Monday, Apr 12, 2021 | Last Update : 07:15 AM IST

World

World

Mobile Emergency Care Service (SAMU) workers Gabrielle Carlos, center, and Joao Vericimo enter the COVID-19 area of a hospital as they prepare to move a patient in Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, Tuesday, April 6, 2021. (AP)

Brazil sees record-high ICU occupancy due to COVID-19 surge

DC CORRESPONDANT | PTI

The South American country has the world's second-largest COVID-19 outbreak after the US, with 340,776 deaths and 13,193,205 infections

While arrivals from India had triggered the risk assessment, Prime Minister Ardern said the Government would be looking at risks posed by other COVID-19 hotspot countries. (Mark Mitchell/New Zealand Herald via AP)

New Zealand temporarily suspends entry of travellers from India amid COVID-19 surge

DC CORRESPONDANT | PTI

The travel restriction comes after New Zealand recorded 23 new COVID-19 cases in managed isolation on Thursday, of which 17 came from India

Russian foreign minister Lavrov said both his country and India had agreed to keep in close touch on the situation in the strife-torn nation, pointing to the contributions that neighbours and old powerful actors in the region can make in the Afghan peace process. — AFP

Russia stresses on need for participation of Talibans in Afghanistan peace process

The new guidelines state that only those pilgrims who have been duly inoculated with the coronavirus vaccine will be allowed to visit the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (The Prophet's Mosque) and Masjid al-Haram (The Great Mosque), said the Kingdom's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. (Representational Image/AP)

Saudi Arabia issues new guidelines for Umrah pilgrims

Khan held consultations with key members of his Cabinet on Friday and decided that Pakistan could not go ahead with any trade with India under the current circumstances. (AP file photo)

No trade with India under current circumstances: Pakistan PM Khan

Biden had promised to lift the suspension on H-1B visas, saying Trump's immigration policies were cruel. (AP/PTI)

Indian IT professionals to benefit as Biden lets Trump era H-1B visa bans expire

This handout from the Royal Thai Army taken and released on March 30, 2021 shows an injured Myanmar refugee being transported via an ambulance to a hospital in Mae Sam Lap, after crossing the Salween river from the Myanmar side while fleeing from air strikes in Myanmar's eastern Karen state. (Handout / ROYAL THAI ARMY / AFP)

US orders diplomats out of Myanmar as violence spirals

An elderly woman is inoculated with a dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine against COVID-19 at a vaccination center set up at the University Olympic Stadium in Coyoacan neighborhood, in Mexico City on March 30, 2021. (CLAUDIO CRUZ / AFP)

Germany halts AstraZeneca jabs for under-60s over clot risks

Ever Given, a Panama-flagged cargo ship that is wedged across the Suez Canal and blocking traffic in the vital waterway is seen Sunday, March 28, 2021. The massive Ever Given, Japanese-owned ship that carries cargo between Asia and Europe, got stuck Tuesday in a single-lane stretch of the canal. (AP/Mohamed Elshahed)

Ever Given starts to move in Suez Canal: maritime traffic tracking sites

Security officers disperse demonstrators protesting against the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi after Friday prayers at Baitul Mokarram mosque in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Friday, March 26, 2021. Witnesses said violent clashes broke out after one faction of protesters began waving their shoes as a sign of disrespect to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and another group tried to stop them. Local media said the protesters who tried to stop the shoe-waving are aligned with the ruling Awami League party. The party criticized the other protest faction for attempting to create chaos in the country during Modi's visit. (AP)

Violence breaks out in Bangladesh as protests grow against Modi's visit

ADVERTISEMENT

MOST POPULAR

Berlinale: A teacher, a porn clip and the hypocrisy of a nation

Radu Jude’s film - Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn

The new-age Indian woman is a wonderful mix of being bold and yet rooted in reality

Ami Sata, Founder, Amouve

Berlinale: Sharlto Copley's bravura act as Unabomber makes 'Ted K' stand out

The South African actor, known for his performance as Wikus van der Merwe in the 2009 science fiction film 'District 9', carries 'Ted K' with a meticulously studied but intense act that is as discomforting as it is impressive.

Rats, mice, rabbits, hamsters and monkeys - The true heroes in Covid-19 battle

While the rats, mice, rabbits and Syrian hamsters were lab-bred, the rhesus macaques that were used in testing Covaxin candidates were caught in the wild in Maharashtra. (Representational Image/AFP)

Two Hyderabad doctors work on genomic medicine

Dr Hima Challa and Dr Kalyan Uppuluri (By arrangement)

NTR, unlike Chiranjeevi, never took people for granted: Biographer

An objective assessment of the late leader, the book has been well-received for its critical insight and diligent research.

Hyderabad's city lights killing astronomy, enthusiasts, scientists complain

Light pollution is a menace in the city of Hyderabad which is killing the joy of looking up to the night sky, astronomy enthusiasts and scientists have complained. (Representational Image/PTI)

Sex & the single mum

A farewell to @realDonaldTrump, gone after 57,000 tweets

The suspended Twitter account of President Donald Trump. On Friday, the social media company permanently suspended Trump from its platform, citing "risk of further incitement of violence." (AP)

Top 10 Indian Best Selling Books: Fiction and Non Fiction

This cover image released by Grove shows "Shuggie Bain," a novel by Douglas Stuart. The Scottish writer has won the Booker Prize for fiction for his novel about a boy’s turbulent coming of age in hardscrabble 1980s Glasgow. Stuart won the prestigious 50,000 pound ($66,000) award for his first published novel. (Grove via AP)

Gallery

Saudi’s annual Hajj pilgrimage will start this Wednesday amid growing concerns about the coronavirus pandemic. (Saudi Ministry of Media via AP)

This year, Hajj pilgrims to be given sterilised pebbles

This year, Hajj pilgrims to be given sterilised pebbles

More Galleries

Saudi’s annual Hajj pilgrimage will start this Wednesday amid growing concerns about the coronavirus pandemic. (Saudi Ministry of Media via AP)

This year, Hajj pilgrims to be given sterilised pebbles

The protests in Portland have drawn international attention to race relations in the USA. The standoff between federal agents and protesters turned into a violent fight at night on Thursday. (AP)

In Pictures| Standoff with federal agents continues in Portland

This cute group of penguins are making most of Singapore city’s zoo while it’s locked down for public. (Handout photo released by Wildlife Reserves Singapore)

For these penguins in Singapore’s city zoo, lockdown is flippin' fun

A man walks by Teatro Marcello in Rome which is unsually empty due to coronavirus epidemic(AP)

Coronavirus fear leaves streets of Rome empty

Neighbours

A healthcare worker prepares COVID-19 vaccine doses at the Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center on December 16, 2020 in Portland, Oregon. (Nathan Howard/Getty Images/AFP)

China to start opening vaccination programme to general public

In this photo provided by Bidyanondo Foundation, floating hospital called 'Jibon Kheya',meaning lifeboat, arrives at Banishanta near Mongla seaport in southwestern region of Bangladesh, Sept. 1, 2020.. A Bangladeshi charity has set up a floating hospital turning a small tourist boat into a healthcare facility to provide services to thousands of people affected by this year's devastating floods that marooned millions. (Bidyanondo Foundation via AP)

Bangladeshi floating hospital treats flood-ravaged community

AP journalist Thein Zaw stands outside Insein prison after his release Wednesday, March 24, 2021 in Yangon, Myanmar. Thein Zaw, a journalist for The Associated Press who was arrested last month while covering a protest against the coup in Myanmar, was released from detention on Wednesday. (AP)

Myanmar junta frees 600 detainees including AP photographer

Why is the military taking control in Myanmar? Thousands rally in Myanmar's Yangon despite military build up Seven killed, 26 injured as blast rips apart Peshawar seminary

ADVERTISEMENT

Asia

Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun, spokesman for the ruling council (Twitter@descifraguerra)

Myanmar military promises new election; Suu Kyi faces additional charge

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen delivers a speech during National Day celebrations in front of the Presidential Building in Taipei, Taiwan, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020. Tsai said Saturday she has hopes for less tensions with China and in the region if Beijing will listen to Taipei's concerns, alter its approach and restart dialogue with the self-ruled island democracy. (AP)

Taiwan claims entrapment after China shows spy 'confession'

Ethnic Armenian volunteer recruits gather at a center to receive their uniforms and weapons before being dispatched to the frontline near Hadrut, self-proclaimed Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijan. Armenia and Azerbaijan say they have agreed to a cease-fire in Nagorno-Karbakh starting at noon Saturday. (AP)

Armenia, Azerbaijan agree on cease-fire in Nagorno-Karabakh

Cars with people leaving the separatist region of Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia approach the border of Armenia, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020. (AP Photo)

Azerbaijan captures key Karabakh town of Shusha; Armenia vows to fight on

Anti-coup protesters display images of deposed Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi in Yangon, Myanmar, Thursday, February 25, 2021. Social media giant Facebook announced Thursday it was banning all accounts linked to Myanmar's military as well as ads from military-controlled companies in the wake of the army's seizure of power on Feb. 1. (AP)

Facebook bans Myanmar military accounts citing the coup

Marion Koopmans, right, and Peter Ben Embarek, center, both of the World Health Organization team, say farewell to their Chinese counterpart Liang Wannian, left, after a WHO-China Joint Study Press Conference held at the end of the WHO mission in Wuhan, China on Tuesday, February 9, 2021. (AP/Ng Han Guan)

WHO mission to China fails to find animal source of coronavirus

In this image from video, protesters flash the three-fingered salute as they march in Yangon, Myanmar Saturday, February 6, 2021. (AP)

Thousands protest army takeover in Myanmar's biggest city

Anti-coup protesters run around their makeshift barricade they burn to make defense line during a demonstration in Yangon, Myanmar, Sunday, March 28, 2021. Protesters in Myanmar returned to the streets Sunday to press their demands for a return to democracy, just a day after security forces killed more than 100 people in the bloodiest day since last month's military coup. (AP)

Thousands flee into Thailand following Myanmar air strikes

Middle East

Women wearing face masks against the coronavirus walk past United Arab Emirates and Israeli flags at the Peace Bridge in Netanya, Israel. (AP)

Israel opens embassy in UAE, expanding new relations

The golden visa will also be granted to holders of specialised degrees in artificial intelligence, big data, or epidemiology and virology in addition to the UAE high school top graduates along with their families, the Gulf News reported

UAE grants 10-year golden residency visa to more professionals

Both the incidents of passengers flying with COVID-positive certificates to Dubai from India on Air India Express flights happened during the last couple of weeks, the officials noted.(Representational Image: PTI)

Dubai suspends Air India flights for bringing COVID-positive passengers

Little Amal, a puppet, is all set to traverse the world in support of refugees US wasted billions on cars, buildings in Afghanistan: Report Kuwait resumes direct flights from 35 countries, including India, from tomorrow

ADVERTISEMENT

America

State Department spokesman Ned Price speaks during a press briefing at the State Department in Washington, DC, on February 9, 2021. (Olivier Douliery/Pool via AP)

No change in policy on Jammu and Kashmir, says US

The second India-US Homeland Security Dialogue was held in Washington DC in 2013, between Napolitano and the then Home Minister Sushil Kumar. (Representational image: AFP file photo)

India, US agree to re-establish Homeland Security Dialogue

The bill, if passed by both the chambers of the Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden would bring citizenship to millions of foreign nationals. (Representational Image/PTI)

US Citizenship Bill to help many Indians

US President Joe Biden. (Image source: AFP)

US terrorism alert warns of politically motivated violence

U.S. President Joe Biden speaks during an event with the CEOs of Johnson & Johnson and Merck at the South Court Auditorium of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building March 10, 2021 in Washington, DC. Biden announced that the government will purchase 100 million more doses of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. (Alex Wong/Getty Images/AFP)

US will share COVID-19 vaccine if it has surplus: Biden

President Joe Biden signs his first executive order in the Oval Office of the White House on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, in Washington. (AP)

Biden signs 15 executive orders, reversing Trump's key policies

Trump, however, ruled out forming a new party, arguing that such a move will split votes of conservatives, and called on his supporters to unite for defeating the ruling democrats. (AP)

Trump may run for 2024; says we've gone from America first to America last in 1 month

The Chinese delegation led by Yang Jiechi (C), director of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission Office and Wang Yi (2nd L), China's Foreign Minister, speak with their US counterparts at the opening session of US-China talks at the Captain Cook Hotel in Anchorage, Alaska on March 18, 2021. - China's actions "threaten the rules-based order that maintains global stability," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Thursday at the opening of a two-day meeting with Chinese counterparts in Alaska. (AFP)

US, China spar over world order during their first meeting under Biden

Europe

A Russian medical worker adminsters a shot of Russia's experimental Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine in Moscow, Russia. Russian health authorities have launched advanced trials of the vaccine among 40,000 volunteers, a randomized, placebo-controlled study. (AP)

Russia to supply 100 million doses of virus vaccine to Hyderabad-based drug company

There are different subtypes of avian influenza viruses. (Representational Image: Twitter@UAZ1203)

Russia detects first case of H5N8 avian flu in humans

Johnson’s government said it would “tilt” its focus towards the Indo-Pacific region as part of its Integrated Review of government policy for the coming years. (JESSICA TAYLOR / various sources / AFP)

Boris Johnson to visit India at end of April as part of policy 'tilt'

West sanctions China over Xinjiang abuses, Beijing hits back at EU West trying to engage India in 'anti-China games': Russia Queen vows to address Harry and Meghan racism claims

ADVERTISEMENT

Africa

Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, ousted as president of Mali last month in a military coup, has flown to the United Arab Emirates for medical treatment, the new junta said on September 5, 2020. Family and airport sources confirmed that Keita, who left hospital on September 3, 2020 after treatment for a mini-stroke, had flown out of the country on September 5, 2020. (AFP)

Ousted Mali president Keita leaves country as transition talks begin

Women employed by Floch Depollution collect contaminated algae on the Bois de Amourettes beach, Mauritius, on September 2, 2020. - The second phase of cleaning consists of collecting contaminated algae on the coast and placing barriers to collect any oil that the solid waste can spill back into the sea. The bulk carrier MV Wakashio crashed into a reef last month spewing more than 1,000 tonnes of oil into pristine waters that are home to mangrove forests and endangered species. (AFP)

Mauritius oil spill: Ship operator to pay $9.4 million to restore marine environment

A dead elephant is seen in Hwange National park, Zimbabwe, Saturday, Aug. 29, 2020. A spokesman for Zimbabwe's national parks said on Wednesday, Sept. 2 the number of elephants dying in the country's west from a suspected bacterial infection, possibly from eating poisonous plants, has risen to 22 and more deaths are expected. (AP)

Zimbabwe investigating deaths of 22 elephants, more expected

Britain's Health Secretary Matt Hancock attends a remote press conference to update the nation on the status of the Covid-19 pandemic, inside 10 Downing Street in central London on December 23, 2020. - Britain on Wednesday introduced restrictions on travel from South Africa over the spread of another new variant of coronavirus, UK Health Minister Matt Hancock said. "We're placing immediate restrictions on travel from South Africa," Hancock said, adding that two cases of the "highly concerning" new virus strain had been discovered in Britain. (AFP)

UK quarantines travelers from South Africa as one more Covid variant detected

Mohamed's office announced late Thursday the appointment of Mohamed Hussein Roble, a Swedish-trained civil engineer and political neophyte.Image: Twitter/@AbikarDr)

Somalia names new PM, announces plan for national elections

Customers have their nails done near the Baragwanath taxi rank in Soweto, South Africa, Wednesday Sept. 16, 2020. South African president Cyril Ramaphosa is scheduled to address the nation later in the day, as case numbers and death from Covid-19 hit the lowest in months. (AP)

South Africa says 12 million citizens 'probably' had coronavirus

The verdict came after the two women had vaulted to TikTok fame, amassing millions of followers for their video snippets set to catchy Egyptian club-pop tracks. (Represemtational Image: AFP)

2 Egyptian women to stand new trial over TikTok dance videos

Fresh picked avocados are seen in an orchard at the Afrupro avocado plantation in Tzaneen, on March 10, 2021. - Farmers around the quiet tropical town of Tzaneen are battling a scourge of avocado theft driven by booming global demand for the nutrient-rich fruit. Faced with a growing frequency of avocado raids, farmers have invested heavily in fencing and private security. (AFP)

'Green gold': Avocado craze drives crop theft in South Africa

Australia and New Zealand

An Australian Broadcasting Corporation page on Facebook is displayed without posts in Sydney, Thursday, February 18, 2021. Facebook is vowing to restrict news sharing as Australian lawmakers consider forcing digital giants into payment agreements. (AP /Rick Rycroft)

Australia slams 'heavy-handed' Facebook news blackout

Google, a unit of Alphabet Inc., has announced agreements to pay publishers in Australia (AP)

EXPLAINER: What's up between Google, Facebook and Australia?

A dispute over protection measures for Australia's endangered koalas threatened on September 10, 2020 to topple the government of the country's biggest state. (AFP)

A koala row might topple the government in Australia's New South Wales

New Zealand declares climate emergency, promises carbon neutral government by 2025 New Zealand sees first case-free day in five weeks Australian journalist arrested in China for 'supplying state secrets'

ADVERTISEMENT