Biden admin criticised for not releasing surplus COVID-19 vaccines to India

Washington: The Biden administration has come under criticism from several quarters, including from members and supporters of the Democratic party, for not releasing surplus COVID-19 vaccines to India when the country is experiencing its worst-ever public health crisis. Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi urged the Biden administration to release doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine to countries […]

China commissions three advanced naval ships

Beijing: China has commissioned three main battle warships, including a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, a large destroyer and the country’s largest amphibious assault ship that can carry around 30 helicopters and hundreds of troops. The ships were commissioned at a ceremony on Saturday attended by President Xi Jinping at Sanya, China’s main naval base in […]

Govt asks Twitter, other social media platforms to remove misleading posts around COVID

New Delhi: The government has asked social media platforms, including Twitter and Facebook, to remove content and posts that were spreading misinformation and public panic around the pandemic, according to sources. Twitter said it has notified the impacted account holders of its action taken in response to a legal request from the Indian government but […]

Govt exempts customs duty on COVID vaccine, oxygen

New Delhi: The government on Saturday exempted basic customs duty on import of COVID vaccine, medical-grade oxygen and related equipment to boost domestic availability and make them cheaper amid rising infections across the country. The decision to exempt customs duty was taken at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to boost oxygen availability […]

Vaccination of 18-45 age group

Set up more private centres before drive begins: Centre to states

New Delhi: Ahead of the roll-out of vaccination of people aged between 18 and 45 from May 1, the Centre on Saturday asked states to register additional private vaccination centres and ensure effective crowd management at sites and stressed on inoculation through “only online registration” for beneficiaries in the age bracket. Union Health Secretary Rajesh […]

BSF foils Pak attempt to drop arms by drones in Jammu

Jammu: The Border Security Force (BSF) on Saturday foiled Pakistan’s attempt to airdrop arms and ammunition by drones along the International Border (IB) when alert troops opened fire on two such flying objects on entering Indian airspace in Arnia sector here, a spokesperson of the force said. Both the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) were spotted […]

Trapped in snowfall, 20 nomadic families provided help

Kathua: At least 20 nomadic families, trapped in heavy snowfall in the higher reaches of Kathua, were provided immediate help by the district administration, officials said on Saturday. Heavy snowfall and incessant rains killed at least 30 sheep and goats of these families who were on seasonal migration in search of greener pastures in the […]

Oxygen shortage: Six patients die at Amritsar hospital, probe ordered

Amritsar: Six patients died at a private hospital here on Saturday allegedly due to a shortage of oxygen, prompting Punjab authorities to order a probe into the incident. Five of the six patients were infected with COVID-19, the hospital said. “Despite the district administration being repeatedly asked to extend help, no one turned up to […]