The largest study on the Pfizer-BioNTech <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine </a>so far has found that the drug provided more than 95 per cent protection against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">deadly virus</a>, but these numbers significantly drop when only one of the two prescribed doses are taken.&nbsp;

An analysis of public health data from Israel revealed that the vaccine was even very effective for the elderly even at a time when a more infectious English variant was raising concerns.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-pfizers-bumper-profit-from-vaccine-sales-383086/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In Israel, about 5 million people have received two doses of Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, making the country one of the leaders in fully vaccinating its adults with more than 70 per cent of the population inoculated.&nbsp;

The study, published in the Lancet medical journal, found that the two shots of the vaccine provide 95.3 per cent protection against infection and 96.7 per cent protection against death seven days after the second dose.&nbsp;

This protection increased to 96.5 and 98 per cent respectively after 14 days.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-becomes-first-country-to-authorise-pfizer-covid-vaccine-for-kids-age-12-and-up-383033">Canada becomes first country to authorise Pfizer Covid vaccine for kids age 12 and up</a>

However, the study found, that the protection was extremely low when a single dose of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is taken.&nbsp;

Between seven and 14 days after taking the first dose, the protection appeared 57.7 per cent against infection and 77 per cent against death.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The largest study on the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine so far has found that the drug provided more than 95 per cent protection against the deadly virus, but these numbers significantly drop when only one of the two prescribed doses are taken.

The largest study on the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine so far has found that the drug provided more than 95 per cent protection against the deadly virus, but these numbers significantly drop when only one of the two prescribed doses are taken. An analysis of public health data from Israel revealed that the vaccine was even very effective for the elderly even at a time when a more infectious English variant was raising concerns. Watch | In Israel, about 5 million people have received two doses of Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, making the country one of the leaders in fully vaccinating its adults with more than 70 per cent of the population inoculated. The study, published in the Lancet medical journal, found that the two shots of the vaccine provide 95.3 per cent protection against infection and 96.7 per cent protection against death seven days after the second dose. This protection increased to 96.5 and 98 per cent respectively after 14 days. Also read | Canada becomes first country to authorise Pfizer Covid vaccine for kids age 12 and up However, the study found, that the protection was extremely low when a single dose of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is taken. Between seven and 14 days after taking the first dose, the protection appeared 57.7 per cent against infection and 77 per cent against death. (With inputs from agencies)

Largest study on Pfizer Covid vaccine says drug offers over 95% protection

A Utah woman who went missing in November was discovered alive in a tent after more than five months.&nbsp;

She was first found missing on November 25 when US Forest Service employees found her car abandoned in a trailhead parking lot about 50 miles (80 km) south-east of Salt Lake City on November 25, reports The Guardian.

Despite several search attempts, the 47-year-old woman was not able to be located.

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/world/colombian-finds-his-younger-brother-after-32-years-366121">Colombian finds his younger brother after 32 years</a>

She was found during an aerial search which was conducted alongside volunteers in hopes of gathering evidence to locate the woman, according to Sgt Spencer Cannon of the Utah county sheriff’s office.&nbsp;

As they were trying to find a drone that crashed during the search, the sergeant and drone pilot found a tent, which the woman opened as they approached.&nbsp;

"We now believe she knowingly chose to remain in the area over the months since November 2020," the sheriff's office in a statement said.&nbsp;

"She did have a small amount of food with her, and she told SAR officials she foraged for grass and moss to subsist. She also had access to an ample supply of water in a nearby river."

The Utah county sheriff said the woman had no physical injuries but was weak and underweight.&nbsp;

A medical evaluation revealed that she may have suffered from mental health challenges, according to a statement.&nbsp;

A Utah woman who went missing in November was discovered alive in a tent after more than five months. She was first found missing on November 25 when US Forest Service employees found her car abandoned in a trailhead parking lot about 50 miles (80 km) south-east of Salt Lake City on November 25, reports The Guardian.

A Utah woman who went missing in November was discovered alive in a tent after more than five months. She was first found missing on November 25 when US Forest Service employees found her car abandoned in a trailhead parking lot about 50 miles (80 km) south-east of Salt Lake City on November 25, reports The Guardian. Despite several search attempts, the 47-year-old woman was not able to be located. Also read | Colombian finds his younger brother after 32 years She was found during an aerial search which was conducted alongside volunteers in hopes of gathering evidence to locate the woman, according to Sgt Spencer Cannon of the Utah county sheriff’s office. As they were trying to find a drone that crashed during the search, the sergeant and drone pilot found a tent, which the woman opened as they approached. "We now believe she knowingly chose to remain in the area over the months since November 2020," the sheriff's office in a statement said. "She did have a small amount of food with her, and she told SAR officials she foraged for grass and moss to subsist. She also had access to an ample supply of water in a nearby river." The Utah county sheriff said the woman had no physical injuries but was weak and underweight. A medical evaluation revealed that she may have suffered from mental health challenges, according to a statement.

Utah woman, who was missing for five months, found alive after surviving on grass, moss

The economic cost of the global pandemic as well as conflict and climate change are fueling food security fears that in 2020 reached their highest level in five years, according to a report published Wednesday.

Last year, 155 million people in 55 countries faced acute food shortages -- 20 million more than in 2019, according to a report by the EU, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme, which see the problem as getting steadily worse.

"We must act together to prevent an additional deterioration of the situation," FAO director general Qu Dongyu told a video-conference, describing the New Global Report on Food Crises as a call to "urgent humanitarian action".&nbsp;

He added in a tweet: "We must address the root causes and make agri-food systems more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable."

Last year saw the Global Network Against Food Crises, which groups together the three international organisations, identify 28 million people in 28 countries as suffering emergency levels of acute hunger with DR Congo, Yemen and Afghanistan worst affected.

A further 133,000 people were judged to be living in the most severe, "catastrophic" phase of food insecurity in Burkina Faso, South Sudan and Yemen.

Africa remains the continent worst hit by food shortages with 98 million people affected, or 63 percent of global cases -- up from 54 percent in 2019.

"For 100 million people confronted by acute food crisis in 2020, the main cause was linked to conflicts and insecurity," compared with 77 million in 2019, Dominique Burgeon, FAO emergencies director, told AFP.

Economic crisis was the prime reason for hunger for 40 million, compared with 24 million in 2019.

Burgeon said that "the pandemic has exacerbated vulnerabilities," singling out Sudan, Zimbabwe and Haiti -- the latter also hit by climate issues affecting the food security of some 15 million people.

With Covid restrictions still in place across much of the world, Burgeon said the coming year would be very difficult, exacerbating food security in already fragile economies.

He estimated at 142 million the number of people who would be affected in 40 of the worst-hit countries.

And with the global population on its way to hitting 8.5 billion by 2030, the report concluded that Covid-19 had underlined the need to make food distribution more equitable as the number of mouths to feed grows.

The economic cost of the global pandemic as well as conflict and climate change are fueling food security fears that in 2020 reached their highest level in five years, according to a report published Wednesday.

The economic cost of the global pandemic as well as conflict and climate change are fueling food security fears that in 2020 reached their highest level in five years, according to a report published Wednesday. Last year, 155 million people in 55 countries faced acute food shortages -- 20 million more than in 2019, according to a report by the EU, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme, which see the problem as getting steadily worse. "We must act together to prevent an additional deterioration of the situation," FAO director general Qu Dongyu told a video-conference, describing the New Global Report on Food Crises as a call to "urgent humanitarian action". He added in a tweet: "We must address the root causes and make agri-food systems more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable." Last year saw the Global Network Against Food Crises, which groups together the three international organisations, identify 28 million people in 28 countries as suffering emergency levels of acute hunger with DR Congo, Yemen and Afghanistan worst affected. A further 133,000 people were judged to be living in the most severe, "catastrophic" phase of food insecurity in Burkina Faso, South Sudan and Yemen. Africa remains the continent worst hit by food shortages with 98 million people affected, or 63 percent of global cases -- up from 54 percent in 2019. "For 100 million people confronted by acute food crisis in 2020, the main cause was linked to conflicts and insecurity," compared with 77 million in 2019, Dominique Burgeon, FAO emergencies director, told AFP. Economic crisis was the prime reason for hunger for 40 million, compared with 24 million in 2019. Burgeon said that "the pandemic has exacerbated vulnerabilities," singling out Sudan, Zimbabwe and Haiti -- the latter also hit by climate issues affecting the food security of some 15 million people. With Covid restrictions still in place across much of the world, Burgeon said the coming year would be very difficult, exacerbating food security in already fragile economies. He estimated at 142 million the number of people who would be affected in 40 of the worst-hit countries. And with the global population on its way to hitting 8.5 billion by 2030, the report concluded that Covid-19 had underlined the need to make food distribution more equitable as the number of mouths to feed grows.

Pandemic, war, climate change fuel fears of global hunger, food scarcity

The Delhi High Court on Thursday issued a notice in the petitions of WhatsApp and Facebook challenging the Competition Commission of India (CCI) order for an investigation into the messaging app's new privacy policy.

The Division Bench of Justice DN Patel and Justice Jasmeet Singh sought the response of all respondents and slated the matter for May 21.

The Single Bench Justice Navin Chawla on April 22 had dismissed Facebook and WhatsApp pleas challenging a Competition Commission of India (CCI) order for an investigation into the messaging app's new privacy policy.

The petitioners have challenged the March 24 order passed by CCI directing a probe into the new privacy policy and the probe should be completed within 60 days.

Facebook and WhatsApp, said that since the issue of WhatsApp's privacy policy is being heard by the Supreme Court and High Court, therefore there was no requirement of CCI to order the probe.

Senior Advocate Harish Salve and Former Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi appeared for the petitioners and told the court that CCI proceedings must be kept in abeyance as the matter is pending before Supreme Court, High Court, etc.

Additional Solicitor General Aman Lekhi, who represented CCI in the matter, had earlier told the court that the matter is not of privacy but access to data and the Competition is going to deal with metadata.

ASG Lekhi responded that data can have a privacy or competition dimension. He also said that the issue is completely competition-based as understanding consumer behaviour and preferences facilitate targeted advertising.&nbsp;

The Delhi High Court on Thursday issued a notice in the petitions of WhatsApp and Facebook challenging the Competition Commission of India (CCI) order for an investigation into the messaging app's new privacy policy.

The Delhi High Court on Thursday issued a notice in the petitions of WhatsApp and Facebook challenging the Competition Commission of India (CCI) order for an investigation into the messaging app's new privacy policy. The Division Bench of Justice DN Patel and Justice Jasmeet Singh sought the response of all respondents and slated the matter for May 21. The Single Bench Justice Navin Chawla on April 22 had dismissed Facebook and WhatsApp pleas challenging a Competition Commission of India (CCI) order for an investigation into the messaging app's new privacy policy. The petitioners have challenged the March 24 order passed by CCI directing a probe into the new privacy policy and the probe should be completed within 60 days. Facebook and WhatsApp, said that since the issue of WhatsApp's privacy policy is being heard by the Supreme Court and High Court, therefore there was no requirement of CCI to order the probe. Senior Advocate Harish Salve and Former Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi appeared for the petitioners and told the court that CCI proceedings must be kept in abeyance as the matter is pending before Supreme Court, High Court, etc. Additional Solicitor General Aman Lekhi, who represented CCI in the matter, had earlier told the court that the matter is not of privacy but access to data and the Competition is going to deal with metadata. ASG Lekhi responded that data can have a privacy or competition dimension. He also said that the issue is completely competition-based as understanding consumer behaviour and preferences facilitate targeted advertising.

Delhi HC issues notice on Facebook, WhatsApp pleas challenging order on new privacy policy

As countries and organisations come forward to aid India in fighting a massive wave of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>, the Australian state of Victoria became the latest to provide assistance.&nbsp;

Victoria on Tuesday announced aid worth AUD 41 million (approx $31 million), which includes providing 1,000 ventilators and other medical equipment to India.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-reports-biggest-spike-of-412-lakh-new-cases-383229/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We are working with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to deliver this support to India as the country works to manage the second wave of coronavirus and treat those infected," an official statement said.

"The 1,000 ICU ventilators are currently owned by the Department of Health and will be donated to India for humanitarian purposes and the state was also preparing to send a range of supporting equipment like connectors and humidifiers, with the total package valued at over 41 million Australian dollars."

The state's acting Premier James Merlino called the COVID-19 situation in India "devastating" and added that the state has a "responsibility" to help.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-will-india-benefit-from-eus-ratification-of-china-investment-deal-383066">How will India benefit from EU's ratification of China investment deal?</a>

The most number of migrants from India in Australia reside in Victoria.&nbsp;

Several countries, including the US, UK, Russia, France, and Germany are sending critical supplies to India as the country struggles to deal with oxygen, vaccine shortages to tackle the ongoing wave that has wreaked havoc in the country.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

As countries and organisations come forward to aid India in fighting a massive wave of coronavirus, the Australian state of Victoria became the latest to provide assistance.

As countries and organisations come forward to aid India in fighting a massive wave of coronavirus, the Australian state of Victoria became the latest to provide assistance. Victoria on Tuesday announced aid worth AUD 41 million (approx $31 million), which includes providing 1,000 ventilators and other medical equipment to India. Watch | "We are working with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to deliver this support to India as the country works to manage the second wave of coronavirus and treat those infected," an official statement said. "The 1,000 ICU ventilators are currently owned by the Department of Health and will be donated to India for humanitarian purposes and the state was also preparing to send a range of supporting equipment like connectors and humidifiers, with the total package valued at over 41 million Australian dollars." The state's acting Premier James Merlino called the COVID-19 situation in India "devastating" and added that the state has a "responsibility" to help. Also read | How will India benefit from EU's ratification of China investment deal? The most number of migrants from India in Australia reside in Victoria. Several countries, including the US, UK, Russia, France, and Germany are sending critical supplies to India as the country struggles to deal with oxygen, vaccine shortages to tackle the ongoing wave that has wreaked havoc in the country.

Coronavirus in India: Australian state of Victoria sends aid worth $31 million to India

Lavinia 'Lavi' Mounga was not aware that she was pregnant when she boarded a flight from her home in Utah to Honolulu last week.

However, things became clear as day for Mounga when she gave birth to a child on the same flight.&nbsp;

"I just didn't know I was pregnant, and then this guy just came out of nowhere," she said during an interview with Hawaii Pacific Health.

Also read | <a href="wionews.com/world/not-two-or-three-woman-in-mali-gives-birth-to-nine-babies-382828">Not two or three, woman in Mali gives birth to nine babies</a>

Newborn Raymond Mounga came to this world at just 29 weeks as her mother was going on vacation with her family to Hawaii.&nbsp;

Dr Dale Glenn, a Hawaii Pacific Health family medicine physician, and Lani Bamfield, Amanda Beeding and Mimi, neonatal intensive care unit nurses from North Kansas City Hospital were fortunately on the plane too and they helped the woman deliver the baby.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/miracle-baby-woman-becomes-pregnant-despite-being-virgin-369775">'Miracle baby': Woman becomes pregnant, despite being virgin</a>

"Yeah, just overwhelming and just nice that there were three NICU nurses on the plane and a doctor that were able to help stabilise him and make sure that he was OK," the woman said.

She added that her child would stay in the neonatal intensive care unit for another 10 weeks.&nbsp;

"The aloha spirit is definitely felt here," Mounga said about the care she has got in Hawaii.

"It's very different from the mainland," she said, adding "It just feels comforting, and everyone is willing to help."

Lavinia 'Lavi' Mounga was not aware that she was pregnant when she boarded a flight from her home in Utah to Honolulu last week. However, things became clear as day for Mounga when she gave birth to a child on the same flight.

Lavinia 'Lavi' Mounga was not aware that she was pregnant when she boarded a flight from her home in Utah to Honolulu last week. However, things became clear as day for Mounga when she gave birth to a child on the same flight. "I just didn't know I was pregnant, and then this guy just came out of nowhere," she said during an interview with Hawaii Pacific Health. Also read | Not two or three, woman in Mali gives birth to nine babies Newborn Raymond Mounga came to this world at just 29 weeks as her mother was going on vacation with her family to Hawaii. Dr Dale Glenn, a Hawaii Pacific Health family medicine physician, and Lani Bamfield, Amanda Beeding and Mimi, neonatal intensive care unit nurses from North Kansas City Hospital were fortunately on the plane too and they helped the woman deliver the baby. Also read | 'Miracle baby': Woman becomes pregnant, despite being virgin "Yeah, just overwhelming and just nice that there were three NICU nurses on the plane and a doctor that were able to help stabilise him and make sure that he was OK," the woman said. She added that her child would stay in the neonatal intensive care unit for another 10 weeks. "The aloha spirit is definitely felt here," Mounga said about the care she has got in Hawaii. "It's very different from the mainland," she said, adding "It just feels comforting, and everyone is willing to help."

'Out of nowhere': Woman delivers baby on flight without realising she was pregnant

The national capital recorded 335 COVID-19 deaths in a day and 19,133 new cases even as the positivity rate dropped below 25 per cent for the first time since April 18, according to the bulletin issued by the Delhi health department on Thursday.

This is the third time in the last four days that the number of new cases remained below 20,000. Delhi had reported 20,960 cases on Wednesday, 19,953 on Tuesday, 18,043 on Monday, 20,394 cases on Sunday, 25,219 on Saturday, 27,047 on Friday, 24,235 on last Thursday and 25,986 on Wednesday last week.

At 24.29 per cent, the case positivity rate is its lowest since April 16, when it was 19.7 per cent, according to government data.

It was 24.6 percent on April 17. The national registered a positivity rate of 26.4 per cent on Wednesday, 26.73 per cent on Tuesday, 29.56 per cent on Monday, 28.33 per cent on Sunday, 31.6 per cent on Saturday, 32.7 per cent on Friday and 32.8 per cent on last Thursday. On April 22, a positivity rate of 36.2 percent, the highest so far, was recorded.

The city had witnessed 311 deaths on Wednesday, 338 on Tuesday, 448 on Monday, the highest so far; 407 on Sunday, 412 on Saturday, 375 on Friday, 395 on last Thursday and 368 on Wednesday last week. It has so far recorded 12,73,035 cases, of which over 11.64 lakh have recovered.

The death toll due to the viral disease stands at 18,398, the bulletin said.

The national capital recorded 335 COVID-19 deaths in a day and 19,133 new cases even as the positivity rate dropped below 25 per cent for the first time since April 18, according to the bulletin issued by the Delhi health department on Thursday.

The national capital recorded 335 COVID-19 deaths in a day and 19,133 new cases even as the positivity rate dropped below 25 per cent for the first time since April 18, according to the bulletin issued by the Delhi health department on Thursday. This is the third time in the last four days that the number of new cases remained below 20,000. Delhi had reported 20,960 cases on Wednesday, 19,953 on Tuesday, 18,043 on Monday, 20,394 cases on Sunday, 25,219 on Saturday, 27,047 on Friday, 24,235 on last Thursday and 25,986 on Wednesday last week. At 24.29 per cent, the case positivity rate is its lowest since April 16, when it was 19.7 per cent, according to government data. It was 24.6 percent on April 17. The national registered a positivity rate of 26.4 per cent on Wednesday, 26.73 per cent on Tuesday, 29.56 per cent on Monday, 28.33 per cent on Sunday, 31.6 per cent on Saturday, 32.7 per cent on Friday and 32.8 per cent on last Thursday. On April 22, a positivity rate of 36.2 percent, the highest so far, was recorded. The city had witnessed 311 deaths on Wednesday, 338 on Tuesday, 448 on Monday, the highest so far; 407 on Sunday, 412 on Saturday, 375 on Friday, 395 on last Thursday and 368 on Wednesday last week. It has so far recorded 12,73,035 cases, of which over 11.64 lakh have recovered. The death toll due to the viral disease stands at 18,398, the bulletin said.

Delhi records 335 deaths, over 19,000 cases in a day; positivity rate below 25 per cent

Police arrested a man who they said is suspected of stabbing two Asian American women without warning Tuesday afternoon in San Francisco's Mid-Market neighbourhood.

Officers sent to the scene shortly before 5 pm found the wounded women, who were taken to a hospital. There was no immediate word on the condition of the women, who were 65 and 85.

Witnesses told KPIX-TV that a man clutching a knife was walking down Market Street when he approached a bus stop, stabbed the women and then walked away.

A 54-year-old San Francisco man was arrested on suspicion of committing the attack several hours later, police told the station.

Police didn't immediately indicate whether the women were specifically targeted or whether the attack might be a hate crime.

Asian Americans have been the targets of unprovoked attacks in the San Francisco Bay Area and elsewhere in the nation in recent months.

California prosecutors have filed assault and hate crime charges against a man accused of an attack last week in which he allegedly yelled racial slurs before knocking down Carl Chan, president of the Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce.

In separate San Francisco attacks in March, an 83-year-old Vietnamese man was knocked down and broke his neck in the fall, and a 77-year-old woman was similarly attacked. Police arrested a man on charges of assault and elder abuse in both cases.

Another 83-year-old San Francisco Bay Area man was pushed down in February, broke a hip and spent weeks in the hospital and in rehabilitation.

In New York, a man was arrested last month on hate crimes charges in connection with last month's attack on a Chinese immigrant in East Harlem.

The 61-year-old victim was collecting cans when he was attacked from behind, knocked to the ground and kicked in the head.

That attack echoed an earlier assault on a Filipina American woman near Times Square. A parolee who had been convicted of killing his mother two decades ago was arrested.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Police arrested a man who they said is suspected of stabbing two Asian American women without warning Tuesday afternoon in San Francisco's Mid-Market neighbourhood.

Police arrested a man who they said is suspected of stabbing two Asian American women without warning Tuesday afternoon in San Francisco's Mid-Market neighbourhood. Officers sent to the scene shortly before 5 pm found the wounded women, who were taken to a hospital. There was no immediate word on the condition of the women, who were 65 and 85. Witnesses told KPIX-TV that a man clutching a knife was walking down Market Street when he approached a bus stop, stabbed the women and then walked away. A 54-year-old San Francisco man was arrested on suspicion of committing the attack several hours later, police told the station. Police didn't immediately indicate whether the women were specifically targeted or whether the attack might be a hate crime. Asian Americans have been the targets of unprovoked attacks in the San Francisco Bay Area and elsewhere in the nation in recent months. California prosecutors have filed assault and hate crime charges against a man accused of an attack last week in which he allegedly yelled racial slurs before knocking down Carl Chan, president of the Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce. In separate San Francisco attacks in March, an 83-year-old Vietnamese man was knocked down and broke his neck in the fall, and a 77-year-old woman was similarly attacked. Police arrested a man on charges of assault and elder abuse in both cases. Another 83-year-old San Francisco Bay Area man was pushed down in February, broke a hip and spent weeks in the hospital and in rehabilitation. In New York, a man was arrested last month on hate crimes charges in connection with last month's attack on a Chinese immigrant in East Harlem. The 61-year-old victim was collecting cans when he was attacked from behind, knocked to the ground and kicked in the head. That attack echoed an earlier assault on a Filipina American woman near Times Square. A parolee who had been convicted of killing his mother two decades ago was arrested.

Two Asian American women stabbed in San Francisco attack

Polling stations across Britain opened Thursday in the first local and regional elections since Brexit and the coronavirus crisis, with Scotland the main focus after calls for a new independence referendum that could reshape the country.

The votes will also test backing for Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Conservative Party after he led Britain out of the EU and through the pandemic, suffering Europe's highest death toll but also its fastest vaccine rollout.

Johnson has recently shrugged off a scandal over costly renovations to his Downing Street flat.

Voting on what has been dubbed "Super Thursday" is being held for local councils in England, regional mayors, including in London, and for the devolved parliaments in Wales and Scotland.

Most attention is being paid to the vote for the Scottish Parliament, as the ruling Scottish National Party (SNP) wants a new independence referendum when the pandemic subsides.

SNP leader and Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is seeking a parliamentary majority after boosting her popularity with strong public engagement during the pandemic.&nbsp;

"Getting through this crisis is my priority," she said in a televised debate on Tuesday.

The SNP has capitalised on widespread disillusion with the UK parliament in London to become the dominant political force in Scotland but currently forms a minority government.

In Glasgow, Lorna McClure, a 60-year-old cleaner, said she was "all for Nicola Sturgeon".&nbsp;

"I think she is really good for Scotland and I want independence," she told AFP.

But Raghav Jay, a 35-year-old MBA student said: "I think I would rather Scotland stayed within the UK. So I'd prefer a party which is going to support that."&nbsp;

Latest opinion polls suggest the SNP will gain a slim majority for the first time since 2011, keeping it in power, although other surveys have indicated a coalition was likely.

Securing the powers from London to hold a new referendum on independence and a "yes" vote is less certain, however, while recent surveys point to a fall-off in support for going it alone.

<h2>'Reckless, irresponsible'&nbsp;</h2>

Most Scots rejected Brexit, which has boosted independence sentiment, although fears of fresh economic upheaval after the pandemic are bolstering support for staying in the UK.

The SNP pledges that an independent Scotland would seek to rejoin the European Union but the practicalities of that are sparking concern.

"We need strength in unity and to start having new borders... would be madness," said Alec Telfer, 64, president of the Blackface Sheep Breeders Association.

Scots cast two votes: one for a constituency MSP (member of the Scottish parliament) and one electing regional MSPs in a proportional representation system.&nbsp;

Johnson has said the 2014 referendum where 55 percent of Scots voted "no" closed the debate for a generation.

"This is not the time to have a reckless and I think, irresponsible, referendum," he said Wednesday.

The SNP insists it will only hold a referendum that is legally valid, although Sturgeon's predecessor Alex Salmond and his newly formed Alba party want an immediate vote.

<h2>'Red Wall'&nbsp;</h2>

Polling stations close at 10:00 pm, with most results expected from Friday and into early next week as social distancing rules for those counting slows the process.

The outcome will be watched closely to see whether Johnson's party manages to hold on to gains in the 2019 general election and previous local votes after the 2016 Brexit referendum.

The main opposition Labour party, led by Keir Starmer since last year, is hoping for gains in its so-called "Red Wall" seats in northern England that it lost to the Conservatives in 2019.

It also wants to hang on to the northeastern port town of Hartlepool, which has had Labour MPs since the 1970s, in a UK parliamentary by-election being held at the same time.

Victory there would boost Johnson, and heap pressure on Starmer, as he tries to reposition Labour after the hard-left leadership of his predecessor Jeremy Corbyn.

In London, Labour incumbent Sadiq Khan -- Britain's most prominent Muslim politician -- is predicted to win a second four-year term in the high-profile mayoral race.

No candidate has the profile of Jihyun Park, who is standing as a councillor for the Conservatives in Bury, near Manchester in northwest England.

She arrived in Britain 13 years ago after fleeing a North Korean prison camp.

"The UK people welcomed me to this land and I finally found my freedom. I want to pay back," she told AFP in February.

Polling stations across Britain opened Thursday in the first local and regional elections since Brexit and the coronavirus crisis, with Scotland the main focus after calls for a new independence referendum that could reshape the country.

Polling stations across Britain opened Thursday in the first local and regional elections since Brexit and the coronavirus crisis, with Scotland the main focus after calls for a new independence referendum that could reshape the country. The votes will also test backing for Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Conservative Party after he led Britain out of the EU and through the pandemic, suffering Europe's highest death toll but also its fastest vaccine rollout. Johnson has recently shrugged off a scandal over costly renovations to his Downing Street flat. Voting on what has been dubbed "Super Thursday" is being held for local councils in England, regional mayors, including in London, and for the devolved parliaments in Wales and Scotland. Most attention is being paid to the vote for the Scottish Parliament, as the ruling Scottish National Party (SNP) wants a new independence referendum when the pandemic subsides. SNP leader and Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is seeking a parliamentary majority after boosting her popularity with strong public engagement during the pandemic. "Getting through this crisis is my priority," she said in a televised debate on Tuesday. The SNP has capitalised on widespread disillusion with the UK parliament in London to become the dominant political force in Scotland but currently forms a minority government. In Glasgow, Lorna McClure, a 60-year-old cleaner, said she was "all for Nicola Sturgeon". "I think she is really good for Scotland and I want independence," she told AFP. But Raghav Jay, a 35-year-old MBA student said: "I think I would rather Scotland stayed within the UK. So I'd prefer a party which is going to support that." Latest opinion polls suggest the SNP will gain a slim majority for the first time since 2011, keeping it in power, although other surveys have indicated a coalition was likely. Securing the powers from London to hold a new referendum on independence and a "yes" vote is less certain, however, while recent surveys point to a fall-off in support for going it alone. 'Reckless, irresponsible' Most Scots rejected Brexit, which has boosted independence sentiment, although fears of fresh economic upheaval after the pandemic are bolstering support for staying in the UK. The SNP pledges that an independent Scotland would seek to rejoin the European Union but the practicalities of that are sparking concern. "We need strength in unity and to start having new borders... would be madness," said Alec Telfer, 64, president of the Blackface Sheep Breeders Association. Scots cast two votes: one for a constituency MSP (member of the Scottish parliament) and one electing regional MSPs in a proportional representation system. Johnson has said the 2014 referendum where 55 percent of Scots voted "no" closed the debate for a generation. "This is not the time to have a reckless and I think, irresponsible, referendum," he said Wednesday. The SNP insists it will only hold a referendum that is legally valid, although Sturgeon's predecessor Alex Salmond and his newly formed Alba party want an immediate vote. 'Red Wall' Polling stations close at 10:00 pm, with most results expected from Friday and into early next week as social distancing rules for those counting slows the process. The outcome will be watched closely to see whether Johnson's party manages to hold on to gains in the 2019 general election and previous local votes after the 2016 Brexit referendum. The main opposition Labour party, led by Keir Starmer since last year, is hoping for gains in its so-called "Red Wall" seats in northern England that it lost to the Conservatives in 2019. It also wants to hang on to the northeastern port town of Hartlepool, which has had Labour MPs since the 1970s, in a UK parliamentary by-election being held at the same time. Victory there would boost Johnson, and heap pressure on Starmer, as he tries to reposition Labour after the hard-left leadership of his predecessor Jeremy Corbyn. In London, Labour incumbent Sadiq Khan -- Britain's most prominent Muslim politician -- is predicted to win a second four-year term in the high-profile mayoral race. No candidate has the profile of Jihyun Park, who is standing as a councillor for the Conservatives in Bury, near Manchester in northwest England. She arrived in Britain 13 years ago after fleeing a North Korean prison camp. "The UK people welcomed me to this land and I finally found my freedom. I want to pay back," she told AFP in February.

Scotland independence debate dominates UK polls

The Israeli army shot and killed a Palestinian teenager in the West Bank on Wednesday, the Palestinian health ministry said.

Sixteen-year-old Said Youssef Muhammad Oudeh "succumbed to his grave wounds caused by live bullets" fired by Israeli troops in the northern Odla area near Nablus, the ministry added.

The Palestine Red Crescent confirmed having recovered the body of a young man.

It said another young man was wounded by the shots and had been hospitalised.

Contacted by AFP, the Israeli army said that Molotov cocktails were thrown at soldiers "during a routine operation south of Nablus".

"The soldiers acted to stop the suspects by opening fire on them," the army said, adding that no soldiers were injured and that the incident would be investigated.

The Israeli army this week launched a massive manhunt in the northern West Bank in search of a Palestinian who on Sunday shot three Israelis, including a 19-year-old who died Wednesday of his wounds, according to Israeli news reports.&nbsp;

The shooter fled after opening fire at a bus station at the Tapuah junction south of Nablus.

Israeli security forces said a suspect identified as 44-year-old Montasser Shalabi had been arrested Wednesday in the village of Silwad near Ramallah, adding that he was not a member of any "terrorist" organisation.

Palestinian sources said Shalabi is a dual US national.

The Israeli army has occupied the West Bank, a Palestinian territory, since 1967.

About 2.8 million Palestinians live in this territory, as do some 475,000 Israelis living in settlements deemed illegal by international law. 
&nbsp;

The Israeli army shot and killed a Palestinian teenager in the West Bank on Wednesday, the Palestinian health ministry said. Sixteen-year-old Said Youssef Muhammad Oudeh "succumbed to his grave wounds caused by live bullets" fired by Israeli troops in the northern Odla area near Nablus, the ministry added.

The Israeli army shot and killed a Palestinian teenager in the West Bank on Wednesday, the Palestinian health ministry said. Sixteen-year-old Said Youssef Muhammad Oudeh "succumbed to his grave wounds caused by live bullets" fired by Israeli troops in the northern Odla area near Nablus, the ministry added. The Palestine Red Crescent confirmed having recovered the body of a young man. It said another young man was wounded by the shots and had been hospitalised. Contacted by AFP, the Israeli army said that Molotov cocktails were thrown at soldiers "during a routine operation south of Nablus". "The soldiers acted to stop the suspects by opening fire on them," the army said, adding that no soldiers were injured and that the incident would be investigated. The Israeli army this week launched a massive manhunt in the northern West Bank in search of a Palestinian who on Sunday shot three Israelis, including a 19-year-old who died Wednesday of his wounds, according to Israeli news reports. The shooter fled after opening fire at a bus station at the Tapuah junction south of Nablus. Israeli security forces said a suspect identified as 44-year-old Montasser Shalabi had been arrested Wednesday in the village of Silwad near Ramallah, adding that he was not a member of any "terrorist" organisation. Palestinian sources said Shalabi is a dual US national. The Israeli army has occupied the West Bank, a Palestinian territory, since 1967. About 2.8 million Palestinians live in this territory, as do some 475,000 Israelis living in settlements deemed illegal by international law.

Israeli army kills Palestinian teen in West Bank: Ministry

The Biden administration on Wednesday decided to back the India-led fight for a global waiver on patent protections for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccines</a>.&nbsp;

US Trade Representative Katherine Tai said though intellectual property rights are important for businesses, Washington "supports the waiver of those protections for COVID-19 vaccines".

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/gravitas-wto-to-consider-vaccine-patent-waiver-again-382815/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"This is a global health crisis, and the extraordinary circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic call for extraordinary measures," &nbsp;she said in a statement, as reported by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

India, which is battling a massive wave of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">deadly virus</a>, has insisted on the waiver of COVID-19 vaccine patents in the World Trade Organization (WTO) to allow more companies to produce the drug in order to end the pandemic.&nbsp;

World Health Organization (WHO) has welcomed the US decision, with its head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus saying it marked "a monumental moment in the fight against COVID-19."

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/us-lawmakers-launch-freethevaccine-campaign-in-support-of-india-south-africa-382943">US lawmakers launch #FreeTheVaccine campaign in support of India, South Africa</a> &nbsp;

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden </a>was under severe pressure to support these waivers as rich nations are being criticised for hoarding the vaccines.&nbsp;

WTO chief Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on Wednesday called it a "moral and economic issue of our time."

The US trade representative also said that when the supply of vaccines for Americans are secured, Washington will continue efforts "to expand vaccine manufacturing and distribution."

(With inputs from agencies)

The Biden administration on Wednesday decided to back the India-led fight for a global waiver on patent protections for coronavirus vaccines. US Trade Representative Katherine Tai said though intellectual property rights are important for businesses, Washington "supports the waiver of those protections for COVID-19 vaccines".

The Biden administration on Wednesday decided to back the India-led fight for a global waiver on patent protections for coronavirus vaccines. US Trade Representative Katherine Tai said though intellectual property rights are important for businesses, Washington "supports the waiver of those protections for COVID-19 vaccines". Watch | "This is a global health crisis, and the extraordinary circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic call for extraordinary measures," she said in a statement, as reported by news agency AFP. India, which is battling a massive wave of the deadly virus, has insisted on the waiver of COVID-19 vaccine patents in the World Trade Organization (WTO) to allow more companies to produce the drug in order to end the pandemic. World Health Organization (WHO) has welcomed the US decision, with its head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus saying it marked "a monumental moment in the fight against COVID-19." Also read | US lawmakers launch #FreeTheVaccine campaign in support of India, South Africa US President Joe Biden was under severe pressure to support these waivers as rich nations are being criticised for hoarding the vaccines. WTO chief Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on Wednesday called it a "moral and economic issue of our time." The US trade representative also said that when the supply of vaccines for Americans are secured, Washington will continue efforts "to expand vaccine manufacturing and distribution." (With inputs from agencies)

US backs India-led fight to waive Covid vaccines patents

The United States on Thursday reaffirmed the country's "commitment" to "Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence" in what is seen as a message to Russia over its troop buildup. &nbsp;

"I'm here really for a very simple reason, which is to, on behalf of President Biden, reaffirm -- strongly -- our commitment to the partnership between our countries, our commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was quoted as saying by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/antony-blinken-arrives-in-kiev-to-lend-support-to-ukraine-383150/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Blinken made these comments during his one-day visit to Kiev and came hours after he along with other G7 foreign ministers condemned Russia's "irresponsible and destabilising behaviour" in Ukraine and elsewhere.

The G7 renewed its call "for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders including its territorial waters," a statement said.&nbsp;

"It is critical that Moscow now fully withdraws its forces and takes the necessary steps to help alleviate tensions."

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/world/russia-begins-withdrawing-troops-from-ukraine-borders-379476">Russia begins withdrawing troops from Ukraine borders</a>

Last month, Kremlin has sent several thousand troops on Ukraine's borders, the biggest such buildup since Russia seized Crimea in 2014 which led to a war breaking out in eastern Ukraine.

The violence between the Ukrainian government and pro-Russian separatists escalated since January in eastern Ukraine. 
&nbsp;

The United States on Thursday reaffirmed the country's "commitment" to "Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence" in what is seen as a message to Russia over its troop buildup.

The United States on Thursday reaffirmed the country's "commitment" to "Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence" in what is seen as a message to Russia over its troop buildup. "I'm here really for a very simple reason, which is to, on behalf of President Biden, reaffirm -- strongly -- our commitment to the partnership between our countries, our commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was quoted as saying by news agency AFP. Watch | Blinken made these comments during his one-day visit to Kiev and came hours after he along with other G7 foreign ministers condemned Russia's "irresponsible and destabilising behaviour" in Ukraine and elsewhere. The G7 renewed its call "for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders including its territorial waters," a statement said. "It is critical that Moscow now fully withdraws its forces and takes the necessary steps to help alleviate tensions." Also read | Russia begins withdrawing troops from Ukraine borders Last month, Kremlin has sent several thousand troops on Ukraine's borders, the biggest such buildup since Russia seized Crimea in 2014 which led to a war breaking out in eastern Ukraine. The violence between the Ukrainian government and pro-Russian separatists escalated since January in eastern Ukraine.

US reaffirms commitment to Ukraine's 'sovereignty', 'territorial integrity'

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