Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

India's Serum Institute asks for patience from foreign governments as it supplies vaccines to India first

India's Serum Institute asks for patience from foreign governments as it supplies vaccines to India first

INDIA'sSerum Institute, the world's biggest vaccine maker by volume, has asked for patience from foreign governments awaiting their supply of Covid-19 shots, saying it had been directed to prioritise India's requirements.

"...I humbly request you to please be patient," SII's Chief Executive Adar Poonawalla said in a tweet, adding the company "has been directed to prioritise the huge needs of India and along with that balance the needs of the rest of the world."


"We are trying our best," Poonawalla said.

Based in the western Indian city of Pune, the company is manufacturing the Oxford University/AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine, one of the two shots that India is using to initially vaccinate some 300 million people as part of a national inoculation drive.

Many low-and middle-income countries, ranging from Bangladesh to Brazil, are depending on SII's AstraZeneca vaccine, branded COVISHIELD by the Indian company.

But demand is growing, including from Western countries like Canada, where Poonawalla has promised to deliver the COVISHIELD vaccine next month.

Britain's drug regulator is also auditing manufacturing processes at SII, potentially paving the way for the COVISHIELD vaccine to be shipped from there to the UK and other countries. .

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has come under criticism for the slow take-off of its vaccination drive but health authorities are preparing to expand the number of inoculation substantially in coming weeks.

India has vaccinated around 11 million people since mid-January.

With more than 10.9 million confirmed infections, India has the world's second highest number of COVID-19 cases, behind only the United States.

The country is currently reporting around 12,000 new infections on average each day, a fraction of its peak from last September, according to a Reuters analysis.

But federal health authorities on Sunday said they had written to some states that are currently seeing a surge in cases, asking them to improve overall testing, surveillance and monitoring of Covid-19 mutations.

More For You

Reconnecting with lost Eid traditions

Bring the past into the present for a richer celebration

Reconnecting with lost Eid traditions

EID is a joyous time filled with unity, reflection, and celebration.

While the essence of the celebration has remained unchanged across centuries, the way this special day is celebrated has evolved, with many older traditions being replaced by modern practices and technological advancements.

Keep ReadingShow less
Reconnecting with lost Eid traditions: Bringing meaning back to modern celebrations

Eid offers new ways to mark the occasion

Reconnecting with lost Eid traditions: Bringing meaning back to modern celebrations

REVIVING OLD CUSTOMS CAN ADD MORE MEANING TO FESTIVALS Reconnecting with lost Eid traditions EID celebrations have evolved over time, beautifully blending tradition with modernity. While many older practices remain, new ways of celebrating the special day, influenced by technology and changing lifestyles, are keeping the spirit of Eid alive in a more globalised world. Here are some newer customs that have been fully embraced by modern society in a positive way.

Virtual: In the past, the only way to connect with loved ones far away was through long-distance phone calls, which were limited due to their high cost. Now, Zoom gatherings allow many people from around the world to connect at once.

Keep ReadingShow less
Top 5 luxury hotels for an opulent Ramadan stay

From Dubai’s iconic Burj Al Arab to Geneva’s ultra-exclusive Hotel President Wilson, these breath-taking destinations redefine opulence with gourmet Iftars, private Suhoors, and five-star hospitality

iStock

Top 5 luxury hotels for an opulent Ramadan stay in 2025

As the crescent moon signals the arrival of Ramadan, the world's most prestigious hotels bring us experiences that merges spiritual reflection with luxury. For discerning travellers looking to just upgrade their holy month, these five iconic properties offer not just the Iftar experiences but also, memories woven with gold threads of opulence.

1.Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Dubai - Seven-star dreams meet Ramadan traditions

Keep ReadingShow less
Why Do Muslims Celebrate Eid al-Fitr on Different Days? 3 Key Reasons

Some may celebrate on one day, while others may observe it the next

iStock

3 reasons why Muslims across the globe celebrate Eid al-Fitr on different days

Eid is one of the most joyous and important festivals in Islam, celebrated twice a year by Muslims worldwide. However, it’s common to see variations in the exact day of celebration, even within the same country. Some may celebrate on one day, while others may observe it the next. This divergence can sometimes confuse people outside the Muslim community and even among Muslims themselves. But the reasons for this variation are rooted in Islamic traditions and differing interpretations of how to determine the Islamic calendar.

Here are the three main reasons why Muslims don’t always celebrate Eid on the same day:

Keep ReadingShow less
Ranvir Singh Talks About Relationship with Louis Church

For Ranvir, the journey of love and parenthood continues

Getty

GMB's Ranvir Singh shares insight into relationship with younger boyfriend Louis Church

Ranvir Singh, the popular presenter of Good Morning Britain (GMB), has recently offered a rare glimpse into her relationship with her younger partner, Louis Church. Despite being one of the most recognisable faces on UK television, Ranvir, 47, has generally kept her personal life private. However, in recent interviews, she has opened up about her relationship with the 29-year-old TV production manager and how he fits into her life, especially with her 13-year-old son, Tushaan.

Ranvir's past: A single mother and new beginnings

Ranvir Singh's journey as a single mother has been a central part of her life story. She was married to Ranjeet Singh Dehal, with whom she tied the knot in 2012. The couple welcomed their son Tushaan later that year. However, after some years, the marriage ended quietly, and it wasn’t until much later that Ranvir confirmed her single status.

Keep ReadingShow less