Australia&nbsp;carried&nbsp;out&nbsp;its&nbsp;first&nbsp;repatriation&nbsp;flight&nbsp;from&nbsp;India&nbsp;after&nbsp;temporarily&nbsp;banning all&nbsp;travel&nbsp;from&nbsp;the COVID-ravaged country last month, the government said, with 80 passengers arriving in Darwin on Saturday&nbsp;from&nbsp;New Delhi.

Passengers had to show two negative COVID-19 tests before boarding the government-backed Qantas&nbsp;flight&nbsp;and were taken upon arrival to a converted mining camp in Howard Springs in the Northern Territory for a two-week quarantine.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="COVID-19: Nearly 50% passengers of Australia's repatriation flight grounded">COVID-19: Nearly 50% passengers of Australia's repatriation flight grounded</a>

The&nbsp;Australian government came under fire for temporarily barring all&nbsp;travel&nbsp;to and&nbsp;from&nbsp;India&nbsp;last month, a policy that drew heavy criticism&nbsp;from&nbsp;lawmakers, expatriates and the&nbsp;Indian diaspora.

A total of 70 passengers were barred&nbsp;from&nbsp;boarding the&nbsp;flight&nbsp;on Friday&nbsp;after&nbsp;they or their close contacts tested positive for the coronavirus.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="Watch: Australia faces worst mouse plague — Rats 'raining' from the sky">Watch: Australia faces worst mouse plague — Rats 'raining' from the sky</a>

"We are following the medical advice and ensuring that we protect&nbsp;Australians here and I'm pleased that that&nbsp;first&nbsp;flight&nbsp;has arrived, and obviously there will be more&nbsp;flights to come," Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said in a televised briefing.

"It's important to do the testing that we are doing right now, before people come on those planes to&nbsp;Australia. That's the process we are following, and we will continue to follow."

Two more Royal&nbsp;Australian Air Force&nbsp;repatriation&nbsp;flights to the Northern Territory are scheduled this month, with about&nbsp;1,000 people planned to return by the end of June. About&nbsp;9,000&nbsp;Australians in&nbsp;India&nbsp;have registered with the federal government, requesting to return home.

The government aims to more than double the capacity of the quarantine facility in Howard Springs, 25 km (16 miles) southeast of the city of Darwin, so that it can cope with the arrival of 2,000 people every two weeks&nbsp;from&nbsp;June.

India&nbsp;has reported more than 300,000 infections a day over the past three weeks, overwhelming its health care system and leaving many without&nbsp;hospital beds, oxygen and adequate treatment.

By contrast,&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;has been one of the world's most successful countries in curbing the pandemic, with snap lockdowns, border closures and swift contact-tracing. It has reported just under 29,950 coronavirus infections and 910 COVID-19 deaths since the pandemic started.

Australia carried out its first repatriation flight from India after temporarily banning all travel from the COVID-ravaged country last month, the government said, with 80 passengers arriving in Darwin on Saturday from New Delhi.

Australia carried out its first repatriation flight from India after temporarily banning all travel from the COVID-ravaged country last month, the government said, with 80 passengers arriving in Darwin on Saturday from New Delhi. Passengers had to show two negative COVID-19 tests before boarding the government-backed Qantas flight and were taken upon arrival to a converted mining camp in Howard Springs in the Northern Territory for a two-week quarantine. Also read- COVID-19: Nearly 50% passengers of Australia's repatriation flight grounded The Australian government came under fire for temporarily barring all travel to and from India last month, a policy that drew heavy criticism from lawmakers, expatriates and the Indian diaspora. A total of 70 passengers were barred from boarding the flight on Friday after they or their close contacts tested positive for the coronavirus. Also read- Watch: Australia faces worst mouse plague — Rats 'raining' from the sky "We are following the medical advice and ensuring that we protect Australians here and I'm pleased that that first flight has arrived, and obviously there will be more flights to come," Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said in a televised briefing. "It's important to do the testing that we are doing right now, before people come on those planes to Australia. That's the process we are following, and we will continue to follow." Two more Royal Australian Air Force repatriation flights to the Northern Territory are scheduled this month, with about 1,000 people planned to return by the end of June. About 9,000 Australians in India have registered with the federal government, requesting to return home. The government aims to more than double the capacity of the quarantine facility in Howard Springs, 25 km (16 miles) southeast of the city of Darwin, so that it can cope with the arrival of 2,000 people every two weeks from June. India has reported more than 300,000 infections a day over the past three weeks, overwhelming its health care system and leaving many without hospital beds, oxygen and adequate treatment. By contrast, Australia has been one of the world's most successful countries in curbing the pandemic, with snap lockdowns, border closures and swift contact-tracing. It has reported just under 29,950 coronavirus infections and 910 COVID-19 deaths since the pandemic started.

Australia carries out first repatriation flight from India after travel ban

Amid the final drawdown of US troops from Afghanistan, 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.&nbsp;

"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.&nbsp;

Over Pakistan's influence on the Taliban, Ghani said, "Pakistan operates an organised system of support. The Taliban receive logistics there, their finances are there and recruitment is there."&nbsp;

"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.&nbsp;

These remarks come as Ghani met Pakistan army chief Gen Qamar Bajwa earlier this week and discussed Pakistan's role in the peace process and the escalation of violence in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

"President Ashraf Ghani attached great importance to the role of the regional countries particularly Pakistan in establishing peace in Afghanistan and the country's influence on the Taliban," the Afghan Presidential Palace said in a statement on Monday.&nbsp;

Afghanistan and Pakistan have no choice but to opt for mutual respect, good neighbourliness, and economic cooperation, Ghani had said. &nbsp;

Ghani further said that there is no military solution for the ongoing war in Afghanistan and that the Taliban's insistence to stick to a military solution is unacceptable for the people of Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Afghanistan has seen a spike in the incidents of violence in recent weeks, leading to casualties of Afghan security forces and civilians. US withdrawal from Afghanistan is underway and set to complete by September 11. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Amid the final drawdown of US troops from Afghanistan, 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.

Amid the final drawdown of US troops from Afghanistan, 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 organised 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. These remarks come as Ghani met Pakistan army chief Gen Qamar Bajwa earlier this week and discussed Pakistan's role in the peace process and the escalation of violence in Afghanistan. "President Ashraf Ghani attached great importance to the role of the regional countries particularly Pakistan in establishing peace in Afghanistan and the country's influence on the Taliban," the Afghan Presidential Palace said in a statement on Monday. Afghanistan and Pakistan have no choice but to opt for mutual respect, good neighbourliness, and economic cooperation, Ghani had said. Ghani further said that there is no military solution for the ongoing war in Afghanistan and that the Taliban's insistence to stick to a military solution is unacceptable for the people of Afghanistan. Afghanistan has seen a spike in the incidents of violence in recent weeks, leading to casualties of Afghan security forces and civilians. US withdrawal from Afghanistan is underway and set to complete by September 11. (With inputs from agencies)

Question of peace or hostility in Afghanistan in Pakistani hands, says President Ghani 

Fighters of a local militia opposed to Myanmar's junta have pulled back from the northwestern town of Mindat after days of assault by combat troops backed by artillery, a member of the group said on Sunday.&nbsp;

The United States and Britain called on the army to avoid civilian casualties and a shadow National Unity Government formed by loyalists of Myanmar's detained elected leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, appealed for international help.&nbsp;

A spokesman for the junta did not answer calls for comment.&nbsp;

The fighting in the hill town of Mindat, about 100 km (60 miles) from the Indian border in Chin state, is some of the heaviest since the coup plunged Myanmar into chaos with daily protests, strikes and the emergence of new local militias.&nbsp;

"To avoid confrontation, we retreated out of concern over damage to the town," said one fighter, adding that only women and children remained in the town of more than 40,000 that was now largely occupied by the army.&nbsp;

"Since all the boys and men are involved in this fight, all of them are on the run."&nbsp;

The US-funded RFA website quoted a member of the group as saying five of its fighters were killed, but it believed it had inflicted losses several times that many on the army, widely known as the Tatmadaw.&nbsp;

Army-controlled Myawaddy television said on Saturday that some security forces were killed and others missing after attacks by 'unscrupulous people'. Security forces would work day and night to bring order, it added.&nbsp;

The fighting marks the emergence of the Chinland Defence Force, one of several new groups to spring up in opposition to the junta in a country, which already had about two dozen ethnic armed groups.&nbsp;

The fighters also say they are part of the People's Defence Forces of the shadow government.&nbsp;

"We would like to urge the international community to take immediate actions to end all violence of the Tatmadaw and protect the defenceless people of Mindat," the National Unity Government said in a statement.&nbsp;

The US and British embassies in Myanmar voiced concern for civilians in Mindat.&nbsp;

"The military’s use of weapons of war against civilians, including this week in Mindat, is a further demonstration of the depths the regime will sink to hold onto power," the US embassy said in a statement. "We call on the military to cease violence against civilians."&nbsp;

Britain's mission said evidence of atrocities should be sent to UN investigators 'so perpetrators can be held to account'.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Fighters of a local militia opposed to Myanmar's junta have pulled back from the northwestern town of Mindat after days of assault by combat troops backed by artillery, a member of the group said on Sunday.

Fighters of a local militia opposed to Myanmar's junta have pulled back from the northwestern town of Mindat after days of assault by combat troops backed by artillery, a member of the group said on Sunday. The United States and Britain called on the army to avoid civilian casualties and a shadow National Unity Government formed by loyalists of Myanmar's detained elected leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, appealed for international help. A spokesman for the junta did not answer calls for comment. The fighting in the hill town of Mindat, about 100 km (60 miles) from the Indian border in Chin state, is some of the heaviest since the coup plunged Myanmar into chaos with daily protests, strikes and the emergence of new local militias. "To avoid confrontation, we retreated out of concern over damage to the town," said one fighter, adding that only women and children remained in the town of more than 40,000 that was now largely occupied by the army. "Since all the boys and men are involved in this fight, all of them are on the run." The US-funded RFA website quoted a member of the group as saying five of its fighters were killed, but it believed it had inflicted losses several times that many on the army, widely known as the Tatmadaw. Army-controlled Myawaddy television said on Saturday that some security forces were killed and others missing after attacks by 'unscrupulous people'. Security forces would work day and night to bring order, it added. The fighting marks the emergence of the Chinland Defence Force, one of several new groups to spring up in opposition to the junta in a country, which already had about two dozen ethnic armed groups. The fighters also say they are part of the People's Defence Forces of the shadow government. "We would like to urge the international community to take immediate actions to end all violence of the Tatmadaw and protect the defenceless people of Mindat," the National Unity Government said in a statement. The US and British embassies in Myanmar voiced concern for civilians in Mindat. "The military’s use of weapons of war against civilians, including this week in Mindat, is a further demonstration of the depths the regime will sink to hold onto power," the US embassy said in a statement. "We call on the military to cease violence against civilians." Britain's mission said evidence of atrocities should be sent to UN investigators 'so perpetrators can be held to account'. (With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar anti-coup fighters retreat from town as US makes appeal 

Qatar's foreign minister has met with a top Hamas official. That's according to a statement by Qatar's Foreign Ministry on Saturday. It said Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met Hamas leader Ismail Haniya in the capital, Doha.&nbsp;

The Foreign Ministry said Sheikh Mohammed stressed the need for the international community to act urgently to stop the repeated brutal Israeli attacks against civilians in Gaza.&nbsp;

There was no mention of the Israeli strike that toppled a Gaza tower that was home to offices of both The Associated Press, Doha's Al-Jazeera satellite news network and others.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Arab League chief said on Saturday that Arab states' ambassadors to the United Nations are trying to rally international support for Palestinians amid Israeli attacks on Gaza. &nbsp;

Ahmed Aboul Gheit called upon the UN Security Council to 'fulfill its responsibilities' in holding Israel accountable in a session scheduled on Sunday to discuss the violence. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Qatar's foreign minister has met with a top Hamas official. That's according to a statement by Qatar's Foreign Ministry on Saturday. It said Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met Hamas leader Ismail Haniya in the capital, Doha.

Qatar's foreign minister has met with a top Hamas official. That's according to a statement by Qatar's Foreign Ministry on Saturday. It said Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met Hamas leader Ismail Haniya in the capital, Doha. The Foreign Ministry said Sheikh Mohammed stressed the need for the international community to act urgently to stop the repeated brutal Israeli attacks against civilians in Gaza. There was no mention of the Israeli strike that toppled a Gaza tower that was home to offices of both The Associated Press, Doha's Al-Jazeera satellite news network and others. Meanwhile, Arab League chief said on Saturday that Arab states' ambassadors to the United Nations are trying to rally international support for Palestinians amid Israeli attacks on Gaza. Ahmed Aboul Gheit called upon the UN Security Council to 'fulfill its responsibilities' in holding Israel accountable in a session scheduled on Sunday to discuss the violence. (With inputs from agencies)

Qatar top diplomat meets Hamas' leader in Doha 

Pro-Palestinian protesters took to the streets of Los Angeles, Boston, Philadelphia and other US cities to demand an end to Israeli airstrikes over the Gaza Strip. &nbsp;

Thousands of people shut down traffic on a major thoroughfare in west Los Angeles on Saturday as they marched two miles from outside the federal building to the Israeli consulate. The protesters waved signs that said 'free Palestine' and shouted 'long live intifada’, or uprising.&nbsp;

In San Francisco, a raucous crowd banged drums and yelled 'Palestine will be free' as they marched across the Mission district to Dolores Park. &nbsp;

A similar scene played out in Boston as protesters walked a short distance from Copley Square to the Israeli Consulate for New England, blocking traffic. &nbsp;

Footage on social media shows protesters unfurl a banner in the colors of the Palestinian flag with the words 'Free Palestine' while standing on top of the awning of the building where the consulate is located. &nbsp;

In Washington, thousands of protesters streamed from the Washington Monument and to the National Archives. In Philadelphia, demonstrators filled Rittenhouse Square to decry US support for Israel. &nbsp;

At a protest in Pittsburgh, one speaker called on lawmakers to put restrictions on how Israel can spend aid from the United States.&nbsp;

The protests were stoked by five days of mayhem that left at least 145 Palestinians dead in Gaza and eight dead on the Israeli side. The violence, set off by Hamas firing a rocket into Israel on Monday, came after weeks of mounting tensions and heavy-handed Israeli measures in contested Jerusalem.&nbsp;

Israel stepped up its assault and slammed the Gaza Strip with airstrikes on Saturday, in a dramatic escalation that included bombing the home of a senior Hamas leader, killing a family of 10 in a refugee camp and destroying a building that house the offices of The Associated Press and other media. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Pro-Palestinian protesters took to the streets of Los Angeles, Boston, Philadelphia and other US cities to demand an end to Israeli airstrikes over the Gaza Strip.

Pro-Palestinian protesters took to the streets of Los Angeles, Boston, Philadelphia and other US cities to demand an end to Israeli airstrikes over the Gaza Strip. Thousands of people shut down traffic on a major thoroughfare in west Los Angeles on Saturday as they marched two miles from outside the federal building to the Israeli consulate. The protesters waved signs that said 'free Palestine' and shouted 'long live intifada’, or uprising. In San Francisco, a raucous crowd banged drums and yelled 'Palestine will be free' as they marched across the Mission district to Dolores Park. A similar scene played out in Boston as protesters walked a short distance from Copley Square to the Israeli Consulate for New England, blocking traffic. Footage on social media shows protesters unfurl a banner in the colors of the Palestinian flag with the words 'Free Palestine' while standing on top of the awning of the building where the consulate is located. In Washington, thousands of protesters streamed from the Washington Monument and to the National Archives. In Philadelphia, demonstrators filled Rittenhouse Square to decry US support for Israel. At a protest in Pittsburgh, one speaker called on lawmakers to put restrictions on how Israel can spend aid from the United States. The protests were stoked by five days of mayhem that left at least 145 Palestinians dead in Gaza and eight dead on the Israeli side. The violence, set off by Hamas firing a rocket into Israel on Monday, came after weeks of mounting tensions and heavy-handed Israeli measures in contested Jerusalem. Israel stepped up its assault and slammed the Gaza Strip with airstrikes on Saturday, in a dramatic escalation that included bombing the home of a senior Hamas leader, killing a family of 10 in a refugee camp and destroying a building that house the offices of The Associated Press and other media. (With inputs from agencies)

Protesters in major US cities decry airstrikes over Gaza 

News organisations demanded an explanation for an Israeli airstrike that targeted and destroyed a Gaza City building housing the offices of The Associated Press, broadcaster Al-Jazeera and other media outlets. &nbsp;

AP journalists and other tenants were safely evacuated from the 12-storey al-Jalaa tower after the Israeli military warned of an imminent strike on Saturday. Three heavy missiles hit the building within the hour, disrupting coverage of the ongoing conflict between militant group Hamas and Israel. At least 145 people in Gaza and eight in Israel have been killed since the fighting erupted on Monday night. &nbsp;

"The world will know less about what is happening in Gaza because of what happened today," AP President and CEO Gary Pruitt said. He said the American news agency was seeking information from the Israeli government and engaging with the US State Department to learn more.&nbsp;

Mostefa Souag, acting director-general of Al Jazeera Media Network, called the strike a 'war crime' and a 'clear act' to stop journalists from reporting on the conflict. Kuwait state television also had office space in the now-collapsed Gaza City building.&nbsp;

"The targeting of news organisations is completely unacceptable, even during an armed conflict. It represents a gross violation of human rights and internationally agreed norms," Barbara Trionfi, the executive director of the International Press Institute, said.&nbsp;

In a standard Israeli response, the military said that Hamas was operating inside the building, and it accused the militant group of using journalists as human shields. But it provided no evidence to back up the claims.&nbsp;

Israeli military spokesman Lt Col Jonathan Conricus claimed that Hamas used the building for a military intelligence office and weapons development. He said "a highly advanced technological tool that the militant group used in the fighting was within or on the building."&nbsp;

But Conricus said he could not provide evidence to back up the claims without 'compromising' intelligence efforts. He added, however: "I think it's a legitimate request to see more information, and I will try to provide it."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

News organisations demanded an explanation for an Israeli airstrike that targeted and destroyed a Gaza City building housing the offices of The Associated Press, broadcaster Al-Jazeera and other media outlets.

News organisations demanded an explanation for an Israeli airstrike that targeted and destroyed a Gaza City building housing the offices of The Associated Press, broadcaster Al-Jazeera and other media outlets. AP journalists and other tenants were safely evacuated from the 12-storey al-Jalaa tower after the Israeli military warned of an imminent strike on Saturday. Three heavy missiles hit the building within the hour, disrupting coverage of the ongoing conflict between militant group Hamas and Israel. At least 145 people in Gaza and eight in Israel have been killed since the fighting erupted on Monday night. "The world will know less about what is happening in Gaza because of what happened today," AP President and CEO Gary Pruitt said. He said the American news agency was seeking information from the Israeli government and engaging with the US State Department to learn more. Mostefa Souag, acting director-general of Al Jazeera Media Network, called the strike a 'war crime' and a 'clear act' to stop journalists from reporting on the conflict. Kuwait state television also had office space in the now-collapsed Gaza City building. "The targeting of news organisations is completely unacceptable, even during an armed conflict. It represents a gross violation of human rights and internationally agreed norms," Barbara Trionfi, the executive director of the International Press Institute, said. In a standard Israeli response, the military said that Hamas was operating inside the building, and it accused the militant group of using journalists as human shields. But it provided no evidence to back up the claims. Israeli military spokesman Lt Col Jonathan Conricus claimed that Hamas used the building for a military intelligence office and weapons development. He said "a highly advanced technological tool that the militant group used in the fighting was within or on the building." But Conricus said he could not provide evidence to back up the claims without 'compromising' intelligence efforts. He added, however: "I think it's a legitimate request to see more information, and I will try to provide it." (With inputs from agencies)

Media demands Israel to explain destruction of news offices 

As many as 60,000 doses of the second batch of Russia's COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V on Sunday landed at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Dr Reddy's Laboratories said on Sunday.&nbsp;

"Pleased to share that the consignment that arrived today in Hyderabad contains 60,000 doses of the second dose component of the #SputnikV vaccine. Samples from the consignment will be sent for release to the Central Drugs Laboratory," the drug maker tweeted.&nbsp;

Dr Reddy's Laboratories on May 14 soft launched imported COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V vaccine, which is priced at Rs 948, with five per cent GST per dose (retail price).&nbsp;

"Given the recent launch of the Russian vaccine in the Indian vaccination campaign, this second delivery has become very timely. The efficacy of the #SputnikV is well-known in the world," Nikolay Kudashev Russian Ambassador to India tweeted.&nbsp;

The first consignment of 1.50 lakh doses of Sputnik V vaccine from Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) landed in India on May 1, and received regulatory clearance from the Central Drugs Laboratory.&nbsp;

The Indian drug-maker had earlier said these consignments will be used across different channels as a pilot to line up the supply chain for the larger vaccination programme rollout. &nbsp;

As many as 60,000 doses of the second batch of Russia's COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V on Sunday landed at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Dr Reddy's Laboratories said on Sunday.

As many as 60,000 doses of the second batch of Russia's COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V on Sunday landed at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Dr Reddy's Laboratories said on Sunday. "Pleased to share that the consignment that arrived today in Hyderabad contains 60,000 doses of the second dose component of the #SputnikV vaccine. Samples from the consignment will be sent for release to the Central Drugs Laboratory," the drug maker tweeted. Dr Reddy's Laboratories on May 14 soft launched imported COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V vaccine, which is priced at Rs 948, with five per cent GST per dose (retail price). "Given the recent launch of the Russian vaccine in the Indian vaccination campaign, this second delivery has become very timely. The efficacy of the #SputnikV is well-known in the world," Nikolay Kudashev Russian Ambassador to India tweeted. The first consignment of 1.50 lakh doses of Sputnik V vaccine from Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) landed in India on May 1, and received regulatory clearance from the Central Drugs Laboratory. The Indian drug-maker had earlier said these consignments will be used across different channels as a pilot to line up the supply chain for the larger vaccination programme rollout.

Second batch of Russian COVID-19 vaccine reaches Hyderabad 

The people of Myanmar must not despair in the face of evil or allow themselves to be divided, Pope Francis said on Sunday at a special Mass for the Myanmar community in Italy.&nbsp;

Myanmar's military seized power in a February 1 coup, derailing the country's tentative progress towards full democracy and triggering protests that have been met with a bloody crackdown. &nbsp;

Francis, who visited the Southeast Asian country in 2017, has repeatedly denounced the coup and on Sunday held a special service for the Myanmar faithful in St Peter's Basilica.&nbsp;

"Your beloved country of Myanmar is experiencing violence, conflict and repression," the pope said in a toughly worded homily, urging the congregation to draw inspiration from the final hours of Jesus Christ before his crucifixion.&nbsp;

"He does not resign himself to evil, he does not let himself be overwhelmed by grief, he does not retreat into the bitterness of the defeated and disappointed," he said.&nbsp;

Myanmar is a predominantly Buddhist country and is home to fewer than 800,000 Roman Catholics.&nbsp;

Francis, who has been one of the most outspoken global leaders on the Myanmar crisis, said people should not lose their faith or hope "even in the dark night of grief, even when evil seems to have the upper hand".&nbsp;

He also urged the people of Myanmar not to yield to "the logic of hatred and vengeance", nor to compromise their values. Unity was vital, he said.&nbsp;

Since grabbing power, the junta has struggled to govern. Protests, strikes and a civil disobedience campaign have crippled businesses and the bureaucracy, while an armed resistance has also taken hold in the northwest of the country.&nbsp;

The military has said its takeover was aimed at protecting democracy after a November election that it said was marred by fraud. The electoral commission rejected the military's claims of irregularities.&nbsp;

The people of Myanmar must not despair in the face of evil or allow themselves to be divided, Pope Francis said on Sunday at a special Mass for the Myanmar community in Italy.

The people of Myanmar must not despair in the face of evil or allow themselves to be divided, Pope Francis said on Sunday at a special Mass for the Myanmar community in Italy. Myanmar's military seized power in a February 1 coup, derailing the country's tentative progress towards full democracy and triggering protests that have been met with a bloody crackdown. Francis, who visited the Southeast Asian country in 2017, has repeatedly denounced the coup and on Sunday held a special service for the Myanmar faithful in St Peter's Basilica. "Your beloved country of Myanmar is experiencing violence, conflict and repression," the pope said in a toughly worded homily, urging the congregation to draw inspiration from the final hours of Jesus Christ before his crucifixion. "He does not resign himself to evil, he does not let himself be overwhelmed by grief, he does not retreat into the bitterness of the defeated and disappointed," he said. Myanmar is a predominantly Buddhist country and is home to fewer than 800,000 Roman Catholics. Francis, who has been one of the most outspoken global leaders on the Myanmar crisis, said people should not lose their faith or hope "even in the dark night of grief, even when evil seems to have the upper hand". He also urged the people of Myanmar not to yield to "the logic of hatred and vengeance", nor to compromise their values. Unity was vital, he said. Since grabbing power, the junta has struggled to govern. Protests, strikes and a civil disobedience campaign have crippled businesses and the bureaucracy, while an armed resistance has also taken hold in the northwest of the country. The military has said its takeover was aimed at protecting democracy after a November election that it said was marred by fraud. The electoral commission rejected the military's claims of irregularities.

Do not give in to evil and division, Pope tells Myanmar community 

Around 1,84,41,478 COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with states and UTs, while 50,95,640 doses are in the pipeline and will be received by them within the next three days, the Union Health Ministry said on Sunday. &nbsp;

The Centre has so far provided more than 20,28,09,250 vaccine doses to states and UTs free of cost, it said. &nbsp;

Of this, the total consumption, calculated based on average up to May 14, including wastages, is 18,43,67,772 doses, according to data available at 7 pm on Saturday. &nbsp;

"More than 1,84,41,478 Covid vaccine doses are still available with the states and UTs to be administered. States with negative balance are showing more consumption (including wastage) than vaccine supplied as they have not reconciled the vaccine they have supplied to Armed Forces," the ministry said. &nbsp;

It said 50,95,640 vaccine doses are in the pipeline and will be received by states and UTs within the next three days.&nbsp;

Vaccination forms an integral component of the comprehensive strategy of Government of India of containment and management of the pandemic (including test, track, treat and Covid appropriate behaviour). &nbsp;

The Centre has been supporting the nationwide vaccination drive by providing Covid vaccines free of cost to states and UTs, in addition to several efforts to ramp up its production and supply, the ministry stated. &nbsp;

Implementation of the Liberalised and Accelerated Phase 3 Strategy of COVID-19 vaccination has started from May 1 as part of which the government has opened up inoculation for all aged above 18. &nbsp;

Under the Strategy, every month 50 per cent of the total Central Drugs Laboratory (CDL) cleared vaccine doses of any manufacturer would be procured by the Centre. It would continue to make these doses available to state governments free of cost as was being done earlier.

Around 1,84,41,478 COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with states and UTs, while 50,95,640 doses are in the pipeline and will be received by them within the next three days, the Union Health Ministry said on Sunday.

Around 1,84,41,478 COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with states and UTs, while 50,95,640 doses are in the pipeline and will be received by them within the next three days, the Union Health Ministry said on Sunday. The Centre has so far provided more than 20,28,09,250 vaccine doses to states and UTs free of cost, it said. Of this, the total consumption, calculated based on average up to May 14, including wastages, is 18,43,67,772 doses, according to data available at 7 pm on Saturday. "More than 1,84,41,478 Covid vaccine doses are still available with the states and UTs to be administered. States with negative balance are showing more consumption (including wastage) than vaccine supplied as they have not reconciled the vaccine they have supplied to Armed Forces," the ministry said. It said 50,95,640 vaccine doses are in the pipeline and will be received by states and UTs within the next three days. Vaccination forms an integral component of the comprehensive strategy of Government of India of containment and management of the pandemic (including test, track, treat and Covid appropriate behaviour). The Centre has been supporting the nationwide vaccination drive by providing Covid vaccines free of cost to states and UTs, in addition to several efforts to ramp up its production and supply, the ministry stated. Implementation of the Liberalised and Accelerated Phase 3 Strategy of COVID-19 vaccination has started from May 1 as part of which the government has opened up inoculation for all aged above 18. Under the Strategy, every month 50 per cent of the total Central Drugs Laboratory (CDL) cleared vaccine doses of any manufacturer would be procured by the Centre. It would continue to make these doses available to state governments free of cost as was being done earlier.

States to receive 50,95,640 COVID-19 vaccine doses in next three days: Centre 

A radio-collared tigress was found dead in Madhya Pradesh's Panna Tiger Reserve, a senior forest official said on Sunday.&nbsp;

This is the fourth tiger death reported from the state in 10 days.&nbsp;

The carcass of the tigress, identified as P-213 (32), was found on Saturday in Gahrighat range of the Panna Tiger Reserve, located over 350 km from Bhopal, the official said.&nbsp;

The tigress was spotted with swelling in its left leg on May 12, he said, adding the feline was then tranquilised and later released after being provided medical treatment.&nbsp;

On Saturday, forest officials reached the spot after getting information about the carcass. They did not find any illegal activity there, the official said.&nbsp;

The tigress seems to have died of natural causes, he said.&nbsp;

After the autopsy, the carcass was disposed of as per guidelines of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), he added.&nbsp;

Earlier, the decomposed carcass of a tiger was found in a buffer zone of the Bandhavgarh reserve in MP on Friday.&nbsp;

On May 8, a tiger was found dead in the state's Kanha Tiger Reserve.&nbsp;

Besides, a dead sub-adult tiger (aged between 18 and 24 months) was found floating in a canal of an inter-state water project in Balaghat's Waraseoni tehsil on May 7, officials said.&nbsp;

Madhya Pradesh is home to a number of tiger reserves, including Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench, Satpura and Panna.&nbsp;

The state had regained the top position in the 2018 census with a population of 526 tigers. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A radio-collared tigress was found dead in Madhya Pradesh's Panna Tiger Reserve, a senior forest official said on Sunday. This is the fourth tiger death reported from the state in 10 days.

A radio-collared tigress was found dead in Madhya Pradesh's Panna Tiger Reserve, a senior forest official said on Sunday. This is the fourth tiger death reported from the state in 10 days. The carcass of the tigress, identified as P-213 (32), was found on Saturday in Gahrighat range of the Panna Tiger Reserve, located over 350 km from Bhopal, the official said. The tigress was spotted with swelling in its left leg on May 12, he said, adding the feline was then tranquilised and later released after being provided medical treatment. On Saturday, forest officials reached the spot after getting information about the carcass. They did not find any illegal activity there, the official said. The tigress seems to have died of natural causes, he said. After the autopsy, the carcass was disposed of as per guidelines of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), he added. Earlier, the decomposed carcass of a tiger was found in a buffer zone of the Bandhavgarh reserve in MP on Friday. On May 8, a tiger was found dead in the state's Kanha Tiger Reserve. Besides, a dead sub-adult tiger (aged between 18 and 24 months) was found floating in a canal of an inter-state water project in Balaghat's Waraseoni tehsil on May 7, officials said. Madhya Pradesh is home to a number of tiger reserves, including Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench, Satpura and Panna. The state had regained the top position in the 2018 census with a population of 526 tigers. (With inputs from agencies)

MP: Tigress found dead in Panna reserve; 4th death in 10 days 

After BuzzFeed News said, it easily found the US president on the payment app Venmo, accounts for Joe Biden and Dr Jill Biden were removed on Friday. The discovery raised several national security questions.&nbsp;

The news website was looking for US President’s account after it was mentioned in a New York Times report on White House conditions and working practices.&nbsp;

It took 'less than 10 minutes' to find president’s account by using only a combination of the app’s built-in search tool and public friends feature, said BuzzFeed.&nbsp;

Not just this, it also found nearly a dozen Biden family members and mapped out a social web that encompasses not only the first family but a wide network of people around them in the process, it said. &nbsp;

These include the president’s children, grandchildren, senior White House officials and all of their contacts on Venmo.&nbsp;

Although the White House did not immediately comment, the accounts for the president and first lady were removed by late Friday as per BuzzFeed.&nbsp;

According to a Venmo spokesperson, “The safety and privacy of all Venmo users and their information is always a top priority, and we take this responsibility very seriously. Customers always have the ability to make their transactions private and determine their own privacy settings in the app. We are consistently evolving and strengthening the privacy measures for all Venmo users to be able to provide a safe, secure way to send and spend money.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

After BuzzFeed News said, it easily found the US president on the payment app Venmo, accounts for Joe Biden and Dr Jill Biden were removed on Friday. The discovery raised several national security questions.

After BuzzFeed News said, it easily found the US president on the payment app Venmo, accounts for Joe Biden and Dr Jill Biden were removed on Friday. The discovery raised several national security questions. The news website was looking for US President’s account after it was mentioned in a New York Times report on White House conditions and working practices. It took 'less than 10 minutes' to find president’s account by using only a combination of the app’s built-in search tool and public friends feature, said BuzzFeed. Not just this, it also found nearly a dozen Biden family members and mapped out a social web that encompasses not only the first family but a wide network of people around them in the process, it said. These include the president’s children, grandchildren, senior White House officials and all of their contacts on Venmo. Although the White House did not immediately comment, the accounts for the president and first lady were removed by late Friday as per BuzzFeed. According to a Venmo spokesperson, “The safety and privacy of all Venmo users and their information is always a top priority, and we take this responsibility very seriously. Customers always have the ability to make their transactions private and determine their own privacy settings in the app. We are consistently evolving and strengthening the privacy measures for all Venmo users to be able to provide a safe, secure way to send and spend money.” (With inputs from agencies)

Venmo account of Biden discovered in less than 10 minutes: Report 

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation shifted 580 patients from Covid care centres in the city as a precautionary measure after India Meteorological Department warned that Cyclone Tauktae is likely to pass close to the city, a BMC official said on Sunday.&nbsp;

The BMC on Saturday night shifted 580 patients from BKC (243), Dahisar (183) and Mulund (154) jumbo Covid care facilities to state and civic-run hospitals in Mumbai, the official said.&nbsp;

Officials are also contemplating a possible shut down of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link as a precautionary measure because of IMD's announcement that the cyclone may pass close to the city on Sunday.&nbsp;

The BMC had on Friday alerted city hospitals to avoid last-minute confusion over beds and availability of oxygen devices.&nbsp;

Suburban rail services in Mumbai will operate on Sunday, the official said.&nbsp;

The IMD on Saturday night said the cyclonic storm Tauktae, the first to hit the Indian Coast this year, has intensified into a 'severe cyclonic storm' and is heading towards the coast of Gujarat and the Union Territory of Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli.&nbsp;

The IMD had said the storm is likely to pass the Mumbai coast late Saturday or early Sunday from a distance, so minimal damage is expected. It will, however, cause gusty winds and heavy rain in a few places in Mumbai, Thane and Palghar.&nbsp;

The IMD had also informed the BMC that Mumbai is not in the direct line of the threat of the cyclone. However, as it will pass through the sea near the Mumbai coast, its effect is likely to be accompanied by rain and strong winds.&nbsp;

The BMC has asked ward officers to ensure hoardings do not fall on the road and to remove them if they fall. The 24 ward officers have been told to be ready with manpower and equipment and prepare shelter homes in case people living near low-lying areas need to be relocated, the official said.&nbsp;

The cyclone is likely to move north-northwestwards and cross the Gujarat coast between Porbandar and Naliya around May 18 with wind speed gusting up to 175 kmph, the IMD said.&nbsp;

On Saturday night, the storm was around 220 km south- southwest of Panaji and 590 km south-southwest of Mumbai, resulting in heavy rainfall, gusty winds and thunderstorms in Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation shifted 580 patients from Covid care centres in the city as a precautionary measure after India Meteorological Department warned that Cyclone Tauktae is likely to pass close to the city, a BMC official said on Sunday.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation shifted 580 patients from Covid care centres in the city as a precautionary measure after India Meteorological Department warned that Cyclone Tauktae is likely to pass close to the city, a BMC official said on Sunday. The BMC on Saturday night shifted 580 patients from BKC (243), Dahisar (183) and Mulund (154) jumbo Covid care facilities to state and civic-run hospitals in Mumbai, the official said. Officials are also contemplating a possible shut down of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link as a precautionary measure because of IMD's announcement that the cyclone may pass close to the city on Sunday. The BMC had on Friday alerted city hospitals to avoid last-minute confusion over beds and availability of oxygen devices. Suburban rail services in Mumbai will operate on Sunday, the official said. The IMD on Saturday night said the cyclonic storm Tauktae, the first to hit the Indian Coast this year, has intensified into a 'severe cyclonic storm' and is heading towards the coast of Gujarat and the Union Territory of Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The IMD had said the storm is likely to pass the Mumbai coast late Saturday or early Sunday from a distance, so minimal damage is expected. It will, however, cause gusty winds and heavy rain in a few places in Mumbai, Thane and Palghar. The IMD had also informed the BMC that Mumbai is not in the direct line of the threat of the cyclone. However, as it will pass through the sea near the Mumbai coast, its effect is likely to be accompanied by rain and strong winds. The BMC has asked ward officers to ensure hoardings do not fall on the road and to remove them if they fall. The 24 ward officers have been told to be ready with manpower and equipment and prepare shelter homes in case people living near low-lying areas need to be relocated, the official said. The cyclone is likely to move north-northwestwards and cross the Gujarat coast between Porbandar and Naliya around May 18 with wind speed gusting up to 175 kmph, the IMD said. On Saturday night, the storm was around 220 km south- southwest of Panaji and 590 km south-southwest of Mumbai, resulting in heavy rainfall, gusty winds and thunderstorms in Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts. (With inputs from agencies)

Cyclone Tauktae: Mumbai civic body moves 580 COVID-19 patients 

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Gandharv Walia

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