Morning news brief: We bring to you the biggest stories of Monday morning-&nbsp;Chile's centre-right ruling coalition has secured 21% of votes for its list of new constitution delegates with 59% of votes counted.&nbsp;In the Israel-Gaza conflict, Blinken and Qatar's Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani discuss 'efforts to restore calm in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza in light of the tragic loss of civilian life. On the other hand, the Taliban group plans to attend the Istanbul summit but wants the end negotiations to take place in Doha. The negotiating teams met in Doha on May 14 after a long pause. This and more below. To read the full story, please click on the headline.

<a href="Chile ruling coalition heading for disappointment in constitutional delegates vote">Chile ruling coalition heading for disappointment in constitutional delegates vote</a>

Independent candidates emerged as the big winners of the weekend vote to pick 155 men and women to rewrite the current charter drafted during the 1973-1990 dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet.

<img alt="China" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d353ce67-9fa8-4eaa-a4fb-b3495623acc0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1.2.PNG" />

<a href="Online gambling soared during lockdown especially among regular gamblers: Study">Online gambling soared during lockdown especially among regular gamblers: Study</a>

For instance, usage of online gambling, including poker, bingo, and casino games, grew six-fold among regular gamblers. Respondents who gambled occasionally were still found to be more than twice as likely than before to gamble online. Those who struggled financially before the pandemic were more likely to report gambling during the lockdown.

<img alt="Online" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f4564fb8-6b3c-4e88-9960-f9a9254f5453" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1.4.PNG" />

<a href="Taliban open to Istanbul summit but wants end negotiations to take place in Doha">Taliban open to Istanbul summit but wants end negotiations to take place in Doha</a>

According to Tolo News, the Taliban group plans to attend the Istanbul summit but wants the end negotiations to take place in Doha. The negotiating teams met in Doha on May 14 after a long pause.

<img alt="Taliban" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ccbad2c5-2a04-4f8f-9adb-1c985bc6b4f4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1.7.PNG" />

<a href="Israel-Palestine conflict: Gaza fighting enters second week, death toll nears 200">Israel-Palestine conflict: Gaza fighting enters second week, death toll nears 200</a>

Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City flatten three buildings and kill at least 42 people on Sunday, as reported by Aljazeera news.

<img alt="Gaza" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d70a38b7-8c71-47c6-aa2d-69b31d6b920c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1.6.PNG" />

<a href="China bars foreign curriculum, ownership in some private schools">China bars foreign curriculum, ownership in some private schools</a>

The laws, which will come into effect on Sept. 1, are the latest in a series of measures taken by Beijing to tighten control of its fast-growing education sector and public discourse.

<img alt="China" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c2e76fab-8eee-4b0e-888e-1af0313cfa96" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1.5.PNG" />

<a href="Online gambling soared during lockdown especially among regular gamblers: Study">Blinken discusses Gaza in calls with Qatari, Egyptian, Saudi foreign ministers&nbsp;</a>

Blinken and Qatar's Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani discussed 'efforts to restore calm in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza in light of the tragic loss of civilian life, the State Department said.&nbsp;

<img alt="Blinken" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="91ce0b05-9c18-4fc0-aa34-0202ed892d5b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/1.8.PNG" />

Watch -&nbsp;<a href="Palestinian FM accuses Israel of 'War Crimes' throughout Gaza">Palestinian FM accuses Israel of 'War Crimes' throughout Gaza</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/palestinian-fm-accuses-israel-of-war-crimes-throughout-gaza-385517/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">Watch-&nbsp;<a href="Brazil's fight against COVID-19 hampered by heavy rainfall">Brazil's fight against COVID-19 hampered by heavy rainfall</a></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/brazils-fight-against-covid-19-hampered-by-heavy-rainfall-385515/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Morning news brief: We bring to you the biggest stories of Monday morning- Chile's centre-right ruling coalition has secured 21% of votes for its list of new constitution delegates with 59% of votes counted.

Morning news brief: We bring to you the biggest stories of Monday morning- Chile's centre-right ruling coalition has secured 21% of votes for its list of new constitution delegates with 59% of votes counted. In the Israel-Gaza conflict, Blinken and Qatar's Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani discuss 'efforts to restore calm in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza in light of the tragic loss of civilian life. On the other hand, the Taliban group plans to attend the Istanbul summit but wants the end negotiations to take place in Doha. The negotiating teams met in Doha on May 14 after a long pause. This and more below. To read the full story, please click on the headline. Chile ruling coalition heading for disappointment in constitutional delegates vote Independent candidates emerged as the big winners of the weekend vote to pick 155 men and women to rewrite the current charter drafted during the 1973-1990 dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet. Online gambling soared during lockdown especially among regular gamblers: Study For instance, usage of online gambling, including poker, bingo, and casino games, grew six-fold among regular gamblers. Respondents who gambled occasionally were still found to be more than twice as likely than before to gamble online. Those who struggled financially before the pandemic were more likely to report gambling during the lockdown. Taliban open to Istanbul summit but wants end negotiations to take place in Doha According to Tolo News, the Taliban group plans to attend the Istanbul summit but wants the end negotiations to take place in Doha. The negotiating teams met in Doha on May 14 after a long pause. Israel-Palestine conflict: Gaza fighting enters second week, death toll nears 200 Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City flatten three buildings and kill at least 42 people on Sunday, as reported by Aljazeera news. China bars foreign curriculum, ownership in some private schools The laws, which will come into effect on Sept. 1, are the latest in a series of measures taken by Beijing to tighten control of its fast-growing education sector and public discourse. Blinken discusses Gaza in calls with Qatari, Egyptian, Saudi foreign ministers Blinken and Qatar's Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani discussed 'efforts to restore calm in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza in light of the tragic loss of civilian life, the State Department said. Watch - Palestinian FM accuses Israel of 'War Crimes' throughout Gaza Watch- Brazil's fight against COVID-19 hampered by heavy rainfall

Morning news brief: China bars foreign curriculum, Blinken discusses Gaza in calls with foreign ministers and more

Amid the final drawdown of US troops from Afghanistan, the Taliban has agreed to begin substantive talks with the Republic team in Doha in the coming days, which would end the peace process stalemate.

According to Tolo News, the Taliban group plans to attend the Istanbul summit but wants the end negotiations to take place in Doha. The negotiating teams met in Doha on May 14 after a long pause.

Also read-&nbsp;Afghanistan: Taliban resumes shooting as ceasefire ends

Sources familiar with the meeting said the Taliban has asked to maintain the Doha negotiations--with serious discussions-- but they want the final outcome to be achieved in Doha, not in Istanbul.

Also read-&nbsp;Afghan govt delegation, Taliban discuss peace talks in Qatar&nbsp;

"I think that this will open the way for an Istanbul conference where the Taliban will attend. They might make the agenda based on who in the Afghan government team will attend, not based on the US agenda," said Sayed Akbar Agha, a former Taliban commander said to Tolo news.

The Republic team said that efforts in Doha and Istanbul will help achieve results in the negotiations, but they stressed that the Taliban's commitment is key.

"A meeting will be meaningful when the attendees include decision-makers and when there is a commitment for decision making. Only participation of high-ranking leaders can affect the current Doha process," said Fawzia Koofi, member of the negotiating team of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, a delegation representing the Taliban led by Shai Abdul Hakim Haqqani has been in Pakistan over the last 20 days discussing with the leadership of the group the details of attending the Istanbul summit and the withdrawal of international troops from Afghanistan.

"Pakistan's influence on the Taliban and the possible encouragement from Pakistan of course has an impact," said Mohammad Amin Waqad, former deputy head of the High Peace Council, as reported by Tolo news.

President Ashraf Ghani has emphasised the need for a decision on peace by the regional players, and for Europe's much-needed role to 'get Pakistan on board'&nbsp;on the ongoing peace talks with Taliban.

"Peace will primarily be decided upon regionally, and I believe we are at a crucial moment of rethinking. It is first and foremost a matter of getting Pakistan on board. The US now plays only a minor role. The question of peace or hostility is now in Pakistani hands," Ghani told the German news website, Der Spiegel, in an interview.

Over Pakistan's influence on the Taliban, Ghani said, "Pakistan operates an organized system of support. The Taliban receive logistics there, their finances are there and recruitment is there."

"The names of the various decision-making bodies of the Taliban are Quetta Shura, Miramshah Shura, and Peshawar Shura - named after the Pakistani cities where they are located. There is a deep relationship with the state," he added.

The negotiations in Doha were stalled after the announcement of a delay in US forces withdrawal in Afghanistan from the original May 1&nbsp;deadline.

Amid the final drawdown of US troops from Afghanistan, the Taliban has agreed to begin substantive talks with the Republic team in Doha in the coming days, which would end the peace process stalemate.

Amid the final drawdown of US troops from Afghanistan, the Taliban has agreed to begin substantive talks with the Republic team in Doha in the coming days, which would end the peace process stalemate. According to Tolo News, the Taliban group plans to attend the Istanbul summit but wants the end negotiations to take place in Doha. The negotiating teams met in Doha on May 14 after a long pause. Also read- Afghanistan: Taliban resumes shooting as ceasefire ends Sources familiar with the meeting said the Taliban has asked to maintain the Doha negotiations--with serious discussions-- but they want the final outcome to be achieved in Doha, not in Istanbul. Also read- Afghan govt delegation, Taliban discuss peace talks in Qatar "I think that this will open the way for an Istanbul conference where the Taliban will attend. They might make the agenda based on who in the Afghan government team will attend, not based on the US agenda," said Sayed Akbar Agha, a former Taliban commander said to Tolo news. The Republic team said that efforts in Doha and Istanbul will help achieve results in the negotiations, but they stressed that the Taliban's commitment is key. "A meeting will be meaningful when the attendees include decision-makers and when there is a commitment for decision making. Only participation of high-ranking leaders can affect the current Doha process," said Fawzia Koofi, member of the negotiating team of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Meanwhile, a delegation representing the Taliban led by Shai Abdul Hakim Haqqani has been in Pakistan over the last 20 days discussing with the leadership of the group the details of attending the Istanbul summit and the withdrawal of international troops from Afghanistan. "Pakistan's influence on the Taliban and the possible encouragement from Pakistan of course has an impact," said Mohammad Amin Waqad, former deputy head of the High Peace Council, as reported by Tolo news. President Ashraf Ghani has emphasised the need for a decision on peace by the regional players, and for Europe's much-needed role to 'get Pakistan on board' on the ongoing peace talks with Taliban. "Peace will primarily be decided upon regionally, and I believe we are at a crucial moment of rethinking. It is first and foremost a matter of getting Pakistan on board. The US now plays only a minor role. The question of peace or hostility is now in Pakistani hands," Ghani told the German news website, Der Spiegel, in an interview. Over Pakistan's influence on the Taliban, Ghani said, "Pakistan operates an organized system of support. The Taliban receive logistics there, their finances are there and recruitment is there." "The names of the various decision-making bodies of the Taliban are Quetta Shura, Miramshah Shura, and Peshawar Shura - named after the Pakistani cities where they are located. There is a deep relationship with the state," he added. The negotiations in Doha were stalled after the announcement of a delay in US forces withdrawal in Afghanistan from the original May 1 deadline.

Taliban open to Istanbul summit but wants end negotiations to take place in Doha

Dr Anthony Fauci, the Biden administration's top medical adviser said that the COVID-19 pandemic had exposed racial disparities in living conditions and access to healthcare across the US that required serious action to fix.&nbsp;

During a commencement address given virtually to new graduates of Emory University, the president's chief medical adviser pointed to higher rates of COVID-19 deaths among Black Americans, Latino Americans, and members of other minority groups as evidence of 'social determinants' that caused the pandemic to hit those communities especially hard, The Hill reported.&nbsp;

"Now, very few of these comorbidities [with COVID-19] have racial determinants. Almost all relate to the social determinants of health dating back to disadvantageous conditions that some people of color find themselves in from birth regarding the availability of an adequate diet, access to health care, and the undeniable effects of racism in our society," he said. &nbsp;

Fauci said correcting societal wrongs will take a commitment of decades, and he urged the graduates to be part of the solution.&nbsp;

He said that the infectious disease disparately hospitalised and killed people of color. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced last fall that Black Americans as well as those who are Hispanic or Latino were dying at disproportionately higher rates from COVID-19 compared to non-Hispanic white Americans.&nbsp;

Researchers have linked the higher rates of deaths in those groups to social factors including housing and employment as well as some health factors including higher rates of diabetes and other underlying conditions in those communities. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Dr Anthony Fauci, the Biden administration's top medical adviser said that the COVID-19 pandemic had exposed racial disparities in living conditions and access to healthcare across the US that required serious action to fix.

Dr Anthony Fauci, the Biden administration's top medical adviser said that the COVID-19 pandemic had exposed racial disparities in living conditions and access to healthcare across the US that required serious action to fix. During a commencement address given virtually to new graduates of Emory University, the president's chief medical adviser pointed to higher rates of COVID-19 deaths among Black Americans, Latino Americans, and members of other minority groups as evidence of 'social determinants' that caused the pandemic to hit those communities especially hard, The Hill reported. "Now, very few of these comorbidities [with COVID-19] have racial determinants. Almost all relate to the social determinants of health dating back to disadvantageous conditions that some people of color find themselves in from birth regarding the availability of an adequate diet, access to health care, and the undeniable effects of racism in our society," he said. Fauci said correcting societal wrongs will take a commitment of decades, and he urged the graduates to be part of the solution. He said that the infectious disease disparately hospitalised and killed people of color. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced last fall that Black Americans as well as those who are Hispanic or Latino were dying at disproportionately higher rates from COVID-19 compared to non-Hispanic white Americans. Researchers have linked the higher rates of deaths in those groups to social factors including housing and employment as well as some health factors including higher rates of diabetes and other underlying conditions in those communities. (With inputs from agencies)

Fauci says pandemic exposed 'undeniable effects of racism' in US 

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the violence in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza in phone calls with the Qatari, Egyptian and Saudi foreign ministers, the State Department said on Sunday.&nbsp;

Blinken and Qatar's Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani discussed 'efforts to restore calm in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza in light of the tragic loss of civilian life', the State Department said.&nbsp;

The Qatari Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the two officials discussed "the recent Israeli attacks on worshippers at the Al Aqsa Compound and the attack on the besieged Gaza Strip," adding that Al-Thani stressed "the need for urgent action by the international community to stop the repeated brutal Israeli attacks against civilians in Gaza and the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque."&nbsp;

In his call with Egypt's Sameh Shoukry, Blinken "reiterated his call on all parties to deescalate tensions and bring a halt to the violence, which has claimed the lives of Israeli and Palestinian civilians, including children", the State Department said in another statement.&nbsp;

Saudi state news agency SPA reported on Sunday that Blinken also had a phone call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud to discuss the latest developments 'in Palestine and in the region’.&nbsp;

The State Department said the two discussed "the ongoing efforts to calm tensions in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza and bring the current violence to an end."&nbsp;

Qatar's Al-Thani also held a phone call on Sunday with Shoukry, in which they reviewed 'bilateral cooperation relations and developments in Palestine’, the Qatari Foreign Ministry said in a separate statement.&nbsp;

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the two ministers agreed on "the importance of working to reach an immediate ceasefire between the two sides, and they also agreed to continue coordination in the bilateral framework, as well as in regional and international ones, regarding what is in the interest of the Palestinian people and reaching a ceasefire." &nbsp;

The truce efforts by Egypt, Qatar and the United Nations have so far offered no sign of progress.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the violence in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza in phone calls with the Qatari, Egyptian and Saudi foreign ministers, the State Department said on Sunday.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the violence in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza in phone calls with the Qatari, Egyptian and Saudi foreign ministers, the State Department said on Sunday. Blinken and Qatar's Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani discussed 'efforts to restore calm in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza in light of the tragic loss of civilian life', the State Department said. The Qatari Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the two officials discussed "the recent Israeli attacks on worshippers at the Al Aqsa Compound and the attack on the besieged Gaza Strip," adding that Al-Thani stressed "the need for urgent action by the international community to stop the repeated brutal Israeli attacks against civilians in Gaza and the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque." In his call with Egypt's Sameh Shoukry, Blinken "reiterated his call on all parties to deescalate tensions and bring a halt to the violence, which has claimed the lives of Israeli and Palestinian civilians, including children", the State Department said in another statement. Saudi state news agency SPA reported on Sunday that Blinken also had a phone call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud to discuss the latest developments 'in Palestine and in the region’. The State Department said the two discussed "the ongoing efforts to calm tensions in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza and bring the current violence to an end." Qatar's Al-Thani also held a phone call on Sunday with Shoukry, in which they reviewed 'bilateral cooperation relations and developments in Palestine’, the Qatari Foreign Ministry said in a separate statement. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the two ministers agreed on "the importance of working to reach an immediate ceasefire between the two sides, and they also agreed to continue coordination in the bilateral framework, as well as in regional and international ones, regarding what is in the interest of the Palestinian people and reaching a ceasefire." The truce efforts by Egypt, Qatar and the United Nations have so far offered no sign of progress. (With inputs from agencies)

Blinken discusses Gaza in calls with Qatari, Egyptian, Saudi foreign ministers 

The head of UNICEF on Monday asked G7 countries to donate supplies to the COVAX vaccine-sharing scheme as an emergency measure to address a severe shortfall caused by disruption to Indian vaccine exports.&nbsp;

India has curbed exports of the AstraZeneca vaccine made by its Serum Institute, which had been pledged to COVAX, to be used by the country as it battles a massive second wave of infections.&nbsp;

UN agency UNICEF, which is in charge of supplying coronavirus vaccines through COVAX, estimates the supply shortfall at 140 million doses by the end of May and about 190 million by the end of June.&nbsp;

"Sharing immediately available excess doses is a minimum, essential and emergency stop-gap measure, and it is needed right now," said UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore, adding that this could help to prevent vulnerable countries from becoming the next global hotspot.&nbsp;

As G7 leaders prepare to meet in Britain next month, the head of the World Health Organization last week denounced the 'moral catastrophe' of vaccine inequity, urging wealthy countries to donate doses rather than use them for children, who are less vulnerable to severe disease.&nbsp;

Citing new research from scientific information and analytics company Airfinity, UNICEF's Fore said that G7 countries could donate about 153 million doses if they shared only 20% of their available supply over June, July and August.&nbsp;

This could be done while still meeting commitments to vaccinate their own populations, she said, without providing further detail.&nbsp;

COVAX, run jointly by the WHO and the GAVI vaccine alliance, relies heavily on the AstraZeneca shot, which accounts for the bulk of the vaccines earmarked for early rollout as it seeks to provide two billion doses this year. &nbsp;

UNICEF said that other manufacturing limitations outside India had also slowed supply of COVAX doses but those delays are expected to be resolved by the end of June.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

The head of UNICEF on Monday asked G7 countries to donate supplies to the COVAX vaccine-sharing scheme as an emergency measure to address a severe shortfall caused by disruption to Indian vaccine exports.

The head of UNICEF on Monday asked G7 countries to donate supplies to the COVAX vaccine-sharing scheme as an emergency measure to address a severe shortfall caused by disruption to Indian vaccine exports. India has curbed exports of the AstraZeneca vaccine made by its Serum Institute, which had been pledged to COVAX, to be used by the country as it battles a massive second wave of infections. UN agency UNICEF, which is in charge of supplying coronavirus vaccines through COVAX, estimates the supply shortfall at 140 million doses by the end of May and about 190 million by the end of June. "Sharing immediately available excess doses is a minimum, essential and emergency stop-gap measure, and it is needed right now," said UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore, adding that this could help to prevent vulnerable countries from becoming the next global hotspot. As G7 leaders prepare to meet in Britain next month, the head of the World Health Organization last week denounced the 'moral catastrophe' of vaccine inequity, urging wealthy countries to donate doses rather than use them for children, who are less vulnerable to severe disease. Citing new research from scientific information and analytics company Airfinity, UNICEF's Fore said that G7 countries could donate about 153 million doses if they shared only 20% of their available supply over June, July and August. This could be done while still meeting commitments to vaccinate their own populations, she said, without providing further detail. COVAX, run jointly by the WHO and the GAVI vaccine alliance, relies heavily on the AstraZeneca shot, which accounts for the bulk of the vaccines earmarked for early rollout as it seeks to provide two billion doses this year. UNICEF said that other manufacturing limitations outside India had also slowed supply of COVAX doses but those delays are expected to be resolved by the end of June. (With inputs from agencies)

G7 urged to donate 'emergency' supplies to vaccine-sharing scheme 

Friends will hug, pints will be pulled and swathes of the British economy will reopen on Monday, giving 65 million people a measure of freedom after the gloom of a four-month COVID-19 lockdown.&nbsp;

Most of the British will be free once again to hug, albeit cautiously, drink a pint in their pub, sit down to an indoor meal or visit the cinema after a series of lockdowns that imposed the strictest restrictions in peacetime history.&nbsp;

The biggest public health crisis in a century was accompanied by a drastic extension of state power; during England's lockdowns police broke up parties and protests alike, shut down religious services and handed out fines of up to 10,000 pounds ($14,000) to youngsters for partying.&nbsp;

As freedom beckons once more, there is excitement. &nbsp;

"I shall be hugging literally everyone I can get my hands on," British actress Joanna Lumley told The Telegraph newspaper. "I shall snatch babies from their mothers, and lean over zimmer frames." &nbsp;

"I shall hug girls at the till, the picture framer, and lads playing footie in the park. Much later obviously I shall be hugging police personnel as I am charged at the station. Hugger-mugger, that’s me."&nbsp;

Beside the euphoria, though, there is also anxiety.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who before he imposed three national lockdowns had railed against the 'nanny' tendencies of the British state, advised people to cuddle cautiously and served notice that the spread of the coronavirus variant first identified in India meant that the final UK reopening in June could be delayed.&nbsp;

"Together, we have reached another milestone in our roadmap out of lockdown, but we must take this next step with a heavy dose of caution," Johnson said in a statement.&nbsp;

There is growing concern about variant B.1.617.2 which British scientific advisers say will become the dominant variant in the United Kingdom and which is more transmissible than B.1.1.7 (the variant first identified in Kent, England).&nbsp;

Broadly, from Monday, in England gatherings of up to 30 people will be allowed outdoors, two families will be allowed to meet indoors; cafes, bars and restaurants will reopen for indoor service; care home residents will be allowed to have five visitors; and face coverings will no longer be compulsory in schools. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Friends will hug, pints will be pulled and swathes of the British economy will reopen on Monday, giving 65 million people a measure of freedom after the gloom of a four-month COVID-19 lockdown.

Friends will hug, pints will be pulled and swathes of the British economy will reopen on Monday, giving 65 million people a measure of freedom after the gloom of a four-month COVID-19 lockdown. Most of the British will be free once again to hug, albeit cautiously, drink a pint in their pub, sit down to an indoor meal or visit the cinema after a series of lockdowns that imposed the strictest restrictions in peacetime history. The biggest public health crisis in a century was accompanied by a drastic extension of state power; during England's lockdowns police broke up parties and protests alike, shut down religious services and handed out fines of up to 10,000 pounds ($14,000) to youngsters for partying. As freedom beckons once more, there is excitement. "I shall be hugging literally everyone I can get my hands on," British actress Joanna Lumley told The Telegraph newspaper. "I shall snatch babies from their mothers, and lean over zimmer frames." "I shall hug girls at the till, the picture framer, and lads playing footie in the park. Much later obviously I shall be hugging police personnel as I am charged at the station. Hugger-mugger, that’s me." Beside the euphoria, though, there is also anxiety. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who before he imposed three national lockdowns had railed against the 'nanny' tendencies of the British state, advised people to cuddle cautiously and served notice that the spread of the coronavirus variant first identified in India meant that the final UK reopening in June could be delayed. "Together, we have reached another milestone in our roadmap out of lockdown, but we must take this next step with a heavy dose of caution," Johnson said in a statement. There is growing concern about variant B.1.617.2 which British scientific advisers say will become the dominant variant in the United Kingdom and which is more transmissible than B.1.1.7 (the variant first identified in Kent, England). Broadly, from Monday, in England gatherings of up to 30 people will be allowed outdoors, two families will be allowed to meet indoors; cafes, bars and restaurants will reopen for indoor service; care home residents will be allowed to have five visitors; and face coverings will no longer be compulsory in schools. (With inputs from agencies)

Free at last to hug and party: UK reopens for business 

Bitcoin dropped to a three-month low on Monday as investors sold cryptocurrencies in the wake of Tesla boss Elon Musk's hinting over the weekend that the carmaker is considering to shed or may have already sold some of its bitcoin holdings.&nbsp;

Musk has boosted crypto markets with his enthusiasm for the asset class, but has lately roiled trade by appearing to cool on bitcoin in favour of its one-time parody, dogecoin. The gyrations are beginning to spook even steeled traders.&nbsp;

"This has gone from clear FOMO (fear of missing out) to fear of not getting out, and you’re seeing a lot of people dumping," said Chris Weston of brokerage Pepperstone in Melbourne, adding that he was looking at the 200-day moving average just below $40,000 as the next key test for bitcoin.&nbsp;

"Why would I want to buy bitcoin right now, even if I’m bullish, until the liquidation is over and you see some consolidation in price?"&nbsp;

Bitcoin fell more than 9% on Monday to as low as $42,185, its lowest since February 8, while ether, linked to the ethereum blockhain, fell even more to as low as $3,123.94. Dogecoin fell nearly 7% to $0.48, and all three are well under recent records.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, Musk said Tesla would stop taking bitcoin as payment, owing to environmental concerns about energy use to process transactions. Defending that decision on Sunday, he suggested Tesla may have sold its own holdings.&nbsp;

In response to an unverified Twitter account called @CryptoWhale, which said, "Bitcoiners are going to slap themselves next quarter when they find out Tesla dumped the rest of their #Bitcoin holdings. With the amount of hate @elonmusk is getting, I wouldn't blame him...," Musk wrote: "Indeed". &nbsp;

It is not clear whether he was confirming sales or whether he referred only to the fact that he had faced criticism.&nbsp;

Musk said Tesla would not sell its bitcoin, but the cryptocurrency has dropped by almost a quarter since Musk's reversal on Tesla taking it as payment.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, it was reported that Tesla is seeking to enter the multi-billion dollar US renewable credit market, hoping to profit from the Biden administration's march towards new zero-emission goals.&nbsp;

Dogecoin is also yet to fully recover from Musk describing it as a 'hustle’, although he did boost the price last week by saying he was working to improve its efficiency.&nbsp;

For an asset class that has surged this year, with dogecoin up about a hundredfold, ether up more than fourfold and bitcoin gaining 45%, some are beginning to call time on the wild ride.&nbsp;

"Our weekend trading has kicked up, and we`re looking at some serious liquidations through the exchanges," said Pepperstone's Weston.&nbsp;

"I am closing the short-bitcoin/long-ethereum trade and moving to the sidelines," he added. "I feel the dust really needs to settle here." &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Bitcoin dropped to a three-month low on Monday as investors sold cryptocurrencies in the wake of Tesla boss Elon Musk's hinting over the weekend that the carmaker is considering to shed or may have already sold some of its bitcoin holdings.

Bitcoin dropped to a three-month low on Monday as investors sold cryptocurrencies in the wake of Tesla boss Elon Musk's hinting over the weekend that the carmaker is considering to shed or may have already sold some of its bitcoin holdings. Musk has boosted crypto markets with his enthusiasm for the asset class, but has lately roiled trade by appearing to cool on bitcoin in favour of its one-time parody, dogecoin. The gyrations are beginning to spook even steeled traders. "This has gone from clear FOMO (fear of missing out) to fear of not getting out, and you’re seeing a lot of people dumping," said Chris Weston of brokerage Pepperstone in Melbourne, adding that he was looking at the 200-day moving average just below $40,000 as the next key test for bitcoin. "Why would I want to buy bitcoin right now, even if I’m bullish, until the liquidation is over and you see some consolidation in price?" Bitcoin fell more than 9% on Monday to as low as $42,185, its lowest since February 8, while ether, linked to the ethereum blockhain, fell even more to as low as $3,123.94. Dogecoin fell nearly 7% to $0.48, and all three are well under recent records. On Wednesday, Musk said Tesla would stop taking bitcoin as payment, owing to environmental concerns about energy use to process transactions. Defending that decision on Sunday, he suggested Tesla may have sold its own holdings. In response to an unverified Twitter account called @CryptoWhale, which said, "Bitcoiners are going to slap themselves next quarter when they find out Tesla dumped the rest of their #Bitcoin holdings. With the amount of hate @elonmusk is getting, I wouldn't blame him...," Musk wrote: "Indeed". It is not clear whether he was confirming sales or whether he referred only to the fact that he had faced criticism. Musk said Tesla would not sell its bitcoin, but the cryptocurrency has dropped by almost a quarter since Musk's reversal on Tesla taking it as payment. On Tuesday, it was reported that Tesla is seeking to enter the multi-billion dollar US renewable credit market, hoping to profit from the Biden administration's march towards new zero-emission goals. Dogecoin is also yet to fully recover from Musk describing it as a 'hustle’, although he did boost the price last week by saying he was working to improve its efficiency. For an asset class that has surged this year, with dogecoin up about a hundredfold, ether up more than fourfold and bitcoin gaining 45%, some are beginning to call time on the wild ride. "Our weekend trading has kicked up, and we`re looking at some serious liquidations through the exchanges," said Pepperstone's Weston. "I am closing the short-bitcoin/long-ethereum trade and moving to the sidelines," he added. "I feel the dust really needs to settle here." (With inputs from agencies)

Bitcoin hits three-month low as Musk drives investors to exit 

Bangladesh has again extended the ongoing lockdown to May 23 in light of the current COVID-19 situation in the country and neighbouring India, which is battling a devastating second wave of the pandemic.&nbsp;

Bangladesh's Cabinet Division announced the decision in a circular on Sunday, reports Xinhua news agency.&nbsp;

To combat the spread of the disease, Bangladesh declared an eight-day lockdown effective from April 14 to 21, which was later extended in phases to May 16.&nbsp;

According to the latest circular, offices and organisations related to revenue collection have been kept out of the purview of the restrictions.&nbsp;

Hotels and restaurants will be allowed to provide takeaway or online services during the period, it said.&nbsp;

On Saturday night, Bangladesh extended the closure of all secondary and higher secondary educational institutions following the surge of COVID-19 cases and deaths since March.&nbsp;

On Sunday, the country’s Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) reported 363 new COVID-19 cases and 25 deaths, which increased the overall infection tally and fatalities to 780,159 and 12,149.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Bangladesh has again extended the ongoing lockdown to May 23 in light of the current COVID-19 situation in the country and neighbouring India, which is battling a devastating second wave of the pandemic.

Bangladesh has again extended the ongoing lockdown to May 23 in light of the current COVID-19 situation in the country and neighbouring India, which is battling a devastating second wave of the pandemic. Bangladesh's Cabinet Division announced the decision in a circular on Sunday, reports Xinhua news agency. To combat the spread of the disease, Bangladesh declared an eight-day lockdown effective from April 14 to 21, which was later extended in phases to May 16. According to the latest circular, offices and organisations related to revenue collection have been kept out of the purview of the restrictions. Hotels and restaurants will be allowed to provide takeaway or online services during the period, it said. On Saturday night, Bangladesh extended the closure of all secondary and higher secondary educational institutions following the surge of COVID-19 cases and deaths since March. On Sunday, the country’s Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) reported 363 new COVID-19 cases and 25 deaths, which increased the overall infection tally and fatalities to 780,159 and 12,149. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: Bangladesh extends lockdown till May 23 

The UN General Assembly on Tuesday is set to consider a draft non-binding resolution calling for 'an immediate suspension' of the transfer of weapons to the military junta of Myanmar, a UN official said on Sunday.&nbsp;

Unlike Security Council resolutions, General Assembly resolutions are non-binding but carry strong political significance.&nbsp;

If an approval by consensus cannot be reached then the full General Assembly, 193 member states, will vote on the measure.&nbsp;

Introduced by Liechtenstein, with support from the European Union, Britain, and the United States, the measure will be considered at the plenary meeting set for Tuesday at 1900 GMT. &nbsp;

The draft resolution calls for "an immediate suspension of the direct and indirect supply, sale, or transfer of all weapons, munitions, and other military-related equipment to Myanmar."&nbsp;

"The meeting will be in person," a UN spokesman said.&nbsp;

The draft, which has been under negotiation for weeks, is co-sponsored by 48 countries, with South Korea the sole Asian country.&nbsp;

It also calls on military to 'end the state of emergency' and immediately stop 'all violence against peaceful demonstrators’, as well as 'immediately and unconditionally release President Win Myint, State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi' and everyone who has been 'arbitrarily detained, charged or arrested' since the February 1 coup.&nbsp;

The draft adds a call to 'swiftly implement' a five-point consensus reached with leaders from the 10-country Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on April 24, to 'facilitate the visit' of the special UN envoy to Myanmar, and to provide 'safe and unimpeded humanitarian access’.&nbsp;

Several NGOs have long been calling for an arms embargo on Myanmar.&nbsp;

Since February 1, the Security Council has unanimously adopted four statements on Myanmar, but each time, they have been watered down in negotiations, notably by Beijing.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The UN General Assembly on Tuesday is set to consider a draft non-binding resolution calling for 'an immediate suspension' of the transfer of weapons to the military junta of Myanmar, a UN official said on Sunday.

The UN General Assembly on Tuesday is set to consider a draft non-binding resolution calling for 'an immediate suspension' of the transfer of weapons to the military junta of Myanmar, a UN official said on Sunday. Unlike Security Council resolutions, General Assembly resolutions are non-binding but carry strong political significance. If an approval by consensus cannot be reached then the full General Assembly, 193 member states, will vote on the measure. Introduced by Liechtenstein, with support from the European Union, Britain, and the United States, the measure will be considered at the plenary meeting set for Tuesday at 1900 GMT. The draft resolution calls for "an immediate suspension of the direct and indirect supply, sale, or transfer of all weapons, munitions, and other military-related equipment to Myanmar." "The meeting will be in person," a UN spokesman said. The draft, which has been under negotiation for weeks, is co-sponsored by 48 countries, with South Korea the sole Asian country. It also calls on military to 'end the state of emergency' and immediately stop 'all violence against peaceful demonstrators’, as well as 'immediately and unconditionally release President Win Myint, State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi' and everyone who has been 'arbitrarily detained, charged or arrested' since the February 1 coup. The draft adds a call to 'swiftly implement' a five-point consensus reached with leaders from the 10-country Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on April 24, to 'facilitate the visit' of the special UN envoy to Myanmar, and to provide 'safe and unimpeded humanitarian access’. Several NGOs have long been calling for an arms embargo on Myanmar. Since February 1, the Security Council has unanimously adopted four statements on Myanmar, but each time, they have been watered down in negotiations, notably by Beijing. (With inputs from agencies)

UN General Assembly to consider call for Myanmar arms embargo 

The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has started dredging work to extend a second lane that allows for two-way traffic in a southern section of the canal near to where a giant container ship got stuck for six days in March, it said on Saturday.&nbsp;

The SCA announced this week that it was planning to extend a second canal lane that opened in 2015 by 10 km to make it 82-km-long, and would widen and deepen a single lane stretch at the southern end of the canal.&nbsp;

The work had begun following directives from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi "to immediately start implementing the proposed development plan and put in place a timetable for completion as soon as possible", the SCA said on Saturday.&nbsp;

The grounding of the 440-metre Ever Given container ship in a southern section of the canal from March 23-29 delayed the passage of hundreds of vessels through the waterway, disrupting global trade.&nbsp;

The Ever Given, still loaded with thousands of containers, is being held in the Great Bitter Lake between two stretches of the canal, amid a dispute over an SCA compensation claim against the ship's Japanese owner Shoei Kisen.&nbsp;

The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has started dredging work to extend a second lane that allows for two-way traffic in a southern section of the canal near to where a giant container ship got stuck for six days in March, it said on Saturday.

The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has started dredging work to extend a second lane that allows for two-way traffic in a southern section of the canal near to where a giant container ship got stuck for six days in March, it said on Saturday. The SCA announced this week that it was planning to extend a second canal lane that opened in 2015 by 10 km to make it 82-km-long, and would widen and deepen a single lane stretch at the southern end of the canal. The work had begun following directives from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi "to immediately start implementing the proposed development plan and put in place a timetable for completion as soon as possible", the SCA said on Saturday. The grounding of the 440-metre Ever Given container ship in a southern section of the canal from March 23-29 delayed the passage of hundreds of vessels through the waterway, disrupting global trade. The Ever Given, still loaded with thousands of containers, is being held in the Great Bitter Lake between two stretches of the canal, amid a dispute over an SCA compensation claim against the ship's Japanese owner Shoei Kisen.

Suez Canal starts dredging to extend double lane after  Ever Given ship block fiasco

The Pakistan government led by Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday added the name of Opposition leader Shehbaz Sharif, who has been charged with corruption, to the no-fly list, barring him from leaving the country for medical treatment.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, the Lahore High Court granted Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president Shehbaz, also the younger brother of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, permission to travel abroad once for medical treatment.&nbsp;

After obtaining bail, Shehbaz, 69, was about to fly to London on May 8 when an Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) team at the airport stopped him from travelling on the grounds that his name had been on the provisional national identification list (PNIL), which impose a temporary bar on someone to leave the country.&nbsp;

Shehbaz was offloaded from Doha-bound flight on May 8.&nbsp;

Addressing a press conference on Monday, Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said Shehbaz's name was added to the exit control list (ECL) after approval from the federal Cabinet.&nbsp;

A special committee of the Interior Ministry on May 12 had proposed to the Cabinet that Shehbaz should be barred from leaving the country due to corruption cases against him.&nbsp;

Shehbaz wanted to go to London for a medical checkup after he was bailed out of jail last month.&nbsp;

The interior minister said Shehbaz had not submitted any medical documents for travelling abroad or specified the treatment for his illness.&nbsp;

Last week, Shehbaz had challenged the placement of his name on a travel blacklist and sought one-time permission to go abroad for medical treatment.&nbsp;

"I have been a cancer patient and got treated in New York and London. I could not get treatment for more than seven months as I was in jail," the top PML-N leader said, adding in light of the medical test report conducted in jail, there was a need for immediate treatment. &nbsp;

Interior minister Ahmed said Shehbaz "was the guarantor for his brother Nawaz. But instead of bringing him back, he was trying to flee".&nbsp;

"If Nawaz Sharif did not return then why should Shehbaz return? This is a matter of common sense," he said in reply to a question.&nbsp;

Sharif has been in London since November 2019 on 'medical grounds'.&nbsp;

The Imran Khan government has declared Sharif an absconder and cancelled his passport. Sharif left the country after the court granted him bail in the Al-Azizia Mills corruption case in which he was undergoing seven years imprisonment in Kot Lakhpat jail Lahore.&nbsp;

He was also granted four-week bail on medical grounds to have his treatment abroad. The government declared him an absconder after he failed to justify prolonging his stay in London.&nbsp;

Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry also said that Shehbaz's name has been added to the no-fly list after approval from the Cabinet and completion of legal formalities. "The relevant record has been updated in this regard," he tweeted.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, criticising the government's move, PML-N leader Azam Nazir Tarar said the party will file a case of contempt of court.&nbsp;

"The government refused to let him (Shehbaz) go abroad despite orders by the Lahore High Court," Tarar said.&nbsp;

Several PML-N leaders have been facing corruption cases, which they claim, are politically motivated.&nbsp;

On April 23, 2021, Shehbaz walked free from Lahore's Kot Lakhpat jail after about eight months behind bars in the money laundering and assets beyond means reference filed by the country's anti-graft body. &nbsp;

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had alleged that Shehbaz's family had assets of around PKR 16.5 million till 1990, which increased to over PKR 7 billion in 2018 which were disproportionate to his known sources of income.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Pakistan government led by Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday added the name of Opposition leader Shehbaz Sharif, who has been charged with corruption, to the no-fly list, barring him from leaving the country for medical treatment.

The Pakistan government led by Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday added the name of Opposition leader Shehbaz Sharif, who has been charged with corruption, to the no-fly list, barring him from leaving the country for medical treatment. Earlier this month, the Lahore High Court granted Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president Shehbaz, also the younger brother of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, permission to travel abroad once for medical treatment. After obtaining bail, Shehbaz, 69, was about to fly to London on May 8 when an Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) team at the airport stopped him from travelling on the grounds that his name had been on the provisional national identification list (PNIL), which impose a temporary bar on someone to leave the country. Shehbaz was offloaded from Doha-bound flight on May 8. Addressing a press conference on Monday, Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said Shehbaz's name was added to the exit control list (ECL) after approval from the federal Cabinet. A special committee of the Interior Ministry on May 12 had proposed to the Cabinet that Shehbaz should be barred from leaving the country due to corruption cases against him. Shehbaz wanted to go to London for a medical checkup after he was bailed out of jail last month. The interior minister said Shehbaz had not submitted any medical documents for travelling abroad or specified the treatment for his illness. Last week, Shehbaz had challenged the placement of his name on a travel blacklist and sought one-time permission to go abroad for medical treatment. "I have been a cancer patient and got treated in New York and London. I could not get treatment for more than seven months as I was in jail," the top PML-N leader said, adding in light of the medical test report conducted in jail, there was a need for immediate treatment. Interior minister Ahmed said Shehbaz "was the guarantor for his brother Nawaz. But instead of bringing him back, he was trying to flee". "If Nawaz Sharif did not return then why should Shehbaz return? This is a matter of common sense," he said in reply to a question. Sharif has been in London since November 2019 on 'medical grounds'. The Imran Khan government has declared Sharif an absconder and cancelled his passport. Sharif left the country after the court granted him bail in the Al-Azizia Mills corruption case in which he was undergoing seven years imprisonment in Kot Lakhpat jail Lahore. He was also granted four-week bail on medical grounds to have his treatment abroad. The government declared him an absconder after he failed to justify prolonging his stay in London. Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry also said that Shehbaz's name has been added to the no-fly list after approval from the Cabinet and completion of legal formalities. "The relevant record has been updated in this regard," he tweeted. Meanwhile, criticising the government's move, PML-N leader Azam Nazir Tarar said the party will file a case of contempt of court. "The government refused to let him (Shehbaz) go abroad despite orders by the Lahore High Court," Tarar said. Several PML-N leaders have been facing corruption cases, which they claim, are politically motivated. On April 23, 2021, Shehbaz walked free from Lahore's Kot Lakhpat jail after about eight months behind bars in the money laundering and assets beyond means reference filed by the country's anti-graft body. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had alleged that Shehbaz's family had assets of around PKR 16.5 million till 1990, which increased to over PKR 7 billion in 2018 which were disproportionate to his known sources of income.

Pakistan Opposition leader Shehbaz Sharif placed on no-fly list 

The Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC), along with 80-odd community bodies, launched its Oxygen for India marathon fundraiser to collect $2 million to send oxygen equipment to India, even as Ontario announced to send 2,000 more ventilators to the Covid-battered country. 
 
Almost $500,000 was raised during the very first session of the marathon fundraiser on Sunday.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="Exclusive: Young scientists at ISRO’s VSSC develop ventilators, oxygen concentrators">Exclusive: Young scientists at ISRO’s VSSC develop ventilators, oxygen concentrators</a> 
 
It will be held for three hours every Sunday for four weeks. 
 
Surprisingly, the biggest contribution of $50,000 came from Canada's native or indigenous Metis people.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="COVID-19: More ventilators, oxygen cylinders arrive in India from Europe">COVID-19: More ventilators, oxygen cylinders arrive in India from Europe</a> 
 
"We have similarities with Indians even though we are from different parts of the world. India will be there for us when we need, and we should be there for them now. We will donate $50,000 to the ICCC and do more if needed," announced David Chartrand, President of the Manitoba Metis Federation. 
 
ICCC president Vijay Thomas said their initiative aims at garnering donations not only from the 1.6 million Indo-Canadian community, but also businesses and cities across Canada. 
 
"The money will be used to send oxygen concentrators and generators and we will find new pathways to send oxygen to India. We want to ensure that oxygen reaches tier 2 and 3 cities and towns before they get severely hit by the virus," Thomas said. 
 
Top political leaders, including the Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Mayors, business owners and medical professionals took part in the marathon fundraiser. 
 
Ford announced that 2,000 additional ventilators are being sent to India, in addition to 3,000 already delivered. 
 
"The whole plane-load of Air Canada is filled from front to back and arriving (in India) by Tuesday with all sorts of supplies. The people of India have been there for us and we will be there for them," the Ontario Premier said, referring to India's delivery of one million vaccine doses to Canada earlier this year. 
 
Markham city's Frank Scarpitti, who has been to India many times and is very well respected in the Indo-Canadian community, announced to donate $10,000 to the initiative by the ICCC. 
 
The mayors of Brampton and Mississauga, the outlying cities which are home to the biggest concentration of the Indo-Canadian community in Canada, urged their residents to donate liberally to the initiative.

The Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC), along with 80-odd community bodies, launched its Oxygen for India marathon fundraiser to collect $2 million to send oxygen equipment to India, even as Ontario announced to send 2,000 more ventilators to the Covid-battered country.

The Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC), along with 80-odd community bodies, launched its Oxygen for India marathon fundraiser to collect $2 million to send oxygen equipment to India, even as Ontario announced to send 2,000 more ventilators to the Covid-battered country. Almost $500,000 was raised during the very first session of the marathon fundraiser on Sunday. Also read- Exclusive: Young scientists at ISRO’s VSSC develop ventilators, oxygen concentrators It will be held for three hours every Sunday for four weeks. Surprisingly, the biggest contribution of $50,000 came from Canada's native or indigenous Metis people. Also read- COVID-19: More ventilators, oxygen cylinders arrive in India from Europe "We have similarities with Indians even though we are from different parts of the world. India will be there for us when we need, and we should be there for them now. We will donate $50,000 to the ICCC and do more if needed," announced David Chartrand, President of the Manitoba Metis Federation. ICCC president Vijay Thomas said their initiative aims at garnering donations not only from the 1.6 million Indo-Canadian community, but also businesses and cities across Canada. "The money will be used to send oxygen concentrators and generators and we will find new pathways to send oxygen to India. We want to ensure that oxygen reaches tier 2 and 3 cities and towns before they get severely hit by the virus," Thomas said. Top political leaders, including the Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Mayors, business owners and medical professionals took part in the marathon fundraiser. Ford announced that 2,000 additional ventilators are being sent to India, in addition to 3,000 already delivered. "The whole plane-load of Air Canada is filled from front to back and arriving (in India) by Tuesday with all sorts of supplies. The people of India have been there for us and we will be there for them," the Ontario Premier said, referring to India's delivery of one million vaccine doses to Canada earlier this year. Markham city's Frank Scarpitti, who has been to India many times and is very well respected in the Indo-Canadian community, announced to donate $10,000 to the initiative by the ICCC. The mayors of Brampton and Mississauga, the outlying cities which are home to the biggest concentration of the Indo-Canadian community in Canada, urged their residents to donate liberally to the initiative.

'Oxygen for India' marathon fundraiser to collect $2mn launched in Canada

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