A report has claimed that millions of Britons could be given <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Covid </a>passports by May 17 to allow them to take holidays to foreign countries and avoid quarantine on their arrival at their destinations.&nbsp;

These passports are likely to be different from domestic Covid certificates issued by the UK government, the report by Guardian claimed.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-fineprint-uk-pm-boris-johnson-cancels-his-india-visit-once-again-due-to-covid-378668/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Sources said the documents are still under works and should be available before international travel restrictions are lifted next month.&nbsp;

Grant Shapps, the transport secretary said that the passports "will, of course, be a part of international travel".

He hoped that these should not be seen as "controversial," but insisted on the need for a cautious reopening amid the threat of virus strains.&nbsp;

These documents would be for nations that seek proof of vaccination, a Department of Transport insider said.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/world/will-you-need-a-vaccine-passport-in-california-378867">Will you need a vaccine passport in California?</a>

Another source said that the Foreign Office was quietly consulting other countries to check whether they would accept such passports shown through an NHS app that is being developed.&nbsp;

Earlier, Israel is leading the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">vaccination </a>drive and has lifted several of its Covid restrictions, have issued a "green passport" system that gives access to certain places to people who have either vaccinated or recovered from the deadly virus.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization's (WHO) emergency committee on Monday expressed its opposition for international travellers being required to have proof of inoculation, partly on grounds that such measures would increase inequities.

A report has claimed that millions of Britons could be given Covid passports by May 17 to allow them to take holidays to foreign countries and avoid quarantine on their arrival at their destinations.

A report has claimed that millions of Britons could be given Covid passports by May 17 to allow them to take holidays to foreign countries and avoid quarantine on their arrival at their destinations. These passports are likely to be different from domestic Covid certificates issued by the UK government, the report by Guardian claimed. Watch | Sources said the documents are still under works and should be available before international travel restrictions are lifted next month. Grant Shapps, the transport secretary said that the passports "will, of course, be a part of international travel". He hoped that these should not be seen as "controversial," but insisted on the need for a cautious reopening amid the threat of virus strains. These documents would be for nations that seek proof of vaccination, a Department of Transport insider said. Also read | Will you need a vaccine passport in California? Another source said that the Foreign Office was quietly consulting other countries to check whether they would accept such passports shown through an NHS app that is being developed. Earlier, Israel is leading the vaccination drive and has lifted several of its Covid restrictions, have issued a "green passport" system that gives access to certain places to people who have either vaccinated or recovered from the deadly virus. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization's (WHO) emergency committee on Monday expressed its opposition for international travellers being required to have proof of inoculation, partly on grounds that such measures would increase inequities.

Millions in UK could get Covid passports soon: Report

In recent days, a piece of news is getting viral, which cites Stanford University claiming that masks do not work to avoid contracting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>, and are actually dangerous.&nbsp;

However, fact-checking this information, or rather misinformation, tells an entirely different story.&nbsp;

FactCheck.org said that the research being quoted was a hypothesis and did not come from anyone associated with Stanford University.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/icmr-study-covaxin-neutralises-double-mutant-379061/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It further said that the research paper was not an original "study," but an author's propose explanation based on a review of previous studies.&nbsp;

Journal Medical Hypotheses,&nbsp; an outlet that calls itself "a forum for ideas in medicine and related biomedical sciences," published the study for the first time in November.

Though it appeared on PubMed Central, a scientific literature archive run by the National Institutes of Health's National Library of Medicine, it does not imply that NIH backs this content as some of the viral stories claimed.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pregnant-women-with-covid-19-face-high-mortality-rate-study-379462">Pregnant women with COVID-19 face high mortality rate: Study</a>

The research said that Vainshelboim works for Cardiology Division, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System/Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States.

FactCheck.org also said that they reached out to Stanford University and Julie Greicius, a spokesperson for Stanford Health Care informed that Baruch Vainshelboim, the author of the study, does not work for them.&nbsp;

Even a spokesperson for VA Palo Alto Health Care System said that Vainshelboim does not work for them.&nbsp;

Mehar Manku, the editor of Medical Hypotheses, said that they are aware of the "issues related to the publication in question" and actions are being taken.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

In recent days, a piece of news is getting viral, which cites Stanford University claiming that masks do not work to avoid contracting coronavirus, and are actually dangerous.

In recent days, a piece of news is getting viral, which cites Stanford University claiming that masks do not work to avoid contracting coronavirus, and are actually dangerous. However, fact-checking this information, or rather misinformation, tells an entirely different story. FactCheck.org said that the research being quoted was a hypothesis and did not come from anyone associated with Stanford University. Watch | It further said that the research paper was not an original "study," but an author's propose explanation based on a review of previous studies. Journal Medical Hypotheses, an outlet that calls itself "a forum for ideas in medicine and related biomedical sciences," published the study for the first time in November. Though it appeared on PubMed Central, a scientific literature archive run by the National Institutes of Health's National Library of Medicine, it does not imply that NIH backs this content as some of the viral stories claimed. Also read | Pregnant women with COVID-19 face high mortality rate: Study The research said that Vainshelboim works for Cardiology Division, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System/Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States. FactCheck.org also said that they reached out to Stanford University and Julie Greicius, a spokesperson for Stanford Health Care informed that Baruch Vainshelboim, the author of the study, does not work for them. Even a spokesperson for VA Palo Alto Health Care System said that Vainshelboim does not work for them. Mehar Manku, the editor of Medical Hypotheses, said that they are aware of the "issues related to the publication in question" and actions are being taken.

Fact-check: Are masks really dangerous and don't prevent COVID-19?

According to a report by a team of researchers from the University of Oxford and their partners, R21/Matrix-M, a malaria&nbsp;vaccine which was in its Phase IIb trial, showed an efficacy of 77 per cent over a period of 12 months. This efficacy rate makes this vaccine the first ever to achieve the World Health Organisation (WHO) specified 75 per cent efficacy goal.

The team behind the vaccine hopes that it will be approved for use within the next two years. "With the commitment by our commercial partner, the Serum Institute of India, to manufacture at least 200 million doses annually in the coming years, the vaccine has the potential to have a major public health impact if licensure is achieved.", said Adrian Hill, director of the Jenner Institute, co-author of the paper.

Hill also said that "we and others have found that if you vaccinate just before the malaria season, you get maybe a 10 per cent improvement or something like that in efficacy - that's not published yet but will be coming out fairly soon from another group", adding that he was "pretty confident" that the proven 77 per cent efficacy could be replicated in the upcoming phase of the trial.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/drug-resistant-malaria-making-inroads-in-africa-study-377979">Drug-resistant malaria making inroads in Africa: Study</a>

Prof Adrian Hill said that the vaccine is&nbsp;in his opinion the world’s most effective vaccine against malaria “in the sense that no other vaccine has had a primary endpoint with over 75 per cent&nbsp;efficacy”. Talking about his team’s excitement over this, he added that there is still a final phase of testing for the vaccine to go through.

Malaria leads to the fatality of hundreds of thousands of children each year all over the world and is a disease that just last year was the cause of death for approximately four times the number of people killed by COVID-19.

According to a report by a team of researchers from the University of Oxford and their partners, R21/Matrix-M, a malaria vaccine which was in its Phase IIb trial, showed an efficacy of 77 per cent over a period of 12 months.

According to a report by a team of researchers from the University of Oxford and their partners, R21/Matrix-M, a malaria vaccine which was in its Phase IIb trial, showed an efficacy of 77 per cent over a period of 12 months. This efficacy rate makes this vaccine the first ever to achieve the World Health Organisation (WHO) specified 75 per cent efficacy goal. The team behind the vaccine hopes that it will be approved for use within the next two years. "With the commitment by our commercial partner, the Serum Institute of India, to manufacture at least 200 million doses annually in the coming years, the vaccine has the potential to have a major public health impact if licensure is achieved.", said Adrian Hill, director of the Jenner Institute, co-author of the paper. Hill also said that "we and others have found that if you vaccinate just before the malaria season, you get maybe a 10 per cent improvement or something like that in efficacy - that's not published yet but will be coming out fairly soon from another group", adding that he was "pretty confident" that the proven 77 per cent efficacy could be replicated in the upcoming phase of the trial. Also read | Drug-resistant malaria making inroads in Africa: Study Prof Adrian Hill said that the vaccine is in his opinion the world’s most effective vaccine against malaria “in the sense that no other vaccine has had a primary endpoint with over 75 per cent efficacy”. Talking about his team’s excitement over this, he added that there is still a final phase of testing for the vaccine to go through. Malaria leads to the fatality of hundreds of thousands of children each year all over the world and is a disease that just last year was the cause of death for approximately four times the number of people killed by COVID-19.

World’s first malaria vaccine to achieve WHO-specified efficacy developed in UK

India's Cadila Healthcare Ltd has received restricted emergency use approval from local regulators to use a Hepatitis C drug as a treatment for moderate COVID-19 in adults, the drugmaker said on Friday.

The approval follows promising results from a late-stage study of the drug and comes in the middle of a massive wave of COVID-19 cases in India, which has overwhelmed its health system and left many hospitals short of critical oxygen supplies.

Cadila said patients given its therapy in clinical trials had shown a lesser need for supplemental oxygen, which is given to seriously ill COVID-19 patients to increase its supply in the blood and lungs.

About 91 per cent of patients treated with the drug, branded Virafin, tested negative for COVID-19 in standard RT-PCR tests by day seven, compared to nearly 79 per cent who were given the standard of care, the company said earlier this month.

"The fact that we are able to offer a therapy which significantly reduces the viral load when given early on can help in better disease management," Cadila Managing Director Sharvil Patel said. "It comes at a much-needed time for patients."

India reported the world's highest daily tally of coronavirus infections for a second day on Friday, surpassing 330,000 new cases.

Cadila's drug, known as Pegylated Interferon alpha-2b, was originally approved for liver disease Hepatitis C and launched in India 10 years ago. It is being repurposed to treat COVID-19.

The company's shares reversed course following the news and were last up 3.2 per cent at 570 rupees in afternoon trading on the National Stock Exchange.

India's Cadila Healthcare Ltd has received restricted emergency use approval from local regulators to use a Hepatitis C drug as a treatment for moderate COVID-19 in adults, the drugmaker said on Friday.

India's Cadila Healthcare Ltd has received restricted emergency use approval from local regulators to use a Hepatitis C drug as a treatment for moderate COVID-19 in adults, the drugmaker said on Friday. The approval follows promising results from a late-stage study of the drug and comes in the middle of a massive wave of COVID-19 cases in India, which has overwhelmed its health system and left many hospitals short of critical oxygen supplies. Cadila said patients given its therapy in clinical trials had shown a lesser need for supplemental oxygen, which is given to seriously ill COVID-19 patients to increase its supply in the blood and lungs. About 91 per cent of patients treated with the drug, branded Virafin, tested negative for COVID-19 in standard RT-PCR tests by day seven, compared to nearly 79 per cent who were given the standard of care, the company said earlier this month. "The fact that we are able to offer a therapy which significantly reduces the viral load when given early on can help in better disease management," Cadila Managing Director Sharvil Patel said. "It comes at a much-needed time for patients." India reported the world's highest daily tally of coronavirus infections for a second day on Friday, surpassing 330,000 new cases. Cadila's drug, known as Pegylated Interferon alpha-2b, was originally approved for liver disease Hepatitis C and launched in India 10 years ago. It is being repurposed to treat COVID-19. The company's shares reversed course following the news and were last up 3.2 per cent at 570 rupees in afternoon trading on the National Stock Exchange.

Cadila gets approval to repurpose Hepatitis C drug for COVID-19 treatment

Germany&nbsp;would support legal action against&nbsp;AstraZeneca&nbsp;for under-delivering <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Covid-19</a> vaccine doses to the EU, but the&nbsp;priority&nbsp;now&nbsp;should be on securing the jabs, Health Minister Jens Spahn said Friday.

The European Commission is considering a&nbsp;lawsuit&nbsp;against the Swedish-British pharmaceutical giant for so far delivering just 31 million of the 120 million doses it had promised, according to EU diplomats.

Asked if he thought the&nbsp;lawsuit&nbsp;was a good idea, Spahn said: "If (the commission) decides to take legal action, then yes... but it's much more important to me that I get this vaccine."

Germany&nbsp;wants to "cooperate with&nbsp;AstraZeneca&nbsp;to get as many deliveries as possible as quickly as possible", he said, adding that legal issues are "not yet a&nbsp;priority&nbsp;in this phase of the pandemic".

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="Germany halts use of AstraZeneca vaccine for elderly amid reports of rare disorder">Germany halts use of AstraZeneca vaccine for elderly amid reports of rare disorder</a>

EU diplomats said Thursday no final decision has been taken on legal action but the EU executive has informed member state envoys and wants them to confirm whether they would back a&nbsp;lawsuit.

"As you know,&nbsp;AstraZeneca&nbsp;is not delivering the number of doses which have been agreed upon in the contract... This is one of the reasons why we keep our options open together with member states to take any further steps," commission spokesman Stefan De Keersmaecker said on Thursday.

One diplomat told AFP that "not all member states are in agreement" on taking the company to court, stressing that their aim was simply to have&nbsp;AstraZeneca&nbsp;deliver the doses it had promised in its contract.

Public confidence in the&nbsp;AstraZeneca&nbsp;jab has taken a blow after the European Medicines Agency, the bloc's regulator, said it was likely linked to a very rare form of blood clot affecting the brain.&nbsp;

The EMA and the commission have not changed their stance on a general use of&nbsp;AstraZeneca, saying its benefits outweigh the risks, but several EU countries have restricted its use to older citizens.

The EU, however, is&nbsp;now&nbsp;increasingly relying on the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine for its rollout, which has been accelerating since the end of March.

Germany would support legal action against AstraZeneca for under-delivering Covid-19 vaccine doses to the EU, but the priority now should be on securing the jabs, Health Minister Jens Spahn said Friday.

Germany would support legal action against AstraZeneca for under-delivering Covid-19 vaccine doses to the EU, but the priority now should be on securing the jabs, Health Minister Jens Spahn said Friday. The European Commission is considering a lawsuit against the Swedish-British pharmaceutical giant for so far delivering just 31 million of the 120 million doses it had promised, according to EU diplomats. Asked if he thought the lawsuit was a good idea, Spahn said: "If (the commission) decides to take legal action, then yes... but it's much more important to me that I get this vaccine." Germany wants to "cooperate with AstraZeneca to get as many deliveries as possible as quickly as possible", he said, adding that legal issues are "not yet a priority in this phase of the pandemic". Also Read | Germany halts use of AstraZeneca vaccine for elderly amid reports of rare disorder EU diplomats said Thursday no final decision has been taken on legal action but the EU executive has informed member state envoys and wants them to confirm whether they would back a lawsuit. "As you know, AstraZeneca is not delivering the number of doses which have been agreed upon in the contract... This is one of the reasons why we keep our options open together with member states to take any further steps," commission spokesman Stefan De Keersmaecker said on Thursday. One diplomat told AFP that "not all member states are in agreement" on taking the company to court, stressing that their aim was simply to have AstraZeneca deliver the doses it had promised in its contract. Public confidence in the AstraZeneca jab has taken a blow after the European Medicines Agency, the bloc's regulator, said it was likely linked to a very rare form of blood clot affecting the brain. The EMA and the commission have not changed their stance on a general use of AstraZeneca, saying its benefits outweigh the risks, but several EU countries have restricted its use to older citizens. The EU, however, is now increasingly relying on the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine for its rollout, which has been accelerating since the end of March.

Germany says AstraZeneca lawsuit 'not priority' for now

Even as the Covid crisis wreaks havoc in India, the country is all set to get essential supplies from Remdesivir to oxygen to containers from a whole host of countries.

WION has learnt&nbsp;that quite a few will be sending supplies, starting with Russians who have offered to help in any way possible.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-update-india-records-332730-cases-and-2263-deaths-in-24-hours-379467/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;

India is also looking towards its east to Singapore for supplies, and trying to source oxygen and ISO containers from the South East Asian Country. ISO containers are large standardised shipping containers that can be used across different modes of transport.

Earlier on Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron sent a "message of solidarity to the Indian people&nbsp;facing a resurgence of COVID-19 cases".

He said, "France is with you in this struggle, which spares no one. We stand ready to provide our support."

The European Union has also extended support during a conversation between Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission and India's External Affairs Minister&nbsp;S Jaishankar.

Jaishankar, after the meet, tweeted, "Appreciated the support offered by EU on Covid challenges currently faced by India. Confident that EU will help strengthen our capabilities at this critical juncture."

Charles Michel, President of the European Council in a tweet said, "the EU stands in solidarity with Indian people amidst resurgent COVID-19 pandemic. The fight against the virus is a common fight." EU's support to India will be discussed during the EU-India Leaders’ meeting on May 8.&nbsp;

In the fray are countries like Germany, Australia as well. Armed Forces Medical Services or AFMS will be importing 23 mobile oxygen generation plants from Germany. These plants&nbsp;which are expected to come to the country within a week and will be deployed in AFMS hospitals catering to Covid patients. From Germany, containers are also being imported.&nbsp;

When it comes to Japan, under its grant assistance, oxygen generators will be provided with a procurement process still underway. Tokyo has in the past extended 50 billion yen Covid emergency assistance and 1 billion yen grant assistance.

Even as the Covid crisis wreaks havoc in India, the country is all set to get essential supplies from Remdesivir to oxygen to containers from a whole host of countries.

Even as the Covid crisis wreaks havoc in India, the country is all set to get essential supplies from Remdesivir to oxygen to containers from a whole host of countries. WION has learnt that quite a few will be sending supplies, starting with Russians who have offered to help in any way possible. Watch | India is also looking towards its east to Singapore for supplies, and trying to source oxygen and ISO containers from the South East Asian Country. ISO containers are large standardised shipping containers that can be used across different modes of transport. Earlier on Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron sent a "message of solidarity to the Indian people facing a resurgence of COVID-19 cases". He said, "France is with you in this struggle, which spares no one. We stand ready to provide our support." The European Union has also extended support during a conversation between Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission and India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Jaishankar, after the meet, tweeted, "Appreciated the support offered by EU on Covid challenges currently faced by India. Confident that EU will help strengthen our capabilities at this critical juncture." Charles Michel, President of the European Council in a tweet said, "the EU stands in solidarity with Indian people amidst resurgent COVID-19 pandemic. The fight against the virus is a common fight." EU's support to India will be discussed during the EU-India Leaders’ meeting on May 8. In the fray are countries like Germany, Australia as well. Armed Forces Medical Services or AFMS will be importing 23 mobile oxygen generation plants from Germany. These plants which are expected to come to the country within a week and will be deployed in AFMS hospitals catering to Covid patients. From Germany, containers are also being imported. When it comes to Japan, under its grant assistance, oxygen generators will be provided with a procurement process still underway. Tokyo has in the past extended 50 billion yen Covid emergency assistance and 1 billion yen grant assistance.

Amid Covid surge, India looking to get Remdesivir, oxygen from several countries 

The&nbsp;ex-wife&nbsp;of a Russian billionaire on Wednesday won a British&nbsp;court&nbsp;case&nbsp;against&nbsp;her&nbsp;son, whom she accuses of helping his father hide his assets during the&nbsp;bitter&nbsp;divorce&nbsp;battle.

The High&nbsp;Court&nbsp;of England and Wales in 2016 awarded Tatiana Akhmedova 41.5 percent of Farkhad Akhmedov's $1-billion-plus fortune.&nbsp;

But she said 65-year-old businessman Akhmedov has hidden some of his assets with the help of their 27-year-old&nbsp;son, Temur Akhmedov, and claimed she is owed around £70 million.

Temur Akhmedov asked the Family Division of the High&nbsp;Court&nbsp;in London to dismiss her claims&nbsp;against&nbsp;him, but judge Gwynneth Knowles ruled in favour of his mother.

"Today's judgment is the inevitable conclusion given Farkhad's failure to behave honourably in the first instance," London-based Tatiana Akhmedova said in a statement.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="China: Couples rush for getting divorce after new law requiring 'cooling-off' period kicks in">China: Couples rush for getting divorce after new law requiring 'cooling-off' period kicks in</a>

A spokesman for Temur Akhmedov said he had "never sought to take sides or get involved but inevitably found himself sucked into the vortex of a&nbsp;bitter&nbsp;family dispute.

"His subsequent actions were only ever motivated by his desire to end the war between his parents.

"While he fundamentally disagrees with this judgment, he would consider it a price worth paying should it lead to a reasonable settlement between the parents he both loves."

Azerbaijan-born Akhmedov became a senator in Russia after making his money in oil and gas. He featured on a 2018 US government list of Russian business and political elites.

The&nbsp;court&nbsp;was earlier told that Akhmedov had transferred a yacht and art collection into the ownership of trusts in Liechtenstein in what Akhmedova has described as a "strategy of evasion".

He bought the 115-metre (377-foot) yacht -- the MV Luna -- from the Chelsea football club owner Roman Abramovich.

In her written ruling, judge Knowles quoted the Russian novel "Anna Karenina". "All happy families are alike, each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way," she said.&nbsp;

"With apologies to Tolstoy, the Akhmedov family is one of the unhappiest ever to have appeared in my courtroom.

"Though this&nbsp;case&nbsp;concerns wealth of which most can only dream, it is -- at its core -- a straightforward&nbsp;case&nbsp;in which, following their&nbsp;divorce, a wife seeks to recover that which is owed to her from a husband and his proxies who, it is alleged, have done all they can to put monies beyond her reach."

The ex-wife of a Russian billionaire on Wednesday won a British court case against her son, whom she accuses of helping his father hide his assets during the bitter divorce battle.

The ex-wife of a Russian billionaire on Wednesday won a British court case against her son, whom she accuses of helping his father hide his assets during the bitter divorce battle. The High Court of England and Wales in 2016 awarded Tatiana Akhmedova 41.5 percent of Farkhad Akhmedov's $1-billion-plus fortune. But she said 65-year-old businessman Akhmedov has hidden some of his assets with the help of their 27-year-old son, Temur Akhmedov, and claimed she is owed around £70 million. Temur Akhmedov asked the Family Division of the High Court in London to dismiss her claims against him, but judge Gwynneth Knowles ruled in favour of his mother. "Today's judgment is the inevitable conclusion given Farkhad's failure to behave honourably in the first instance," London-based Tatiana Akhmedova said in a statement. Also Read | China: Couples rush for getting divorce after new law requiring 'cooling-off' period kicks in A spokesman for Temur Akhmedov said he had "never sought to take sides or get involved but inevitably found himself sucked into the vortex of a bitter family dispute. "His subsequent actions were only ever motivated by his desire to end the war between his parents. "While he fundamentally disagrees with this judgment, he would consider it a price worth paying should it lead to a reasonable settlement between the parents he both loves." Azerbaijan-born Akhmedov became a senator in Russia after making his money in oil and gas. He featured on a 2018 US government list of Russian business and political elites. The court was earlier told that Akhmedov had transferred a yacht and art collection into the ownership of trusts in Liechtenstein in what Akhmedova has described as a "strategy of evasion". He bought the 115-metre (377-foot) yacht -- the MV Luna -- from the Chelsea football club owner Roman Abramovich. In her written ruling, judge Knowles quoted the Russian novel "Anna Karenina". "All happy families are alike, each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way," she said. "With apologies to Tolstoy, the Akhmedov family is one of the unhappiest ever to have appeared in my courtroom. "Though this case concerns wealth of which most can only dream, it is -- at its core -- a straightforward case in which, following their divorce, a wife seeks to recover that which is owed to her from a husband and his proxies who, it is alleged, have done all they can to put monies beyond her reach."

Ex-wife in bitter £450m divorce wins UK court case against Russian oligarch's son

The border situation in Russia-Ukraine could turn into a full-blown war any moment.

Russians have deployed tens of thousands of troops on the border with Ukraine, and the US says Russia's military buildup is bigger than in 2014.

It was then when Russia had annexed Crimea from Ukraine.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-russia-is-massing-120000-troops-along-the-ukraine-border-379129/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has invited his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin for talks.

But the Russian president is in no mood for a compromise.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraines-president-zelenskiy-asks-putin-to-meet-him-for-peace-talks-in-conflict-zone-378900">Ukraine's President Zelenskiy asks Putin to meet him for peace talks in conflict zone</a>

There are satellite images that show the Russian military activity in Crimea.

They show how Russia is stepping up its deployments near Ukraine with aircraft, vehicles at airbases and training areas.

Ukraine assesses that Russia will soon have more than 120,000 troops on the border.

Left with no options, Zelensky sent a message from Kiev to Moscow, inviting Putin for talks.&nbsp;

But, it doesn't look like Moscow wants a dialogue.

Tensions escalated this week when Russia carried out more military exercises in the Black Sea.

Reports say the Russians are planning to block parts of these waters, a move that could impact access to Ukrainian ports.

Those living near the borders are afraid and many people have begun to leave their homes.

People who are still around fear that war could soon break out.

For the US, Russia still remains the aggressor.

Ukraine's other ally, the European Union, believes it would take just a spark to set off a confrontation.

An assessment that was validated by Putin himself.

The Russian president used his annual state of the union speech to deliver a warning to the West.

The Russian military build-up has been going on for weeks now, but what's motivating Moscow's aggression still remains unclear.

Either Russia is posturing&nbsp;by putting pressure on Kiev, or this is a serious bid to launch an offensive against Ukraine, a former state of the erstwhile Soviet Union.

Either way, it is another test for US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>.

The border situation in Russia-Ukraine could turn into a full-blown war any moment. Russians have deployed tens of thousands of troops on the border with Ukraine, and the US says Russia's military buildup is bigger than in 2014.

The border situation in Russia-Ukraine could turn into a full-blown war any moment. Russians have deployed tens of thousands of troops on the border with Ukraine, and the US says Russia's military buildup is bigger than in 2014. It was then when Russia had annexed Crimea from Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has invited his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin for talks. But the Russian president is in no mood for a compromise. Also read | Ukraine's President Zelenskiy asks Putin to meet him for peace talks in conflict zone There are satellite images that show the Russian military activity in Crimea. They show how Russia is stepping up its deployments near Ukraine with aircraft, vehicles at airbases and training areas. Ukraine assesses that Russia will soon have more than 120,000 troops on the border. Left with no options, Zelensky sent a message from Kiev to Moscow, inviting Putin for talks. But, it doesn't look like Moscow wants a dialogue. Tensions escalated this week when Russia carried out more military exercises in the Black Sea. Reports say the Russians are planning to block parts of these waters, a move that could impact access to Ukrainian ports. Those living near the borders are afraid and many people have begun to leave their homes. People who are still around fear that war could soon break out. For the US, Russia still remains the aggressor. Ukraine's other ally, the European Union, believes it would take just a spark to set off a confrontation. An assessment that was validated by Putin himself. The Russian president used his annual state of the union speech to deliver a warning to the West. The Russian military build-up has been going on for weeks now, but what's motivating Moscow's aggression still remains unclear. Either Russia is posturing by putting pressure on Kiev, or this is a serious bid to launch an offensive against Ukraine, a former state of the erstwhile Soviet Union. Either way, it is another test for US President Joe Biden.

As Ukraine-Russia crisis worsens, threat of war looms

Derek Chauvin, the white police officer, has been proven guilty for the murder of George Floyd.&nbsp;

It's a watershed moment not just for Americans, but for millions around the world.

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All the people who were mobilised after seeing the video of Floyd's death now celebrate this 'historic' verdict.

However, there are some questions that need answers.&nbsp;

What does the verdict really change? Does it put an end to racism? Does it eradicate the disproportionate use of force?

As the verdict was being announced, the US felt the sting of another killing, a Black teenage girl who was shot dead by white cops in Columbus, Ohio.

She was just 15-years-old.

It tells you that the US's pandemic of racism is far from being over.&nbsp;

Let's first look at some reactions to the verdict of Floyd's murder.&nbsp;

"This is a stunning moment in history", Eliza Orlins, candidate for Manhattan district attorney said.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-biden-slams-systemic-racism-calls-floyd-verdict-a-relief-378899">US President Joe Biden slams 'systemic racism'; calls Floyd verdict a 'relief'</a> 
&nbsp;

"With the verdict today, I feel like a weight lifted off my shoulders," Semhra Solomon, Minneapolis area resident, said.&nbsp;

London Williams, a DC resident said: "Thank god, thank you Jesus."

"No one should be above the law. And today's verdict sends that message," US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden </a>said.&nbsp;

US Vice President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/kamala-harris">Kamala Harris </a>said: "Today we feel a sigh of relief. Still, it cannot take away the pain."

The US is breathing a sigh of relief and the world can't help but discuss it.

The news is truly worthy of global coverage because it's rare for a white American cop to be convicted for the murder of a Black man.

However, when Chauvin was being pronounced guilty, 764 miles away in Columbus, Ohio, a Black teenager was shot dead by white cops.

Makiyah Bryant was trying to fend off a physical assault by a group of adult women.

She called the police and picked a knife to defend herself.

When the cops arrived, they shot Bryant instead, assuming her to be the assailant.

Let's listen to the conversation during her killing.&nbsp;

Officer's voice: "Hey, what's going on? Hey, hey, get down! Get down!"

(sound of four gunshots, voices screaming)

Officer's voice: "She had a knife. She just went at her."

Man's voice: "She's just a (expletive) kid. A (expletive) kid."

(sound of people screaming)

Officer's voice: "She came at her with a knife."

Another black life has been lost and another hashtag has been born: #JusticeForMakiyahBryant.

Yet another protest has begun.

Will Bryant get justice just as Floyd did?

There's no guarantee and the figures tell us the reason.&nbsp;

Since 2005, 139 police officers have been arrested for murder, of these only 44 have been convicted.&nbsp;Also, out of these 44, only 7 have been convicted for murder.&nbsp;The rest got away with prison sentences for a few months.

The rate of police shooting between 2015 and 2021 also shows a disparity based on ethnicity.

Among Black Americans, the figure stands at 35 police shootings per million of the population and for Hispanics, it is 26 per million of the population.

And for White Americans, the figure is just 14 police shootings per million of the population.

The conviction of Chauvin is indeed a pivotal moment and undoubtedly calls for a celebration.

But, it will take far more than one conviction to eradicate the virus of racism in America.

Derek Chauvin, the white police officer, has been proven guilty for the murder of George Floyd. It's a watershed moment not just for Americans, but for millions around the world.

Derek Chauvin, the white police officer, has been proven guilty for the murder of George Floyd. It's a watershed moment not just for Americans, but for millions around the world. All the people who were mobilised after seeing the video of Floyd's death now celebrate this 'historic' verdict. However, there are some questions that need answers. What does the verdict really change? Does it put an end to racism? Does it eradicate the disproportionate use of force? As the verdict was being announced, the US felt the sting of another killing, a Black teenage girl who was shot dead by white cops in Columbus, Ohio. She was just 15-years-old. It tells you that the US's pandemic of racism is far from being over. Let's first look at some reactions to the verdict of Floyd's murder. "This is a stunning moment in history", Eliza Orlins, candidate for Manhattan district attorney said. Also read | US President Joe Biden slams 'systemic racism'; calls Floyd verdict a 'relief' "With the verdict today, I feel like a weight lifted off my shoulders," Semhra Solomon, Minneapolis area resident, said. London Williams, a DC resident said: "Thank god, thank you Jesus." "No one should be above the law. And today's verdict sends that message," US President Joe Biden said. US Vice President Kamala Harris said: "Today we feel a sigh of relief. Still, it cannot take away the pain." The US is breathing a sigh of relief and the world can't help but discuss it. The news is truly worthy of global coverage because it's rare for a white American cop to be convicted for the murder of a Black man. However, when Chauvin was being pronounced guilty, 764 miles away in Columbus, Ohio, a Black teenager was shot dead by white cops. Makiyah Bryant was trying to fend off a physical assault by a group of adult women. She called the police and picked a knife to defend herself. When the cops arrived, they shot Bryant instead, assuming her to be the assailant. Let's listen to the conversation during her killing. Officer's voice: "Hey, what's going on? Hey, hey, get down! Get down!" (sound of four gunshots, voices screaming) Officer's voice: "She had a knife. She just went at her." Man's voice: "She's just a (expletive) kid. A (expletive) kid." (sound of people screaming) Officer's voice: "She came at her with a knife." Another black life has been lost and another hashtag has been born: #JusticeForMakiyahBryant. Yet another protest has begun. Will Bryant get justice just as Floyd did? There's no guarantee and the figures tell us the reason. Since 2005, 139 police officers have been arrested for murder, of these only 44 have been convicted. Also, out of these 44, only 7 have been convicted for murder. The rest got away with prison sentences for a few months. The rate of police shooting between 2015 and 2021 also shows a disparity based on ethnicity. Among Black Americans, the figure stands at 35 police shootings per million of the population and for Hispanics, it is 26 per million of the population. And for White Americans, the figure is just 14 police shootings per million of the population. The conviction of Chauvin is indeed a pivotal moment and undoubtedly calls for a celebration. But, it will take far more than one conviction to eradicate the virus of racism in America.

Despite George Floyd verdict, US still needs to fight hard the 'racism virus'

What do you think would be Italy's national record of an individual skipping work?

The Italian press calls this person the "king of absentees" as it is being alleged that he has set a new record for skipping work for 15 years.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/world/workplace-harassment-a-global-plague-amid-pandemic-377849">Workplace harassment: A global plague amid pandemic</a>

Police said the 67-year-old employee for getting a monthly salary €538,000 (about USD 645,000) despite not working since 2005, The Guardian reported.&nbsp;

The employee, who used to work at Pugliese Ciaccio hospital in the Calabrian city of Catanzaro, is now facing charged of forgery and abuse of office, among others.&nbsp;

Six managers are also under the scanner for playing a part in the worker's non-appearance at work.

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/world/the-most-unsafe-workplace-parliament-australian-women-say-375759">‘The most unsafe workplace’? Parliament, Australian women say</a>

Police, while conducting the investigation codenamed "Part Time," gathered evidence from salary and attendance records and collected statements from co-workers.&nbsp;

Allegedly, the employee in 2005 threatened the hospital director in a bid to stop her from filing a disciplinary report over his absenteeism.&nbsp;

The director retired later and his successor or the human resources team failed to track his attendance.

Skipping work is a widespread problem in Italy and in 2016, a law was passed to tackle this menace after several police investigations revealed absenteeism all across the public sector.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

What do you think would be Italy's national record of an individual skipping work? The Italian press calls this person the "king of absentees" as it is being alleged that he has set a new record for skipping work for 15 years.

What do you think would be Italy's national record of an individual skipping work? The Italian press calls this person the "king of absentees" as it is being alleged that he has set a new record for skipping work for 15 years. Also read | Workplace harassment: A global plague amid pandemic Police said the 67-year-old employee for getting a monthly salary €538,000 (about USD 645,000) despite not working since 2005, The Guardian reported. The employee, who used to work at Pugliese Ciaccio hospital in the Calabrian city of Catanzaro, is now facing charged of forgery and abuse of office, among others. Six managers are also under the scanner for playing a part in the worker's non-appearance at work. Also read | ‘The most unsafe workplace’? Parliament, Australian women say Police, while conducting the investigation codenamed "Part Time," gathered evidence from salary and attendance records and collected statements from co-workers. Allegedly, the employee in 2005 threatened the hospital director in a bid to stop her from filing a disciplinary report over his absenteeism. The director retired later and his successor or the human resources team failed to track his attendance. Skipping work is a widespread problem in Italy and in 2016, a law was passed to tackle this menace after several police investigations revealed absenteeism all across the public sector.

Meet Italy's 'king of absentees', an employee who did not work for 15 years

An armed group has taken control of a county in western Ethiopia, the state-appointed Ethiopian Human Rights Commission said, citing reports that civilians had been killed and public servants kidnapped.

The commission said it had received reports that Sedal Woreda, in the Kamashi Zone of the western Benishangul-Gumuz Region, was "under near full control of an armed group as of April 19". It did not say which armed group it was referring to.The woreda, or county, is home to around 25,000 people, the commission said in the statement issued late on Wednesday.Local officials were not immediately available for comment.

The region is home to the strategically important Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, a $4 billion project that Ethiopia says is key to its economic development and power generation but has caused fears in Egypt and Sudan over disruptions in supplies of water from the Nile.

Also Watch&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="Ethiopia declares victory as army takes control over Tigray capital">Ethiopia declares victory as army takes control over Tigray capital</a>

Benishangul-Gumuz has seen a surge of ethnic violence in recent months, including an attack in December that killed more than 200 civilians. The region is home to many ethnic groups, including the Gumuz, Agaws and Shinasas and the Amhara, and has seen increasingly bloody attacks on civilians.

"Residents who have fled the area told EHRC that the armed group has burned down and looted public and private property and that the woreda (county) administration and local police have fled the area. There are also reports that civilians have been killed and public servants have been kidnapped," the commission said in a statement.

"According to residents and officials EHRC spoke to, a small contingent of the regional security force in the vicinity is outnumbered," the commission said. 
Ethiopia is battling to contain multiple outbreaks of ethnic and political violence ahead of national elections in June. 
Violence in a separate area last week killed at least 50 people from Ethiopia`s two largest ethnic groups, the Oromo and Amhara. Residents of Bahir Dar, Amhara`s regional capital, held a fourth day of protests against the killings.

"Over the past three years there has been identity-based attacks, killing and displacement of Amharas. Those who are responsible should be held accountable," said protester Asres Mare.

The regional government-run Amhara Media Corporation also reported protests in the towns of Gondar and Debre Berhan.

An armed group has taken control of a county in western Ethiopia, the state-appointed Ethiopian Human Rights Commission said, citing reports that civilians had been killed and public servants kidnapped.

An armed group has taken control of a county in western Ethiopia, the state-appointed Ethiopian Human Rights Commission said, citing reports that civilians had been killed and public servants kidnapped. The commission said it had received reports that Sedal Woreda, in the Kamashi Zone of the western Benishangul-Gumuz Region, was "under near full control of an armed group as of April 19". It did not say which armed group it was referring to.The woreda, or county, is home to around 25,000 people, the commission said in the statement issued late on Wednesday.Local officials were not immediately available for comment. The region is home to the strategically important Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, a $4 billion project that Ethiopia says is key to its economic development and power generation but has caused fears in Egypt and Sudan over disruptions in supplies of water from the Nile. Also Watch | Ethiopia declares victory as army takes control over Tigray capital Benishangul-Gumuz has seen a surge of ethnic violence in recent months, including an attack in December that killed more than 200 civilians. The region is home to many ethnic groups, including the Gumuz, Agaws and Shinasas and the Amhara, and has seen increasingly bloody attacks on civilians. "Residents who have fled the area told EHRC that the armed group has burned down and looted public and private property and that the woreda (county) administration and local police have fled the area. There are also reports that civilians have been killed and public servants have been kidnapped," the commission said in a statement. "According to residents and officials EHRC spoke to, a small contingent of the regional security force in the vicinity is outnumbered," the commission said. Ethiopia is battling to contain multiple outbreaks of ethnic and political violence ahead of national elections in June. Violence in a separate area last week killed at least 50 people from Ethiopia`s two largest ethnic groups, the Oromo and Amhara. Residents of Bahir Dar, Amhara`s regional capital, held a fourth day of protests against the killings. "Over the past three years there has been identity-based attacks, killing and displacement of Amharas. Those who are responsible should be held accountable," said protester Asres Mare. The regional government-run Amhara Media Corporation also reported protests in the towns of Gondar and Debre Berhan.

Armed group takes control of county in western Ethiopia - Rights commission

Europe&nbsp;endured record heat and rainfall last&nbsp;year&nbsp;while temperatures in&nbsp;Arctic&nbsp;Siberia soared off the charts, the European Union's climate monitoring service reported Thursday.

The continent in&nbsp;2020&nbsp;was nearly half a degree Celsius hotter than the next&nbsp;warmest&nbsp;year, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S).

That means&nbsp;Europe&nbsp;was more than 2C warmer than in a world unaltered by carbon emissions from burning fossil fuels -- and far above the temperature limits enshrined in the Paris climate accord.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="Norway’s Supreme Court makes way for more Arctic drilling">Norway’s Supreme Court makes way for more Arctic drilling</a>

The 2015 treaty enjoins nearly 200 nations to cap global warming at "well below" two degrees compared to mid-19th century levels, and 1.5C if possible.&nbsp;

Globally, average surface temperatures have risen about 1.2C above the pre-industrial benchmark, the report noted.&nbsp;

The six years since 2015 are the&nbsp;warmest&nbsp;on record, as are 20 of the last 21, clear evidence of a feverish planet.

Europe endured record heat and rainfall last year while temperatures in Arctic Siberia soared off the charts, the European Union's climate monitoring service reported Thursday.

Europe endured record heat and rainfall last year while temperatures in Arctic Siberia soared off the charts, the European Union's climate monitoring service reported Thursday. The continent in 2020 was nearly half a degree Celsius hotter than the next warmest year, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S). That means Europe was more than 2C warmer than in a world unaltered by carbon emissions from burning fossil fuels -- and far above the temperature limits enshrined in the Paris climate accord. Also Read | Norway’s Supreme Court makes way for more Arctic drilling The 2015 treaty enjoins nearly 200 nations to cap global warming at "well below" two degrees compared to mid-19th century levels, and 1.5C if possible. Globally, average surface temperatures have risen about 1.2C above the pre-industrial benchmark, the report noted. The six years since 2015 are the warmest on record, as are 20 of the last 21, clear evidence of a feverish planet.

Arctic sizzled in 2020, the warmest year for Europe too

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Zee News Rajasthan

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