There was excitement but no crowds early on Monday morning at Riyadh's international airport as Saudi Arabia lifted a ban on citizens travelling out of the Gulf state without prior permission from authorities.

Saudi nationals who have received at least one COVID-19 vaccination shot a minimum two weeks prior to travel, those who have recovered from the coronavirus disease within the last six months, and those under 18 will be allowed to travel for the first time since March 2020.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Singapore coronavirus cases could burst hopes for Hong Kong travel bubble">Singapore coronavirus cases could burst hopes for Hong Kong travel bubble</a>

"It's a great feeling, thank God, we are happy, especially after the difficult period we and the entire world have suffered," said Bandar Al Nawash, a passenger waiting in the departure lounge of King Khalid International Airport.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Australia carries out first repatriation flight from India after travel ban">Australia carries out first repatriation flight from India after travel ban</a>

Fellow national Faisal Al Tamimi said he had expected large crowds at the airport, but there were only a few travellers early on Monday after the suspension was lifted at 1 a.m. local time.

"I think people are worried about the coronavirus variants such as the one in India, and new developments in some countries," Al Tamimi said.

There are 13 countries Saudi nationals are still banned from visiting without prior permission, whether through direct or indirect flights due to COVID-19 risks.

Saudi Arabia, with a population of some 30 million, reported 825 new coronavirus infections on Sunday, taking total caseload to 433,094, including 7,162 deaths.

Authorities said on Sunday more than 11.5 million vaccines had been administered in the Gulf Arab state so far.

"Thank God ... today we can travel whether for tourism or for business. God willing this pandemic will be over and everyone will be able to travel," said Jaber Al Mahadi, another traveller at the airport on Monday morning.

There was excitement but no crowds early on Monday morning at Riyadh's international airport as Saudi Arabia lifted a ban on citizens travelling out of the Gulf state without prior permission from authorities.

There was excitement but no crowds early on Monday morning at Riyadh's international airport as Saudi Arabia lifted a ban on citizens travelling out of the Gulf state without prior permission from authorities. Saudi nationals who have received at least one COVID-19 vaccination shot a minimum two weeks prior to travel, those who have recovered from the coronavirus disease within the last six months, and those under 18 will be allowed to travel for the first time since March 2020. Also read: Singapore coronavirus cases could burst hopes for Hong Kong travel bubble "It's a great feeling, thank God, we are happy, especially after the difficult period we and the entire world have suffered," said Bandar Al Nawash, a passenger waiting in the departure lounge of King Khalid International Airport. Also read: Australia carries out first repatriation flight from India after travel ban Fellow national Faisal Al Tamimi said he had expected large crowds at the airport, but there were only a few travellers early on Monday after the suspension was lifted at 1 a.m. local time. "I think people are worried about the coronavirus variants such as the one in India, and new developments in some countries," Al Tamimi said. There are 13 countries Saudi nationals are still banned from visiting without prior permission, whether through direct or indirect flights due to COVID-19 risks. Saudi Arabia, with a population of some 30 million, reported 825 new coronavirus infections on Sunday, taking total caseload to 433,094, including 7,162 deaths. Authorities said on Sunday more than 11.5 million vaccines had been administered in the Gulf Arab state so far. "Thank God ... today we can travel whether for tourism or for business. God willing this pandemic will be over and everyone will be able to travel," said Jaber Al Mahadi, another traveller at the airport on Monday morning.

'It's a great feeling': Saudis flock to Bahrain as curbs ease on travel abroad after over a year

Bashar Abo Khalil's PUBG character dashes around a wall in a pink dress and samurai helmet, thwacking an enemy with a frying pan -- standard fare in the mobile game that is a mega-sensation in Iraq.

The online star, known as G2G, is one of many&nbsp;Iraqis&nbsp;hooked&nbsp;on&nbsp;PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds -- a battle royale first-person shooter game that's reminiscent of the book and film series 'The Hunger Games'.

Also read- <a href="'Escape COVID-19': Computer game helping health workers combat virus spread">'Escape COVID-19': Computer game helping health workers combat virus spread</a>

The mobile version of the game has become so popular in Iraq, where 60 percent of the 40-million-strong population is under 25, that the country's youth have been dubbed the 'PUBG generation'.

Iraqis&nbsp;across the country are spending hours every day&nbsp;on&nbsp;the game's&nbsp;virtual&nbsp;battleground, socialising via its live chat, playing competitively or even falling in love.

Abo Khalil, 31, said he used to play for hours to "stop thinking about problems".

"When you're playing the game you can become closed off to the rest of the world. It can be like a drug," he added.

Now based in Turkey, he earns a living streaming games and making videos.

Fan Dalya Waheed said she plays PUBG for an hour or two a day with friends she met&nbsp;on&nbsp;the game, and has even set up a gaming hub at the electronics reseller where she works.

"It's really easy to meet people&nbsp;on&nbsp;PUBG," said the woman in her thirties, who lives in Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region.

Some Iraqi parents have criticised the game as time-sucking or have expressed worry about the violence it portrays, with guns-a-plenty and explosives sending up blood spatter.

But Reshar Ibrahim, who plays PUBG Mobile competitively, said the game would never be as bad as what many&nbsp;Iraqis&nbsp;had experienced in real life over the decades of conflicts that have devastated the country.

"It's just a game," said the 19-year-old Iraqi Kurd, who has lived in Sweden for the past three years.

In 2019, the country's parliament banned PUBG amid local reports it was leading to bankruptcy, suicide and divorce.

The move, which was easily circumvented, was criticised as being out of touch with the real challenges facing&nbsp;Iraqis.

Nearly 40 percent of Iraqi youth are unemployed, according to the World Bank, and the country's poverty rate has doubled to 40 percent during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Later that year, thousands of young&nbsp;Iraqis&nbsp;-- some dressed in PUBG outfits -- filled the streets to protest endemic corruption and unemployment. Over the months that followed, some 600 demonstrators were killed in protest-related violence.

Abo Khalil and Ibrahim are just two of many successful Iraqi gamers outside the country, away from the additional challenges of poor internet and unreliable electricity that players back home face.

Ibrahim, aka Freak, recently won Most Valuable Player in the PUBG Mobile Star Arabia Challenge, which doled out $100,000 in total prize money.

His team, GunZ Esports, won the competition despite one player in Iraq losing power mid-game and another having to travel from southern Najaf to the northern Kurdistan region -- where internet connectivity "is slightly better", Ibrahim said.

Helmat Shiar, 23, who competed in the tournament with the Iraqi iKurd E-Sports team, said it wasn't just that&nbsp;Iraqis&nbsp;"play against teams abroad who have much stronger internet".

There was also 'no support'&nbsp;from private or governmental sponsors, he lamented.

Elsewhere in the Arab world, governments and major sponsors are pouring money into eSports.

In the Gulf, the gaming market is expected to reach $821 million this year, according to consulting firm Strategy&amp;.

Hayder Jaafar said he had struggled for 10 years to register his non-governmental Iraqi Electronic Sports Federation as a full member of the international gaming body before succeeding in 2020.

"The youth ministry structure for eSports was last modified in 2009, and a lot has changed in eSports since then," the 38-year-old told AFP.

Iraq suffers from war-ravaged infrastructure and poor electricity -- most households only have a few hours of state-provided electricity per day.

But there are 40 million mobile phone connections in the country and 30 million internet users, according to a 2021 DataReportal study.

Last year, PUBG was the 11th-most-searched term in Iraq&nbsp;on&nbsp;Google, and variations&nbsp;on&nbsp;the game's name took several top spots&nbsp;on&nbsp;YouTube searches as well.

PUBG's widespread popularity is in part due to the launch of a free-to-play mobile version by Chinese tech giant Tencent, which said in March that over one billion people had downloaded the app since 2018.

iKurd player Jiner Hekmat, 18, said he was hooked&nbsp;on&nbsp;the mobile version but wasn't banking all his hopes&nbsp;on&nbsp;being a competitive player, saying he wanted to focus&nbsp;on&nbsp;his studies.&nbsp;

But, he added, "I'm also going to do everything I can to keep my level in PUBG, and keep playing as long as the game exists".

Bashar Abo Khalil's PUBG character dashes around a wall in a pink dress and samurai helmet, thwacking an enemy with a frying pan -- standard fare in the mobile game that is a mega-sensation in Iraq.

Bashar Abo Khalil's PUBG character dashes around a wall in a pink dress and samurai helmet, thwacking an enemy with a frying pan -- standard fare in the mobile game that is a mega-sensation in Iraq. The online star, known as G2G, is one of many Iraqis hooked on PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds -- a battle royale first-person shooter game that's reminiscent of the book and film series 'The Hunger Games'. Also read- 'Escape COVID-19': Computer game helping health workers combat virus spread The mobile version of the game has become so popular in Iraq, where 60 percent of the 40-million-strong population is under 25, that the country's youth have been dubbed the 'PUBG generation'. Iraqis across the country are spending hours every day on the game's virtual battleground, socialising via its live chat, playing competitively or even falling in love. Abo Khalil, 31, said he used to play for hours to "stop thinking about problems". "When you're playing the game you can become closed off to the rest of the world. It can be like a drug," he added. Now based in Turkey, he earns a living streaming games and making videos. Fan Dalya Waheed said she plays PUBG for an hour or two a day with friends she met on the game, and has even set up a gaming hub at the electronics reseller where she works. "It's really easy to meet people on PUBG," said the woman in her thirties, who lives in Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region. Some Iraqi parents have criticised the game as time-sucking or have expressed worry about the violence it portrays, with guns-a-plenty and explosives sending up blood spatter. But Reshar Ibrahim, who plays PUBG Mobile competitively, said the game would never be as bad as what many Iraqis had experienced in real life over the decades of conflicts that have devastated the country. "It's just a game," said the 19-year-old Iraqi Kurd, who has lived in Sweden for the past three years. In 2019, the country's parliament banned PUBG amid local reports it was leading to bankruptcy, suicide and divorce. The move, which was easily circumvented, was criticised as being out of touch with the real challenges facing Iraqis. Nearly 40 percent of Iraqi youth are unemployed, according to the World Bank, and the country's poverty rate has doubled to 40 percent during the Covid-19 pandemic. Later that year, thousands of young Iraqis -- some dressed in PUBG outfits -- filled the streets to protest endemic corruption and unemployment. Over the months that followed, some 600 demonstrators were killed in protest-related violence. Abo Khalil and Ibrahim are just two of many successful Iraqi gamers outside the country, away from the additional challenges of poor internet and unreliable electricity that players back home face. Ibrahim, aka Freak, recently won Most Valuable Player in the PUBG Mobile Star Arabia Challenge, which doled out $100,000 in total prize money. His team, GunZ Esports, won the competition despite one player in Iraq losing power mid-game and another having to travel from southern Najaf to the northern Kurdistan region -- where internet connectivity "is slightly better", Ibrahim said. Helmat Shiar, 23, who competed in the tournament with the Iraqi iKurd E-Sports team, said it wasn't just that Iraqis "play against teams abroad who have much stronger internet". There was also 'no support' from private or governmental sponsors, he lamented. Elsewhere in the Arab world, governments and major sponsors are pouring money into eSports. In the Gulf, the gaming market is expected to reach $821 million this year, according to consulting firm Strategy&. Hayder Jaafar said he had struggled for 10 years to register his non-governmental Iraqi Electronic Sports Federation as a full member of the international gaming body before succeeding in 2020. "The youth ministry structure for eSports was last modified in 2009, and a lot has changed in eSports since then," the 38-year-old told AFP. Iraq suffers from war-ravaged infrastructure and poor electricity -- most households only have a few hours of state-provided electricity per day. But there are 40 million mobile phone connections in the country and 30 million internet users, according to a 2021 DataReportal study. Last year, PUBG was the 11th-most-searched term in Iraq on Google, and variations on the game's name took several top spots on YouTube searches as well. PUBG's widespread popularity is in part due to the launch of a free-to-play mobile version by Chinese tech giant Tencent, which said in March that over one billion people had downloaded the app since 2018. iKurd player Jiner Hekmat, 18, said he was hooked on the mobile version but wasn't banking all his hopes on being a competitive player, saying he wanted to focus on his studies. But, he added, "I'm also going to do everything I can to keep my level in PUBG, and keep playing as long as the game exists".

Iraqis find escape, success on a virtual battleground

In a camp for Syrian refugees in east&nbsp;Lebanon, Mohammad and his three sisters fear they will be out of&nbsp;school&nbsp;for a third consecutive year because remote learning is out of reach.

"Look at my phone. How do you expect my son to&nbsp;study&nbsp;on it?" asked his father Abdel Nasser, sitting cross-legged inside the family's tent in the Bekaa Valley.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="China bars foreign curriculum, ownership in some private schools">China bars foreign curriculum, ownership in some private schools</a>

"The screen is cracked... and I have no internet."

Eleven-year-old Mohammad and his siblings are among tens of thousands of Syrian, Lebanese and Palestinian children who have been left for months without schooling due to coronavirus restrictions.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="US schools fight to keep students amid fear of dropout surge due to Covid">US schools fight to keep students amid fear of dropout surge&nbsp;due to Covid</a>

An accelerating economic&nbsp;crisis&nbsp;means they may never return to&nbsp;school&nbsp;in what rights groups are calling an 'education catastrophe', especially affecting refugees who already struggled to access learning before the pandemic.

"We can't afford to buy a cellphone for everyone. We must first be able to feed our children," said their mother Shamaa.

Mohammad arrived in&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;from Syria in 2012 -- a year into an ongoing conflict that has killed 388,000 people and displaced millions.

But he wasn't enrolled in&nbsp;school&nbsp;until 2019 because&nbsp;Lebanon's public&nbsp;school&nbsp;system didn't open its doors to Syrian refugees until 2013, and even then only to a limited number.&nbsp;

Mohammad's first&nbsp;school&nbsp;year coincided with the Covid pandemic, which brought all classes to a halt by the second term.&nbsp;

"He doesn't even know how to multiply one by one," his father said.

Mohammad's older sisters Hind, Sarah and Amal, aged 12 to 14, had already been in&nbsp;school&nbsp;for four years when the education ministry in March 2020 said it was shifting to online learning.&nbsp;

"I was happy before," 14-year-old Amal said, sobbing. "I was studying Arabic, English, science and geography.

"But now my parents can't afford to give me an online education."

More than 1.2 million children in&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;have been out of&nbsp;school&nbsp;since the country's coronavirus outbreak began last year, the UK-based charity Save the Children says.

It warned last month that a large number of children may never get back into a classroom, either because they have already missed so much&nbsp;school&nbsp;or because their families can't afford to enrol them.

"Education for thousands of children in&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;is hanging by a thread," it said.

Lebanon's economic&nbsp;crisis&nbsp;is at its worst since the 1975-1990 civil war, with more than half the local population now living in poverty.

Poverty rates are even higher among Syrians, with 90 per cent of families barely able to survive.&nbsp;

Lisa Abou Khaled of the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) says this is impacting education.

"Some Syrian children have had to give up their studies to work and help their families," she told AFP.

Citing data from&nbsp;Lebanon's education ministry, she said 25,000 Syrian students should have re-enrolled or entered grade one in 2020-2021 but did not.&nbsp;

"We think the real number is higher than that," she added, estimating that more than half of Syrian&nbsp;school-aged children were currently out of the classroom.&nbsp;

The education catastrophe is also real for the tens of thousands of Lebanese who have lost jobs or seen their income slashed since the economic&nbsp;crisis&nbsp;accelerated in 2019.&nbsp;

Inside a cramped apartment in the eastern Beirut suburb of Burj Hammoud, 11-year-old Pamela points to a keyboard -- the only thing that remains from a desktop computer destroyed during last summer's huge Beirut port explosion.

The August 4 blast, which killed more than 200 people and destroyed swaths of the capital, hit Pamela's home and piled new misery on a family already brought to its knees by the financial downturn.&nbsp;

The family couldn't afford to buy a replacement as it had become far too expensive due to the rapid devaluation of the Lebanese pound.&nbsp;

"So I started to follow lessons on my cellphone," Pamela said.&nbsp;

As she has impaired vision, a small screen was already a nuisance.

But then power outages lasting up to 18 hours a day also left her struggling to keep her phone alive and connected to the internet.

She decided to drop out.

"I was disgusted with online education, I couldn't take it anymore," she said.

Her father, an out-of-work taxi driver, said he had wanted Pamela to drop out months ago.

"I don't give a damn about education or this country," he said.&nbsp;

But Pamela hasn't entirely abandoned hopes of returning to&nbsp;school.

"I&nbsp;want&nbsp;to&nbsp;study&nbsp;so that I can get a decent job later and be able to help my parents."

In a camp for Syrian refugees in east Lebanon, Mohammad and his three sisters fear they will be out of school for a third consecutive year because remote learning is out of reach.

In a camp for Syrian refugees in east Lebanon, Mohammad and his three sisters fear they will be out of school for a third consecutive year because remote learning is out of reach. "Look at my phone. How do you expect my son to study on it?" asked his father Abdel Nasser, sitting cross-legged inside the family's tent in the Bekaa Valley. Also read- China bars foreign curriculum, ownership in some private schools "The screen is cracked... and I have no internet." Eleven-year-old Mohammad and his siblings are among tens of thousands of Syrian, Lebanese and Palestinian children who have been left for months without schooling due to coronavirus restrictions. Also read: US schools fight to keep students amid fear of dropout surge due to Covid An accelerating economic crisis means they may never return to school in what rights groups are calling an 'education catastrophe', especially affecting refugees who already struggled to access learning before the pandemic. "We can't afford to buy a cellphone for everyone. We must first be able to feed our children," said their mother Shamaa. Mohammad arrived in Lebanon from Syria in 2012 -- a year into an ongoing conflict that has killed 388,000 people and displaced millions. But he wasn't enrolled in school until 2019 because Lebanon's public school system didn't open its doors to Syrian refugees until 2013, and even then only to a limited number. Mohammad's first school year coincided with the Covid pandemic, which brought all classes to a halt by the second term. "He doesn't even know how to multiply one by one," his father said. Mohammad's older sisters Hind, Sarah and Amal, aged 12 to 14, had already been in school for four years when the education ministry in March 2020 said it was shifting to online learning. "I was happy before," 14-year-old Amal said, sobbing. "I was studying Arabic, English, science and geography. "But now my parents can't afford to give me an online education." More than 1.2 million children in Lebanon have been out of school since the country's coronavirus outbreak began last year, the UK-based charity Save the Children says. It warned last month that a large number of children may never get back into a classroom, either because they have already missed so much school or because their families can't afford to enrol them. "Education for thousands of children in Lebanon is hanging by a thread," it said. Lebanon's economic crisis is at its worst since the 1975-1990 civil war, with more than half the local population now living in poverty. Poverty rates are even higher among Syrians, with 90 per cent of families barely able to survive. Lisa Abou Khaled of the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) says this is impacting education. "Some Syrian children have had to give up their studies to work and help their families," she told AFP. Citing data from Lebanon's education ministry, she said 25,000 Syrian students should have re-enrolled or entered grade one in 2020-2021 but did not. "We think the real number is higher than that," she added, estimating that more than half of Syrian school-aged children were currently out of the classroom. The education catastrophe is also real for the tens of thousands of Lebanese who have lost jobs or seen their income slashed since the economic crisis accelerated in 2019. Inside a cramped apartment in the eastern Beirut suburb of Burj Hammoud, 11-year-old Pamela points to a keyboard -- the only thing that remains from a desktop computer destroyed during last summer's huge Beirut port explosion. The August 4 blast, which killed more than 200 people and destroyed swaths of the capital, hit Pamela's home and piled new misery on a family already brought to its knees by the financial downturn. The family couldn't afford to buy a replacement as it had become far too expensive due to the rapid devaluation of the Lebanese pound. "So I started to follow lessons on my cellphone," Pamela said. As she has impaired vision, a small screen was already a nuisance. But then power outages lasting up to 18 hours a day also left her struggling to keep her phone alive and connected to the internet. She decided to drop out. "I was disgusted with online education, I couldn't take it anymore," she said. Her father, an out-of-work taxi driver, said he had wanted Pamela to drop out months ago. "I don't give a damn about education or this country," he said. But Pamela hasn't entirely abandoned hopes of returning to school. "I want to study so that I can get a decent job later and be able to help my parents."

'I want to study': Lebanon crisis cancels school for many

Sri Lanka on Monday lifted the three-day lockdown imposed to contain the spread of the coronavirus but authorities asked people to stay indoors as over 2,000 daily new cases are being reported in the country.&nbsp;

The three-day lockdown without imposing a curfew was meant to force people to remain indoors during the long weekend, which coincided with the festivities at the end of Ramzan fast.&nbsp;

A police spokesperson said the ending of the lockdown was only limited to the movements for essential work. "People can move out of their homes for essential work based on the last digit of their national identity card," the spokesman said.&nbsp;

The odd number last digit identity card holders are allowed to step out on odd numbered days, while the even numbered are allowed on the even number days, he added.&nbsp;

State and private offices have been asked to operate with minimum staff under health regulations. Each day over 2,000 new cases of COVID-19 are being reported in the country, health officials said.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka currently has over 21,000 people receiving treatment for COVID-19 at hospitals, Shavendra Silva, the Army chief, who heads the COVID-19 prevention operations, said.&nbsp;

The public transport and taxis would be in operation only until 11 pm on Monday when a night travel ban comes into force until 4 am on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Travelling by taxis and three-wheelers are limited to two people. The night travel ban will remain enforced till the end of the month.&nbsp;

Dhammika Wijesinghe, Director General of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), last week announced that foreign tourists visiting the island will be able to travel under the Biosafety Bubble System according to health guidelines.&nbsp;

However, institutions and individuals who have taken steps to bring in tourists are strongly advised to follow the health guidelines when transporting tourists through the Tourism Bubble System and strict action will be taken against those who violate those guidelines.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka's tourism industry, which was badly hit by the pandemic, has been identified as an export industry and is included in the National Plan for Export Development. &nbsp;

Tourist arrivals to the country have been steadily increasing since the country reopened to tourists. It was then that the third wave of Covid began in the country, which has reported 962 fatalities due to COVID-19.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka on Monday lifted the three-day lockdown imposed to contain the spread of the coronavirus but authorities asked people to stay indoors as over 2,000 daily new cases are being reported in the country.

Sri Lanka on Monday lifted the three-day lockdown imposed to contain the spread of the coronavirus but authorities asked people to stay indoors as over 2,000 daily new cases are being reported in the country. The three-day lockdown without imposing a curfew was meant to force people to remain indoors during the long weekend, which coincided with the festivities at the end of Ramzan fast. A police spokesperson said the ending of the lockdown was only limited to the movements for essential work. "People can move out of their homes for essential work based on the last digit of their national identity card," the spokesman said. The odd number last digit identity card holders are allowed to step out on odd numbered days, while the even numbered are allowed on the even number days, he added. State and private offices have been asked to operate with minimum staff under health regulations. Each day over 2,000 new cases of COVID-19 are being reported in the country, health officials said. Sri Lanka currently has over 21,000 people receiving treatment for COVID-19 at hospitals, Shavendra Silva, the Army chief, who heads the COVID-19 prevention operations, said. The public transport and taxis would be in operation only until 11 pm on Monday when a night travel ban comes into force until 4 am on Tuesday. Travelling by taxis and three-wheelers are limited to two people. The night travel ban will remain enforced till the end of the month. Dhammika Wijesinghe, Director General of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), last week announced that foreign tourists visiting the island will be able to travel under the Biosafety Bubble System according to health guidelines. However, institutions and individuals who have taken steps to bring in tourists are strongly advised to follow the health guidelines when transporting tourists through the Tourism Bubble System and strict action will be taken against those who violate those guidelines. Sri Lanka's tourism industry, which was badly hit by the pandemic, has been identified as an export industry and is included in the National Plan for Export Development. Tourist arrivals to the country have been steadily increasing since the country reopened to tourists. It was then that the third wave of Covid began in the country, which has reported 962 fatalities due to COVID-19.

Sri Lanka ends three-day COVID-19 lockdown 

Cyclone Tauktae: Amid pandemic, India's western states brace for storm

Working long hours is killing hundreds of thousands of people a year in a worsening trend that may accelerate further due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization said on Monday.&nbsp;

In the first global study of the loss of life associated with longer working hours, the paper in the journal Environment International showed that 745,000 people died from stroke and heart disease associated with long working hours in 2016.&nbsp;

That was an increase of nearly 30% from 2000.&nbsp;

"Working 55 hours or more per week is a serious health hazard," said Maria Neira, director of the WHO's Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health.&nbsp;

"What we want to do with this information is promote more action, more protection of workers," she said.&nbsp;

The joint study, produced by the WHO and the International Labour Organization, showed that most victims (72%) were men and were middle-aged or older. Often, the deaths occurred much later in life, sometimes decades later, than the shifts worked.&nbsp;

It also showed that people living in Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific region, a WHO-defined region which includes China, Japan and Australia, were the most affected.&nbsp;

Overall, the study, drawing on data from 194 countries, said that working 55 hours or more a week is associated with a 35% higher risk of stroke and a 17% higher risk of dying from ischemic heart disease compared with a 35-40 hour working week.&nbsp;

The study covered the period 2000-2016, and so did not include the COVID-19 pandemic, but WHO officials said the surge in remote working and the global economic slowdown resulting from the coronavirus emergency may have increased the risks.&nbsp;

"The pandemic is accelerating developments that could feed the trend towards increased working time," the WHO said, estimating that at least nine per cent of people work long hours.&nbsp;

WHO staff, including its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, say they have been working long hours during the pandemic and Neira said the UN agency would seek to improve its policy in light of the study.&nbsp;

Capping hours would be beneficial for employers since that has been shown to increase worker productivity, WHO technical officer Frank Pega said.&nbsp;

"It's really a smart choice not to increase long working hours in an economic crisis." &nbsp;

Working long hours is killing hundreds of thousands of people a year in a worsening trend that may accelerate further due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization said on Monday.

Working long hours is killing hundreds of thousands of people a year in a worsening trend that may accelerate further due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization said on Monday. In the first global study of the loss of life associated with longer working hours, the paper in the journal Environment International showed that 745,000 people died from stroke and heart disease associated with long working hours in 2016. That was an increase of nearly 30% from 2000. "Working 55 hours or more per week is a serious health hazard," said Maria Neira, director of the WHO's Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health. "What we want to do with this information is promote more action, more protection of workers," she said. The joint study, produced by the WHO and the International Labour Organization, showed that most victims (72%) were men and were middle-aged or older. Often, the deaths occurred much later in life, sometimes decades later, than the shifts worked. It also showed that people living in Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific region, a WHO-defined region which includes China, Japan and Australia, were the most affected. Overall, the study, drawing on data from 194 countries, said that working 55 hours or more a week is associated with a 35% higher risk of stroke and a 17% higher risk of dying from ischemic heart disease compared with a 35-40 hour working week. The study covered the period 2000-2016, and so did not include the COVID-19 pandemic, but WHO officials said the surge in remote working and the global economic slowdown resulting from the coronavirus emergency may have increased the risks. "The pandemic is accelerating developments that could feed the trend towards increased working time," the WHO said, estimating that at least nine per cent of people work long hours. WHO staff, including its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, say they have been working long hours during the pandemic and Neira said the UN agency would seek to improve its policy in light of the study. Capping hours would be beneficial for employers since that has been shown to increase worker productivity, WHO technical officer Frank Pega said. "It's really a smart choice not to increase long working hours in an economic crisis."

Long working hours are a killer, WHO study shows 

A Russian court is set to hear an 'extremism' case against the political network of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny on Monday as Moscow seeks to outlaw the opposition to President Vladimir Putin.&nbsp;

The closed court hearing is part of a sweeping crackdown on Putin's most prominent critic and his supporters after Navalny barely survived a poisoning with the Novichok nerve agent last summer.&nbsp;

As part of the effort, which comes a few months before parliamentary elections, the lower house is set on Tuesday to begin debating a bill banning members of 'extremist' organisations from being elected lawmakers.&nbsp;

Prosecutors in April requested that Navalny's regional network and his Anti-Corruption Foundation be designated 'extremist' organisations, accusing them of plotting to stage a Western-backed uprising in Russia. &nbsp;

Such a court ruling would put Navalny and his supporters and financial backers on a par with members of the Islamic State group and Al-Qaeda and threaten them with long prison sentences.&nbsp;

"The opposition will be crushed," Abbas Gallyamov, an independent political analyst and former Kremlin speechwriter, said, warning that the official ban on dissent would eventually backfire.&nbsp;

"By destroying the opposition, they are destroying their own legitimacy," Gallyamov said, referring to Russian authorities.&nbsp;

Navalny emerged as a top leader of Russia's opposition movement a decade ago, leading huge anti-Kremlin rallies sparked by claims of electoral fraud in 2011.&nbsp;

Established in 2011, the Anti-Corruption Foundation has published numerous investigations into the lavish lifestyles of Russia's elite. &nbsp;

Navalny's probe into a Black Sea palace Russian tycoons allegedly built for Putin has racked up more than 116 million views on YouTube since its release in January. Putin denies the palace is his.&nbsp;

Even though Navalny was not allowed to run against Putin in a presidential election in 2018, authorities had for years tolerated his political movement, which relies on donations from supporters.&nbsp;

But analysts say the Kremlin is willing to take no chances ahead of parliamentary elections in September as public fatigue is growing with Putin's two-decade rule and the coronavirus pandemic exacerbates economic woes.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A Russian court is set to hear an 'extremism' case against the political network of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny on Monday as Moscow seeks to outlaw the opposition to President Vladimir Putin.

A Russian court is set to hear an 'extremism' case against the political network of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny on Monday as Moscow seeks to outlaw the opposition to President Vladimir Putin. The closed court hearing is part of a sweeping crackdown on Putin's most prominent critic and his supporters after Navalny barely survived a poisoning with the Novichok nerve agent last summer. As part of the effort, which comes a few months before parliamentary elections, the lower house is set on Tuesday to begin debating a bill banning members of 'extremist' organisations from being elected lawmakers. Prosecutors in April requested that Navalny's regional network and his Anti-Corruption Foundation be designated 'extremist' organisations, accusing them of plotting to stage a Western-backed uprising in Russia. Such a court ruling would put Navalny and his supporters and financial backers on a par with members of the Islamic State group and Al-Qaeda and threaten them with long prison sentences. "The opposition will be crushed," Abbas Gallyamov, an independent political analyst and former Kremlin speechwriter, said, warning that the official ban on dissent would eventually backfire. "By destroying the opposition, they are destroying their own legitimacy," Gallyamov said, referring to Russian authorities. Navalny emerged as a top leader of Russia's opposition movement a decade ago, leading huge anti-Kremlin rallies sparked by claims of electoral fraud in 2011. Established in 2011, the Anti-Corruption Foundation has published numerous investigations into the lavish lifestyles of Russia's elite. Navalny's probe into a Black Sea palace Russian tycoons allegedly built for Putin has racked up more than 116 million views on YouTube since its release in January. Putin denies the palace is his. Even though Navalny was not allowed to run against Putin in a presidential election in 2018, authorities had for years tolerated his political movement, which relies on donations from supporters. But analysts say the Kremlin is willing to take no chances ahead of parliamentary elections in September as public fatigue is growing with Putin's two-decade rule and the coronavirus pandemic exacerbates economic woes. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia seeks to outlaw Navalny movement 

More than 80 per cent of Japanese oppose hosting the virus-postponed Olympics this year, a new poll published on Monday showed, less than 10 weeks before the Tokyo Games.&nbsp;

The latest survey comes after Japan expanded a coronavirus state of emergency on Friday as the nation battles a fourth wave of virus infections.&nbsp;

The surge has put pressure on the country's healthcare system, with medical professionals repeatedly warning about shortages and burnout.&nbsp;

The weekend survey by the Asahi Shimbun daily found 43 per cent of respondents want the 2020 Games cancelled, and 40 per cent want a further postponement.&nbsp;

Those figures are up from 35 per cent, who backed cancellation in a survey by the paper a month ago, and 34 per cent, who wanted a further delay.&nbsp;

Only 14 per cent support holding the Games this summer as scheduled, down from 28 per cent, according to the poll of 1,527 replies from 3,191 telephone calls.&nbsp;

If the Games do go ahead, 59 per cent of respondents said they want no spectators, with 33 per cent backing lower fan numbers and three per cent a regular capacity Games.&nbsp;

For months, polling has found a majority in Japan oppose holding the Games this summer.&nbsp;

A separate poll by Kyodo News published on Sunday showed 59.7 per cent back cancellation, though further postponement was not listed as an option.&nbsp;

Olympic organisers say tough anti-virus measures, including regular testing of athletes and a ban on overseas fans, will keep the Games safe.&nbsp;

But the Kyodo poll found 87.7 per cent of respondents worry that an influx of athletes and staff members from abroad may spread the virus.&nbsp;

Asked about the polls, government spokesman Katsunobu Kato said the government would "make efforts so that the Japanese people understand the Tokyo Games will be held in a safe and secure manner".&nbsp;

"We need to give explanations on details of the concrete (coronavirus) measures," he said, insisting that the Games would not put further pressure on medical services.&nbsp;

Japan has seen a smaller virus outbreak than many countries, with fewer than 11,500 deaths so far. But the government has come under pressure for a comparatively slow vaccine rollout.&nbsp;

The Kyodo poll found 85 per cent of respondents considered the rollout slow, with 71.5 per cent unhappy with the government's handling of the pandemic.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

More than 80 per cent of Japanese oppose hosting the virus-postponed Olympics this year, a new poll published on Monday showed, less than 10 weeks before the Tokyo Games.

More than 80 per cent of Japanese oppose hosting the virus-postponed Olympics this year, a new poll published on Monday showed, less than 10 weeks before the Tokyo Games. The latest survey comes after Japan expanded a coronavirus state of emergency on Friday as the nation battles a fourth wave of virus infections. The surge has put pressure on the country's healthcare system, with medical professionals repeatedly warning about shortages and burnout. The weekend survey by the Asahi Shimbun daily found 43 per cent of respondents want the 2020 Games cancelled, and 40 per cent want a further postponement. Those figures are up from 35 per cent, who backed cancellation in a survey by the paper a month ago, and 34 per cent, who wanted a further delay. Only 14 per cent support holding the Games this summer as scheduled, down from 28 per cent, according to the poll of 1,527 replies from 3,191 telephone calls. If the Games do go ahead, 59 per cent of respondents said they want no spectators, with 33 per cent backing lower fan numbers and three per cent a regular capacity Games. For months, polling has found a majority in Japan oppose holding the Games this summer. A separate poll by Kyodo News published on Sunday showed 59.7 per cent back cancellation, though further postponement was not listed as an option. Olympic organisers say tough anti-virus measures, including regular testing of athletes and a ban on overseas fans, will keep the Games safe. But the Kyodo poll found 87.7 per cent of respondents worry that an influx of athletes and staff members from abroad may spread the virus. Asked about the polls, government spokesman Katsunobu Kato said the government would "make efforts so that the Japanese people understand the Tokyo Games will be held in a safe and secure manner". "We need to give explanations on details of the concrete (coronavirus) measures," he said, insisting that the Games would not put further pressure on medical services. Japan has seen a smaller virus outbreak than many countries, with fewer than 11,500 deaths so far. But the government has come under pressure for a comparatively slow vaccine rollout. The Kyodo poll found 85 per cent of respondents considered the rollout slow, with 71.5 per cent unhappy with the government's handling of the pandemic. (With inputs from agencies)

Over 80 per cent Japanese oppose Olympics this summer: Poll 

The key Indian equity indices rose on Monday morning with the BSE Sensex gaining over 500 points.&nbsp;

It soared nearly 524 points to touch an intra-day high of 49,256.52 points&nbsp;

Healthy buying was witnessed in banking and finance stocks.&nbsp;

Around 10.20 am, Sensex was trading at 49,232.14, higher by 499.59 points or 1.03 per cent from its previous close of 48,732.55.&nbsp;

It opened at 48,990.70 and has so far touched an intra-day low of 48,923.13 points.&nbsp;

The Nifty50 on the National Stock Exchange was trading at 14,802.50, higher by 124.70 points or 0.85 per cent from its previous close.&nbsp;

The top gainers on the Sensex were IndusInd Bank, Bajaj Finserv and State Bank of India, while Tata Steel, Larsen &amp; Toubro and Titan Company were the major losers.&nbsp;

The key Indian equity indices rose on Monday morning with the BSE Sensex gaining over 500 points. It soared nearly 524 points to touch an intra-day high of 49,256.

The key Indian equity indices rose on Monday morning with the BSE Sensex gaining over 500 points. It soared nearly 524 points to touch an intra-day high of 49,256.52 points Healthy buying was witnessed in banking and finance stocks. Around 10.20 am, Sensex was trading at 49,232.14, higher by 499.59 points or 1.03 per cent from its previous close of 48,732.55. It opened at 48,990.70 and has so far touched an intra-day low of 48,923.13 points. The Nifty50 on the National Stock Exchange was trading at 14,802.50, higher by 124.70 points or 0.85 per cent from its previous close. The top gainers on the Sensex were IndusInd Bank, Bajaj Finserv and State Bank of India, while Tata Steel, Larsen & Toubro and Titan Company were the major losers.

Sensex up 500 points; banking, finance stocks surge 

Gold prices rose on Monday to their highest level in more than three months, as a dip in US Treasury yields and worries over surging COVID-19 cases in some Asian countries boosted demand for the safe-haven metal.&nbsp;

Spot gold was up 0.6% at $1,853.50 per ounce by 0519 GMT, hitting its highest since February 10. US gold futures jumped 0.9% to $1,854.10.&nbsp;

"Treasury yields are falling and on the other hand, there seems to be fears about virus resurgence in Singapore, Taiwan and broader Asian-Pacific markets... driving up demand for safety," said Margaret Yang, a strategist at DailyFX.&nbsp;

Benchmark US 10-year Treasury yields slipped to their lowest in nearly a week, reducing the opportunity cost of holding non-interest bearing gold. &nbsp;

Singapore will shut most schools from Wednesday after the city-state reported the highest number of local COVID-19 infections in months, while Taiwan imposed new curbs on gatherings and movement.&nbsp;

In India, the world's second-worst pandemic-hit country after the United States, the tally of coronavirus infections reached nearly 24.7 million on Sunday.&nbsp;

Investors now await minutes of the US Federal Reserve's last meeting due on Wednesday for more cues on the central bank's monetary policy and any comments on rising inflation.&nbsp;

"Inflation is going to be a strong driver behind gold in the short- and medium-term. There are always concerns about Fed tapering, but the latest non-farm payroll report is helping to contain that fear," Yang said.&nbsp;

Gold is seen as a hedge against rising inflation.&nbsp;

Spot gold may rise to $1,876 per ounce, as it has broken a resistance at $1,847, according to technical analyst Wang Tao.&nbsp;

Elsewhere, silver was up 0.9% at $27.65 per ounce, after hitting a one-week high earlier in the day. Platinum gained 0.2% to $1,228 and palladium edged 0.4% higher to $2,904.72. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Gold prices rose on Monday to their highest level in more than three months, as a dip in US Treasury yields and worries over surging COVID-19 cases in some Asian countries boosted demand for the safe-haven metal.

Gold prices rose on Monday to their highest level in more than three months, as a dip in US Treasury yields and worries over surging COVID-19 cases in some Asian countries boosted demand for the safe-haven metal. Spot gold was up 0.6% at $1,853.50 per ounce by 0519 GMT, hitting its highest since February 10. US gold futures jumped 0.9% to $1,854.10. "Treasury yields are falling and on the other hand, there seems to be fears about virus resurgence in Singapore, Taiwan and broader Asian-Pacific markets... driving up demand for safety," said Margaret Yang, a strategist at DailyFX. Benchmark US 10-year Treasury yields slipped to their lowest in nearly a week, reducing the opportunity cost of holding non-interest bearing gold. Singapore will shut most schools from Wednesday after the city-state reported the highest number of local COVID-19 infections in months, while Taiwan imposed new curbs on gatherings and movement. In India, the world's second-worst pandemic-hit country after the United States, the tally of coronavirus infections reached nearly 24.7 million on Sunday. Investors now await minutes of the US Federal Reserve's last meeting due on Wednesday for more cues on the central bank's monetary policy and any comments on rising inflation. "Inflation is going to be a strong driver behind gold in the short- and medium-term. There are always concerns about Fed tapering, but the latest non-farm payroll report is helping to contain that fear," Yang said. Gold is seen as a hedge against rising inflation. Spot gold may rise to $1,876 per ounce, as it has broken a resistance at $1,847, according to technical analyst Wang Tao. Elsewhere, silver was up 0.9% at $27.65 per ounce, after hitting a one-week high earlier in the day. Platinum gained 0.2% to $1,228 and palladium edged 0.4% higher to $2,904.72. (With inputs from agencies)

Gold hits over three-month high on virus worries, lower US yields 

Saudi Arabia has called for foreign ministers of the world's largest body of Muslim nations to hold a meeting on Sunday.

The gathering is to discuss Israeli acts of violence against Palestinians and the Israeli police's use of force against protesters at Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Qatar top diplomat meets Hamas' leader in Doha ">Qatar top diplomat meets Hamas' leader in Doha&nbsp;</a>

The kingdom will host the virtual summit, gathering ministers of the 57-nation Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to discuss the Israeli aggression in the Palestinian territory, particularly acts of violence in the vicinity of Al-Aqsa Mosque, the body said on Saturday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Israel bombs home of Hamas chief in Gaza; violence shows no signs of abating">Israel bombs home of Hamas chief in Gaza; violence shows no signs of abating</a>

The Saudi-headquartered OIC includes countries Iran, Turkey, Indonesia and a range of Muslim majority nations.

The sanctity of Al-Aqsa mosque, one of Islam's holiest sites, is a sensitive and emotive issue for Muslims around the world.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Biden calls Netanyahu, reaffirms US support for Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas, other terror groups">Biden calls Netanyahu, reaffirms US support for Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas, other terror groups</a>

The OIC was formed 51 years ago in response to a Jewish extremist arson attack on the Al-Aqsa Mosque in east Jerusalem.

The hilltop on which the mosque stands is also sacred to Jews, who revere it as the Temple Mount because it was the site of the biblical temples.

Some Jews and evangelical Christians support building a new Jewish temple on the site, an idea that Muslims find alarming because they fear it would lead to the mosque being partitioned or demolished.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia has called for foreign ministers of the world's largest body of Muslim nations to hold a meeting on Sunday. The gathering is to discuss Israeli acts of violence against Palestinians and the Israeli police's use of force against protesters at Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem.

Saudi Arabia has called for foreign ministers of the world's largest body of Muslim nations to hold a meeting on Sunday. The gathering is to discuss Israeli acts of violence against Palestinians and the Israeli police's use of force against protesters at Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem. Also read: Qatar top diplomat meets Hamas' leader in Doha The kingdom will host the virtual summit, gathering ministers of the 57-nation Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to discuss the Israeli aggression in the Palestinian territory, particularly acts of violence in the vicinity of Al-Aqsa Mosque, the body said on Saturday. Also read: Israel bombs home of Hamas chief in Gaza; violence shows no signs of abating The Saudi-headquartered OIC includes countries Iran, Turkey, Indonesia and a range of Muslim majority nations. The sanctity of Al-Aqsa mosque, one of Islam's holiest sites, is a sensitive and emotive issue for Muslims around the world. Also read: Biden calls Netanyahu, reaffirms US support for Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas, other terror groups The OIC was formed 51 years ago in response to a Jewish extremist arson attack on the Al-Aqsa Mosque in east Jerusalem. The hilltop on which the mosque stands is also sacred to Jews, who revere it as the Temple Mount because it was the site of the biblical temples. Some Jews and evangelical Christians support building a new Jewish temple on the site, an idea that Muslims find alarming because they fear it would lead to the mosque being partitioned or demolished.

Saudis to host meeting of Muslim nations' foreign ministers

Disney World and other US&nbsp;amusement parks updated their mask policy following the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) this week.

Masks have been made optional in outdoor areas and pool decks at Walt Disney Inc's Disney World in Orlando, Florida, effective May 15, but are still needed for entering rides and at indoor locations, according to the guidelines posted on its website.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="California's Disneyland re-opens but don't expect hugs from Mickey Mouse">California's Disneyland re-opens but don't expect hugs from Mickey Mouse</a>

Universal Orlando has also relaxed its mask policy for guests at outdoor locations. "Face coverings will remain required at all indoor locations, including restaurants, shops, and indoor hotel public areas,"&nbsp;the company said in a statement on Friday.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="US: Fully vaccinated people can take part in indoor, outdoor activities without mask, social distancing">US: Fully vaccinated people can take part in indoor, outdoor activities without mask, social distancing</a>

SeaWorld Entertainment Inc&nbsp;said on Saturday masks will no longer be required for guests at SeaWorld Orlando, SeaWorld San Antonio, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Discovery Cove, Aquatica Orlando, Aquatica San Antonio, Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA for customers who are fully vaccinated.

"All park employees will be required to continue to wear face coverings,"&nbsp;a SeaWorld spokeswoman said on Saturday.

The CDC on Thursday advised that fully vaccinated people do not need to wear masks outdoors and can avoid wearing them indoors in most places.

Disney World and other US amusement parks updated their mask policy following the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) this week.

Disney World and other US amusement parks updated their mask policy following the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) this week. Masks have been made optional in outdoor areas and pool decks at Walt Disney Inc's Disney World in Orlando, Florida, effective May 15, but are still needed for entering rides and at indoor locations, according to the guidelines posted on its website. Also read- California's Disneyland re-opens but don't expect hugs from Mickey Mouse Universal Orlando has also relaxed its mask policy for guests at outdoor locations. "Face coverings will remain required at all indoor locations, including restaurants, shops, and indoor hotel public areas," the company said in a statement on Friday. Also read- US: Fully vaccinated people can take part in indoor, outdoor activities without mask, social distancing SeaWorld Entertainment Inc said on Saturday masks will no longer be required for guests at SeaWorld Orlando, SeaWorld San Antonio, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Discovery Cove, Aquatica Orlando, Aquatica San Antonio, Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA for customers who are fully vaccinated. "All park employees will be required to continue to wear face coverings," a SeaWorld spokeswoman said on Saturday. The CDC on Thursday advised that fully vaccinated people do not need to wear masks outdoors and can avoid wearing them indoors in most places.

Disney World and other US theme parks update mask rules

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Gandharv Walia

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

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