A&nbsp;leading&nbsp;Algerian&nbsp;opposition&nbsp;activist has been detained and is to appear before prosecutors on Thursday, his lawyer said, weeks ahead of elections he and other opponents have pledged to boycott.

Karim Tabbou, a key&nbsp;figure&nbsp;in demonstrations that forced longtime president Abdelaziz Bouteflika to resign in 2019, was handed a one-year suspended sentence last year for "undermining state security".

His detention comes as the pro-democracy protest movement known as Hirak has sought to regain some of the momentum it lost when it suspended street rallies just over a year ago due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Tabbou was summoned to the police station on Wednesday evening to respond to a complaint filed against him by Bouzid Lazhari, the president of the National Council for Human Rights, an official body.

The 47-year-old was to appear before a prosecutor on Thursday, lawyer Me Ali Fellah Benali said on social media.

"Algeria's youth is determined to fight for their right to a dignified life," Tabbou told AFP ahead of his detention.

He became one of the most recognisable leaders at mass demonstrations that broke out in February 2019.

The Hirak protest movement was sparked in February 2019&nbsp;over Bouteflika's bid for a fifth term in office.

The ailing autocrat was forced to step down weeks later, but the Hirak has continued its demonstrations, demanding a sweeping overhaul of a ruling system in place since&nbsp;Algeria's independence from France in 1962.

Since the group's second anniversary in February, thousands have returned to the streets, defying a coronavirus ban on gatherings.

Ordinary Algerians 'fed up'

Tabbou said his own party, the Democratic Social Union, was now "the largest political party" in the North African country, despite it being unregistered by the authorities.

His detention comes as activists warn of an increasing climate of repression, with political opponents and journalists targeted in the run-up to the legislative elections on June 12.

Earlier this month, security forces arrested eight people they said were linked to the Hirak movement over an allegedly foreign-financed criminal association.

President Abdelmadjid Tebboune this month warned Hirak activists against "non-innocent activities" that "attempt to hinder the democratic process".

Authorities say the protest movement is being infiltrated by Islamist activists who are trying to drag it towards violence.

President Tebboune served as a prime minister under Bouteflika and won a presidential election in December 2019, in a poll that was boycotted by the protest movement. Official data put the turnout at less than 40 per cent.

In further moves dismissed by the protest movement as window dressing, Tebboune oversaw a constitutional referendum late last year and brought the legislative elections forward, in a bid to soothe the political and socio-economic crisis.

"This election does not concern us," activist Tabbou told AFP.

"The regime mobilised colossal resources to hold a false presidential election, a false referendum -- and now it organises false legislative elections," he said.

Ordinary Algerians were fed up, he said. "We see the country as a barracks".

A leading Algerian opposition activist has been detained and is to appear before prosecutors on Thursday, his lawyer said, weeks ahead of elections he and other opponents have pledged to boycott.

A leading Algerian opposition activist has been detained and is to appear before prosecutors on Thursday, his lawyer said, weeks ahead of elections he and other opponents have pledged to boycott. Karim Tabbou, a key figure in demonstrations that forced longtime president Abdelaziz Bouteflika to resign in 2019, was handed a one-year suspended sentence last year for "undermining state security". His detention comes as the pro-democracy protest movement known as Hirak has sought to regain some of the momentum it lost when it suspended street rallies just over a year ago due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Tabbou was summoned to the police station on Wednesday evening to respond to a complaint filed against him by Bouzid Lazhari, the president of the National Council for Human Rights, an official body. The 47-year-old was to appear before a prosecutor on Thursday, lawyer Me Ali Fellah Benali said on social media. "Algeria's youth is determined to fight for their right to a dignified life," Tabbou told AFP ahead of his detention. He became one of the most recognisable leaders at mass demonstrations that broke out in February 2019. The Hirak protest movement was sparked in February 2019 over Bouteflika's bid for a fifth term in office. The ailing autocrat was forced to step down weeks later, but the Hirak has continued its demonstrations, demanding a sweeping overhaul of a ruling system in place since Algeria's independence from France in 1962. Since the group's second anniversary in February, thousands have returned to the streets, defying a coronavirus ban on gatherings. Ordinary Algerians 'fed up' Tabbou said his own party, the Democratic Social Union, was now "the largest political party" in the North African country, despite it being unregistered by the authorities. His detention comes as activists warn of an increasing climate of repression, with political opponents and journalists targeted in the run-up to the legislative elections on June 12. Earlier this month, security forces arrested eight people they said were linked to the Hirak movement over an allegedly foreign-financed criminal association. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune this month warned Hirak activists against "non-innocent activities" that "attempt to hinder the democratic process". Authorities say the protest movement is being infiltrated by Islamist activists who are trying to drag it towards violence. President Tebboune served as a prime minister under Bouteflika and won a presidential election in December 2019, in a poll that was boycotted by the protest movement. Official data put the turnout at less than 40 per cent. In further moves dismissed by the protest movement as window dressing, Tebboune oversaw a constitutional referendum late last year and brought the legislative elections forward, in a bid to soothe the political and socio-economic crisis. "This election does not concern us," activist Tabbou told AFP. "The regime mobilised colossal resources to hold a false presidential election, a false referendum -- and now it organises false legislative elections," he said. Ordinary Algerians were fed up, he said. "We see the country as a barracks".

Algeria detains leading opposition figure

With Germany's Green party leading the polls ahead of September's general&nbsp;elections, the ecologists' would-be successor to Angela Merkel has become increasingly&nbsp;targeted&nbsp;by internet trolls and&nbsp;fake&nbsp;news in recent weeks.

From wild claims about CO2-emitting cats and dogs to George Soros photo collages, 40-year-old Annalena Baerbock has been the subject of a dizzying array of&nbsp;fake&nbsp;news, conspiracy theories and online attacks since she was announced as the&nbsp;Greens' chancellor candidate in mid-April.&nbsp;

The latest polls have the&nbsp;Greens&nbsp;either ahead of or level with Merkel's ruling conservatives, as the once fringe party further establishes itself as a leading electoral force in Europe's biggest economy.

Baerbock herself also consistently polls higher than her conservative and centre-left rivals in the race to succeed Merkel, who will leave office after 16 years this autumn.

Yet her popularity has also brought about unwanted attention and a glut of&nbsp;fake&nbsp;news stories aimed at discrediting Baerbock as she bids to become Germany's first Green chancellor.

False claims&nbsp;

Among the false stories circulating about Baerbock is the bizarre claim that she wants to ban household pets in order to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.&nbsp;

Another&nbsp;fake&nbsp;story firmly denied by the party claimed that she defied rules on mask-wearing and social-distancing by embracing colleagues upon her nomination earlier this month.

Baerbock has also been presented as a "model student" of Hungarian billionaire George Soros, a hate figure for the European far-right and anti-Semitic conspiracy theorists, in a mocked-up social media graphic, shared among others by a far-right MP.

More serious online attacks include a purported photo of Baerbock which in fact shows a similar-looking naked model.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Greens' campaign manager Michael Kellner said that the attempts to discredit Baerbock had "taken on a&nbsp;new&nbsp;dimension", that "women are&nbsp;targeted&nbsp;more heavily by online attacks than men, and that is also true of our candidate".&nbsp;

Other false claims about the party include reports of a proposed ban on barbecues, as well as plans to disarm the police and enforce the teaching of the Quran in schools.&nbsp;

While such reports are patently absurd, they are potentially damaging to Baerbock and her party as they bid to spring a surprise victory in September.

"She has a very real chance, but the coming weeks are going to be very important because Baerbock's public image is still taking shape," Thorsten Faas, a political scientist&nbsp;at Berlin's Free University told AFP.

In a bid to fight back against the flood of false information, the party has launched a&nbsp;new&nbsp;"online fire service" to report&nbsp;fake&nbsp;news stories.&nbsp;

Russian disinformation&nbsp;

Yet stemming the tide is no easy job, with many of those who peddle disinformation now using private messaging services such as WhatsApp and Telegram rather than public platforms such as Facebook.

The pandemic and ongoing restrictions on public life will also make it harder for the campaign to push through their own narratives at public events.&nbsp;

Miro Dittrich of Germany's Amadeu-Antonio anti-racism foundation claims that lockdown has "played a role" in the spread of&nbsp;fake&nbsp;news.&nbsp;

"People are isolated from their social environment and are spending a lot more time online," he said.&nbsp;

Another factor is Russia, which has made Germany a primary target of its efforts to spread disinformation in Europe.&nbsp;

According to the European anti-disinformation platform EUvsDisinfo, Germany has been the target of 700 Russian disinformation cases since 2015, compared to 300 aimed at France and 170 at Italy.&nbsp;

As an outspoken critic of the controversial Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline between Germany and Russia, Baerbock may well become a target of such attacks during the&nbsp;election&nbsp;campaign.

With Germany's Green party leading the polls ahead of September's general elections, the ecologists' would-be successor to Angela Merkel has become increasingly targeted by internet trolls and fake news in recent weeks.

With Germany's Green party leading the polls ahead of September's general elections, the ecologists' would-be successor to Angela Merkel has become increasingly targeted by internet trolls and fake news in recent weeks. From wild claims about CO2-emitting cats and dogs to George Soros photo collages, 40-year-old Annalena Baerbock has been the subject of a dizzying array of fake news, conspiracy theories and online attacks since she was announced as the Greens' chancellor candidate in mid-April. The latest polls have the Greens either ahead of or level with Merkel's ruling conservatives, as the once fringe party further establishes itself as a leading electoral force in Europe's biggest economy. Baerbock herself also consistently polls higher than her conservative and centre-left rivals in the race to succeed Merkel, who will leave office after 16 years this autumn. Yet her popularity has also brought about unwanted attention and a glut of fake news stories aimed at discrediting Baerbock as she bids to become Germany's first Green chancellor. False claims Among the false stories circulating about Baerbock is the bizarre claim that she wants to ban household pets in order to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Another fake story firmly denied by the party claimed that she defied rules on mask-wearing and social-distancing by embracing colleagues upon her nomination earlier this month. Baerbock has also been presented as a "model student" of Hungarian billionaire George Soros, a hate figure for the European far-right and anti-Semitic conspiracy theorists, in a mocked-up social media graphic, shared among others by a far-right MP. More serious online attacks include a purported photo of Baerbock which in fact shows a similar-looking naked model. The Greens' campaign manager Michael Kellner said that the attempts to discredit Baerbock had "taken on a new dimension", that "women are targeted more heavily by online attacks than men, and that is also true of our candidate". Other false claims about the party include reports of a proposed ban on barbecues, as well as plans to disarm the police and enforce the teaching of the Quran in schools. While such reports are patently absurd, they are potentially damaging to Baerbock and her party as they bid to spring a surprise victory in September. "She has a very real chance, but the coming weeks are going to be very important because Baerbock's public image is still taking shape," Thorsten Faas, a political scientist at Berlin's Free University told AFP. In a bid to fight back against the flood of false information, the party has launched a new "online fire service" to report fake news stories. Russian disinformation Yet stemming the tide is no easy job, with many of those who peddle disinformation now using private messaging services such as WhatsApp and Telegram rather than public platforms such as Facebook. The pandemic and ongoing restrictions on public life will also make it harder for the campaign to push through their own narratives at public events. Miro Dittrich of Germany's Amadeu-Antonio anti-racism foundation claims that lockdown has "played a role" in the spread of fake news. "People are isolated from their social environment and are spending a lot more time online," he said. Another factor is Russia, which has made Germany a primary target of its efforts to spread disinformation in Europe. According to the European anti-disinformation platform EUvsDisinfo, Germany has been the target of 700 Russian disinformation cases since 2015, compared to 300 aimed at France and 170 at Italy. As an outspoken critic of the controversial Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline between Germany and Russia, Baerbock may well become a target of such attacks during the election campaign.

German Greens' election hopeful targeted by fake news

The European Parliament on Thursday agreed its position on how a&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;certificate&nbsp;should work, bringing the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;closer&nbsp;to launching a document to open up&nbsp;travel&nbsp;within the bloc.

Europe intends to have a&nbsp;certificate&nbsp;showing the bearer's vaccination status,&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;test results and/or evidence of having survived the disease up and running in June, in time for the continent's summer vacation period.

While technical work has been ongoing to ensure the&nbsp;certificate&nbsp;is recognised across all 27&nbsp;EU&nbsp;member states, final details have to be worked out involving capitals, the European Commission and the parliament.

The first change MEPs have called for to a commission proposal is the name. Instead of a "digital green&nbsp;certificate" they want to call it an "EU&nbsp;Covid-19&nbsp;certificate",&nbsp;to avoid any implication of it becoming a "vaccine passport".

They said the document should "neither serve as&nbsp;travel&nbsp;document nor become a precondition to exercise the right to free movement" and should only be in use for 12 months.

Stressing that the&nbsp;certificate&nbsp;should not result in discrimination, parliament demanded that&nbsp;Covid-19 tests for&nbsp;travel&nbsp;should be free of charge. The commission has said that this issue should be left up to member states.

The parliament's negotiation position was announced Thursday following a vote late Wednesday, with 540 MEPs in favour, 119 against, and 31 abstentions.

'Safe&nbsp;travel'

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the result, but ignored the proposed renaming of the&nbsp;certificate.

"The (European Parliament) adopting its position on a Digital Green&nbsp;Certificate&nbsp;is a key step towards free and safe&nbsp;travel&nbsp;this summer," she tweeted.

She urged a "swift conclusion" to the final negotiations on the document, adding: "We will have the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;(virtual verification) gateway up and running by June, while supporting the timely rollout of national systems."

Initially, the plan is for&nbsp;EU&nbsp;citizens and residents in the bloc to be able to use the&nbsp;certificate&nbsp;to avoid quarantine, testing and other obstacles to intra-EU&nbsp;travel&nbsp;that have sprung up since the start of the pandemic.

Member states, however, want to retain the option of those measures if they deem them necessary, pointing out that public health issues are their responsibility, not Brussels'.&nbsp;

Later on, the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;intends to accept certificates issued by non-EU&nbsp;countries for&nbsp;travel&nbsp;by their citizens. Talks are already going in that direction with the United States but, so far, not with former&nbsp;EU&nbsp;member Britain.

A&nbsp;certificate&nbsp;trial is to be conducted in May before the initiative is launched across all&nbsp;EU&nbsp;countries. Safeguards are to be in place against forgery and to uphold data protection.

The commission and the parliament agree that the vaccines accepted across the bloc will be those authorised by the European Medicines Agency: currently from BioNTech/Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson &amp; Johnson.

They say individual&nbsp;EU&nbsp;countries could additionally allow other vaccines, as would likely be the case of Hungary and some other states that have opted to use Russia's Sputnik V jab or ones produced by China.

The European Parliament on Thursday agreed its position on how a Covid certificate should work, bringing the EU closer to launching a document to open up travel within the bloc.

The European Parliament on Thursday agreed its position on how a Covid certificate should work, bringing the EU closer to launching a document to open up travel within the bloc. Europe intends to have a certificate showing the bearer's vaccination status, Covid test results and/or evidence of having survived the disease up and running in June, in time for the continent's summer vacation period. While technical work has been ongoing to ensure the certificate is recognised across all 27 EU member states, final details have to be worked out involving capitals, the European Commission and the parliament. The first change MEPs have called for to a commission proposal is the name. Instead of a "digital green certificate" they want to call it an "EU Covid-19 certificate", to avoid any implication of it becoming a "vaccine passport". They said the document should "neither serve as travel document nor become a precondition to exercise the right to free movement" and should only be in use for 12 months. Stressing that the certificate should not result in discrimination, parliament demanded that Covid-19 tests for travel should be free of charge. The commission has said that this issue should be left up to member states. The parliament's negotiation position was announced Thursday following a vote late Wednesday, with 540 MEPs in favour, 119 against, and 31 abstentions. 'Safe travel' European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the result, but ignored the proposed renaming of the certificate. "The (European Parliament) adopting its position on a Digital Green Certificate is a key step towards free and safe travel this summer," she tweeted. She urged a "swift conclusion" to the final negotiations on the document, adding: "We will have the EU (virtual verification) gateway up and running by June, while supporting the timely rollout of national systems." Initially, the plan is for EU citizens and residents in the bloc to be able to use the certificate to avoid quarantine, testing and other obstacles to intra-EU travel that have sprung up since the start of the pandemic. Member states, however, want to retain the option of those measures if they deem them necessary, pointing out that public health issues are their responsibility, not Brussels'. Later on, the EU intends to accept certificates issued by non-EU countries for travel by their citizens. Talks are already going in that direction with the United States but, so far, not with former EU member Britain. A certificate trial is to be conducted in May before the initiative is launched across all EU countries. Safeguards are to be in place against forgery and to uphold data protection. The commission and the parliament agree that the vaccines accepted across the bloc will be those authorised by the European Medicines Agency: currently from BioNTech/Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson. They say individual EU countries could additionally allow other vaccines, as would likely be the case of Hungary and some other states that have opted to use Russia's Sputnik V jab or ones produced by China.

EU inches closer to Covid certificate for travel

Samsung&nbsp;Electronics Co Ltd reclaimed its crown as the world's biggest&nbsp;smartphone&nbsp;maker from&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;in the first quarter, cornering a fifth of overall global&nbsp;shipments.

China's&nbsp;Xiaomi&nbsp;Corp rounded out the top three positions with its best quarterly performance ever as&nbsp;shipments&nbsp;surged 62 per cent&nbsp;to 49 million phones and its market share rose to 14 per cent, market research firm Canalys said.

Overall, global&nbsp;shipments&nbsp;surged 27&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;to 347 million units in the first quarter as the Chinese economy opened up after the pandemic and a swift vaccine rollout in the United States raised hopes of an economic recovery.

South Korea's&nbsp;Samsung&nbsp;shipped 76.5 million&nbsp;smartphones in the quarter to grab a 22&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;share of the market, Canalys said. The company on Thursday reported a 66&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;surge in quarterly profit in its mobiles business, thanks to robust sales of its flagship Galaxy S21&nbsp;smartphone&nbsp;series.

Canalys said&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;shipped 52.4 million iPhones in the January-March period, falling to the second spot with a 15 per cent&nbsp;share of the market.

Apple&nbsp;still grabbed record market share in the United States, China, India and Japan, Counterpoint analyst Varun Mishra said, adding that the iPhone Pro Max was a top seller in the United States.

Smartphone&nbsp;sales have surged over the past year as people stayed and worked from home. But the shopping frenzy has fuelled a global shortage in semiconductor chips that has roiled industries including autos and large appliances.

"Supply of critical components, such as chipsets, has quickly become a major concern, and will hinder&nbsp;smartphone&nbsp;shipments&nbsp;in the coming quarters," Canalys analyst Ben Stanton said.

Apple&nbsp;said on Wednesday that the chip shortage could cost the company $3 billion to $4 billion in revenue in the April-June quarter, affecting primarily iPads and Macbooks.

March-quarter&nbsp;smartphone&nbsp;shipments&nbsp;for China's Oppo and Vivo brands also surged, Canalys said. But Huawei, the former No. 1 that remains shackled by U.S. sanctions, took only seventh place after selling its Honor brand last year.

Samsung Electronics Co Ltd reclaimed its crown as the world's biggest smartphone maker from Apple in the first quarter, cornering a fifth of overall global shipments.

Samsung Electronics Co Ltd reclaimed its crown as the world's biggest smartphone maker from Apple in the first quarter, cornering a fifth of overall global shipments. China's Xiaomi Corp rounded out the top three positions with its best quarterly performance ever as shipments surged 62 per cent to 49 million phones and its market share rose to 14 per cent, market research firm Canalys said. Overall, global shipments surged 27 per cent to 347 million units in the first quarter as the Chinese economy opened up after the pandemic and a swift vaccine rollout in the United States raised hopes of an economic recovery. South Korea's Samsung shipped 76.5 million smartphones in the quarter to grab a 22 per cent share of the market, Canalys said. The company on Thursday reported a 66 per cent surge in quarterly profit in its mobiles business, thanks to robust sales of its flagship Galaxy S21 smartphone series. Canalys said Apple shipped 52.4 million iPhones in the January-March period, falling to the second spot with a 15 per cent share of the market. Apple still grabbed record market share in the United States, China, India and Japan, Counterpoint analyst Varun Mishra said, adding that the iPhone Pro Max was a top seller in the United States. Smartphone sales have surged over the past year as people stayed and worked from home. But the shopping frenzy has fuelled a global shortage in semiconductor chips that has roiled industries including autos and large appliances. "Supply of critical components, such as chipsets, has quickly become a major concern, and will hinder smartphone shipments in the coming quarters," Canalys analyst Ben Stanton said. Apple said on Wednesday that the chip shortage could cost the company $3 billion to $4 billion in revenue in the April-June quarter, affecting primarily iPads and Macbooks. March-quarter smartphone shipments for China's Oppo and Vivo brands also surged, Canalys said. But Huawei, the former No. 1 that remains shackled by U.S. sanctions, took only seventh place after selling its Honor brand last year.

Samsung overtakes Apple in smartphone shipments as Xiaomi closes in

Juan Joya Borja, a Spanish comedian whose meme brought laughter across the globe, passed away on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The 65-year-old Borja, better known as El Risitas, meaning Giggles, was widely popular on the internet as the "Spanish laughing guy".&nbsp;

A television appearance of Borja went viral in 2014 in which his laughing face is being used in several posts to give a context to it.&nbsp;

A local media reported that the comedian died on Wednesday in a hospital.&nbsp;

He was hospitalised last year and in March, Borja thanked fans for a fundraising campaign that allowed him to buy an electric mobility scooter after his one leg was amputated, BBC reported.&nbsp;

In his viral clip, which was uploaded on YouTube in 2007, the comedian was interviewed in which he was asked about his experience as a kitchen helper.&nbsp;

Borja told in the video how he once put 20 paella dishes in the sea to clean them at night only to find in the morning that all but one swept away.&nbsp;

The incident caused huge laughter from Borja and the host and the former's face became the face of several memes years later.

 
&nbsp;

Juan Joya Borja, a Spanish comedian whose meme brought laughter across the globe, passed away on Wednesday. The 65-year-old Borja, better known as El Risitas, meaning Giggles, was widely popular on the internet as the "Spanish laughing guy".

Juan Joya Borja, a Spanish comedian whose meme brought laughter across the globe, passed away on Wednesday. The 65-year-old Borja, better known as El Risitas, meaning Giggles, was widely popular on the internet as the "Spanish laughing guy". A television appearance of Borja went viral in 2014 in which his laughing face is being used in several posts to give a context to it. A local media reported that the comedian died on Wednesday in a hospital. He was hospitalised last year and in March, Borja thanked fans for a fundraising campaign that allowed him to buy an electric mobility scooter after his one leg was amputated, BBC reported. In his viral clip, which was uploaded on YouTube in 2007, the comedian was interviewed in which he was asked about his experience as a kitchen helper. Borja told in the video how he once put 20 paella dishes in the sea to clean them at night only to find in the morning that all but one swept away. The incident caused huge laughter from Borja and the host and the former's face became the face of several memes years later.

Spanish comedian, who was behind 'Spanish laughing guy' passes away

China on Thursday warned the United States for "forcing other countries" to accept its democratic ideals after US President Joe Biden's speech in which he criticised "autocrats".&nbsp;

Biden, in his first address to Congress, said that the US was in competition with China, adding that "autocrats think democracies can't compete".&nbsp;

Watch |

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/biden-delivers-first-joint-address-to-congress-says-america-on-the-move-again-381271/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Responding to Biden's speech, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said that it was normal for both countries to compete in some fields.&nbsp;

"But this kind of competition should be a track and field race, not a duel to the death," he added in a press briefing on Thursday as quoted by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-it-does-not-seek-conflict-with-china-welcomes-competition-381252">US says it 'does not seek conflict' with China, welcomes 'competition'</a>

He also warned that imposing other nations to "accept one's democratic system... will only create divisions, intensify tension, and undermine stability."

Earlier Biden also said that Washington would stand up to discriminatory trade practices and intellectual property theft.&nbsp;

However, the Chinese spokesperson slammed the US for "violating the market principle of fair competition" and "politicising" economy, trade and other issues, in a reference to the trade war.&nbsp;

The US president also said that the country welcomes competition and not eyeing conflict, to which even Wang said that, "China is committed to developing a relationship with the US based on non-conflict and non-confrontation". &nbsp;&nbsp;

Biden also said that he told Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping that Washington would continue to keep a strong military deployment in the Indo-Pacific to prevent conflict, to which China highlighted issues with this US approach. &nbsp;

China's defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian on Thursday said that since Biden's inauguration, there has been a 20 per cent increase in the frequency of US warships sent to the Chinese maritime region.&nbsp;

He added that the frequency of reconnaissance aircraft activity in the territory has also spiked by 40 per cent, adding that Beijing &nbsp;"resolutely opposes this".

"The US frequently sends warships and planes to carry out activities in maritime waters and airspace near China, advancing regional militarisation and threatening regional peace and stability," the defence spokesperson said.

 
(With inputs from agencies)

China on Thursday warned the United States for "forcing other countries" to accept its democratic ideals after US President Joe Biden's speech in which he criticised "autocrats".

China on Thursday warned the United States for "forcing other countries" to accept its democratic ideals after US President Joe Biden's speech in which he criticised "autocrats". Biden, in his first address to Congress, said that the US was in competition with China, adding that "autocrats think democracies can't compete". Watch | Responding to Biden's speech, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said that it was normal for both countries to compete in some fields. "But this kind of competition should be a track and field race, not a duel to the death," he added in a press briefing on Thursday as quoted by news agency AFP. Also read | US says it 'does not seek conflict' with China, welcomes 'competition' He also warned that imposing other nations to "accept one's democratic system... will only create divisions, intensify tension, and undermine stability." Earlier Biden also said that Washington would stand up to discriminatory trade practices and intellectual property theft. However, the Chinese spokesperson slammed the US for "violating the market principle of fair competition" and "politicising" economy, trade and other issues, in a reference to the trade war. The US president also said that the country welcomes competition and not eyeing conflict, to which even Wang said that, "China is committed to developing a relationship with the US based on non-conflict and non-confrontation". Biden also said that he told Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping that Washington would continue to keep a strong military deployment in the Indo-Pacific to prevent conflict, to which China highlighted issues with this US approach. China's defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian on Thursday said that since Biden's inauguration, there has been a 20 per cent increase in the frequency of US warships sent to the Chinese maritime region. He added that the frequency of reconnaissance aircraft activity in the territory has also spiked by 40 per cent, adding that Beijing "resolutely opposes this". "The US frequently sends warships and planes to carry out activities in maritime waters and airspace near China, advancing regional militarisation and threatening regional peace and stability," the defence spokesperson said. (With inputs from agencies)

After Biden's speech, China warns US against imposing 'democratic ideals'

A new study has said that young people who have successfully recovered from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">novel coronavirus</a>&nbsp;still face the threat of reinfection and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccination</a>&nbsp;would be imperative to boost immunity and lower risks of transmission.&nbsp;

For the research, published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine journal, over 3,000 health members of the US Marines Corps were included, most of whom are in the age group 18-20.&nbsp;

Watch |

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/covid-19-situation-in-india-remains-grim-death-toll-surge-pass-200000-mark-381317/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"As vaccine rollouts continue to gain momentum it is important to remember that, despite a prior COVID-19 infection, young people can catch the virus again and may still transmit it to others," Professor Stuart Sealfon of Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, a senior author of the study was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.&nbsp;

"Immunity is not guaranteed by past infection, and vaccinations that provide additional protection are still needed for those who have had COVID-19."&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vaccinated-adults-65-and-older-94-less-likely-to-be-hospitalised-with-covid-19-says-us-cdc-381259">Vaccinated adults 65 and older 94% less likely to be hospitalised with COVID-19, says US CDC</a> 
&nbsp;

The study, conducted between May and November 2020, noted that nearly 10 per cent or 19 out of 189 participants who previously contracted SARS-CoV-2 got reinfected.&nbsp;

These findings were compared to new infections in 50 per cent (1,079 out of 2,247) of participants who had not earlier been infected with the deadly virus.&nbsp;

Though fit and majorly male Marine personnel were part of the study, the researchers stressed that the conclusions apply to many young people.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

A new study has said that young people who have successfully recovered from the novel coronavirus still face the threat of reinfection and vaccination would be imperative to boost immunity and lower risks of transmission.

A new study has said that young people who have successfully recovered from the novel coronavirus still face the threat of reinfection and vaccination would be imperative to boost immunity and lower risks of transmission. For the research, published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine journal, over 3,000 health members of the US Marines Corps were included, most of whom are in the age group 18-20. Watch | "As vaccine rollouts continue to gain momentum it is important to remember that, despite a prior COVID-19 infection, young people can catch the virus again and may still transmit it to others," Professor Stuart Sealfon of Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, a senior author of the study was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. "Immunity is not guaranteed by past infection, and vaccinations that provide additional protection are still needed for those who have had COVID-19." Also read | Vaccinated adults 65 and older 94% less likely to be hospitalised with COVID-19, says US CDC The study, conducted between May and November 2020, noted that nearly 10 per cent or 19 out of 189 participants who previously contracted SARS-CoV-2 got reinfected. These findings were compared to new infections in 50 per cent (1,079 out of 2,247) of participants who had not earlier been infected with the deadly virus. Though fit and majorly male Marine personnel were part of the study, the researchers stressed that the conclusions apply to many young people. (With inputs from agencies)

Young people who recovered from COVID-19 face risk of reinfection: Study

Bharat Biotech on Thursday announced that the price of its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine </a>Covaxin will be reduced by Rs 200 (USD 2.7) for Indian states and will be available at Rs 400 (USD 5.4) per dose.

The announcement by the Indian drugmaker comes a day after the Serum Institute of India (SII) also lowered its Covid-19 vaccine Covishield price to Rs 300 (USD 4.05) per dose for state governments in a move it described as a "philanthropic gesture".&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-expats-hire-private-jets-to-escape-covid-19-crisis-381339/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Covaxin is the Indian vaccine of Bharat Biotech-ICMR and Covishield is the name of AstraZeneca-Oxford University's drug manufactured in India.&nbsp;

"Recognising the enormous challenges to the public health care system, we have made Covaxin available to state governments at a price of Rs 400/ dose," Bharat Biotech said in a statement.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/private-jets-in-demand-indians-flee-the-country-fly-to-uae-to-escape-covid-surge-381327">Private jets in demand: Indians flee the country, fly to UAE to escape Covid surge</a>

India is currently struggling with the fresh wave of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Covid-19 </a>and is witnessing record cases on a daily basis.&nbsp;

The country is also facing a shortage of drugs, medical supplies, oxygen and vaccines, but several countries have come forward to solve the crisis.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, India from May 1 will begin its new phase of vaccination drive in which all people over the age of 18 will be permitted to get inoculation. 
&nbsp;

Bharat Biotech on Thursday announced that the price of its coronavirus vaccine Covaxin will be reduced by Rs 200 (USD 2.7) for Indian states and will be available at Rs 400 (USD 5.

Bharat Biotech on Thursday announced that the price of its coronavirus vaccine Covaxin will be reduced by Rs 200 (USD 2.7) for Indian states and will be available at Rs 400 (USD 5.4) per dose. The announcement by the Indian drugmaker comes a day after the Serum Institute of India (SII) also lowered its Covid-19 vaccine Covishield price to Rs 300 (USD 4.05) per dose for state governments in a move it described as a "philanthropic gesture". Watch | Covaxin is the Indian vaccine of Bharat Biotech-ICMR and Covishield is the name of AstraZeneca-Oxford University's drug manufactured in India. "Recognising the enormous challenges to the public health care system, we have made Covaxin available to state governments at a price of Rs 400/ dose," Bharat Biotech said in a statement. Also read | Private jets in demand: Indians flee the country, fly to UAE to escape Covid surge India is currently struggling with the fresh wave of Covid-19 and is witnessing record cases on a daily basis. The country is also facing a shortage of drugs, medical supplies, oxygen and vaccines, but several countries have come forward to solve the crisis. Meanwhile, India from May 1 will begin its new phase of vaccination drive in which all people over the age of 18 will be permitted to get inoculation.

Bharat Biotech reduces price of Covaxin for Indian state governments

Royal&nbsp;Dutch&nbsp;Shell&nbsp;swung back into profit in the first quarter as oil prices recovered strongly from a year earlier, the company said Thursday.

The Anglo-Dutch&nbsp;group posted net profit of $5.7 billion (4.7 billion euros) in the first three months of the year,&nbsp;Shell&nbsp;said in a statement.

That compared with a loss after tax of $24 million in the first quarter of 2020 when the coronavirus pandemic began to slam the price of crude.

The first-quarter performance this year benefitted also from a $1.4-billion gain following the sale of assets, the statement added.&nbsp;

"Shell&nbsp;has made a strong start to 2021, generating over $8 billion of cash in the quarter," said chief executive Ben van Beurden.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/world-business-watch-oil-inches-lower-on-concerns-over-covid-19-surge-in-india-japan-380453/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Our... model is ideally positioned to benefit from recovering demand."

Shell&nbsp;had dived into net loss of $21.7 billion last year as factories shut and planes were grounded.

As a result, it decided to axe more than 10 per cent of its global workforce, or up to 9,000 jobs.

Its losses and steep job cuts mirrored the situation elsewhere in the energy sector last year.&nbsp;

After lockdowns began to spread towards the end of the first quarter in 2020, oil prices dropped off a cliff, even briefly turning negative.

Prices then rebounded sharply, however, with benchmark Brent North Sea oil contract currently trading around $67 per barrel.

Shell&nbsp;rival BP also recovered in the first quarter, announcing this week net profit of $4.7 billion, which compared with a year-earlier loss of $4.4 billion.

France's Total, meanwhile, posted a net profit of $3.3 billion in the first quarter that was even higher than pre-pandemic levels.

On Thursday in the wake of its own results, shares in&nbsp;Shell&nbsp;climbed around 1.0 per cent in early London deals.

"Fortunately for investors these latest results come without the drama seen this time last year when&nbsp;Shell&nbsp;cut its dividend for the first time since the Second World War," said Keith Bowman, equity analyst at Interactive Investor.

Shell&nbsp;this time around increased its dividend payout by about 4.0 per cent compared with the final quarter of last year.

Bowman meanwhile noted that extreme winter weather hitting&nbsp;Shell's US Texas operations had dragged on adjusted earnings, "although, as with rivals, an upturn in energy prices has aided profit generation".&nbsp;

Shell&nbsp;said this year's deadly Texas winter storm cost the group $200 million in the first quarter on reduced oil output.

February's polar vortex storm killed dozens of people, left millions without electricity and water, caused billions of dollars of damage to the sector and forced several Texas electric firms to file for bankruptcy.

The freezing temperatures also caused outages at energy installations...natural gas-fired power plants, wind turbines and nuclear plants, which are not typically insulated as they are in other states with colder climates.

Royal Dutch Shell swung back into profit in the first quarter as oil prices recovered strongly from a year earlier, the company said Thursday. The Anglo-Dutch group posted net profit of $5.

Royal Dutch Shell swung back into profit in the first quarter as oil prices recovered strongly from a year earlier, the company said Thursday. The Anglo-Dutch group posted net profit of $5.7 billion (4.7 billion euros) in the first three months of the year, Shell said in a statement. That compared with a loss after tax of $24 million in the first quarter of 2020 when the coronavirus pandemic began to slam the price of crude. The first-quarter performance this year benefitted also from a $1.4-billion gain following the sale of assets, the statement added. "Shell has made a strong start to 2021, generating over $8 billion of cash in the quarter," said chief executive Ben van Beurden. "Our... model is ideally positioned to benefit from recovering demand." Shell had dived into net loss of $21.7 billion last year as factories shut and planes were grounded. As a result, it decided to axe more than 10 per cent of its global workforce, or up to 9,000 jobs. Its losses and steep job cuts mirrored the situation elsewhere in the energy sector last year. After lockdowns began to spread towards the end of the first quarter in 2020, oil prices dropped off a cliff, even briefly turning negative. Prices then rebounded sharply, however, with benchmark Brent North Sea oil contract currently trading around $67 per barrel. Shell rival BP also recovered in the first quarter, announcing this week net profit of $4.7 billion, which compared with a year-earlier loss of $4.4 billion. France's Total, meanwhile, posted a net profit of $3.3 billion in the first quarter that was even higher than pre-pandemic levels. On Thursday in the wake of its own results, shares in Shell climbed around 1.0 per cent in early London deals. "Fortunately for investors these latest results come without the drama seen this time last year when Shell cut its dividend for the first time since the Second World War," said Keith Bowman, equity analyst at Interactive Investor. Shell this time around increased its dividend payout by about 4.0 per cent compared with the final quarter of last year. Bowman meanwhile noted that extreme winter weather hitting Shell's US Texas operations had dragged on adjusted earnings, "although, as with rivals, an upturn in energy prices has aided profit generation". Shell said this year's deadly Texas winter storm cost the group $200 million in the first quarter on reduced oil output. February's polar vortex storm killed dozens of people, left millions without electricity and water, caused billions of dollars of damage to the sector and forced several Texas electric firms to file for bankruptcy. The freezing temperatures also caused outages at energy installations...natural gas-fired power plants, wind turbines and nuclear plants, which are not typically insulated as they are in other states with colder climates.

Shell swings back to profit on oil price recovery

China in the coming decades will aim to improve the genetics of its hog herd and other livestock so that animals produce more meat and consume fewer grains, a report said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Compared to developed nations, sow herd productivity is approximately 30 per cent lower in China and the cows only produce 80 per cent of the milk that some of the leaders, Shi Jianzhong, an official with the agriculture ministry’s National Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resources Committee said.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-aggression-continues-as-liaoning-sails-between-japanese-islands-381177">China's aggression continues as Liaoning sails between Japanese islands</a>

He added that China is dependant upon imports to produce white-feathered broiler chickens.&nbsp;

The aim behind the move is to reduce China's reliance on imports and generate enough for its massive and increasingly wealthy population, the report by Bloomberg said.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/melting-glaciers-threaten-chinas-plan-to-build-massive-dam-over-brahmaputra-in-tibet-report-381158">Melting glaciers threaten China's plan to build massive dam over Brahmaputra in Tibet: Report</a> &nbsp;

Still, the country will continue to need livestock from abroad to improve its domestic stock to compete with developed nations, Chen Yaosheng, an official at the ministry’s National Pig Genetic Improvement Program said.&nbsp;

This move can save millions of tons of feed grains and ease pressure on land, Sun Haoqin, another official on the livestock genetics committee said.&nbsp;

It will also help the country to shift to industrialized hog and chicken farms, he added.

China in the coming decades will aim to improve the genetics of its hog herd and other livestock so that animals produce more meat and consume fewer grains, a report said on Wednesday.

China in the coming decades will aim to improve the genetics of its hog herd and other livestock so that animals produce more meat and consume fewer grains, a report said on Wednesday. Compared to developed nations, sow herd productivity is approximately 30 per cent lower in China and the cows only produce 80 per cent of the milk that some of the leaders, Shi Jianzhong, an official with the agriculture ministry’s National Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resources Committee said. Also read | China's aggression continues as Liaoning sails between Japanese islands He added that China is dependant upon imports to produce white-feathered broiler chickens. The aim behind the move is to reduce China's reliance on imports and generate enough for its massive and increasingly wealthy population, the report by Bloomberg said. Also read | Melting glaciers threaten China's plan to build massive dam over Brahmaputra in Tibet: Report Still, the country will continue to need livestock from abroad to improve its domestic stock to compete with developed nations, Chen Yaosheng, an official at the ministry’s National Pig Genetic Improvement Program said. This move can save millions of tons of feed grains and ease pressure on land, Sun Haoqin, another official on the livestock genetics committee said. It will also help the country to shift to industrialized hog and chicken farms, he added.

China intends to improve pigs' genetics so they produce more meat and consume less

Pfizer CEO has said that an oral drug to treat novel <a href="wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> could be ready by the end of the year.&nbsp;

Pfizer-BioNTech's <a href="wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine </a>has been used in various European countries and the United States and has a very high efficacy as compared to its competitors.&nbsp;

Albert Bourla, Pfizer's CEO in an interview with CNBC on Tuesday said that the pharma company is developing antiviral treatments and is optimistic about their progress.

"If all goes well, and we implement the same speed that we are, and if regulators do the same, and they are, I hope that by the end of the year," the CEO said referring to the oral drug to treat COVID-19.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/pfizer-ceo-albert-bourla-raises-possibility-of-annual-revaccination-378408/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;

The pharma giant is working on an oral as well as an injectable antiviral.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biontech-founder-confident-its-covid-vaccine-willl-work-against-strain-first-found-in-india-381076">BioNTech founder 'confident' its Covid vaccine willl work against strain first found in India</a>

This class of drugs, called protease inhibitors are widely used for HIV, hepatitis C treatment.&nbsp;

Early-stage trials of the oral drug started in March, and Bourla said that there is particular attention being paid to that treatment in which, unlike injectables, a hospital environment would not be required.

"You could get it at home, and that could be a game-changer," Boula said.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Ugur Sahin co-founder of BioNTech, Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine ally, on Wednesday expressed confidence that their vaccine would work well against the variant first detected in India.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Pfizer CEO has said that an oral drug to treat novel coronavirus could be ready by the end of the year. Pfizer-BioNTech's coronavirus vaccine has been used in various European countries and the United States and has a very high efficacy as compared to its competitors.

Pfizer CEO has said that an oral drug to treat novel coronavirus could be ready by the end of the year. Pfizer-BioNTech's coronavirus vaccine has been used in various European countries and the United States and has a very high efficacy as compared to its competitors. Albert Bourla, Pfizer's CEO in an interview with CNBC on Tuesday said that the pharma company is developing antiviral treatments and is optimistic about their progress. "If all goes well, and we implement the same speed that we are, and if regulators do the same, and they are, I hope that by the end of the year," the CEO said referring to the oral drug to treat COVID-19. Watch | The pharma giant is working on an oral as well as an injectable antiviral. Also read | BioNTech founder 'confident' its Covid vaccine willl work against strain first found in India This class of drugs, called protease inhibitors are widely used for HIV, hepatitis C treatment. Early-stage trials of the oral drug started in March, and Bourla said that there is particular attention being paid to that treatment in which, unlike injectables, a hospital environment would not be required. "You could get it at home, and that could be a game-changer," Boula said. Meanwhile, Ugur Sahin co-founder of BioNTech, Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine ally, on Wednesday expressed confidence that their vaccine would work well against the variant first detected in India.

Pfizer CEO says oral drug to treat coronavirus could be ready by end of 2021

In the middle of India's battle with coronavirus crisis, Russia, South Korea, and Canada also announce assistance as supplies continue to come from other parts of the world including Singapore, United Kingdom.

Meanwhile, after a row, Serum Institute cut the&nbsp;price of Covid vaccine for Indian states. Also, Germany's domestic intelligence agency has been roped in to monitor those who participated in the protest movement against&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus&nbsp;</a>restrictions.

Click on headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wion-exclusive-will-do-more-says-cricketer-pat-cummins-after-covid-donation-to-india-wins-hearts-381135">WION Exclusive: Will do more, says cricketer Pat Cummins after Covid donation to India wins hearts</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/04/28/193077-exclusive.png?itok=dzzW1dzM" />

In an exclusive interview with WION’s Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay, Australia and Kolkata Knight Riders cricketer Pat&nbsp;Cummins talked about donating $50,000 to PM Cares Fund, IPL amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and more.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-covid-crisis-russia-south-korea-canada-announce-assistance-prince-charles-uk-extend-solidarity-381127">India's Covid crisis: Russia, South Korea, Canada announce assistance; Prince Charles, UK extend solidarity</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/04/27/192888-untitled-design-7.jpg?itok=jtTmEfRt" />

Three more countries--Russia, South Korea, and Canada announced assistance to India to deal with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a>&nbsp;crisis as supplies continue to come from other parts of the world including Singapore.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-row-serum-institute-cuts-price-of-its-covid-vaccine-to-300-rupees-for-states-as-philanthropic-gesture-381112">After row, Serum Institute cuts price of its Covid vaccine to 300 rupees for states as 'philanthropic gesture'</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/04/21/192203-untitled-design-2.jpg?itok=xuEPKkYb" />

The price of the vaccine has been reduced from 400 rupees to 300 per dose for all Indian states, said an announcement by Adar Poonawalla on Wednesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-ropes-in-spy-agency-to-monitor-anti-vaxxers-covid-deniers-381096">Germany ropes in spy agency to monitor anti-vaxxers, Covid deniers</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/08/29/157207-covid-19.jpg?itok=mZRewyip" />

The interior ministry said that some protest leaders "have clearly demonstrated that their agenda goes beyond simply mobilising protests against the government's corona measures".&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-electoral-commission-to-probe-pm-boris-johnsons-flat-refurbishment-funding-scandal-381091">UK Electoral Commission to probe PM Boris Johnson's flat refurbishment funding scandal</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2019/07/24/103757-brexit1.jpg?itok=EKhHLo-y" />

After several allegations from the opposition party, Britain's Electoral Commission has decided to open a formal investigation against the UK Prime Minister&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/boris-johnson?page=1">Boris Johnson</a>&nbsp;about the refurbishment of his Downing Street apartment.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/bacteria-can-be-the-answer-to-remove-microplastics-from-environment-381156">Bacteria can be the answer to remove microplastics from environment</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2018/09/20/70501-Untitled%2520design%2520%25287%2529_118.jpg?itok=XRfpJ2VM" />

Generally smaller than 5 mm, microplastics are accidentally released into the environment during production and breakdown of items like water bottles, grocery bags, washing nylon clothes, among others.&nbsp;Even though these particles are tiny, they cannot be biodegradable easily, thereby hanging in the environment for long and also absorbing toxic chemicals.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/people-with-o-blood-group-less-vulnerable-to-covid-19-indian-research-body-381106">People with 'O' blood group less vulnerable to COVID-19: Indian research body</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/11/28/171596-blood-test.jpg?itok=REA0uJBZ" />

The pan-India analysis has revealed that people with blood group 'O' are less susceptible to COVID-19 and people with the blood groups 'B'&nbsp;and 'AB' are more vulnerable to the virus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-watch-virat-kohli-and-mohammed-sirajs-gesture-for-rishabh-pant-and-shimron-hetmyer-wins-hearts-381029">IPL 2021- WATCH: Virat Kohli and Mohammed Siraj's gesture for Rishabh Pant and Shimron Hetmyer wins hearts</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/04/28/193028-untitled-design-60.jpg?itok=f9ZOQ74b" />

RCB skipper Virat Kohli and Mohammed Siraj (who bowled the final over) were seen hugging and congratulating dejected Pant and Hetmyer immediately after the match ended.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-to-open-tourism-but-only-for-covid-passport-holders-381079">Spain to open tourism, but only for 'Covid passport' holders</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/12/17/174509-spain1.jpg?itok=dVLTilpR" />

Spain has decided to reopen its borders for travellers and holidaymakers from June but only if the incoming travellers can show their certification with the Covid certificate — the new digital health certificate scheme.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/asteroid-that-hit-botswana-in-2018-was-22-million-years-old-researchers-381137">Asteroid that hit Botswana in 2018 was 22 million years old: Researchers</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/04/28/193076-asteroid-botswana.jpg?itok=4l9TwKaq" />As per the researchers, the debris belongs to Vesta, which is one of the largest objects in our solar system and is believed to be the second-largest space rock in the asteroid belt.

In the middle of India's battle with coronavirus crisis, Russia, South Korea, and Canada also announce assistance as supplies continue to come from other parts of the world including Singapore, United Kingdom.

In the middle of India's battle with coronavirus crisis, Russia, South Korea, and Canada also announce assistance as supplies continue to come from other parts of the world including Singapore, United Kingdom. Meanwhile, after a row, Serum Institute cut the price of Covid vaccine for Indian states. Also, Germany's domestic intelligence agency has been roped in to monitor those who participated in the protest movement against coronavirus restrictions. Click on headlines to read more WION Exclusive: Will do more, says cricketer Pat Cummins after Covid donation to India wins hearts In an exclusive interview with WION’s Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay, Australia and Kolkata Knight Riders cricketer Pat Cummins talked about donating $50,000 to PM Cares Fund, IPL amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and more. India's Covid crisis: Russia, South Korea, Canada announce assistance; Prince Charles, UK extend solidarity Three more countries--Russia, South Korea, and Canada announced assistance to India to deal with the COVID-19 crisis as supplies continue to come from other parts of the world including Singapore. After row, Serum Institute cuts price of its Covid vaccine to 300 rupees for states as 'philanthropic gesture' The price of the vaccine has been reduced from 400 rupees to 300 per dose for all Indian states, said an announcement by Adar Poonawalla on Wednesday. Germany ropes in spy agency to monitor anti-vaxxers, Covid deniers The interior ministry said that some protest leaders "have clearly demonstrated that their agenda goes beyond simply mobilising protests against the government's corona measures". UK Electoral Commission to probe PM Boris Johnson's flat refurbishment funding scandal After several allegations from the opposition party, Britain's Electoral Commission has decided to open a formal investigation against the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson about the refurbishment of his Downing Street apartment. Bacteria can be the answer to remove microplastics from environment Generally smaller than 5 mm, microplastics are accidentally released into the environment during production and breakdown of items like water bottles, grocery bags, washing nylon clothes, among others. Even though these particles are tiny, they cannot be biodegradable easily, thereby hanging in the environment for long and also absorbing toxic chemicals. People with 'O' blood group less vulnerable to COVID-19: Indian research body The pan-India analysis has revealed that people with blood group 'O' are less susceptible to COVID-19 and people with the blood groups 'B' and 'AB' are more vulnerable to the virus. IPL 2021- WATCH: Virat Kohli and Mohammed Siraj's gesture for Rishabh Pant and Shimron Hetmyer wins hearts RCB skipper Virat Kohli and Mohammed Siraj (who bowled the final over) were seen hugging and congratulating dejected Pant and Hetmyer immediately after the match ended. Spain to open tourism, but only for 'Covid passport' holders Spain has decided to reopen its borders for travellers and holidaymakers from June but only if the incoming travellers can show their certification with the Covid certificate — the new digital health certificate scheme. Asteroid that hit Botswana in 2018 was 22 million years old: Researchers As per the researchers, the debris belongs to Vesta, which is one of the largest objects in our solar system and is believed to be the second-largest space rock in the asteroid belt.

Top 10 world news: India's Covid crisis, UK Johnson scandal, and more

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Abhilash Mahajan

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.