Zhang Zhan, journalist who showed the reality of the coronavirus outbreak in China's Wuhan, is severely weakened, but continuing her hunger strike from jail.&nbsp;

She caught the world's attention after she shared footage of bedridden patients lined up in a hospital corridor in Wuhan during the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic in China.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-scribe-that-exposed-wuhans-truth-un-calls-for-zhang-zhans-release-353032/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In another video, Zhang calmly handles a security officer who tried to stop her from filming.&nbsp;

"It's my right to monitor the government," she says as the man tries to snatch her phone.&nbsp;

However, Zhang's work, which exposed the mismanagement of the Chinese government, came at a great cost as she was detained in May.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-jails-citizen-journalist-zhang-zhan-for-four-years-over-wuhan-coronavirus-reports-352875">China jails citizen journalist Zhang Zhan for four years over Wuhan coronavirus reports</a>

Seven months later, the 37-year-old was sentenced to jail for four years for "picking quarrels and provoking trouble". &nbsp;

'Not eating way to tell them, they are wrong'

One of her lawyers said Zhang has become very "thin" and "unrecognisable" as she is on a hunger strike to protest against the illegal treatment given to her, reports news agency AFP.&nbsp;

The lawyer said that she has been force-fed via nasal tubes.&nbsp;

"By not eating, she wants to protest against the illegal nature of her treatment," said Zhang Keke, a member of the legal team representing Zhang.

"She believes that not eating is a way to tell them they are wrong."

Zhang Zhan, journalist who showed the reality of the coronavirus outbreak in China's Wuhan, is severely weakened, but continuing her hunger strike from jail. She caught the world's attention after she shared footage of bedridden patients lined up in a hospital corridor in Wuhan during the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic in China.

Zhang Zhan, journalist who showed the reality of the coronavirus outbreak in China's Wuhan, is severely weakened, but continuing her hunger strike from jail. She caught the world's attention after she shared footage of bedridden patients lined up in a hospital corridor in Wuhan during the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic in China. Watch | In another video, Zhang calmly handles a security officer who tried to stop her from filming. "It's my right to monitor the government," she says as the man tries to snatch her phone. However, Zhang's work, which exposed the mismanagement of the Chinese government, came at a great cost as she was detained in May. Also read | China jails citizen journalist Zhang Zhan for four years over Wuhan coronavirus reports Seven months later, the 37-year-old was sentenced to jail for four years for "picking quarrels and provoking trouble". 'Not eating way to tell them, they are wrong' One of her lawyers said Zhang has become very "thin" and "unrecognisable" as she is on a hunger strike to protest against the illegal treatment given to her, reports news agency AFP. The lawyer said that she has been force-fed via nasal tubes. "By not eating, she wants to protest against the illegal nature of her treatment," said Zhang Keke, a member of the legal team representing Zhang. "She believes that not eating is a way to tell them they are wrong."

Chinese journalist, who exposed Wuhan Covid-19 crisis, continues hunger strike from jail

China opened in its annual parliament on Friday announced that the military budget is set to increase by 6.8 per cent in 2021. Meanwhile, New Zealand lifted its tsunami warning after the island nation was hit with three earthquakes in less than eight hours.

Click on headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-military-budget-to-rise-68-this-year-gdp-target-at-above-6-368097">China's military budget to rise 6.8% this year, GDP target at above 6%</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/09/18/160550-mobile.jpg?itok=fBvMmUoT" />

As China opened its annual parliament on Friday in Beijing's Great Hall of the People, the country's finance ministry announced that its military budget is set to increase by 6.8 per cent in 2021.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-cancels-tsunami-warning-after-three-strong-offshore-earthquakes-368085">New Zealand cancels tsunami warning after three strong offshore earthquakes</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/03/05/185612-tsunamiw.jpg?itok=XDGyRtud" />

New Zealand on Friday lifted its tsunami warning after the island nation was hit with three offshore earthquakes in less than eight hours.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-blocks-export-of-oxford-astrazeneca-vaccine-shipment-to-australia-368096">Italy blocks export of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine shipment to Australia</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/01/30/180678-astrazeneca-oxford-vaccine.jpg?itok=UybXh7Bw" />

The Italian government has blocked the Australia-bound shipment of Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine's 250,000 doses.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/looking-forward-with-strong-interest-for-irans-willingness-to-engage-us-on-nuclear-issue-368093">Looking forward with strong interest for Iran's willingness to engage: US on nuclear issue</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/03/01/185047-untitled-design-4.jpg?itok=Ttq68kwe" />

As the United Nations nuclear watchdog looks forward to a technical dialogue with Iran, the United States said it is hopeful that Iran would come forward for diplomacy after European allies dropped plans to censure Tehran at the UN nuclear watchdog.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trumps-account-will-be-back-on-youtube-once-risk-of-violence-reduces-368092">Donald Trump's account will be back on YouTube once 'risk of violence' reduces</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/03/05/185621-untitled-design-9.jpg?itok=aVDQLXWq" />

YouTube chief said on Thursday that former US president Donald Trump will be allowed back on the video-sharing platform once the "risk of violence" has reduced.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-capitol-police-asks-pentagon-to-extend-national-guard-deployment-368095/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

 
&nbsp;

China opened in its annual parliament on Friday announced that the military budget is set to increase by 6.8 per cent in 2021. Meanwhile, New Zealand lifted its tsunami warning after the island nation was hit with three earthquakes in less than eight hours.

China opened in its annual parliament on Friday announced that the military budget is set to increase by 6.8 per cent in 2021. Meanwhile, New Zealand lifted its tsunami warning after the island nation was hit with three earthquakes in less than eight hours. Click on headlines to read more China's military budget to rise 6.8% this year, GDP target at above 6% As China opened its annual parliament on Friday in Beijing's Great Hall of the People, the country's finance ministry announced that its military budget is set to increase by 6.8 per cent in 2021. New Zealand cancels tsunami warning after three strong offshore earthquakes New Zealand on Friday lifted its tsunami warning after the island nation was hit with three offshore earthquakes in less than eight hours. Italy blocks export of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine shipment to Australia The Italian government has blocked the Australia-bound shipment of Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine's 250,000 doses. Looking forward with strong interest for Iran's willingness to engage: US on nuclear issue As the United Nations nuclear watchdog looks forward to a technical dialogue with Iran, the United States said it is hopeful that Iran would come forward for diplomacy after European allies dropped plans to censure Tehran at the UN nuclear watchdog. Donald Trump's account will be back on YouTube once 'risk of violence' reduces YouTube chief said on Thursday that former US president Donald Trump will be allowed back on the video-sharing platform once the "risk of violence" has reduced. Watch |

Morning news brief: China's military budget, earthquakes in New Zealand, and more

YouTube chief said on Thursday that former US president Donald Trump will be allowed back on the video-sharing platform once the "risk of violence" has reduced.&nbsp;

Trump's channel was suspended from YouTube in late January when social media platforms including Twitter and Facebook took similar action in the wake of the assault on the US Capitol on January 6.&nbsp;

"We will lift the suspension of the Donald Trump channel when we determine that the risk of violence has decreased," YouTube chief Susan Wojcicki said.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/former-prez-trump-quietly-got-vaccinated-367425/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Given just the warnings by the Capitol Police yesterday about a potential attack today, I think it is pretty clear that that elevated violence risk still remains," Wojcicki said in a streamed Atlantic Council interview.&nbsp;

She also added that once Trump's account on YouTube is reinstated, it needs to follow the "three strike" rule as is applicable for everyone else for uploading videos on the platform.

Uploading videos that violate YouTube's rules such as inciting violence and falsely questioning election integrity would lead to strikes and suspensions.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/youtube-shorts-getting-35-billion-daily-views-in-india-359618">YouTube Shorts getting 3.5 billion daily views in India</a>

The YouTube chief said that channels with three strikes within 90 days will be taken down from the platform.&nbsp;

"We have applied strikes to over world leaders; (Jair) Bolsonaro in Brazil for Covid-19 misinformation, channels taken down now in Myanmar," she said.&nbsp;

YouTube chief said on Thursday that former US president Donald Trump will be allowed back on the video-sharing platform once the "risk of violence" has reduced. Trump's channel was suspended from YouTube in late January when social media platforms including Twitter and Facebook took similar action in the wake of the assault on the US Capitol on January 6.

YouTube chief said on Thursday that former US president Donald Trump will be allowed back on the video-sharing platform once the "risk of violence" has reduced. Trump's channel was suspended from YouTube in late January when social media platforms including Twitter and Facebook took similar action in the wake of the assault on the US Capitol on January 6. "We will lift the suspension of the Donald Trump channel when we determine that the risk of violence has decreased," YouTube chief Susan Wojcicki said. Watch | "Given just the warnings by the Capitol Police yesterday about a potential attack today, I think it is pretty clear that that elevated violence risk still remains," Wojcicki said in a streamed Atlantic Council interview. She also added that once Trump's account on YouTube is reinstated, it needs to follow the "three strike" rule as is applicable for everyone else for uploading videos on the platform. Uploading videos that violate YouTube's rules such as inciting violence and falsely questioning election integrity would lead to strikes and suspensions. Also read | YouTube Shorts getting 3.5 billion daily views in India The YouTube chief said that channels with three strikes within 90 days will be taken down from the platform. "We have applied strikes to over world leaders; (Jair) Bolsonaro in Brazil for Covid-19 misinformation, channels taken down now in Myanmar," she said.

Donald Trump's account will be back on YouTube once 'risk of violence' reduces

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Friday released the list of Trinamool Congress candidates for the upcoming assembly polls for 291 seats with emphasis on youths, minority, women and backward communities.

Three candidates of the Bimal Gurung faction of Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM), an ally of the TMC, will be contesting from the remaining three seats in Darjeeling.

"This time we have stressed on more youths and women candidates. Around 23-24 sitting MLAS have been dropped and there are names of about 50 women, 42 Muslims, 79 SC and 17 ST candidates in the list," Banerjee said.

Exuding confidence in returning to power for the third consecutive time, Banerjee termed it as the "easiest" election the TMC has ever faced.

"After we come to power we will create Vidhan Parishad to accommodate senior and experienced leaders. We could not accommodate everybody especially those above the age of 80 years," she said.

"I will be contesting from Nandigram, my party colleague Sovandeb Chattopadhyay will be contesting from Bhawanipore seat," she said.

Banerjee also challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to deploy as much central force as it wants but the TMC will still emerge victorious.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Friday released the list of Trinamool Congress candidates for the upcoming assembly polls for 291 seats with emphasis on youths, minority, women and backward communities.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Friday released the list of Trinamool Congress candidates for the upcoming assembly polls for 291 seats with emphasis on youths, minority, women and backward communities. Three candidates of the Bimal Gurung faction of Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM), an ally of the TMC, will be contesting from the remaining three seats in Darjeeling. "This time we have stressed on more youths and women candidates. Around 23-24 sitting MLAS have been dropped and there are names of about 50 women, 42 Muslims, 79 SC and 17 ST candidates in the list," Banerjee said. Exuding confidence in returning to power for the third consecutive time, Banerjee termed it as the "easiest" election the TMC has ever faced. "After we come to power we will create Vidhan Parishad to accommodate senior and experienced leaders. We could not accommodate everybody especially those above the age of 80 years," she said. "I will be contesting from Nandigram, my party colleague Sovandeb Chattopadhyay will be contesting from Bhawanipore seat," she said. Banerjee also challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to deploy as much central force as it wants but the TMC will still emerge victorious.

Mamata Banerjee releases TMC list for 291 assembly seats

Pakistan is not planning to buy <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">vaccines </a>anytime soon as it aims to tackle the COVID-19 challenge through herd immunity and donated vaccines from friendly countries like China, authorities have said.

So far, four <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccines</a>: Sinophram (China), Oxford-AstraZeneca (UK), Sputnik-V (Russia) and Cansino Bio (China) have been registered in the country.

National Health Service (NHS) Secretary Amir Ashraf Khawaja while briefing the Public Accounts Committee on Thursday said that the Pakistan government has no plan to buy vaccines anytime soon and aims to tackle the COVID-19 health challenge through herd immunity and donated vaccines, Dawn newspaper reported.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-saarc-virtual-meet-india-invites-pakistan-for-wuhan-virus-workshop-364390/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Herd immunity occurs when a large number of people, usually 70 to 90 per cent, become immune to a contagious disease after being infected to it.

According to the National Institute of Health Executive Director Maj Gen Aamir Aamer Ikram, the cost of a single dose of Chinese vaccine Cansino is USD 13. He said Pakistan was relying on international donors and friendly countries like China.

The NHS secretary informed the PAC that Chinese pharmaceutical company Sinopharm had committed to providing one million doses of COVID-19 vaccine, saying that 0.5 million doses had been handed over to Pakistan, out of which around 275,000 doses had been administered to health professionals dealing with COVID-19 patients.

He said the second phase would cover the health officials working in other hospitals and health facilities, adding that the people aged 65 years and above could also register themselves for vaccination.

He said Pakistan has planned to vaccinate 70 million people this year.

According to the NHS secretary, Pakistan will also get 16 million free doses of India-made Oxford-AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine through Gavi that would give cover to 20 per cent of the population of Pakistan.

The Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (Gavi) is a public-private global health partnership with the goal of increasing access to immunisation in poor countries.

In response to a question by PAC Chairman Rana Tanveer Hussain, the NHS secretary said Pakistan would get the first batch of AstraZeneca vaccine made by Serum Institute of India by the middle of March and the rest was expected to arrive in the country by June.

According to him, vaccination to the aged people was due to start by March 5; however, the consignment was delayed.

He said that another Chinese company had conducted the phase-three trial of Cansino vaccine in Pakistan, adding that total 18,000 people were inoculated and the vaccine's efficacy stood at 85 per cent.

According to the NHS secretary, the ministry had conducted a survey in June 2020 to ascertain the figures of those who have developed antibodies against coronavirus. He said the survey disclosed that around 15 per cent of the population has developed antibodies and that they did not need to be immunised.

The PAC chairman pointed out that some people had some reservations over side effects of the vaccine and suggested that the top leadership of the country should get inoculated first to remove doubts in the general public's mind.

In response to a question by Hina Rabbani Khar, the NHS secretary said that despite the government's offer to the private sector to buy the vaccine, no serious buyers had so far come forward.

According to him, the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan has so far received applications only from three companies for the import of vaccines, but their applications have been rejected because they did not give any detail and specification of the vaccines they intended to import.

Meanwhile, the number of COVID-19 cases in the country has gone up by around 30 per cent since the announcement of relaxation in restrictions, the report said.

The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA), a representative body of health professionals, has urged the government to immediately impose the restrictions to avoid chances of a third wave of the virus.

The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) data showed that there were 1,176 cases on February 27 and 1,163 on March 1, but the number suddenly surged to 1,388 on March 2 and reached 1,519 on Thursday.

Pakistan reported 52 COVID-19 deaths in the last 24 hours as the number of positive cases surged to 587,014. The nationwide tally of fatalities jumped to 13,128 on Friday.

According to the latest figures by the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC), 1,579 persons tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 24 hours.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Pakistan is not planning to buy vaccines anytime soon as it aims to tackle the COVID-19 challenge through herd immunity and donated vaccines from friendly countries like China, authorities have said.

Pakistan is not planning to buy vaccines anytime soon as it aims to tackle the COVID-19 challenge through herd immunity and donated vaccines from friendly countries like China, authorities have said. So far, four vaccines: Sinophram (China), Oxford-AstraZeneca (UK), Sputnik-V (Russia) and Cansino Bio (China) have been registered in the country. National Health Service (NHS) Secretary Amir Ashraf Khawaja while briefing the Public Accounts Committee on Thursday said that the Pakistan government has no plan to buy vaccines anytime soon and aims to tackle the COVID-19 health challenge through herd immunity and donated vaccines, Dawn newspaper reported. Watch | Herd immunity occurs when a large number of people, usually 70 to 90 per cent, become immune to a contagious disease after being infected to it. According to the National Institute of Health Executive Director Maj Gen Aamir Aamer Ikram, the cost of a single dose of Chinese vaccine Cansino is USD 13. He said Pakistan was relying on international donors and friendly countries like China. The NHS secretary informed the PAC that Chinese pharmaceutical company Sinopharm had committed to providing one million doses of COVID-19 vaccine, saying that 0.5 million doses had been handed over to Pakistan, out of which around 275,000 doses had been administered to health professionals dealing with COVID-19 patients. He said the second phase would cover the health officials working in other hospitals and health facilities, adding that the people aged 65 years and above could also register themselves for vaccination. He said Pakistan has planned to vaccinate 70 million people this year. According to the NHS secretary, Pakistan will also get 16 million free doses of India-made Oxford-AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine through Gavi that would give cover to 20 per cent of the population of Pakistan. The Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (Gavi) is a public-private global health partnership with the goal of increasing access to immunisation in poor countries. In response to a question by PAC Chairman Rana Tanveer Hussain, the NHS secretary said Pakistan would get the first batch of AstraZeneca vaccine made by Serum Institute of India by the middle of March and the rest was expected to arrive in the country by June. According to him, vaccination to the aged people was due to start by March 5; however, the consignment was delayed. He said that another Chinese company had conducted the phase-three trial of Cansino vaccine in Pakistan, adding that total 18,000 people were inoculated and the vaccine's efficacy stood at 85 per cent. According to the NHS secretary, the ministry had conducted a survey in June 2020 to ascertain the figures of those who have developed antibodies against coronavirus. He said the survey disclosed that around 15 per cent of the population has developed antibodies and that they did not need to be immunised. The PAC chairman pointed out that some people had some reservations over side effects of the vaccine and suggested that the top leadership of the country should get inoculated first to remove doubts in the general public's mind. In response to a question by Hina Rabbani Khar, the NHS secretary said that despite the government's offer to the private sector to buy the vaccine, no serious buyers had so far come forward. According to him, the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan has so far received applications only from three companies for the import of vaccines, but their applications have been rejected because they did not give any detail and specification of the vaccines they intended to import. Meanwhile, the number of COVID-19 cases in the country has gone up by around 30 per cent since the announcement of relaxation in restrictions, the report said. The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA), a representative body of health professionals, has urged the government to immediately impose the restrictions to avoid chances of a third wave of the virus. The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) data showed that there were 1,176 cases on February 27 and 1,163 on March 1, but the number suddenly surged to 1,388 on March 2 and reached 1,519 on Thursday. Pakistan reported 52 COVID-19 deaths in the last 24 hours as the number of positive cases surged to 587,014. The nationwide tally of fatalities jumped to 13,128 on Friday. According to the latest figures by the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC), 1,579 persons tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 24 hours.

Pak govt not planning to buy COVID-19 vaccines; to rely on herd immunity & donated jabs: Officials 

People who are fond of space science are being invited to help in France to help find an apricot-sized meteorite that fell on Earth last weekend in the country's southwest.&nbsp;

Estimated to weigh 150 grammes, the meteorite was seen coming towards the atmosphere at an astronomy education facility in Mauraux dropping precisely 10:43 pm Saturday near Aiguillon, reports news agency AFP.&nbsp;

Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/watch-high-resolution-images-from-chinas-mars-probe-shared-367889">High-resolution images from China's Mars probe shared</a>

"Meteorites are relics of the solar system's creation, with the benefit of never being exposed to the elements," said Mickael Wilmart of the A Ciel Ouvert (Open Sky) astronomy education association that runs the observatory in Mauraux.

"A fresh meteorite like this, which fell just a few days ago, hasn't been altered by the Earth's environment and therefore contains very precious information for scientists."&nbsp;

The search is currently underway to hunt the meteorite and posts have been shared on social media calling for help.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astronomers-discover-earths-hidden-layer-within-its-innermost-core-367983">Astronomers discover Earth’s hidden layer within its innermost core</a>

Posters have also been placed in areas where the meteorite&nbsp;has most likely to have fallen.&nbsp;

However, Wilmart believes that the chances of finding the rock are very less, saying it's like finding "for a needle in a haystack."&nbsp;

"We're really counting on people to look in their gardens, or along the side of the road, they might just stumble on this rock that's wanted to badly," he added.&nbsp;

People who are fond of space science are being invited to help in France to help find an apricot-sized meteorite that fell on Earth last weekend in the country's southwest.

People who are fond of space science are being invited to help in France to help find an apricot-sized meteorite that fell on Earth last weekend in the country's southwest. Estimated to weigh 150 grammes, the meteorite was seen coming towards the atmosphere at an astronomy education facility in Mauraux dropping precisely 10:43 pm Saturday near Aiguillon, reports news agency AFP. Watch | High-resolution images from China's Mars probe shared "Meteorites are relics of the solar system's creation, with the benefit of never being exposed to the elements," said Mickael Wilmart of the A Ciel Ouvert (Open Sky) astronomy education association that runs the observatory in Mauraux. "A fresh meteorite like this, which fell just a few days ago, hasn't been altered by the Earth's environment and therefore contains very precious information for scientists." The search is currently underway to hunt the meteorite and posts have been shared on social media calling for help. Also read | Astronomers discover Earth’s hidden layer within its innermost core Posters have also been placed in areas where the meteorite has most likely to have fallen. However, Wilmart believes that the chances of finding the rock are very less, saying it's like finding "for a needle in a haystack." "We're really counting on people to look in their gardens, or along the side of the road, they might just stumble on this rock that's wanted to badly," he added.

Please help! Volunteers sought to search apricot-sized meteorite in France

March 5 in History: From first home computer to Non-Proliferation Treaty, and more

If you are an art lover, how far are you willing to go to witness an exhibition?

Adventure enthusiasts can enjoy an altogether unique experience in Russia if they are willing to go underwater to witness an art show.&nbsp;

The exhibition that is grabbing eyeballs is being held under the ice of the White Sea in Russia's northern-west region of Karelia.&nbsp;

Watch

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/don-diving-suit-to-witness-this-art-exhibition-in-frozen-sea-368173/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Photographer Viktor Lyagushkin and artist Denis Lotarev have displayed their pictures, paintings, and sculptures, into the frozen sea.

The visitors are required to wear a diving suit and brace temperatures close to zero.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-artwork-depicting-vagina-draws-bolsonaros-ire-in-brazil-354287">Artwork depicting vagina draws Bolsonaro's ire in Brazil</a>

Lyagushkin, known for his works for National Geographic, has exhibited pictures of the White sea flora and fauna, reports news agency Reuters.&nbsp;

He said that those creatures and plants he had photographed face the risk of getting extinct soon because of climate change since the White Sea is the southernmost of all Arctic seas.

The images put on display could be the last of them, the photographer said.&nbsp;

Mikhail Khrobystov, who witnessed the event, said that underwater, the pictures appeared shiny and three-dimensional.&nbsp;

This is the second such exhibition of the two artists and the first one was organised in 2019.&nbsp;

The artworks will be present till April 15 approximately underwater till the ice starts melting.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

If you are an art lover, how far are you willing to go to witness an exhibition? Adventure enthusiasts can enjoy an altogether unique experience in Russia if they are willing to go underwater to witness an art show.

If you are an art lover, how far are you willing to go to witness an exhibition? Adventure enthusiasts can enjoy an altogether unique experience in Russia if they are willing to go underwater to witness an art show. The exhibition that is grabbing eyeballs is being held under the ice of the White Sea in Russia's northern-west region of Karelia. Watch Photographer Viktor Lyagushkin and artist Denis Lotarev have displayed their pictures, paintings, and sculptures, into the frozen sea. The visitors are required to wear a diving suit and brace temperatures close to zero. Also read | Artwork depicting vagina draws Bolsonaro's ire in Brazil Lyagushkin, known for his works for National Geographic, has exhibited pictures of the White sea flora and fauna, reports news agency Reuters. He said that those creatures and plants he had photographed face the risk of getting extinct soon because of climate change since the White Sea is the southernmost of all Arctic seas. The images put on display could be the last of them, the photographer said. Mikhail Khrobystov, who witnessed the event, said that underwater, the pictures appeared shiny and three-dimensional. This is the second such exhibition of the two artists and the first one was organised in 2019. The artworks will be present till April 15 approximately underwater till the ice starts melting.

Watch | Art show underwater: Wear a diving suit to witness this exhibition in frozen sea

At least 16 cases of another new strain of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">novel coronavirus</a>&nbsp;have been detected in the UK, making authorities designate it as a "variant under investigation".

The newly-detected variant has a mutation in common with the South Africa and Brazil strains, reports BBC.&nbsp;

The cases were first identified on February 15 and experts suspect that the new variant&nbsp;may have originated in Britain.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/covaxin-showed-81-efficacy-against-uk-variant-367736/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

All 16 individuals, who have tested positive for variant, have been asked to isolate with their contacts traced.&nbsp;

Public Health England (PHE) said that mass testing would not be necessary for the variant as is done for the Brazilian one, which falls under the category of a variant of concern (VOC).&nbsp;

So, far four variants of Covid-19 are on the radar of the UK health authority, four under variants of concern and the remaining designated as variant under investigation.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, authorities continue to track down a person in England who has been reported as the first infected by the Brazilian variant.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-feel-full-of-beans-uk-pm-johnson-gives-up-late-night-cheese-and-chocolate-368139">'I feel full of beans': UK PM Johnson gives up 'late-night cheese' and chocolate</a>

At least 379 households have been identified and invited to undergo the Covid-19 test, but, the person infected with the strain has not been traced as he used a home-testing kit and did not share his contact details properly.&nbsp;

<h2>UK backs modified vaccines</h2>

The UK on Thursday along with four other nations unveiled a consortium to give fast-track approval to vaccines designed to protect people against emerging coronavirus variants.&nbsp;

"Our priority is to get effective vaccines to the public in as short a time as possible, without compromising on safety," said Britain's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which is one of the regulators of the agreements, others being counterparts from Australia, Canada, Singapore and Switzerland. 

 
&nbsp;

At least 16 cases of another new strain of novel coronavirus have been detected in the UK, making authorities designate it as a "variant under investigation". The newly-detected variant has a mutation in common with the South Africa and Brazil strains, reports BBC.

At least 16 cases of another new strain of novel coronavirus have been detected in the UK, making authorities designate it as a "variant under investigation". The newly-detected variant has a mutation in common with the South Africa and Brazil strains, reports BBC. The cases were first identified on February 15 and experts suspect that the new variant may have originated in Britain. Watch | All 16 individuals, who have tested positive for variant, have been asked to isolate with their contacts traced. Public Health England (PHE) said that mass testing would not be necessary for the variant as is done for the Brazilian one, which falls under the category of a variant of concern (VOC). So, far four variants of Covid-19 are on the radar of the UK health authority, four under variants of concern and the remaining designated as variant under investigation. Meanwhile, authorities continue to track down a person in England who has been reported as the first infected by the Brazilian variant. Also read | 'I feel full of beans': UK PM Johnson gives up 'late-night cheese' and chocolate At least 379 households have been identified and invited to undergo the Covid-19 test, but, the person infected with the strain has not been traced as he used a home-testing kit and did not share his contact details properly. UK backs modified vaccines The UK on Thursday along with four other nations unveiled a consortium to give fast-track approval to vaccines designed to protect people against emerging coronavirus variants. "Our priority is to get effective vaccines to the public in as short a time as possible, without compromising on safety," said Britain's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which is one of the regulators of the agreements, others being counterparts from Australia, Canada, Singapore and Switzerland. 

Another new coronavirus strain found in UK designated 'variant under investigation'

The Italian government has blocked the Australia-bound shipment of Oxford-AstraZeneca <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine's </a>250,000 doses.&nbsp;

Italy blamed the export ban on the doses produced in an Italian facility on the shortage of vaccines in Europe and a better situation in Australia when it comes to dealing with Covid-19.&nbsp;

By taking such a measure, Italy has become the first EU nation to use the group's new regulations permitting vaccine exports to be stopped if the company providing them has failed to meet its obligations to the EU.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/australia-begins-inoculation-with-pizer-jab-365177/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, Australia has played down the impact of Italy's decision,&nbsp;with the Australian prime minister saying that the situation is under control in the country, while Italy needs vaccine more as they are facing "an unbridled crisis situation".&nbsp;

"This particular shipment was not one we'd counted on for the rollout, and so we will continue unabated," Australian PM Scott Morrison said.&nbsp;

"They are in an unbridled crisis situation. That is not the situation in Australia."&nbsp;

Earlier, the Australian health ministry's spokesperson also said that the country is just losing "one shipment" from Italy.

Canberra has already received a supply of 300,000 doses of AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine and they will first be used on Friday on the frontline workers.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-pm-mario-draghi-sets-out-plan-to-rebuild-virus-hit-country-364400">Italy PM Mario Draghi sets out plan to rebuild virus-hit country</a>

The current stock of AstraZeneca and Pfizer-BioNTech's vaccine in Australia is expected to last until domestic production ramps up.&nbsp;

"Domestic production starts with one million (doses) per week of deliveries from late March and is on track," the Australian health ministry spokesperson added.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the EU has faced a lot of criticism for its slow rollout of vaccines and in January, then Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said it is "unacceptable" on the delay of vaccine supplies by both AstraZeneca and Pfizer.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The Italian government has blocked the Australia-bound shipment of Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine's 250,000 doses. Italy blamed the export ban on the doses produced in an Italian facility on the shortage of vaccines in Europe and a better situation in Australia when it comes to dealing with Covid-19.

The Italian government has blocked the Australia-bound shipment of Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine's 250,000 doses. Italy blamed the export ban on the doses produced in an Italian facility on the shortage of vaccines in Europe and a better situation in Australia when it comes to dealing with Covid-19. By taking such a measure, Italy has become the first EU nation to use the group's new regulations permitting vaccine exports to be stopped if the company providing them has failed to meet its obligations to the EU. Watch | However, Australia has played down the impact of Italy's decision, with the Australian prime minister saying that the situation is under control in the country, while Italy needs vaccine more as they are facing "an unbridled crisis situation". "This particular shipment was not one we'd counted on for the rollout, and so we will continue unabated," Australian PM Scott Morrison said. "They are in an unbridled crisis situation. That is not the situation in Australia." Earlier, the Australian health ministry's spokesperson also said that the country is just losing "one shipment" from Italy. Canberra has already received a supply of 300,000 doses of AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine and they will first be used on Friday on the frontline workers. Also read | Italy PM Mario Draghi sets out plan to rebuild virus-hit country The current stock of AstraZeneca and Pfizer-BioNTech's vaccine in Australia is expected to last until domestic production ramps up. "Domestic production starts with one million (doses) per week of deliveries from late March and is on track," the Australian health ministry spokesperson added. Meanwhile, the EU has faced a lot of criticism for its slow rollout of vaccines and in January, then Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said it is "unacceptable" on the delay of vaccine supplies by both AstraZeneca and Pfizer.

Italy blocks export of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine shipment to Australia

China on Friday moved ahead to give itself veto powers to select Hong Kong's lawmakers, something that will further damage democracy and stifle dissent in the semi-autonomous region.&nbsp;

The legislation was tabled at China's rubber-stamp parliament in Beijing on Friday and will allow the Chinese Communist Party to vet all election candidates in Hong Kong.&nbsp;

This comes after dozens of pro-democracy protesters were arrested in Hong Kong, including former lawmakers, under the draconian security law that was approved last year.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-removes-hong-kongs-fundamental-structure-from-new-draft-368134/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A "qualification vetting system" that will encourage" orderly political participation" is included in the legislation, parliamentary spokesman Wang Chen was quoted as saying by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

The move will further hurt the democratic system of Hong Kong, a region where China committed to provide a degree of autonomy.&nbsp;

"If the measures are passed, as I'm sure they will be, then the voice of the opposition will be effectively silenced," Willie Lam, China analyst at the Chinese University of Hong Kong said.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-court-grants-bail-to-15-of-47-democracy-activists-charged-with-subversion-368020">Hong Kong court grants bail to 15 of 47 democracy activists charged with subversion</a>

"This will effectively wipe out any remaining opposition."

China has ramped up its authoritarian measures in Hong Kong after facing intense pressure through massive pro-democracy rallies throughout 2019.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, in the Congress session, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang also vowed to "resolutely guard against and deter" interference by external forces, amid rising global condemnation of China over its approach towards Uighurs, Taiwan and Tibet.&nbsp;

The Chinese premier also pledged to "resolutely deter any separatist activity" in Taiwan in his speech, as he opened the session.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

China on Friday moved ahead to give itself veto powers to select Hong Kong's lawmakers, something that will further damage democracy and stifle dissent in the semi-autonomous region.

China on Friday moved ahead to give itself veto powers to select Hong Kong's lawmakers, something that will further damage democracy and stifle dissent in the semi-autonomous region. The legislation was tabled at China's rubber-stamp parliament in Beijing on Friday and will allow the Chinese Communist Party to vet all election candidates in Hong Kong. This comes after dozens of pro-democracy protesters were arrested in Hong Kong, including former lawmakers, under the draconian security law that was approved last year. Watch | A "qualification vetting system" that will encourage" orderly political participation" is included in the legislation, parliamentary spokesman Wang Chen was quoted as saying by news agency AFP. The move will further hurt the democratic system of Hong Kong, a region where China committed to provide a degree of autonomy. "If the measures are passed, as I'm sure they will be, then the voice of the opposition will be effectively silenced," Willie Lam, China analyst at the Chinese University of Hong Kong said. Also read | Hong Kong court grants bail to 15 of 47 democracy activists charged with subversion "This will effectively wipe out any remaining opposition." China has ramped up its authoritarian measures in Hong Kong after facing intense pressure through massive pro-democracy rallies throughout 2019. Meanwhile, in the Congress session, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang also vowed to "resolutely guard against and deter" interference by external forces, amid rising global condemnation of China over its approach towards Uighurs, Taiwan and Tibet. The Chinese premier also pledged to "resolutely deter any separatist activity" in Taiwan in his speech, as he opened the session.

China moves law to elect Hong Kong lawmakers in bid to eliminate dissent

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Abhilash Mahajan

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