Coronavirus news highlights: Mumbai reports 1,717 new Covid-19 cases, 51 deaths

India is witnessing a dip in the single-day rise of Covid-19 cases as the nation reported 3,29,942 new cases on Tuesday, which pushed its tally to 2,29,92,517 according to the updated data of the Health Ministry. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal said that only two companies should not be manufacturing vaccines. Stay tuned to DH for more updates.

Dr Reddy's inks licensing pact with Eli Lilly for Covid-19 treatment drug

Dr Reddy's Laboratories on Tuesday said it has inked a licensing pact with Eli Lilly and Company to produce Baricitinib in the country for treatment of Covid-19.

The Hyderabad-based firm said it has entered into a royalty-free, non-exclusive voluntary licensing agreement with Eli Lilly and Company for the manufacture and commercialisation of the drug in India. (PTI)

Centre asks states to check future incidences of people dumping bodies in Ganga, its tributaries

The Centre on Tuesday asked states along the Ganga to ensure strict vigilance and check future incidences of people dumping bodies in the river and its tributaries.

In a letter to District Ganga Committees which are chaired by district magistrates or collectors, the National Mission for Clean Ganga -- the apex body that monitors rejuvenation of the river and its tributaries -- also asked the authorities to dispose unidentified bodies of suspected Covid-19 victims in accordance with safety protocols. (PTI)

AP govt to float global tender soon for procurement of Covid-19 vaccines

The Andhra Pradesh government will float a global tender in a day or two for procurement of Covid-19 vaccines from foreign manufacturers to complete the vaccination process as quickly as possible.

The state has identified 2.04 crore people in the 18- 45 age group for whom the Covid-19 vaccine has to be administered.

India's second Covid wave seems to have flattened but climb down will be more prolonged, long-drawn-out process than first and will possibly run till July,virologist Shahid Jameel has said.

Oxygen shortage kills 26 in Goa hospital in four hours; CM, Health Minister bicker

Oxygen shortage led to 26 deaths in four hours at the Goa Medical College, the state's top government hospital, in the early hours of Tuesday.

Health Minister Vishwajit Rane has now sought a probe into the deaths by the Bombay High Court bench in Panaji. "I request the High Court to check if there is mismanagement or shortage and bring out a white paper using experts... High Court should take over Covid management of GMC," Rane told reporters.

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West Bengal has reported20,136 new positive cases, 18,994 recoveries and 132 deaths in the last 24 hours.

Whenever Modi government tried to make a sincere effort to meet the Covid challenge, there was a tendency to mock by Congress, Union Minister Jitendra Singh has said. "It's not about only mocking the Modi goverment or BJP but mocking Corona warriors," he added.

Early trend of decline in fresh Covid-19 cases, deaths: Govt

An early trend of decline in daily new Covid-19 cases and deaths has been noted in the country, the government said on Tuesday.

According to the government, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Telangana were among 18 states and union territories showing continued plateauing or decrease in daily new Covid-19 cases.

Kerala reported 37,290 new cases of Covid-19 on May 11, with 32,978 recoveries and 79 deaths.

On May 12 and 13, 200 oxygen concentrators will be sent to India as part of emergency assistance from Japan in response to the current surge of Covid-19 cases,Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan has said. (ANI)

Chhota Rajan returns to Tihar after recovering from Covid

Gangster Chhota Rajan, who was admitted at AIIMS here for treatment after he had tested positive for COVID-19, was taken back to Tihar jail on Tuesday following his recovery from illness, officials said.

He was found Covid-19 positive in the Tihar Jail on April 22 and was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on April 24. (PTI)

Telangana Cabinet decides to impose lockdown for 10 days from 10 am on May 12.

"However, there would be relaxation for all the activities from 6 am to 10 am daily. The Cabinet also decided to invite global tenders for the procurement of Covid-19 vaccine,"CMO has said. (ANI)

EU suing AstraZeneca to get 90 mn vaccine doses before July

The EU executive is suing British-Swedish pharmaceutical group AstraZeneca to force it to deliver 90 million more doses of its Covid-19 vaccine before July, a spokesman said on Tuesday.

"We want the court to order the company to deliver 90 million additional doses, in addition to the 30 million already delivered in the first quarter," European Commission spokesman Stefan De Keersmaecker told a media conference.

One lakh Oxygen concentrators are being procured under PM Cares Fund. 5,805 MT Liquid Medical Oxygen is being imported and 374 tankers with 7,049 MT capacity airlifted in the country, MHA has said.

"India has more than 1 lakh active cases in 13 states, 50,000 to 1 lakh active cases in 6 states and less than 50,000 active cases in 17 states," the Ministry of Health has stated.

Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Bihar ad Gujarat showcontinuous decrease in daily new Covid-19 cases.

Sri Lanka denies possibility of community transmission of Indian variant of Covid-19

Sri Lanka on Tuesday said it does not foresee the possibility of community transmission of the Indian variant of the Covid-19 despite detection of one case in the island nation last week.

Government spokesman Udaya Gammanpila said there was no chance for a community spread of the B.1.617 variant here as the individual carrying the variant had been found at a quarantine centre. (PTI)

Delhi has recorded 12,481 fresh Covid-19 cases, 13,583 recoveries, and 347 in the last 24 hours.

Star pacer Bumrah gets Covid-19 vaccine jab

India's star pacer Jasprit Bumrah on Tuesday said that he has received his first dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

"Vaccinated. Please stay safe everyone," tweeted the India and Mumbai Indians speedster along with a picture.

Bumrah is expected to lead the Indian pace attack in the upcoming World Test Championship final against New Zealand and the subsequent away series in England.

Nagaland has announced a7-day lockdown from May 14.

Covid-positive wife not admitted to hospital for over 3 hours, claims UP BJP MLA

An Uttar Pradesh BJP MLA has claimed that his coronavirus positive wife was not admitted to an Agra hospital for over three hours, with officials citing non-availability of a bed.

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Karnataka welcomes first Oxygen Express with 120 tonnes of oxygen

Working overtime to resolve the oxygen crisis across Karnataka, the state government on Tuesday witnessed the arrival of the first Oxygen Express.

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In pictures: Five dishes to rebuild body strength after Covid-19

Chronic fatigue is the most common symptom among people who are going through the post-Covid recovery phase. Considering diet plays a vital role in beating fatigue, here are some easy to make recipes by Vinsplate that include rich food and nutrients to boost your immune system and regain your strength.

See the entire gallery here and boost your strength

PM Modi hails scientists, innovators for contribution in combating Covid-19

On the National Technology Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that in any challenging situation, the country's scientists and innovators have always risen to the occasion and over the last year have worked industriously to fight Covid-19.

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Pvt hospitals body to issue advisory on uniform pricing for Covid vaccine

Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association (PHANA) on Monday said it would soon issue an advisory to its members to have uniform charges for administering Covid vaccines.

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In Pics | Bengaluru streets deserted during Covid-19 lockdown

Here are some strangely beautiful pictures of Bengaluru without any people and vehicles to feast your eyes on.

See the photo gallery here

Centre must ensure that all plants capable of manufacturing vaccine should undertake its production: Delhi CM Kejriwal.

Only two companies should not be manufacturing vaccine. Centre should procure their formula and give it to other companies: Delhi CM Kejriwal.

Coronavirus cases are going down in Delhi, so is the second wave. With your cooperation lockdown was successful. We've increased number of Oxygen beds in past few days.Yesterday we started 500 new ICU beds near GTB Hospital. Now there's no shortage of ICU and Oxygen beds in Delhi: CM Arvind Kejriwal.

Uddhav Thackeray has become family doctor of Maharashtra: Shiv Sena

The Shiv Sena on Tuesday described Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray as the "family doctor" of the 12 crore people of the state, saying his "caring attitude" and efforts have prevented the state from crossing the "danger level" of the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Congress misleading people, creating panic in fight against Covid-19: Nadda to Sonia Gandhi

BJP president J P Nadda on Tuesday accused the Congress of "misleading" people and creating "false panic" in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, and alleged that the conduct of its leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, will be remembered for "duplicity and pettiness".

Nadda wrote a four-page letter to Congress president Sonia Gandhi, a day after the Congress Working Committee hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government over the handling of the coronavirus crisis.

BJP chief JP Nadda writes letter to Sonia Gandhi slamming Congress stand on Covid-19

Naomi Osaka 'not sure' Tokyo Olympics should go ahead

Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka has said she is "not really sure" the delayed Tokyo Olympics should go ahead as the city battles a surge of coronavirus cases less than three months before the start of the Games.

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India reports further dip in daily cases with 3,29,942 Covid-19 cases; 3,876 deaths reported in last 24 hours

India is witnessing a dip in the single-day rise of Covid-19 cases as the nation reported 3,29,942 new cases on Tuesday, which pushed its tally to 2,29,92,517 according to the updated data of the Health Ministry.

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What do we know about the Indian Covid-19 variant?

India has recorded the world's sharpest spike in coronavirus infections this month, with major cities running out of hospital beds, oxygen and medicines.

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Watch DH's playlist of videos on Covid-19 here

Philippines records first two cases of Indian coronavirus variant

The Philippines has detected its first two cases of a coronavirus variant first identified in India, its health ministry said on Tuesday.

The variant, known as B.1.617, had been confirmed in two Filipino workers who returned in April from the United Arab Emirates and Oman, Alethea De Guzman, director of the ministry's epidemiology bureau, told a news conference, adding they had been in isolation since coming back.

In a bid to prevent the entry of a variant, the Philippines has temporarily barred travellers coming from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh from entering the country.

Mumbai seeks to import millions of vaccines to avert Covid-19 wave

Authorities in India’s financial hub Mumbai are seeking to import millions of vaccine doses to help avert a third potential coronavirus wave.

The municipal corporation is in talks with the state government to allow it to invite bids from global manufacturers, Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal said in an interview Monday.

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Family members remove PPE for disposal, after performing the last rites of a Covid-19 victim at Nigambodh Ghat cremation ground in New Delhi. Credit: PTI Photo

11 Covid-19 patients at Tirupati hospital die due to oxygen shortage

At least 11 Covid-19 patients have died at the Sri Venkateshwara Ramnarain Ruia Government General Hospital in Tirupati on Monday night due to an interruption in their oxygen supply.

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Here is DH's India coronavirus tracker

US congresswoman urges Biden to send more direct support to India

A US congresswoman has urged President Joe Biden to send more direct support to India which is battling an unprecedented second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Congresswoman Haley Stevens, in a letter to Biden on Monday, said that India is now the epicentre of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“This past week India registered over 400,000 daily cases. On May 4, there were 3,786 deaths, bringing the total to 226,188 fatalities. The sharp increase in cases has severely strained the healthcare system, overwhelming hospitals, and depleting oxygen supplies. India is in great need of oxygen, therapeutics, and vaccines,” Stevens wrote.

Australia's New South Wales reports zero Covid-19 cases for fifth straight day

Australia's most populous state reported no new locally acquired Covid-19 cases for a fifth straight day on Tuesday as authorities hunt for a missing link in a new infection chain reported last week.

New South Wales state last Wednesday reported its first local case in more than a month after a man in his 50s tested positive, tracing the infection back to a returned traveller from overseas.

US authorises Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine for 12-15 year-olds

US regulators on Monday authorized Pfizer and BioNTech's Covid-19 vaccine for use in children as young as 12, widening the country's inoculation program as vaccination rates have slowed significantly.

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Twitter donates $15 million for Covid-19 relief in India

Microblogging giantTwitterhas donated $15 million to help address the Covid-19 crisis in India which is battling the unprecedented second wave of the deadly pandemic.

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