital in Gurgaon, sources said Tuesday.

The 68-year-old Sharma who was admitted to the Apollo Hospital in Delhi late last night, tested positive for the infection Tuesday and has now been moved to the Medanta Hospital, sources close to him said.

Several Congress leaders including Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Randeep Surjewala wished him an early recovery. Sharma is a former Union minister and a key member of the 'group of 23' Congress leaders who had written to party chief chief Sonia Gandhi earlier this year seeking an organisational overhaul.

He is also the deputy leader of the Congress in Rajya Sabha and heads the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs.

Among other party leaders who have tested positive for coronavirus, former prime minister Manmohan Singh is admitted to the AIIMS Delhi, while Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Randeep Surjewala are being treated at the Medanta Hospital in Gurgaon.

15:18 Rahul Gandhi tests positive for Covid

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tests positive for COVID-19 with mild symptoms. Rahul tweeted, "After experiencing mild symptoms, I've just tested positive for COVID. All those who've been in contact with me recently, please follow all safety protocols and stay safe."

14:51

The US opens Covid vaccination for all, 16 years of age and above.

14:34 Govt's vaccine rollout discriminatory: Rahul

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday hit out at the government over its vaccine policy, alleging it is discriminatory and that there is no vaccine guarantee for the weaker sections.

He also said that there will be no free vaccines for those between the age of 18 and 45 years.

"No free vaccines for 18-45 yr olds. Middlemen brought in without price controls. No vaccine guarantee for weaker sections. GOI's Vaccine Discrimination- Not Distribution- Strategy," he said in a tweet.

The government on Monday announced that all adults will be eligible for COVID vaccination from May 1 while private hospitals and states will be able to buy doses directly from manufacturers.

The decisions aimed at scaling up inoculation came as 25 lakh cases were added in just 15 days in the country and several states like Maharashtra, Delhi, Punjab and Rajasthan demanded that the age restriction of 45 years be removed for the vaccination.

Under the third phase of the vaccination drive commencing next month, the vaccine manufacturers would be free to supply 50 percent doses to state governments and in the open market for which they will have to make an advance declaration of the price before May 1, according to an official statement. PTI

14:24 FM calls for trust between industry, govt

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday said there should be complete trust between the industry and the government to sustain growth amid the COVID-19 situation. Sitharaman, addressing a seminar organised by the Merchants' Chamber of Commerce & Industry in Kolkata, said the Centre has taken several steps to ensure that revival of the economy continues despite a raging second wave of the pandemic.

"There should be complete trust both between the government and the industry and vice versa to sustain growth. There should not be disturbances in the continuity, which lead to mistrust or distrust," she said.

Speaking about West Bengal, the minister said industries in the state require "oxygen" along with a globalised approach to prosper.

"Industries in the state need a lot more oxygen to flourish. The history of India was written from Bengal... but even a signature product like the Darjeeling tea is now languishing. "Kolkata used to shine with industries in the past, it should do so again. Bengal and its tradition have to be preserved and protected," the senior BJP leader said.

14:15 Delhi CM Kejriwal's wife tests Covid positive

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's wife has tested positive for Covid-19.

She has isolated herself at home.

Arvind Kejriwal has also quarantined himself at home.

India on Tuesday reported 2,59,170 new Covid cases and 1,761 deaths in the last 24 hours. As many as 1,54,761 discharges were made in the last 24 hours, as per Union health ministry.

13:54 MoS Jitendra Singh tests positive for COVID-19

Union Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region Jitendra Singh on Tuesday joined the list of the country's leaders who have contracted the COVID-19 virus.

Confirming it on Twitter, Singh said "I have today tested COVID positive with symptoms. Please get yourself screened if you were in my contact recently and take care."

Over the last few days amid the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic being witnessed in the country, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Union Sports Minister Kiren Rejiju, Chief Ministers of Telangana - K Chandrasekhar Rao, and Uttar Pradesh - Yogi Adityanath, and many others have tested positive.

In the last 24 hours, India reported as many as 2,59,170 new COVID-19 infections and 1,761 deaths, the Union health ministry said on Tuesday.

-- ANI

Representational image

13:27 Delhi to add 2700 Covid beds in a few days

Around 2,700 beds will be added at different hospitals and facilities in the national capital in the next few days for COVID-19 patients, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia announced on Tuesday.

"In 2.5 weeks, bed count has gone up by 3 times here. 2,700 more beds will be arranged in next few days. Most COVID-19 patients are recovering in home isolation. I urge those who need hospitals to check app beforehand for bed availability and then proceed further," Sisodia said at an online press conference.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has announced a six-day lockdown in the national capital from 10 pm on Monday till 5 am on April 26, and said it was necessary to deal with the rising number of COVID-19 cases as the city's health system was stretched to its limit.

The city on Sunday recorded the biggest jump in its daily COVID-19 tally with 25,462 fresh cases, while the positivity rate shot up to 29.74 per cent -- meaning almost every third sample being tested in the city is turning out to be positive. PTI

Taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal on Tuesday asked why he was not showing the same passion to win the war against coronavirus as shown to win elections.

With the country reeling under a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Congress has questioned Prime Minister Modi for addressing poll rallies in West Bengal while "ignoring his responsibilities" at the Centre. "Modiji, you use all your : might, muscle power, lung power, resources to win elections. Why not the same passion to win the war against Coronavirus for: our people?" Sibal said in a tweet.

In another tweet, the former Union minister said, "As people die of the pandemic, A citizen to Modiji: Rallies are fine, victories divine, but the battles you are fighting are really not mine!"

Amid a surge in COVID-19 cases, the BJP on Monday said it has decided against holding any big rally or public meeting, including by Prime Minister Modi and other party leaders, in the ongoing West Bengal assembly poll campaign.

13:05 SC stays HC order on lockdown in 5 UP cities

Supreme Court stays yesterday's Allahabad High Court order, imposing lockdown in five cities in Uttar Pradesh. The Supreme Court bench today in its order also asked the state of Uttar Pradesh to submit before the state High Court its various steps and measures taken to control the pandemic, within a week.

The court granted interim stay on HC order directing UP govt to impose strict restrictions till April 26 in 5 cities amid COVID-19 surge. The SC takes note of UP govt submissions that it has taken steps to prevent spread of coronavirus.

Lockdown by judicial order may not be right approach, UP government tells SC. Allahabad HC order imposing lockdown in five cities will create immense administrative difficulties, the UP government says.

The Allahabad High Court had ordered a lockdown till April 26 in Lucknow, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Kanpur and Gorakhpur. The Yogi Adityanath-led government refused to enforce it last evening.

The Uttar Pradesh government had argued that locking down five cities by judicial order "may not be the right approach". It also said Allahabad High Court's order infringed upon the UP government's domain.

12:57 Union Minister Jitendra Singh tests positive

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh tests positive for COVID-19.

Yesterday, former PM Manmohan Singh tests positive for COVID19, admitted to AIIMS Trauma Centre in Delhi.

The Delhi High Court Tuesday said sufficient oxygen was not being supplied to COVID-19 patients in the national capital and asked the Centre if it can be diverted from industries which can wait for now. "Industries can wait. Patients cannot. Human lives are at stake," a bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Rekha Palli said to the central government.

The bench said it has heard that doctors at Ganga Ram Hospital were being forced to reduce oxygen being given to COVID-19 patients admitted there as there was scarcity of oxygen.

"Which are these industries whose supplies of oxygen cannot be curtailed," the court asked central government standing counsel Monika Arora and asked her to take instructions on what all can be done to augment the oxygen supply to COVID-19 patients.

With the direction, the court said it will hear the matter post lunch. The direction came during hearing of a disposed of petition, related to COVID-19 tests, that the high court revived on April 19 by noting that the virus has raised its "ugly head" once again and the pandemic is raging with much greater intensity and "it is evident that the healthcare infrastructure is at the stage of imminent collapse". PTI

12:29 Oxygen in short supply in Delhi

Doctors at Delhi's Ganga Ram Hospital forced to reduce oxygen given to COVID-19 patients due to insufficient supply: HC.

12:27 India may waive duty on Covid vaccine imports

The government is likely to waive 10 per cent customs duty levied on imported vaccines in a bid to keep low the cost of overseas vaccines that are being eyed to supplement domestically made shots ahead of opening COVID-19 vaccination to all citizens over 18 years of age, sources said.

While Russia's Sputnik V vaccines are due to arrive this month or latest by next month, manufacturers like Moderna and Johnson and Johnson have been urged to seek emergency use approval in India.

The government presently levies 10 per cent customs or import duty plus a 16.5 per cent I-GST and social welfare surcharge on vaccines coming from overseas. These taxes would make the imported vaccines costlier than the ones made by Serum Institute of India (SII) and Bharat Biotech.

"A customs duty wavier is being considered," a source aware of the matter said. Another source said a decision is likely to be made "very soon."

The government earlier this month allowed emergency use of imported vaccines to curb spread of coronavirus infections. With 2.59 lakh new infections, the caseload has crossed 1.53 crore, making India the second-worst affected nation after the US, which has reported more than 3.1 crore infections. India's deaths from COVID-19 rose by a record 1,761 to over 1.8 lakh. -- PTI

"In 30 years, I have mostly not felt hurt or offended at my name being mispronounced or misspelled," writes the Telegraph editor, R Rajagopal. Do read

Eastern Railway on Tuesday said it has so far cancelled 56 local trains in the Sealdah section after around 90 drivers and guards tested positive for COVID- 19. No decision has been taken on cancellation of trains in the Howrah section, an official said.

"The situation is pretty grim. Some 90 drivers and guards are unable to report for duty due to Covid. We have cancelled 56 local trains to ensure mail and express train services are not impacted," Eastern Railway spokesperson Eklabya Chakraborty told PTI.

As far as possible, the non-peak hour trains are cancelled to minimise the impact for commuters," he added. Suburban train services resumed in West Bengal on November 11 last year after more than seven months.

Migrants accept water pouches

11:51 Hunger won't end by 2030 due to pandemic: Vardhan

The COVID-19 pandemic has severely disrupted the food security and nutrition for millions of people around the world, and will likely reverse the progress made towards ending hunger by 2030, Minister of Health and Family Welfare Dr Harsh Vardhan has said.

Addressing the 54th Commission on Population and Development on the theme Population, food security, nutrition and sustainable development' here on Monday, he said that the Government of India accords the highest priority to food security and nutrition as evidenced by the various national legal instruments and schemes over the last few years.

The population, food security, nutrition and sustainable development theme is of critical importance at all times. But even more so now as the world is trying to rebuild itself while emerging from the challenges posed by COVID-19, Vardhan said.

He said that the pandemic has severely disrupted food security and nutrition for millions of people around the world and will likely reverse the progress made towards ending hunger by 2030. UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, in her address to the event, also stressed that the pandemic has devastated livelihoods, exacerbated injustices and inequalities, and threatened decades of development progress.

COVID-19 is also exacerbating food crises caused by the conflict, severe climate events and pest infestations. Sadly, the world is not on track to eliminate hunger and malnutrition by 2030. Undernourishment was already rising before the pandemic, and the trend has worsened considerably over the past year, she said.

Vardhan said that even during the COVID-19 crisis, while making efforts to contain the spread of the pandemic, India has taken concerted actions to ensure that food security and nutrition services are not compromised and vulnerable groups such as farmers, daily wage earners, woman, self-help groups and poor senior citizens are provided the support necessary in these unprecedented times.

In 2020, India announced a USD 22.6 billion relief package to take care of food security measures to help the poorest of the poor. A second economic stimulus plan worth USD 13 billion was sanctioned to aid small and medium businesses mainly in the agricultural and food sectors, he said.

He highlighted the various national programmes that have contributed to improving the nutrition outcomes in India, addressing both the immediate and the underlying determinants of undernutrition through nutrition specific and nutrition sensitive interventions.

A new study has found that COVID-19 patients who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop a more severe infection than patients of healthy weight, and they require oxygen and invasive mechanical ventilation more often.

The findings of the study were published in the journal 'Diabetes Care'. While obese people are at a higher risk of developing a more serious infection, there is no increased risk of death. These conclusions, for which more than 7,000 patients were studied, appear from international research in eleven countries, including the Netherlands (Radboud university medical center).

COVID-19 patients with obesity required oxygen more frequently and were 73 per cent more likely to require invasive mechanical ventilation. Remarkably, no greater mortality was observed in these groups of patients than in patients of healthy weight.--ANI

11:23 Govt to provide Rs 4,500 cr to vaccine makers

Looking to ramp up supplies ahead of the opening of Covid-19 vaccination to all citizens over 18 years of age, the government has approved a payment of about Rs 4,500 crore as advance to vaccine makers like Serum Institute of India (SII) and Bharat Biotech against future supplies, sources said.

SII will supply 200 million doses and Bharat Biotech is to supply another 90 million doses to the government by July at a pre-agreed rate of Rs 150 per dose.

Earlier this month, SII CEO Adar Poonawalla had said that the company would require around Rs 3,000 crore to ramp up production capacity for making vaccines for COVID-19.

Meanwhile, the government on Monday allowed citizens over the age of 18 years to receive Covid-19 vaccination from May 1 as it seeks to control the rapid spread of the virus.

Under the third phase of its vaccination strategy, manufacturers will be required to supply 50 per cent of their monthly doses to the government and the rest to state governments or the open market.

Vaccination will continue as before in the government of India vaccination centres free of cost for the eligible population -- healthcare and frontline workers and all people above 45 years of age.

Latest data showed that over 2.59 lakh coronavirus infections pushed overall cases in India to more than 1.53 crore, making the country the second-worst affected nation after the US, which has reported more than 3.1 crore infections. India's deaths from COVID-19 rose by a record 1,761 to over 1.8 lakh. PTI

The BKC vaccination centre in Bandra, Mumbai runs out of Covishield vaccine. Boards reading 'Vaccine out of stock', were put up outside the BKC vaccination centre.

Rajesh Dere, Dean of the Centre says, "We had 350-400 Covishield doses which we administered. We're awaiting more doses. Around 2000 Covaxin doses are available for second dose, that is being administered.

"We have received information that we will get the Covishield doses by this evening. If that happens, we will begin vaccination tomorrow. We realised last night about the shortage of Covishield doses."

India's Covid-19 tally breached the 15.3 million-mark with 259,170 fresh cases and 1761 fatalities recorded in the last 24 hours, according to the latest figures released by the Union ministry of health and family welfare on Tuesday morning.

Karnataka Health Minister K Sudhakar on Tuesday said Bengaluru has emerged as an epicentre of coronavirus cases in Karnataka and there was a need to work on a war footing.

Speaking to reporters, here, he said, "Bengaluru is the epicentre of Karnataka. If you see the total cases, at least 70 per cent are reported in Bengaluru."

He was replying to queries on the all-party meeting to be chaired by Governor Vajubhai Vala. Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa will attend the meeting virtually as he has got reinfected by the virus and is undergoing treatment.

Sudhakar said there will be discussion on Bengaluru and seven other districts, which have been designated as sensitive zones in view of the alarming rise in COVID cases. He added that the government will seriously consider constructive suggestions by the opposition leaders such as Siddaramaiah, Congress state chief D K Shivakumar and JD(S) leader and former chief minister H D Kumaraswamy.

Tomatoes are being offered to people in Bijapur Municipal limits, by the Municipality, to encourage them to get vaccinated for COVID-19. An official, Purshottam Sallur says, "It's being done to encourage them. We appealed to vegetable vendors, they supplied to municipality." This is being done in Chhattisgarh.

Vaccinations will be opened to all above 18 from May 1, the government on Tuesday announced after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a series of meetings over India's response to record daily surges in Covid cases.

All adults can get Covid shots and states can buy doses directly from vaccine-makers in the "liberalised and accelerated Phase 3 strategy of COVID-19 vaccination", the government said.

10:24 PM likely to attend EU summit virtually

As India grapples with deadly second wave of coronavirus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Portugal and France are in limbo and unlikely to happen.

Sources told ANI that final decision on the visit is yet to be taken. Although visits are not officially announced by the Ministry of External Affairs but, it is learnt that all preparations and advance teams had done all required drills for the visit.

PM Modi is holding back-to-back meetings with all the stakeholders in the fight against COVID-19 and keeping a very close eye on the situation.

PM Modi was slated to visit Portugal for India-EU summit on May 8th and also France for bilateral talks and meeting with the French President Emmanuel Macron.

PM Modi may join India-EU summit via video-conference, Portuguese media citing a diplomatic source wrote "We are working with the European institutions and the Government of India to conduct the summit by video-conference, with the EU [leaders] physically present in Portugal".

India will waive its 10 per cent customs duty on imported COVID-19 vaccines, a senior government official told Reuters, as it tries to boost supplies to counter a dramatic surge in coronavirus cases.

Imports of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine are due to arrive soon and the government has also urged Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson and Johnson to sell their products to India.

The official, who declined to be named, also said the government was considering allowing private entities to import approved vaccines for sale on the open market without government intervention. They could also be given the freedom to set pricing, he added.

The Indian government currently regulates the sale and purchase of all COVID-19 shots in the country.

Other South Asian countries, including Nepal and Pakistan, as well as Latin American nations such as Argentina and Brazil levy vaccine import tariffs ranging between 10% and 20%.

Indias Covid-19 tally breached the 15.3 million-mark with 259,170 fresh cases and 1761 fatalities recorded in the last 24 hours, according to the latest figures released by the Union ministry of health and family welfare on Tuesday morning.

This is the sixth day in a row that the countrys daily infection caseload has surpassed 200,000.

With the huge spike in cases in the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, India has accelerated its vaccination strategy and opened inoculation for all above the age of 18 years starting May 1.

With the daily cases increasing at a tremendous pace, several state governments have imposed strict restrictions including night curfews, weekend curfew, and ordered the closure of educational institutions.

09:28 ICSE cancels class 10 exams due to Covid surge

Days after announcing to give students an option to select whether or not they wish to appear for ICSE or class 10 exams, the Council for Indian School Certification Examination has decided to cancel the class 10 examinations altogether.

This is in line with the decision taken by the CBSE. The options (which were) given in earlier circular, now stand withdrawn. The safety and wellbeing of our students and teaching faculty is our topmost priority and of paramount interest, the council said in an official notice.

Earlier, the board had decided to allow students to choose their mode of assessment. Those who would have selected to appear for the written exam would be assessed based on it. Those who would have opted out of the written exam would have been assessed on an objective criterion, as per the previous order. Now, all the students will be assessed based on the objective criterion.

Even as the CISCE has not shared the criterion to assess students yet, it has asked schools to start teaching class 11 syllabus to these students at the earliest. Considering the COVID-19 situation, class 11 will begin in online mode. Schools have been asked to start the admission process for class 11, if not already started. CISCE has directed schools to prepare a schedule and begin online classes for class 11 students at the earliest.

CISCE, however, is yet to declare the criterion to declare results for class 10 students. A fair and unbiased criterion and date of result declaration will be announced the CISCE later, the Council said in an official notice.

08:49 Rajya Sabha employees to work from home

With the imposition of a lockdown in the national capital amid the rise in COVID-19 cases, all employees of the Rajya Sabha will work from home till this Friday.

As per a directive, "Those working from home will be required to remain available through electronic means for the 'smooth functioning of office during this period".

"All categories of employees of Rajya Sabha Secretariat may, subject to exigencies of work in office, work from home 20.04.2021 to 23.04.2021," the order said.

It added that in case of administrative emergencies, requisite staff may be asked to attend office by the concerned Divisional Head.

A six-day lockdown till April 26 was announced by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in an attempt to stem the spread of COVID-19 infections in the city.

-- ANI

Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Tuesday followed up on former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh's health with the medical team attending to him at AIIMS Delhi and said that his condition is stable.

"Followed up on Dr Manmohan Singh Ji's health with the medical team attending to him at AIIMS, Delhi. His condition is stable. Best possible care is being provided to him. We all pray for his quick recovery," tweeted Harsh Vardhan.

The former PM and senior Congress leader Dr Manmohan Singh was diagnosed with COVID-19 and was on Monday admitted to All India Institute of Medical Sciences Trauma Centre.

"Former PM Manmohan Singh tests positive for COVID19, admitted to AIIMS Trauma Centre in Delhi," said an AIIMS official.

-- ANI

United States' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had advised its citizens to avoid travelling to India amid a massive surge in COVID-19 cases in the country.

In a statement, the CDC said: "Because of the current situation in India even fully vaccinated travellers may be at risk for getting and spreading COVID-19 variants and should avoid all travel to India. If you must travel to India, get fully vaccinated before travel. All travellers should wear a mask, stay 6 feet from others, avoid crowds, and wash their hands."

The CDC also issued travel recommendations for fully vaccinated travellers which stated: "If you are fully vaccinated, then do not have to get tested before leaving the United States, unless your destination requires it and you do not have to self-quarantine after you arrive in the United States."

The United Kingdom has already added India to its travel "red list" on a precautionary basis after reporting 103 cases of a coronavirus variant first identified in India, the country's health minister Matt Hancock said on Monday.

The COVID-19 situation in India has been deteriorating amid the second wave of coronavirus infections. For the past three days, the country has been reporting in excess of two lakh coronavirus infections and over 1,000 related deaths on a daily basis.

-- ANI

The Indian Railways' Oxygen Express train with seven tankers left Kalamboli goods yard in Navi Mumbai on Monday for Vizag where it will be loaded with medical oxygen for Maharashtra.

The service of Oxygen Express trains was announced by Railways Minister Piyush Goyal on Sunday evening and a ramp was built by the Central Railway at Kalamboli overnight to facilitate loading of the roll-on-roll-off oxygen trucks on the train.

The rolling stock for the same has been funded by the Indian Army and is maintained by the Railways.

"The roll-on-roll-off service with seven empty tankers departed from Kalamboli goods yard for Visakhapatnam steel plant siding at 8.05 pm today. This train will move via Vasai Road, Jalgaon, Nagpur, Raipur Junction to Visakhapatnam steel plant siding in East Coast Railway zone where it will be loaded with liquid medical oxygen," the railways said.

Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra state governments had earlier approached the Railways Ministry to explore whether liquid medical oxygen tankers could be moved by the rail network, officials said.

On the receipt of the request from the two states, the Railways explored the technical feasibility of transportation of liquid medical oxygen and decided that it has to be transported through roll-on-roll-off service with road tankers placed on flat wagons.

"Since the first empty tankers will move on April 19, we hope to begin operations of Oxygen Express over the next few days. We would be able to send oxygen wherever there is such demand. Green corridor is being created for fast movement of Oxygen Express trains," an official had said.

A meeting was held between Railway Board officials and state transport commissioners and representatives of the industry on April 17 on issues related to transportation of liquid medical oxygen.

"Instructions have been issued to zonal railways to ensure readiness to receive the trailers and load them. Ramps have to be built at Vizag, Angul and Bhilai and the existing ramp at Kalamboli is to be strengthened. Ramps at other locations would also be ready in a couple of days by the time the tankers reach those locations.

"Due to restrictions of height of Road Over Bridges and over-head equipment at certain locations, the model of road tanker T-1618 with a height of 3,320 mm was found feasible to be placed on flat wagons (DBKM) with a height of 1,290 mm," the railways said in a statement.

In order to ensure that parameters of transportation are tested, trials were conducted at various locations, it said.

On April 18 a trial was organised by the Western Railway at Boisar where a loaded tanker was placed on a flat DBKM wagon and all the required measurements were taken.

In order to enable commercial booking and freight payment for roll-on-roll-off movement of liquid medical oxygen in cryogenic tankers, the Railway Ministry had issued a circular on April 16 providing all necessary details and guidance on the matter. -- PTI

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