<p>The Biden administration will lift travel restrictions starting in November on foreigners who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, reopening the country to thousands of people, including those who have been separated from family in the United States during the pandemic.</p>

<p>The foreign travelers will need to show proof of vaccination before boarding and a negative test for the coronavirus within three days before coming to the United States, Jeff Zients, the White House pandemic coordinator, said Monday.</p>

<p>“International travel is critical to connecting families and friends, to fueling small and large businesses, to promoting the open exchange" of ideas and culture, Zients said. “That’s why, with science and public health as our guide, we have developed a new international air travel system that both enhances the safety of Americans here at home and enhances the safety of international air travel.”</p>

<p>The administration has restricted travel for foreigners looking to fly to the United States from a group of European countries, Iran and China for more than a year.</p>

<p>Unvaccinated Americans overseas aiming to travel home will have to clear stricter testing requirements. They will need to test negative for the coronavirus one day before traveling to the United States and show proof that they have bought a test to take after arriving in the United States, Zients said. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will also soon issue an order directing airlines to collect phone numbers and email addresses of travelers for a new contact-tracing system. Authorities will then follow up with the travelers after arrival to ask whether they are experiencing symptoms of the virus.</p>

<p>The changes announced Monday only apply to air travel and do not affect restrictions along the land border, Zients said.</p>

<p>The Trump administration began implementing the travel bans against foreign travelers in January 2020 in the hopes of preventing the spread of disease. The effort was largely unsuccessful. The prior administration’s mangled announcements over the restrictions also led to exoduses of American citizens, with packed, chaotic airports that had porous screenings.</p>

<p>President Joe Biden has kept the restrictions against potential travelers from the European Union, Britain, India and others, despite pleas from business leaders in need of profits from tourism, immigrant workers who traveled overseas to renew work visas to work in the United States only to be left stranded and citizens left separated from their romantic partners abroad.</p>

<p>The White House maintained the restrictions were necessary, particularly after the spread of the contagious delta variant this summer fueled a rise of coronavirus cases and undermined the central theme of Biden’s presidency — vaccinating Americans and getting the pandemic under control.</p>

<p>Zients cited the pace of vaccinations administered globally as a reason for the administration’s pivot. The decision also comes on the eve of a visit by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who was expected to press Biden to lift the ban. British officials had hoped the president would announce a relaxation of restrictions when he came to Cornwall, England, in June for the Group of 7 summit and were disappointed when he did not. Their frustration has only deepened since then.</p>

<p>The easing of the travel restrictions also comes as the administration has sought to reduce tensions with another ally in France after the United States kept Paris in the dark as it secretly negotiated an agreement with Australia to build nuclear submarines.</p>

<p>British officials note that the United States had not imposed a similar ban on people from Caribbean nations, which had a higher rate of infection than Britain, or from Argentina, which had lower percentage of its population vaccinated. About 82% of people in Britain older than 16 have had two shots.</p>

<p>Britain and several European Union countries allow fully vaccinated people from the United States to travel without quarantining, and officials there were annoyed when the United States did not reciprocate.</p>

<p>The ban, European officials point out, has kept families separated since early 2020, as the coronavirus was erupting across Europe. European countries have weathered a third wave of infections propelled by the delta variant. But in several countries, including Britain, infection rates have begun to level off and even decline.</p>

<p>After the announcement, Giovanni Vincenti, 42, an Italian professor who lives in Baltimore, thought about how his grandparents abroad would finally get to meet his daughter, who was born last May.</p>

<p>“I am trying not to cry because it’s such a beautiful day,” Vincenti said. On Monday, Vincenti’s wife, who is a Polish researcher on vaccines, was already on her computer trying to book a flight for her mother.</p>


The Biden administration will lift travel restrictions starting in November on foreigners who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, reopening the country to thousands of people, including those who have been separated from family in the United States during the pandemic.

The Biden administration will lift travel restrictions starting in November on foreigners who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, reopening the country to thousands of people, including those who have been separated from family in the United States during the pandemic. The foreign travelers will need to show proof of vaccination before boarding and a negative test for the coronavirus within three days before coming to the United States, Jeff Zients, the White House pandemic coordinator, said Monday. “International travel is critical to connecting families and friends, to fueling small and large businesses, to promoting the open exchange" of ideas and culture, Zients said. “That’s why, with science and public health as our guide, we have developed a new international air travel system that both enhances the safety of Americans here at home and enhances the safety of international air travel.” The administration has restricted travel for foreigners looking to fly to the United States from a group of European countries, Iran and China for more than a year. Unvaccinated Americans overseas aiming to travel home will have to clear stricter testing requirements. They will need to test negative for the coronavirus one day before traveling to the United States and show proof that they have bought a test to take after arriving in the United States, Zients said. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will also soon issue an order directing airlines to collect phone numbers and email addresses of travelers for a new contact-tracing system. Authorities will then follow up with the travelers after arrival to ask whether they are experiencing symptoms of the virus. The changes announced Monday only apply to air travel and do not affect restrictions along the land border, Zients said. The Trump administration began implementing the travel bans against foreign travelers in January 2020 in the hopes of preventing the spread of disease. The effort was largely unsuccessful. The prior administration’s mangled announcements over the restrictions also led to exoduses of American citizens, with packed, chaotic airports that had porous screenings. President Joe Biden has kept the restrictions against potential travelers from the European Union, Britain, India and others, despite pleas from business leaders in need of profits from tourism, immigrant workers who traveled overseas to renew work visas to work in the United States only to be left stranded and citizens left separated from their romantic partners abroad. The White House maintained the restrictions were necessary, particularly after the spread of the contagious delta variant this summer fueled a rise of coronavirus cases and undermined the central theme of Biden’s presidency — vaccinating Americans and getting the pandemic under control. Zients cited the pace of vaccinations administered globally as a reason for the administration’s pivot. The decision also comes on the eve of a visit by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who was expected to press Biden to lift the ban. British officials had hoped the president would announce a relaxation of restrictions when he came to Cornwall, England, in June for the Group of 7 summit and were disappointed when he did not. Their frustration has only deepened since then. The easing of the travel restrictions also comes as the administration has sought to reduce tensions with another ally in France after the United States kept Paris in the dark as it secretly negotiated an agreement with Australia to build nuclear submarines. British officials note that the United States had not imposed a similar ban on people from Caribbean nations, which had a higher rate of infection than Britain, or from Argentina, which had lower percentage of its population vaccinated. About 82% of people in Britain older than 16 have had two shots. Britain and several European Union countries allow fully vaccinated people from the United States to travel without quarantining, and officials there were annoyed when the United States did not reciprocate. The ban, European officials point out, has kept families separated since early 2020, as the coronavirus was erupting across Europe. European countries have weathered a third wave of infections propelled by the delta variant. But in several countries, including Britain, infection rates have begun to level off and even decline. After the announcement, Giovanni Vincenti, 42, an Italian professor who lives in Baltimore, thought about how his grandparents abroad would finally get to meet his daughter, who was born last May. “I am trying not to cry because it’s such a beautiful day,” Vincenti said. On Monday, Vincenti’s wife, who is a Polish researcher on vaccines, was already on her computer trying to book a flight for her mother.

US to lift restrictions on vaccinated international travelers

<p>In Ireland, thousands of businesses will reopen for the first time in more than 18 months. &nbsp;</p>

<p>For the first time since the start of the pandemic, not only will many people return to work in an office but many businesses including indoor yoga, dance and Pilates studios, art classes, indoor sports and fitness classes will also open for up to 100 people. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The people attending the indoor spaces must be fully vaccinated or prove they are immune due to recent recovery from COVID-19. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Ireland was entering a "new phase" of easing restrictions, said Tánaiste Leo Varadkar.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>All restrictions on outdoor group activities have also been removed. It means there will be no upper limit on numbers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Today will be a big day for thousands of businesses who are opening their doors for the first time since the pandemic and thousands of more people getting back to work," said Varadkar. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-children-aged-between-12-and-15-get-covid-vaccine-shots-in-uk-414537" hreflang="en">Now, children aged between 12 and 15 get Covid vaccine shots in UK</a></strong></p>

<p>"It has been an incredibly challenging 18 months for those running indoor activities. Business owners have had to make huge changes to their business, from moving outdoors to moving online. Your efforts to date have doubtless saved lives," Varadkar added. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The leader thanked the success of the vaccination programme that Ireland was in a position to ease restrictions further. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;&nbsp;</em></p>


In Ireland, thousands of businesses will reopen for the first time in more than 18 months. For the first time since the start of the pandemic, not only will many people return to work in an office but many businesses including indoor yoga, dance and Pilates studios, art classes, indoor sports and fitness classes will also open for up to 100 people.

In Ireland, thousands of businesses will reopen for the first time in more than 18 months. For the first time since the start of the pandemic, not only will many people return to work in an office but many businesses including indoor yoga, dance and Pilates studios, art classes, indoor sports and fitness classes will also open for up to 100 people. The people attending the indoor spaces must be fully vaccinated or prove they are immune due to recent recovery from COVID-19. Ireland was entering a "new phase" of easing restrictions, said Tánaiste Leo Varadkar. Watch: × All restrictions on outdoor group activities have also been removed. It means there will be no upper limit on numbers. “Today will be a big day for thousands of businesses who are opening their doors for the first time since the pandemic and thousands of more people getting back to work," said Varadkar. Also Read: Now, children aged between 12 and 15 get Covid vaccine shots in UK "It has been an incredibly challenging 18 months for those running indoor activities. Business owners have had to make huge changes to their business, from moving outdoors to moving online. Your efforts to date have doubtless saved lives," Varadkar added. The leader thanked the success of the vaccination programme that Ireland was in a position to ease restrictions further. (With inputs from agencies)

In Ireland, thousands of businesses reopen for first time in over 18 months  

<p>For Katie Wait, the coronavirus pandemic has been more than just a year and a half of uncertainty. It has also meant months separated from her parents, brother and extended family in Florida.</p>

<p>Birthdays missed. Milestones celebrated apart. Time together lost.</p>

<p>“It’s just been mentally and emotionally the most challenging year, when you really want your family around,” Wait said, suddenly overcome by tears. “It’s been hard.”</p>

<p>So Monday, she was one of many across Europe and the world who rejoiced when the Biden administration announced that an 18-month ban on travel from 33 countries, including Britain, member states of the European Union, Brazil, China, India, Iran and South Africa, would be lifted.</p>

<p>The travel ban had not been a mere inconvenience for Wait and countless others: It crushed jobs and dashed opportunities and put an immovable wall between them and families or partners.</p>

<p>The United States began to implement travel bans at the start of the pandemic in an attempt to stem the spread of the coronavirus. The bans extended to other nations as outbreaks continued. But they rankled Britain and nations in the European Union, particularly after those countries scrapped quarantine rules earlier this summer and welcomed fully vaccinated travelers from the United States.</p>

<p>When the United States did not immediately reciprocate, officials were annoyed. (As the delta variant spread over the summer, the European Union reversed course and recommended that member states once again restrict travel from the United States.)</p>

<p>As the months wore on, thousands who had been separated from family members and partners gathered online to share their experiences with the hashtag #LoveIsNotTourism to call attention to their plight.</p>

<p>Wait, who had to cancel a trip to catch up with family in March 2020 and has not seen her parents since 2019, found the support there vital. She, her husband and her 9-year-old daughter are British, but Wait’s parents and brother have lived in St. Augustine, Florida, for the past 17 years and are U.S. citizens.</p>

<p>“You never expected that if they went to live in America, you wouldn’t be able to get to them,” she said. “You never think in a million years things like this will happen, that the border would be closed.”</p>

<p>Some people found ways — often expensive or arduous — around the ban, by traveling to a third country to circumvent the rule.</p>

<p>When his ex-wife died in Italy in June 2020, Francesco Sacca, 44, an Italian entrepreneur who lives in Florida, immediately flew back to the country. But he and his children, who are 15 and 17, were caught up in the travel ban.</p>

<p>They managed to fly to Costa Rica, spend two weeks there, and then enter the United States, but in the following months Sacca had to travel repeatedly to Italy for paperwork related to the death. Every time, in order to return to the United States, he had to spend two weeks in Colombia or the United Arab Emirates or Qatar, at a total expense of 80,000 euros, or $93,000.</p>

<p>But what worried him most was leaving his children alone in Florida.</p>

<p>“Every morning, I think of my 15-year-old who goes to the bus stop alone with her bike in the dark,” he said by telephone from Doha, the capital of Qatar. “All because of this travel ban.”</p>

<p>For most people, such an expensive workaround was not an option.</p>

<p>The search for news of when the ban would be lifted became a daily ritual for some.</p>

<p>“It’s been very hard to not think about it,” Wait said.</p>

<p>Now, with the uncertainty finally over, Wait has booked flights to see her parents in November.</p>

<p>For Lucrezia Tassi, 24, it was not family but professional plans that were put out of reach by the ban. Tassi is an Italian from Caravaggio, a town near the northern city of Bergamo, where some of the most deadly moments of the pandemic’s early days unfolded.</p>

<p>She paused plans to become an au pair for a family in Seattle for more than a year because of the ban. She said the uncertainty had also prevented her from moving on with her life.</p>

<p>“I couldn’t look for a small job or even book a concert ticket because I didn’t know if in one month I would be here,” she said.</p>

<p>Alejandro Gaebelt, a Spanish sales manager who lives in Madrid, said the Biden administration’s decision to change the travel rules was a positive shift but came too late.</p>

<p>Gaebelt’s sister lives in the United States, and he had plans to travel with his wife and two children to visit her this summer, but the ban made their plans impossible.</p>

<p>“We lost out on what was going to be a great family trip,” he said.</p>

<p>Lucia Vidal lost her job after being stuck in Italy because of the travel ban. Vidal, 33, an Italian who had worked as a nanny in Washington for seven years, was home renewing her visa when the Trump administration announced the ban and has been unable to return.</p>

<p>After she was stuck in Italy for more than a year, her employer fired her. She has been unable to return to the United States even to gather her things.</p>

<p>“It’s 10 years of life in America,” she said. “I have always paid taxes, my friends are there. Now that I lost my job I feel lost.”</p>

<p>Elide Vincenti, 30, was unable to begin a job in Miami as she was also back in Italy getting a visa when the ban was announced. She was blocked from visiting her boyfriend in New York for more than a year. Her friends in Miami moved her belongings into a storage unit, but as she did not collect them for months, they were eventually thrown away.</p>

<p>“I don’t have anything anymore,” she said.</p>


For Katie Wait, the coronavirus pandemic has been more than just a year and a half of uncertainty. It has also meant months separated from her parents, brother and extended family in Florida.

For Katie Wait, the coronavirus pandemic has been more than just a year and a half of uncertainty. It has also meant months separated from her parents, brother and extended family in Florida. Birthdays missed. Milestones celebrated apart. Time together lost. “It’s just been mentally and emotionally the most challenging year, when you really want your family around,” Wait said, suddenly overcome by tears. “It’s been hard.” So Monday, she was one of many across Europe and the world who rejoiced when the Biden administration announced that an 18-month ban on travel from 33 countries, including Britain, member states of the European Union, Brazil, China, India, Iran and South Africa, would be lifted. The travel ban had not been a mere inconvenience for Wait and countless others: It crushed jobs and dashed opportunities and put an immovable wall between them and families or partners. The United States began to implement travel bans at the start of the pandemic in an attempt to stem the spread of the coronavirus. The bans extended to other nations as outbreaks continued. But they rankled Britain and nations in the European Union, particularly after those countries scrapped quarantine rules earlier this summer and welcomed fully vaccinated travelers from the United States. When the United States did not immediately reciprocate, officials were annoyed. (As the delta variant spread over the summer, the European Union reversed course and recommended that member states once again restrict travel from the United States.) As the months wore on, thousands who had been separated from family members and partners gathered online to share their experiences with the hashtag #LoveIsNotTourism to call attention to their plight. Wait, who had to cancel a trip to catch up with family in March 2020 and has not seen her parents since 2019, found the support there vital. She, her husband and her 9-year-old daughter are British, but Wait’s parents and brother have lived in St. Augustine, Florida, for the past 17 years and are U.S. citizens. “You never expected that if they went to live in America, you wouldn’t be able to get to them,” she said. “You never think in a million years things like this will happen, that the border would be closed.” Some people found ways — often expensive or arduous — around the ban, by traveling to a third country to circumvent the rule. When his ex-wife died in Italy in June 2020, Francesco Sacca, 44, an Italian entrepreneur who lives in Florida, immediately flew back to the country. But he and his children, who are 15 and 17, were caught up in the travel ban. They managed to fly to Costa Rica, spend two weeks there, and then enter the United States, but in the following months Sacca had to travel repeatedly to Italy for paperwork related to the death. Every time, in order to return to the United States, he had to spend two weeks in Colombia or the United Arab Emirates or Qatar, at a total expense of 80,000 euros, or $93,000. But what worried him most was leaving his children alone in Florida. “Every morning, I think of my 15-year-old who goes to the bus stop alone with her bike in the dark,” he said by telephone from Doha, the capital of Qatar. “All because of this travel ban.” For most people, such an expensive workaround was not an option. The search for news of when the ban would be lifted became a daily ritual for some. “It’s been very hard to not think about it,” Wait said. Now, with the uncertainty finally over, Wait has booked flights to see her parents in November. For Lucrezia Tassi, 24, it was not family but professional plans that were put out of reach by the ban. Tassi is an Italian from Caravaggio, a town near the northern city of Bergamo, where some of the most deadly moments of the pandemic’s early days unfolded. She paused plans to become an au pair for a family in Seattle for more than a year because of the ban. She said the uncertainty had also prevented her from moving on with her life. “I couldn’t look for a small job or even book a concert ticket because I didn’t know if in one month I would be here,” she said. Alejandro Gaebelt, a Spanish sales manager who lives in Madrid, said the Biden administration’s decision to change the travel rules was a positive shift but came too late. Gaebelt’s sister lives in the United States, and he had plans to travel with his wife and two children to visit her this summer, but the ban made their plans impossible. “We lost out on what was going to be a great family trip,” he said. Lucia Vidal lost her job after being stuck in Italy because of the travel ban. Vidal, 33, an Italian who had worked as a nanny in Washington for seven years, was home renewing her visa when the Trump administration announced the ban and has been unable to return. After she was stuck in Italy for more than a year, her employer fired her. She has been unable to return to the United States even to gather her things. “It’s 10 years of life in America,” she said. “I have always paid taxes, my friends are there. Now that I lost my job I feel lost.” Elide Vincenti, 30, was unable to begin a job in Miami as she was also back in Italy getting a visa when the ban was announced. She was blocked from visiting her boyfriend in New York for more than a year. Her friends in Miami moved her belongings into a storage unit, but as she did not collect them for months, they were eventually thrown away. “I don’t have anything anymore,” she said.

For families in Europe, US travel ban’s end is a new beginning

<p>By naming more ministers and deputies, the Taliban have expanded their interim Cabinet on Tuesday. &nbsp;</p>

<p>They still failed to appoint any women and have doubled down on a hardline course despite the international outcry that followed their initial presentation of an all-male government lineup earlier this month. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>The international community seems to have been saying that it will judge the Taliban by their actions, and that recognition of a Taliban-led government would be linked to the treatment of women and minorities. &nbsp;</p>

<p>At a news conference, Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid held out the possibility of adding women to the Cabinet at a later time, but did not give any specifics. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-admire-pakistan-pm-imran-khans-efforts-for-afghanistan-414670" hreflang="en">Taliban admire Pakistan PM Imran Khan's efforts for Afghanistan</a></strong></p>

<p>Mujahid also said the Taliban are preparing rules for allowing teenage girls and women to return to schools and jobs in line with Islamic law, but did not say when that might happen. &nbsp;</p>

<p>In defence of the latest additions to the Cabinet, Mujahid said they included members of ethnic minorities, such as the Hazaras. The leader said the deputies were chosen for their technical skills. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-first-address-at-un-general-assembly-2021-us-president-joe-biden-says-ended-afghan-war-to-enter-new-era-of-diplomacy-414726" hreflang="en">In first address at UN General Assembly 2021, US President Joe Biden says ended Afghan war to enter new era of diplomacy</a></strong></p>

<p>Bristling at international conditions for recognition, Mujahid said there was no reason for withholding it. "It is the responsibility of the United Nations to recognise our government (and) for other countries, including European, Asian and Islamic countries, to have diplomatic relations with us," he said. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em> &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>


By naming more ministers and deputies, the Taliban have expanded their interim Cabinet on Tuesday. They still failed to appoint any women and have doubled down on a hardline course despite the international outcry that followed their initial presentation of an all-male government lineup earlier this month.

By naming more ministers and deputies, the Taliban have expanded their interim Cabinet on Tuesday. They still failed to appoint any women and have doubled down on a hardline course despite the international outcry that followed their initial presentation of an all-male government lineup earlier this month. Watch: × The international community seems to have been saying that it will judge the Taliban by their actions, and that recognition of a Taliban-led government would be linked to the treatment of women and minorities. At a news conference, Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid held out the possibility of adding women to the Cabinet at a later time, but did not give any specifics. Also Read: Taliban admire Pakistan PM Imran Khan's efforts for Afghanistan Mujahid also said the Taliban are preparing rules for allowing teenage girls and women to return to schools and jobs in line with Islamic law, but did not say when that might happen. In defence of the latest additions to the Cabinet, Mujahid said they included members of ethnic minorities, such as the Hazaras. The leader said the deputies were chosen for their technical skills. Also Read: In first address at UN General Assembly 2021, US President Joe Biden says ended Afghan war to enter new era of diplomacy Bristling at international conditions for recognition, Mujahid said there was no reason for withholding it. "It is the responsibility of the United Nations to recognise our government (and) for other countries, including European, Asian and Islamic countries, to have diplomatic relations with us," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban announce expansion to interim Cabinet, fail to include women again despite outcry

<p>In first address before the UN General Assembly 2021, US President Joe Biden said on Tuesday that closing the period of relentless war, the US will usher into a new era of diplomacy by using the power of the development aid to invest in new ways for helping&nbsp;people around the world. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>The president seems to have set the table for his administration to shift attention to intensive diplomacy as there is no shortage of crisis around the globe. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Noting his decision to end America's longest war last month in Afghanistan, Biden said he is driven by a belief that "to deliver for our own people, we must also engage deeply with the rest of the world". &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-general-assembly-2021-biden-raises-xinjiang-human-rights-abuse-issue-in-maiden-speech-414711" hreflang="en">UN General Assembly 2021 | Biden raises Xinjiang human rights abuse issue in maiden speech</a></strong></p>

<p>Biden said, "We've ended 20 years of conflict in Afghanistan. And as we close this period of relentless war, we're opening a new era of relentless diplomacy of using the power of our development aid to invest in new ways of lifting people up around the world." &nbsp;</p>

<p>Eight months into his presidency, the US president has been out of sync with allies on the chaotic ending to the US war in Afghanistan.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-urges-action-on-climate-during-his-address-at-unga-414708" hreflang="en">Biden urges action on climate during his address at UNGA</a></strong>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite these differences, Biden hopes to use the address at the General Assembly as well as a series of one-on-one and larger meetings with world leaders this week to make the case for American leadership on the world stage. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


In first address before the UN General Assembly 2021, US President Joe Biden said on Tuesday that closing the period of relentless war, the US will usher into a new era of diplomacy by using the power of the development aid to invest in new ways for helping people around the world.

In first address before the UN General Assembly 2021, US President Joe Biden said on Tuesday that closing the period of relentless war, the US will usher into a new era of diplomacy by using the power of the development aid to invest in new ways for helping people around the world. Watch: × The president seems to have set the table for his administration to shift attention to intensive diplomacy as there is no shortage of crisis around the globe. Noting his decision to end America's longest war last month in Afghanistan, Biden said he is driven by a belief that "to deliver for our own people, we must also engage deeply with the rest of the world". Also Read: UN General Assembly 2021 | Biden raises Xinjiang human rights abuse issue in maiden speech Biden said, "We've ended 20 years of conflict in Afghanistan. And as we close this period of relentless war, we're opening a new era of relentless diplomacy of using the power of our development aid to invest in new ways of lifting people up around the world." Eight months into his presidency, the US president has been out of sync with allies on the chaotic ending to the US war in Afghanistan. Also Read: Biden urges action on climate during his address at UNGA Despite these differences, Biden hopes to use the address at the General Assembly as well as a series of one-on-one and larger meetings with world leaders this week to make the case for American leadership on the world stage. (With inputs from agencies)

In first address at UN General Assembly 2021, US President Joe Biden says ended Afghan war to enter new era of diplomacy  

<p>The 3,500-year-old Gilgamesh Dream Tablet, which is one of the oldest surviving literary works in history, is to be returned to Iraq by the United States later this week, the UN agency for Education, Science and Culture (UNESCO) said on Monday.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>The Gilgamesh Tablet, which is made of clay, is priceless. It features inscriptions in Sumerian, a civilisation of ancient Mesopotamia. After the start of the Gulf War in August 1990, the treasure was taken from a museum in Iraq.</p>

<p>In 2007, it was introduced fraudulently into the US art market. In 2014, the artefact was acquired by the craft retail chain, Hobby Lobby, for display at the Museum of the Bible, in Washington DC, which is funded by the family of Hobby Lobby’s owner, as per news reports. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-first-sex-worker-group-gets-unionised-in-canada-414677" hreflang="en">In a first, sex worker group gets unionised in Canada</a></strong></p>

<p>In July, the US Department of Justice announced that it was ordering the official handing over of the tablet, as it had entered the US “contrary to federal law”, noting that federal agents had seized the tablet from the museum, in September 2019. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>At a ceremony at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC on this Thursday, it will now be formally returned to Iraq.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/guinness-certifies-107-year-old-siblings-from-japan-as-worlds-oldest-twins-414652" hreflang="en">Guinness certifies 107-year-old siblings from Japan as world's oldest twins</a></strong></p>

<p>In a celebratory message, UNESCO’s Director-General, Audrey Azoulay, said, “By returning these illegally acquired objects, the authorities here in the United States and in Iraq are allowing the Iraqi people to reconnect with a page in their history. This exceptional restitution is a major victory over those who mutilate heritage and then traffic it to finance violence and terrorism.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The 3,500-year-old Gilgamesh Dream Tablet, which is one of the oldest surviving literary works in history, is to be returned to Iraq by the United States later this week, the UN agency for Education, Science and Culture (UNESCO) said on Monday.

The 3,500-year-old Gilgamesh Dream Tablet, which is one of the oldest surviving literary works in history, is to be returned to Iraq by the United States later this week, the UN agency for Education, Science and Culture (UNESCO) said on Monday. Watch: × The Gilgamesh Tablet, which is made of clay, is priceless. It features inscriptions in Sumerian, a civilisation of ancient Mesopotamia. After the start of the Gulf War in August 1990, the treasure was taken from a museum in Iraq. In 2007, it was introduced fraudulently into the US art market. In 2014, the artefact was acquired by the craft retail chain, Hobby Lobby, for display at the Museum of the Bible, in Washington DC, which is funded by the family of Hobby Lobby’s owner, as per news reports. Also Read: In a first, sex worker group gets unionised in Canada In July, the US Department of Justice announced that it was ordering the official handing over of the tablet, as it had entered the US “contrary to federal law”, noting that federal agents had seized the tablet from the museum, in September 2019. At a ceremony at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC on this Thursday, it will now be formally returned to Iraq. Also Read: Guinness certifies 107-year-old siblings from Japan as world's oldest twins In a celebratory message, UNESCO’s Director-General, Audrey Azoulay, said, “By returning these illegally acquired objects, the authorities here in the United States and in Iraq are allowing the Iraqi people to reconnect with a page in their history. This exceptional restitution is a major victory over those who mutilate heritage and then traffic it to finance violence and terrorism.” (With inputs from agencies)

Looted ancient Gilgamesh tablet to be returned to Iraq by US this week

<p>Two prominent Republican operatives, who allegedly helped a Russian national illegally donate $25,000 to the Trump campaign in 2016, have been charged by the Justice Department of the country on Monday. &nbsp;</p>

<p>In a six-count indictment, 43-year-old Jesse Benton and 75-year-old Doug Wead were charged. They made their first appearance in DC District Court. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>These operatives have been accused of making an illegal foreign contribution, conspiring to violate campaign finance laws and helping submit false records to the Federal Election Commission. The information about their defence attorneys was not available. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Benton and Wead funnelled $25,000 from an unnamed Russian donor to the Trump Victory Committee, a joint fundraising venture between then-candidate Donald Trump's campaign and the Republican National Committee, said the prosecutors. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democrats-begin-effort-to-curb-post-trump-presidential-powers-414646" hreflang="en">Democrats begin effort to curb post-Trump presidential powers</a></strong>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Russian national had then attended a fundraiser in Philadelphia in September 2016, where he met Trump and took photos with him. &nbsp;</p>

<p>In the court filings, there is no indication that the case is connected to the special counsel investigation, which examined the many ties between Trump's 2016 campaign and Russia. It says Trump's campaign was not aware that the money came from a foreign national. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pandemic-claims-more-american-lives-than-1918-flu-data-shows-414638" hreflang="en">Pandemic claims more American lives than 1918 flu, data shows</a></strong></p>

<p>As per the indictment, the Russian wired $100,000 to a company that Benton owned. He kept $75,000 and donated $25,000 to the Trump Victory Committee. The indictment does not name Trump or the committee. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Two prominent Republican operatives, who allegedly helped a Russian national illegally donate $25,000 to the Trump campaign in 2016, have been charged by the Justice Department of the country on Monday.

Two prominent Republican operatives, who allegedly helped a Russian national illegally donate $25,000 to the Trump campaign in 2016, have been charged by the Justice Department of the country on Monday. In a six-count indictment, 43-year-old Jesse Benton and 75-year-old Doug Wead were charged. They made their first appearance in DC District Court. Watch: × These operatives have been accused of making an illegal foreign contribution, conspiring to violate campaign finance laws and helping submit false records to the Federal Election Commission. The information about their defence attorneys was not available. Benton and Wead funnelled $25,000 from an unnamed Russian donor to the Trump Victory Committee, a joint fundraising venture between then-candidate Donald Trump's campaign and the Republican National Committee, said the prosecutors. Also Read: Democrats begin effort to curb post-Trump presidential powers The Russian national had then attended a fundraiser in Philadelphia in September 2016, where he met Trump and took photos with him. In the court filings, there is no indication that the case is connected to the special counsel investigation, which examined the many ties between Trump's 2016 campaign and Russia. It says Trump's campaign was not aware that the money came from a foreign national. Also Read: Pandemic claims more American lives than 1918 flu, data shows As per the indictment, the Russian wired $100,000 to a company that Benton owned. He kept $75,000 and donated $25,000 to the Trump Victory Committee. The indictment does not name Trump or the committee. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump 2016 campaign: Two charged by US Justice Deptt for funnelling $25,000 from Russian national

<p>In a pathbreaking move, one of the oldest sex worker organisation based in Toronto has become the first of its kind to get unionised in the country under the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE). &nbsp;</p>

<p>The group’s name is Maggie’s. Jassie Justice, an outreach worker at Maggie’s, who led union efforts, said “Unionising allows staff to tangibly address racism, transphobia, low wages, and too few working hours for staff.”</p>

<p><strong>Watch:</strong></p>

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<p>Although the union only represents Maggie’s staff, sex workers across Canada hope the move sparks a nationwide trend. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sex workers say, unions make it possible for workers to force employers to give them paternity leave, paid time off and meaningful ways to address violations and abuses incurred on the job. Pay-docking can also be tackled through it.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/guinness-certifies-107-year-old-siblings-from-japan-as-worlds-oldest-twins-414652" hreflang="en">Guinness certifies 107-year-old siblings from Japan as world's oldest twins</a></strong> &nbsp;</p>

<p>Across Canada, many strippers have to go through third-party agencies to get work at clubs, so they are subject to the ways they are treated by club management and by the agents coordinating their work. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-41-million-dementia-cases-globally-undiagnosed-claims-study-414671" hreflang="en">Over 41 million dementia cases globally undiagnosed, claims study</a></strong></p>

<p>When it comes to pay, agencies take a cut, and clubs use pay docking as a way to penalise strippers for being late or failing to hit targets. “It’s straight-up extortion,” one stripper said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>To make matters worse, there aren’t enough government guidelines protecting sex workers, including strippers.&nbsp;</p>


In a pathbreaking move, one of the oldest sex worker organisation based in Toronto has become the first of its kind to get unionised in the country under the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE).

In a pathbreaking move, one of the oldest sex worker organisation based in Toronto has become the first of its kind to get unionised in the country under the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE). The group’s name is Maggie’s. Jassie Justice, an outreach worker at Maggie’s, who led union efforts, said “Unionising allows staff to tangibly address racism, transphobia, low wages, and too few working hours for staff.” Watch: × Although the union only represents Maggie’s staff, sex workers across Canada hope the move sparks a nationwide trend. Sex workers say, unions make it possible for workers to force employers to give them paternity leave, paid time off and meaningful ways to address violations and abuses incurred on the job. Pay-docking can also be tackled through it. Also Read: Guinness certifies 107-year-old siblings from Japan as world's oldest twins Across Canada, many strippers have to go through third-party agencies to get work at clubs, so they are subject to the ways they are treated by club management and by the agents coordinating their work. Also Read: Over 41 million dementia cases globally undiagnosed, claims study When it comes to pay, agencies take a cut, and clubs use pay docking as a way to penalise strippers for being late or failing to hit targets. “It’s straight-up extortion,” one stripper said. To make matters worse, there aren’t enough government guidelines protecting sex workers, including strippers.

In a first, sex worker group gets unionised in Canada

<p>As France deals with the fallout from Australia's cancellation of a $40 billion French submarine deal, French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed co-operating over the Indo-Pacific region on Tuesday. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:</strong></p>

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<p>A statement from Macron’s office said, the two leaders held a phone conversation on Tuesday. In the call, they also discussed various issues, such as the crisis in Afghanistan. &nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi also tweeted, "Spoke with my friend President&nbsp;@EmmanuelMacron&nbsp;on the situation in Afghanistan. We also discussed closer collaboration between India and France in the Indo-Pacific. We place great value on our Strategic Partnership with France, including in the UNSC."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Spoke with my friend President <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmmanuelMacron</a> on the situation in Afghanistan. We also discussed closer collaboration between India and France in the Indo-Pacific. We place great value on our Strategic Partnership with France, including in the UNSC.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1440293420212260877?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to ensure an open and inclusive Indo-Pacific area. They also looked to promote regional stability and the rule of law, while ruling out any form of hegemony. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/before-trade-talks-eu-seeks-apology-from-australia-over-frances-treatment-in-aukus-row-414641" hreflang="en">Before trade talks, EU seeks apology from Australia over France’s treatment in Aukus row</a></strong></p>

<p>Macron reiterated France's commitment to contribute in strengthening India's strategic autonomy, including its industrial and technological base, within the framework of a close relationship based on trust and mutual respect between two strategic partners. He said bilateral cooperation in all areas, in particular on the economic front, will be strengthened. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The leaders said the authorities in power in Afghanistan need to sever links with international terror organisations, allow humanitarian organisations to operate throughout the country and respect the fundamental rights of Afghan women and men. Also let the evacuation operations continue unhindered. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/first-modi-biden-meet-to-focus-on-afghanistan-terrorism-bolstering-indo-us-ties-foreign-secretary-414633" hreflang="en">First Modi-Biden meet to focus on Afghanistan, terrorism, bolstering Indo-US ties: Foreign Secretary</a></strong></p>

<p>Both the leaders assured to maintain regular exchanges to coordinate upstream of the next deadlines, in particular the G20 and COP 26 on the climate, and will continue their joint actions against the pandemic. Macron welcomed India’s decision to resume deliveries of vaccines to COVAX. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


As France deals with the fallout from Australia's cancellation of a $40 billion French submarine deal, French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed co-operating over the Indo-Pacific region on Tuesday.

As France deals with the fallout from Australia's cancellation of a $40 billion French submarine deal, French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed co-operating over the Indo-Pacific region on Tuesday. Watch: × A statement from Macron’s office said, the two leaders held a phone conversation on Tuesday. In the call, they also discussed various issues, such as the crisis in Afghanistan. PM Modi also tweeted, "Spoke with my friend President @EmmanuelMacron on the situation in Afghanistan. We also discussed closer collaboration between India and France in the Indo-Pacific. We place great value on our Strategic Partnership with France, including in the UNSC." Spoke with my friend President @EmmanuelMacron on the situation in Afghanistan. We also discussed closer collaboration between India and France in the Indo-Pacific. We place great value on our Strategic Partnership with France, including in the UNSC. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 21, 2021 × The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to ensure an open and inclusive Indo-Pacific area. They also looked to promote regional stability and the rule of law, while ruling out any form of hegemony. Also Read: Before trade talks, EU seeks apology from Australia over France’s treatment in Aukus row Macron reiterated France's commitment to contribute in strengthening India's strategic autonomy, including its industrial and technological base, within the framework of a close relationship based on trust and mutual respect between two strategic partners. He said bilateral cooperation in all areas, in particular on the economic front, will be strengthened. The leaders said the authorities in power in Afghanistan need to sever links with international terror organisations, allow humanitarian organisations to operate throughout the country and respect the fundamental rights of Afghan women and men. Also let the evacuation operations continue unhindered. Also Read: First Modi-Biden meet to focus on Afghanistan, terrorism, bolstering Indo-US ties: Foreign Secretary Both the leaders assured to maintain regular exchanges to coordinate upstream of the next deadlines, in particular the G20 and COP 26 on the climate, and will continue their joint actions against the pandemic. Macron welcomed India’s decision to resume deliveries of vaccines to COVAX. (With inputs from agencies)

In call, French President Emmanuel Macron, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discuss Indo-Pacific, Afghanistan

<p>As the fallout from the Aukus announcement threatens to delay an important&nbsp;trade deal, European Union (EU) officials are demanding answers and an apology from Australia over its treatment of France. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>Australia’s hopes of entering into a free-trade deal with the EU seems to have hit a roadblock as the EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen is demanding Canberra’s explanation on its conduct with&nbsp;EU member state, France.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While entering into a partnership with the United States and United Kingdom in a new agreement named as Aukus, the Morrison government announced it was cancelling its $90bn submarine contract with the French. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/aukus-could-trigger-a-nuclear-arms-race-north-korea-414521" hreflang="en">Aukus could trigger a 'nuclear arms race': North Korea</a></strong></p>

<p>The French have claimed to have been “blindsided” by the announcement. Although attempts have been made to soothe the controversy, the French recalled their ambassador and have asked the EU to reconsider Australia’s involvement in a free-trade deal with it. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The trade talks with Australia are expected to continue as planned. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-nuclear-submarine-contract-row-biden-seeks-early-talks-with-macron-to-clear-air-414228" hreflang="en">Amid nuclear submarine contract row, Biden seeks early talks with Macron to clear air &nbsp;</a></strong></p>

<p>“One of our member states has been treated in a way that is not acceptable, so we want to know what happened and why. Therefore, you first of all clarify that, before you keep on going with business as usual,” von der Leyen said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


As the fallout from the Aukus announcement threatens to delay an important trade deal, European Union (EU) officials are demanding answers and an apology from Australia over its treatment of France.

As the fallout from the Aukus announcement threatens to delay an important trade deal, European Union (EU) officials are demanding answers and an apology from Australia over its treatment of France. Watch: × Australia’s hopes of entering into a free-trade deal with the EU seems to have hit a roadblock as the EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen is demanding Canberra’s explanation on its conduct with EU member state, France. While entering into a partnership with the United States and United Kingdom in a new agreement named as Aukus, the Morrison government announced it was cancelling its $90bn submarine contract with the French. Also Read | Aukus could trigger a 'nuclear arms race': North Korea The French have claimed to have been “blindsided” by the announcement. Although attempts have been made to soothe the controversy, the French recalled their ambassador and have asked the EU to reconsider Australia’s involvement in a free-trade deal with it. The trade talks with Australia are expected to continue as planned. Also Read: Amid nuclear submarine contract row, Biden seeks early talks with Macron to clear air “One of our member states has been treated in a way that is not acceptable, so we want to know what happened and why. Therefore, you first of all clarify that, before you keep on going with business as usual,” von der Leyen said. (With inputs from agencies)

Before trade talks, EU seeks apology from Australia over France’s treatment in Aukus row

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{098c7ab6-4c59-416c-b443-2040bc0aed51}{69}" paraid="1715772173" >In a petition seeking directions to classify pregnant women and lactating mothers as “high-risk” category for Covid, Indian Supreme Court issued a notice to the Union government on Monday.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{098c7ab6-4c59-416c-b443-2040bc0aed51}{138}" paraid="1977801158" >The petition also looks to give them priority in vaccination against the illness, reported news agency PTI.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{098c7ab6-4c59-416c-b443-2040bc0aed51}{138}" paraid="1977801158" ><strong>Watch:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>The bench comprising Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice BV Nagarathna has directed the Centre to file its response within two weeks over the plea filed by the Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR).&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{098c7ab6-4c59-416c-b443-2040bc0aed51}{166}" paraid="270489184" >In the hearing, advocate Vrinda Grover, who appeared on behalf of the child rights body, argued that though the Central government issued guidelines for inoculating pregnant women against Covid, it is now being claimed that vaccinating them could lead to “adverse effects.”</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{098c7ab6-4c59-416c-b443-2040bc0aed51}{166}" paraid="270489184" ><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/do-your-own-research-four-words-hurting-us-response-to-covid-says-report-414459" hreflang="en">'Do your own research': Four words hurting US response to Covid, says report</a></strong> &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{098c7ab6-4c59-416c-b443-2040bc0aed51}{180}" paraid="1652582827" >In the top court, Grover submitted, “We need to declare women facing such conditions as high-risk categories, and since people are dealing with a virus that they don’t know much about, there is a need to conduct continuous research to observe the effects of vaccination on them.”</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{098c7ab6-4c59-416c-b443-2040bc0aed51}{180}" paraid="1652582827" ><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-unhappy-over-changes-in-uk-travel-rules-report-414394" hreflang="en">India unhappy over changes in UK travel rules: Report</a></strong> &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{098c7ab6-4c59-416c-b443-2040bc0aed51}{194}" paraid="2012453646" >Grover added that a platform should also be set up to register women, who are expecting, for the purpose of properly monitoring the effects of a Covid shot on them.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{098c7ab6-4c59-416c-b443-2040bc0aed51}{208}" paraid="1646597988" >The DCPCR’s appeal was filed in May this year. The bench sought assistance of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, the Centre’s top law officer, to apprise it on the policy to administer vaccine shots to pregnant women, and what additional steps can be taken.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{098c7ab6-4c59-416c-b443-2040bc0aed51}{222}" paraid="478468920" ><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


In a petition seeking directions to classify pregnant women and lactating mothers as “high-risk” category for Covid, Indian Supreme Court issued a notice to the Union government on Monday.

In a petition seeking directions to classify pregnant women and lactating mothers as “high-risk” category for Covid, Indian Supreme Court issued a notice to the Union government on Monday. The petition also looks to give them priority in vaccination against the illness, reported news agency PTI. Watch: × The bench comprising Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice BV Nagarathna has directed the Centre to file its response within two weeks over the plea filed by the Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR). In the hearing, advocate Vrinda Grover, who appeared on behalf of the child rights body, argued that though the Central government issued guidelines for inoculating pregnant women against Covid, it is now being claimed that vaccinating them could lead to “adverse effects.” Also Read | 'Do your own research': Four words hurting US response to Covid, says report In the top court, Grover submitted, “We need to declare women facing such conditions as high-risk categories, and since people are dealing with a virus that they don’t know much about, there is a need to conduct continuous research to observe the effects of vaccination on them.” Also Read | India unhappy over changes in UK travel rules: Report Grover added that a platform should also be set up to register women, who are expecting, for the purpose of properly monitoring the effects of a Covid shot on them. The DCPCR’s appeal was filed in May this year. The bench sought assistance of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, the Centre’s top law officer, to apprise it on the policy to administer vaccine shots to pregnant women, and what additional steps can be taken. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian SC asks for govt take on plea seeking priority jab for pregnant women

<p>In the latest expansion of the vaccination programme, the UK's health service has started to roll out Covid vaccines for schoolchildren aged between 12 years and 15 years on Monday. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>In this age group, around&nbsp;three million children are eligible for one dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. This move has been taken after the government's acceptance of the UK Chief Medical Officers' recommendation last week. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>This week, England and Scotland will begin the vaccines rollout, while Wales and Northern Ireland are scheduled to do it by next week. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid said, it's encouraging to see 12 to 15-year-olds are starting to get their vaccinations today reflecting our ongoing commitment to protect young people from COVID-19 and minimise any disruption to their education. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/do-your-own-research-four-words-hurting-us-response-to-covid-says-report-414459" hreflang="en">'Do your own research': Four words hurting US response to Covid, says report</a></strong></p>

<p>The vaccine has made a significant difference in saving lives and reducing transmissions, and has met the strict standards of safety and effectiveness of our renowned medicines regulator for those aged 12 and over, the health secretary said. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The jabs will start in hundreds of schools across the country this week, said the National Health Service (NHS). It added that invitations for a Covid booster dose are also being sent to eligible over-50s this week. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


In the latest expansion of the vaccination programme, the UK's health service has started to roll out Covid vaccines for schoolchildren aged between 12 years and 15 years on Monday.

In the latest expansion of the vaccination programme, the UK's health service has started to roll out Covid vaccines for schoolchildren aged between 12 years and 15 years on Monday. In this age group, around three million children are eligible for one dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. This move has been taken after the government's acceptance of the UK Chief Medical Officers' recommendation last week. Watch: × This week, England and Scotland will begin the vaccines rollout, while Wales and Northern Ireland are scheduled to do it by next week. UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid said, it's encouraging to see 12 to 15-year-olds are starting to get their vaccinations today reflecting our ongoing commitment to protect young people from COVID-19 and minimise any disruption to their education. Also Read | 'Do your own research': Four words hurting US response to Covid, says report The vaccine has made a significant difference in saving lives and reducing transmissions, and has met the strict standards of safety and effectiveness of our renowned medicines regulator for those aged 12 and over, the health secretary said. The jabs will start in hundreds of schools across the country this week, said the National Health Service (NHS). It added that invitations for a Covid booster dose are also being sent to eligible over-50s this week. (With inputs from agencies)

Now, children aged between 12 and 15 get Covid vaccine shots in UK

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Gandharv Walia

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