Coronavirus News highlights: PM Modi to hold meeting with vaccine manufacturers on Tuesday

Jaishankar rejects criticism over export of COVID-19 vaccines

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday strongly rejected criticism over India's export of COVID-19 vaccines, saying there were global commitments for variety of reasons including for procurement of raw materials for production of the jabs. At an online interaction, he said India prioritised vaccination of its people while describing those as "non-serious" people who questioned why the country was exporting at all.

In view of the imposition of 6-day lockdown in Delhi, all categories of employees of Rajya Sabha Secretariat may, subject to exigencies of work in office, work from home between April 20 & April April 23: Rajya Sabha Secretariat

PM Narendra Modi to hold meeting with vaccine manufacturers on Tuesday on the vaccination drive

COVID-19: Noida extends night curfew till April 30

The administration on Monday extended the night curfew in Noida and Greater Noida till April 30 in a bid to check the spread of COVID-19 infection. Gautam Buddh Nagar District Magistrate Suhas L Y said in a order, "The curfew which was earlier imposed till April 17 will be in force from 8 pm to 7 am till April 30 across the district, including Noida and Greater Noida." According to the order, the restrictions imposed in the past during the night curfew will remain in force.

Maharashtra COVID-19 cases dip to 58,924 a day after record high

A  day after logging the highest 68,631 COVID-19 cases, Maharashtra on Monday witnessed a dip in its daily count by recording 58,924 fresh infections and 351 deaths, the state health department said. The overall case tally in Maharashtra now stands at 38,98,262 while the toll is 60,824, it said. The state is now left with 6,76,520 active cases. Of the 351 fatalities, 220 were from the last 48 hours and 85 from the last week.

Britain adds India to COVID-19 travel 'red list' amid new variant cases in UK

Britain on Monday added India to its COVID-19 travel "red list", which effectively bans all travel from the country and makes a 10-day hotel quarantine compulsory for UK residents arriving back to the country. Health Secretary Matt Hancock confirmed the move in the House of Commons as he revealed that 103 cases of the so-called Indian variant had been identified in the UK, of which the "vast majority have links to international travel".

Delhi schools announce summer vacation from tomorrow till June 9

HC asks Telangana govt to lay down its own COVID-19 norms

The Telangana High Court on Monday directed the State government to issue within 48 hours COVID-19 guidelines to minimise footfalls in liquor shops, restaurants, marriage halls and cinemas, among other crowded places. A Bench of Chief Justice Hima Kohli and Justice B Vijaysen Reddy, hearing a batch of PILs (public interest litigations) on COVID-19 issues, wanted some sort of restrictions during weekends as part of the containment measures against COVID-19.

DRDO develops supplemental oxygen delivery system for soldiers, COVID patients

The government-run DRDO on Monday said it has developed a SpO2-based supplemental oxygen delivery system for soldiers serving in extremely high altitude areas and COVID-19 patients. "This automatic system delivers supplemental oxygen based on the SpO2 (blood oxygen saturation) levels and prevents the person from sinking into a state of hypoxia, which is fatal in most cases, if sets in," the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) said in a statement.

Telangana CM K Chandrasekhar Rao tests positive for COVID19

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao tested positive for COVID-19 an official release from Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar said on Monday. "Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao tested positive for COVID-19. He has mild symptoms. He has been advised isolation and is staying at his farmhouse.

Govt of India announces liberalised & accelerated Phase 3 strategy of COVID-19 vaccination from May 1; everyone above the age of 18 to be eligible to get vaccine

PM Modi says vaccination biggest weapon in COVID-19 fight

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday called the vaccine as the biggest weapon in the fight against COVID-19 and urged doctors to encourage more and more patients to get the jab. In a virtual interaction with the country's leading doctors on the pandemic situation and vaccination progress, he also noted that COVID-19 is spreading rapidly in tier-2 and tier-3 cities this time, and asked them to connect with their colleagues working there and give them online consultations to ensure that all protocols are followed correctly. Urging doctors to educate people against "rumours" on COVID treatment and prevention, Modi said it is very important in these difficult times to not become a 

Mumbai reports 7,381 fresh cases