Microblogging giant Twitter has donated USD 15 million to help address the COVID-19 crisis in India, which is battling the unprecedented second wave of the deadly pandemic.&nbsp;

Twitter CEO Jack Patrick Dorsey on Monday tweeted that the amount has been donated to three non-governmental organisations, Care, Aid India and Sewa International USA.&nbsp;

While CARE has been given USD 10 million, Aid India and Sewa International USA have received USD 2.5 million each.&nbsp;

"Sewa International is a Hindu faith-based, humanitarian, non-profit service organisation. This grant will support the procurement of lifesaving equipment such as oxygen concentrators, ventilators, BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure) and CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines as part of Sewa International's 'Help India Defeat COVID-19' campaign’,” the San Francisco-based company said in a statement.&nbsp;

"Equipment will be distributed to government hospitals and COVID-19 care centers and hospitals," it said.&nbsp;

Reacting to the announcement, Sewa International's vice president for Marketing and Fund Development Sandeep Khadkekar thanked Dorsey for his generous donation, saying it is gratifying that Sewa's work has been recognised.&nbsp;

"We are a volunteer-driven non-profit organisation, and we believe in serving all, following the sacred Hindu benediction, 'Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah' -- 'May all be happy'," Khadkekar said.&nbsp;

With this, Houston-headquartered Sewa USA has so far raised USD 17.5 million towards its India COVID-19 relief efforts.&nbsp;

CARE is a leading humanitarian organisation fighting global poverty.&nbsp;

Twitter said the grant of USD 10 million will support CARE's urgent action to help address the deadly second wave of COVID-19 infections devastating India.&nbsp;

"Funds will be used to supplement government efforts by setting up temporary COVID-19 care centers; providing oxygen, PPE kits and other critically needed emergency supplies for frontline health workers; and addressing vaccine hesitancy and helping ensure that people get vaccinated, particularly in remote, marginalised communities in India," it said.&nbsp;

Association for India's Development (AID) is a volunteer movement promoting sustainable, equitable and just development.&nbsp;

AID partners with grassroots organisations in India on interconnected areas of education, health, agriculture, livelihoods, environment, and human rights, Twitter said.&nbsp;

"This grant will help under-resourced communities identify COVID symptoms, prevent spread, access care and treatment, benefit from medical equipment including oxygen, oximeters, thermometers, protective gear and vaccination, survive lockdowns, regain livelihoods and will strengthen hospitals and NGOs that serve rural and low-income communities," Twitter added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Microblogging giant Twitter has donated USD 15 million to help address the COVID-19 crisis in India, which is battling the unprecedented second wave of the deadly pandemic.

Microblogging giant Twitter has donated USD 15 million to help address the COVID-19 crisis in India, which is battling the unprecedented second wave of the deadly pandemic. Twitter CEO Jack Patrick Dorsey on Monday tweeted that the amount has been donated to three non-governmental organisations, Care, Aid India and Sewa International USA. While CARE has been given USD 10 million, Aid India and Sewa International USA have received USD 2.5 million each. "Sewa International is a Hindu faith-based, humanitarian, non-profit service organisation. This grant will support the procurement of lifesaving equipment such as oxygen concentrators, ventilators, BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure) and CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines as part of Sewa International's 'Help India Defeat COVID-19' campaign’,” the San Francisco-based company said in a statement. "Equipment will be distributed to government hospitals and COVID-19 care centers and hospitals," it said. Reacting to the announcement, Sewa International's vice president for Marketing and Fund Development Sandeep Khadkekar thanked Dorsey for his generous donation, saying it is gratifying that Sewa's work has been recognised. "We are a volunteer-driven non-profit organisation, and we believe in serving all, following the sacred Hindu benediction, 'Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah' -- 'May all be happy'," Khadkekar said. With this, Houston-headquartered Sewa USA has so far raised USD 17.5 million towards its India COVID-19 relief efforts. CARE is a leading humanitarian organisation fighting global poverty. Twitter said the grant of USD 10 million will support CARE's urgent action to help address the deadly second wave of COVID-19 infections devastating India. "Funds will be used to supplement government efforts by setting up temporary COVID-19 care centers; providing oxygen, PPE kits and other critically needed emergency supplies for frontline health workers; and addressing vaccine hesitancy and helping ensure that people get vaccinated, particularly in remote, marginalised communities in India," it said. Association for India's Development (AID) is a volunteer movement promoting sustainable, equitable and just development. AID partners with grassroots organisations in India on interconnected areas of education, health, agriculture, livelihoods, environment, and human rights, Twitter said. "This grant will help under-resourced communities identify COVID symptoms, prevent spread, access care and treatment, benefit from medical equipment including oxygen, oximeters, thermometers, protective gear and vaccination, survive lockdowns, regain livelihoods and will strengthen hospitals and NGOs that serve rural and low-income communities," Twitter added. (With inputs from agencies)

Twitter donates USD 15 million for COVID-19 relief in India 

Non-hospitalised COVID-19 patients have a low risk of serious long-term effects, but they report more visits to general practitioners following infection, according to a study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases journal.&nbsp;

"The absolute risk of severe post-acute complications after SARS-CoV-2 infection not requiring hospital admission is low. However, increases in visits to general practitioners and outpatient hospital visits could indicate COVID-19 sequelae," the study found.&nbsp;

It was a population-based cohort study using the Danish prescription, patient and health insurance registries.&nbsp;

Non-hospitalised COVID-19 patients have a low risk of serious long-term effects, but they report more visits to general practitioners following infection, according to a study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases journal.

Non-hospitalised COVID-19 patients have a low risk of serious long-term effects, but they report more visits to general practitioners following infection, according to a study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases journal. "The absolute risk of severe post-acute complications after SARS-CoV-2 infection not requiring hospital admission is low. However, increases in visits to general practitioners and outpatient hospital visits could indicate COVID-19 sequelae," the study found. It was a population-based cohort study using the Danish prescription, patient and health insurance registries.

Non-hospitalised Covid patients have low risk of serious long-term effects: Study 

Britain's Queen Elizabeth will present Prime Minister Boris Johnson`s post-pandemic agenda on Tuesday in a speech, in her first public appearance since the funeral of her husband Prince Philip.

The speech, written by the government, will set out the new laws that ministers intend to pass in the coming year.&nbsp;

The grand 'State Opening of Parliament', a heavily choreographed and costumed ceremony led by the 95-year-old monarch, will this year involve face masks, social distancing, and fewer guests.&nbsp;

The speech will set out Johnson's policymaking priorities as he plans Britain's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and seeks to fulfil the promises he made to voters in 2019 on creating new opportunities for left-behind regions and communities.&nbsp;

Since his election, Johnson's government has been overwhelmed by efforts to manage a coronavirus pandemic that has shuttered swathes of the economy and put voters in months of restrictive lockdowns.&nbsp;

Now, with Britain's vaccination programme far ahead of most international peers and the spread of the virus contained at very low levels, Johnson is hoping to revive his so-called 'levelling up' narrative.&nbsp;

The speech will contain reforms to the education system, including some to help adults access life-long learning. This is seen by ministers as key to reshaping the British labour force and making it better placed to adapting to new technologies in areas like climate change.&nbsp;

"These new laws are the rocket fuel that we need to level up this country and ensure equal opportunities for all," Johnson said in a statement before the speech. "We know that having the right skills and training is the route to better, well-paid jobs."&nbsp;

The Queen's Speech usually lasts around 10 minutes and is fleshed out by a raft of documents containing details of legislative proposals, consultation plans and other policy papers.&nbsp;

It is expected to detail plans for new asylum rules, reforms of the social care system and to make good a manifesto promise to scrap legislation which limits government's powers to call new elections.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Britain's Queen Elizabeth will present Prime Minister Boris Johnson`s post-pandemic agenda on Tuesday in a speech, in her first public appearance since the funeral of her husband Prince Philip.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth will present Prime Minister Boris Johnson`s post-pandemic agenda on Tuesday in a speech, in her first public appearance since the funeral of her husband Prince Philip. The speech, written by the government, will set out the new laws that ministers intend to pass in the coming year. The grand 'State Opening of Parliament', a heavily choreographed and costumed ceremony led by the 95-year-old monarch, will this year involve face masks, social distancing, and fewer guests. The speech will set out Johnson's policymaking priorities as he plans Britain's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and seeks to fulfil the promises he made to voters in 2019 on creating new opportunities for left-behind regions and communities. Since his election, Johnson's government has been overwhelmed by efforts to manage a coronavirus pandemic that has shuttered swathes of the economy and put voters in months of restrictive lockdowns. Now, with Britain's vaccination programme far ahead of most international peers and the spread of the virus contained at very low levels, Johnson is hoping to revive his so-called 'levelling up' narrative. The speech will contain reforms to the education system, including some to help adults access life-long learning. This is seen by ministers as key to reshaping the British labour force and making it better placed to adapting to new technologies in areas like climate change. "These new laws are the rocket fuel that we need to level up this country and ensure equal opportunities for all," Johnson said in a statement before the speech. "We know that having the right skills and training is the route to better, well-paid jobs." The Queen's Speech usually lasts around 10 minutes and is fleshed out by a raft of documents containing details of legislative proposals, consultation plans and other policy papers. It is expected to detail plans for new asylum rules, reforms of the social care system and to make good a manifesto promise to scrap legislation which limits government's powers to call new elections. (With inputs from agencies)

Queen Elizabeth to make first public appearance since funeral of Prince Philip, in parliament

The US State Department said on Monday it has eased travel advisory ratings for the United Kingdom and Israel after raising both countries to its highest warning level last month amid COVID-19 concerns.&nbsp;

The State Department lowered the UK to a 'Level 3: Reconsider Travel' rating and lowered Israel to 'Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution’. It was the second reduction in Israel's rating in recent weeks. &nbsp;

Last month, the State Department boosted the ratings of about 120 countries to 'Level 4: Do Not Travel' to align with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ratings. About 150 of 209 destinations rated by the State Department are listed at Level 4.&nbsp;

A coalition of US and European travel, airline, union, business and airport groups called in a letter last week for a full reopening of the US-UK air travel market 'as soon as safely possible’.&nbsp;

The United States since March 2020 has barred nearly all non-US citizens, who have recently been in the UK from the United States.&nbsp;

"The return of transatlantic flying would not only have a significantly positive impact on our respective economies but will also reunite those who have been separated from their loved ones for over a year," said the letter, signed by the US Chamber of Commerce, Airlines for America, Virgin Atlantic, Association of UK Airlines, Aerospace Industries Association and others.&nbsp;

Nearly all of Europe still bans most US travelers from visiting, while Britain allows American visits but requires a 10-day quarantine upon arrival and two COVID-19 tests.&nbsp;

On Friday, Britain said it would allow international travel to resume from May 17 after months of banning most trips abroad, but nearly all major destinations were left off its list of countries open for quarantine-free holidays, including the United States.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

The US State Department said on Monday it has eased travel advisory ratings for the United Kingdom and Israel after raising both countries to its highest warning level last month amid COVID-19 concerns.

The US State Department said on Monday it has eased travel advisory ratings for the United Kingdom and Israel after raising both countries to its highest warning level last month amid COVID-19 concerns. The State Department lowered the UK to a 'Level 3: Reconsider Travel' rating and lowered Israel to 'Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution’. It was the second reduction in Israel's rating in recent weeks. Last month, the State Department boosted the ratings of about 120 countries to 'Level 4: Do Not Travel' to align with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ratings. About 150 of 209 destinations rated by the State Department are listed at Level 4. A coalition of US and European travel, airline, union, business and airport groups called in a letter last week for a full reopening of the US-UK air travel market 'as soon as safely possible’. The United States since March 2020 has barred nearly all non-US citizens, who have recently been in the UK from the United States. "The return of transatlantic flying would not only have a significantly positive impact on our respective economies but will also reunite those who have been separated from their loved ones for over a year," said the letter, signed by the US Chamber of Commerce, Airlines for America, Virgin Atlantic, Association of UK Airlines, Aerospace Industries Association and others. Nearly all of Europe still bans most US travelers from visiting, while Britain allows American visits but requires a 10-day quarantine upon arrival and two COVID-19 tests. On Friday, Britain said it would allow international travel to resume from May 17 after months of banning most trips abroad, but nearly all major destinations were left off its list of countries open for quarantine-free holidays, including the United States. (With inputs from agencies)

US State Department eases travel advisories for UK, Israel 

Minister of State for Finance Anurag Singh Thakur on Sunday said the government has provided 175.6 million COVID-19 vaccine doses so far to states and union territories for inoculation of people of all age groups and 4.6 million doses will be supplied to them in the next three days.&nbsp;

Thakur's remarks came in response to senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge's letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him to use Rs 350 billion allocated in the Union Budget to ensure free vaccine for all citizens instead of the current system of multiple pricing for various users.&nbsp;

Pune-based Serum Institute of India is supplying Covishield to the Centre for Rs 150 a dose while to states for Rs 300 a dose. Private Hospitals are getting it at double the state's price at Rs 600. &nbsp;

Whereas, Covaxin manufacturer Bharat Biotech has priced its vaccine at Rs 150 a dose for the Centre, Rs 600 a dose for state governments and Rs 1,200 a dose for private hospitals.&nbsp;

Both anti-COVID vaccines are administered in two doses. &nbsp;

Calling for free inoculation, leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Kharge in his letter said the Parliament had allocated Rs 350,000 million in the Union budget to ensure free vaccines for all. &nbsp;

He also urged the prime minister to immediately convene an all-party meeting to collectively forge a holistic blueprint to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic. &nbsp;

Dispelling claims of vaccine shortage in states, Thakur said 7.2 million doses are still available with states and union territories. &nbsp;

On further supply of vaccines, he said that "0.15 million doses of Sputnik V have already reached India and RDIF has also tied up with local Indian companies for bulk production." &nbsp;

In a series of tweets, the minister highlighted various measures taken by the government to increase supply of medicine and liquid medical oxygen, add more beds and distribute foreign aid to various states to fight the pandemic. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Minister of State for Finance Anurag Singh Thakur on Sunday said the government has provided 175.6 million COVID-19 vaccine doses so far to states and union territories for inoculation of people of all age groups and 4.

Minister of State for Finance Anurag Singh Thakur on Sunday said the government has provided 175.6 million COVID-19 vaccine doses so far to states and union territories for inoculation of people of all age groups and 4.6 million doses will be supplied to them in the next three days. Thakur's remarks came in response to senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge's letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him to use Rs 350 billion allocated in the Union Budget to ensure free vaccine for all citizens instead of the current system of multiple pricing for various users. Pune-based Serum Institute of India is supplying Covishield to the Centre for Rs 150 a dose while to states for Rs 300 a dose. Private Hospitals are getting it at double the state's price at Rs 600. Whereas, Covaxin manufacturer Bharat Biotech has priced its vaccine at Rs 150 a dose for the Centre, Rs 600 a dose for state governments and Rs 1,200 a dose for private hospitals. Both anti-COVID vaccines are administered in two doses. Calling for free inoculation, leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Kharge in his letter said the Parliament had allocated Rs 350,000 million in the Union budget to ensure free vaccines for all. He also urged the prime minister to immediately convene an all-party meeting to collectively forge a holistic blueprint to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic. Dispelling claims of vaccine shortage in states, Thakur said 7.2 million doses are still available with states and union territories. On further supply of vaccines, he said that "0.15 million doses of Sputnik V have already reached India and RDIF has also tied up with local Indian companies for bulk production." In a series of tweets, the minister highlighted various measures taken by the government to increase supply of medicine and liquid medical oxygen, add more beds and distribute foreign aid to various states to fight the pandemic. (With inputs from agencies)

175.6 million free vaccine doses provided to states: MoS Anurag Thakur 

A string of military figures on the list of Iranian presidential hopefuls is stirring unease over a possible militarisation of the Islamic republic's politics.&nbsp;

Registration for the June 18 poll runs from Tuesday to Saturday, after which names will be handed to the conservative-dominated Guardian Council for vetting.&nbsp;

State news agency IRNA has pointed to "the longest-ever list (of potential candidates) in a presidential election with a military background".&nbsp;

The participation of candidates with a military background 'is not new', said Ahmad Zeidabadi, an independent journalist in Tehran.&nbsp;

However, none of them were serving members of military forces during their candidacy, said Habib Torkashvand, a journalist with the Fars news agency, which is close to Iran's ultra-conservatives.&nbsp;

This time around, hopefuls include Saeed Mohammad, an adviser to Guards commander Major General Hossein Salami, and former oil minister Admiral Rostam Ghasemi, an economic affairs aide to the head of the Guards' elite Al-Quds force.&nbsp;

Two members of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps -- parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and his predecessor Ali Larijani -- have both run for president in the past.&nbsp;

So has Admiral Ali Shamkhani, secretary general of the Supreme National Security Council.&nbsp;

The three have been touted as possible candidates for this year's race too, although they have yet to declare their intentions.&nbsp;

The field also includes Ezzatollah Zarghami, a former Guards member, and General Hossein Dehqan, who was defence minister in outgoing President Hassan Rouhani's first government.&nbsp;

Moderate daily Jomhouri-e Eslami has warned the election of a 'military figure to head the government' could have 'negative consequences' for the country.&nbsp;

And Ali Motahari, a former lawmaker from the reformist camp, who has announced he plans to run, has said the long struggles to end military rule in Turkey and Pakistan should serve as a warning.&nbsp;

But General Dehqan has rejected any suggestion that "military figures would bring in martial law or restrict freedoms".&nbsp;

"In Iran, there's no chance of militarisation of the state," said Dehqan, currently an adviser to supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A string of military figures on the list of Iranian presidential hopefuls is stirring unease over a possible militarisation of the Islamic republic's politics. Registration for the June 18 poll runs from Tuesday to Saturday, after which names will be handed to the conservative-dominated Guardian Council for vetting.

A string of military figures on the list of Iranian presidential hopefuls is stirring unease over a possible militarisation of the Islamic republic's politics. Registration for the June 18 poll runs from Tuesday to Saturday, after which names will be handed to the conservative-dominated Guardian Council for vetting. State news agency IRNA has pointed to "the longest-ever list (of potential candidates) in a presidential election with a military background". The participation of candidates with a military background 'is not new', said Ahmad Zeidabadi, an independent journalist in Tehran. However, none of them were serving members of military forces during their candidacy, said Habib Torkashvand, a journalist with the Fars news agency, which is close to Iran's ultra-conservatives. This time around, hopefuls include Saeed Mohammad, an adviser to Guards commander Major General Hossein Salami, and former oil minister Admiral Rostam Ghasemi, an economic affairs aide to the head of the Guards' elite Al-Quds force. Two members of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps -- parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and his predecessor Ali Larijani -- have both run for president in the past. So has Admiral Ali Shamkhani, secretary general of the Supreme National Security Council. The three have been touted as possible candidates for this year's race too, although they have yet to declare their intentions. The field also includes Ezzatollah Zarghami, a former Guards member, and General Hossein Dehqan, who was defence minister in outgoing President Hassan Rouhani's first government. Moderate daily Jomhouri-e Eslami has warned the election of a 'military figure to head the government' could have 'negative consequences' for the country. And Ali Motahari, a former lawmaker from the reformist camp, who has announced he plans to run, has said the long struggles to end military rule in Turkey and Pakistan should serve as a warning. But General Dehqan has rejected any suggestion that "military figures would bring in martial law or restrict freedoms". "In Iran, there's no chance of militarisation of the state," said Dehqan, currently an adviser to supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. (With inputs from agencies)

List of military candidates stirs unease over Iran vote 

Israeli police said have said that the annual Jerusalem Day parade will take place on Monday in East Jerusalem, where violent clashes have continued for the past few days. 
 
"Currently, the annual Jerusalem Day's flag-waving parade will be held as planned," the police said in a statement sent to Xinhua news agency on Sunday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Israel vows to keep Jerusalem in order">Israel vows to keep Jerusalem in order</a> 
 
In Monday's parade, thousands of Israelis are expected to march through East Jerusalem's Old City, which Israel captured in the 1967 Middle East war and annexed shortly afterwards. 
 
There were calls to cancel or to change the route of the parade in the wake of escalating clashes between Israeli security forces and Palestinians in the Old City during the past weeks.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Netanyahu says Israel firm on Jerusalem as global concern mounts">Netanyahu says Israel firm on Jerusalem as global concern mounts</a> 
 
Former police chief Arieh Amit told Army Radio that the flag parade should be rerouted away from the Old City's Damascus Gate. 
 
"Allowing the parade to pass through the Damascus Gate will be a folly," he said. 
 
Earlier on Sunday, fresh clashes erupted at East Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque compound after the end of the morning prayer. 
 
At least 10 Palestinians were injured. 
 
About 290 Palestinians were injured over the weekend in clashes at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and other parts of East Jerusalem. 
 
The clashes triggered international condemnations and calls from Arab states, the US, Europe and the UN for Israel to stop the violence. 
 
During Sunday's cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel will 'continue to keep freedom of worship' but 'will not allow violent disturbances'. 
 
The clashes were sparked by the threatened eviction of dozens of Palestinians from their homes in Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood in East Jerusalem and the restrictions imposed by Israel during the holy Muslim month of Ramadan. 
 
Israel seized the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza Strip in the 1967 Middle East war. 
 
It annexed East Jerusalem shortly after the war, claiming it part of the Israeli capital. 
 
The Palestinians wish to build their future state on these lands, with its capital in East Jerusalem.

Israeli police said have said that the annual Jerusalem Day parade will take place on Monday in East Jerusalem, where violent clashes have continued for the past few days.

Israeli police said have said that the annual Jerusalem Day parade will take place on Monday in East Jerusalem, where violent clashes have continued for the past few days. "Currently, the annual Jerusalem Day's flag-waving parade will be held as planned," the police said in a statement sent to Xinhua news agency on Sunday. Also read | Israel vows to keep Jerusalem in order In Monday's parade, thousands of Israelis are expected to march through East Jerusalem's Old City, which Israel captured in the 1967 Middle East war and annexed shortly afterwards. There were calls to cancel or to change the route of the parade in the wake of escalating clashes between Israeli security forces and Palestinians in the Old City during the past weeks. Also read | Netanyahu says Israel firm on Jerusalem as global concern mounts Former police chief Arieh Amit told Army Radio that the flag parade should be rerouted away from the Old City's Damascus Gate. "Allowing the parade to pass through the Damascus Gate will be a folly," he said. Earlier on Sunday, fresh clashes erupted at East Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque compound after the end of the morning prayer. At least 10 Palestinians were injured. About 290 Palestinians were injured over the weekend in clashes at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and other parts of East Jerusalem. The clashes triggered international condemnations and calls from Arab states, the US, Europe and the UN for Israel to stop the violence. During Sunday's cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel will 'continue to keep freedom of worship' but 'will not allow violent disturbances'. The clashes were sparked by the threatened eviction of dozens of Palestinians from their homes in Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood in East Jerusalem and the restrictions imposed by Israel during the holy Muslim month of Ramadan. Israel seized the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza Strip in the 1967 Middle East war. It annexed East Jerusalem shortly after the war, claiming it part of the Israeli capital. The Palestinians wish to build their future state on these lands, with its capital in East Jerusalem.

Israeli police green-lights Jerusalem Day parade despite clashes, mounting tension

&nbsp;A document written by Chinese scientists and health officials&nbsp;in 2015 stated&nbsp;that SARS coronaviruses were a "new era of genetic weapons" that could be "artificially manipulated into an emerging human disease virus, then weaponised and unleashed, reported Weekend Australian.

The paper titled 'The Unnatural Origin of SARS and New Species of Man-Made Viruses as Genetic Bioweapons' suggested that World War Three would be fought with biological weapons.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="China detects 18 cases of double mutant COVID-19 variant first found in India">China detects 18 cases of double mutant COVID-19 variant first found in India</a>

The document revealed that Chinese military scientists were discussing the weaponisation of SARS coronaviruses, five years before the COVID-19 pandemic.

The report by Weekend Australian was published in news.com.au.

Peter Jennings, the executive director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), told news.com.au that the document is as close to a "smoking gun" as we've got.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="China mocks India’s COVID-19 crisis, deletes post after backlash">China mocks India’s COVID-19 crisis, deletes post after backlash</a>

"I think this is significant because it clearly shows that Chinese scientists were thinking about military application for different strains of the coronavirus and thinking about how it could be deployed," Jennings said.

"It begins to firm up the possibility that what we have here is the accidental release of a pathogen for military use," Jennings added.

He also said that the document may explain why China has been so reluctant for outside investigations into the origins of COVID-19.

"If this was a case of transmission from a wet market it would be in China's interest to co-operate ... we've had the opposite of that."

Robert Potter, a cyber security specialist who analyses leaked Chinese government documents, was asked by The Australian to verify the paper.

He says the document definitely isn't fake, reported news.com.au. "We reached a high confidence conclusion that it was genuine ... It's not fake but it`s up to someone else to interpret how serious it is," Potter said.

"It emerged in the last few years ... they (China) will almost certainly try to remove it now it's been covered."

Potter further stated that it isn't&nbsp;unusual to see Chinese research papers discussing areas that they're behind on and need to make progress in.

"It's a really interesting article to show what their scientific researchers are thinking," he added.

COVID-19 pandemic has been caused by a coronavirus named SARS-Co V-2 which emerged in December 2019. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, several of which cause respiratory diseases in humans - ranging from a common cold to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began there have been over 157 million cases of COVID-19 and 3.28 million deaths worldwide, according to the latest update by Johns Hopkins University.

A document written by Chinese scientists and health officials in 2015 stated that SARS coronaviruses were a "new era of genetic weapons" that could be "artificially manipulated into an emerging human disease virus, then weaponised and unleashed, reported Weekend Australian.

A document written by Chinese scientists and health officials in 2015 stated that SARS coronaviruses were a "new era of genetic weapons" that could be "artificially manipulated into an emerging human disease virus, then weaponised and unleashed, reported Weekend Australian. The paper titled 'The Unnatural Origin of SARS and New Species of Man-Made Viruses as Genetic Bioweapons' suggested that World War Three would be fought with biological weapons. Also read | China detects 18 cases of double mutant COVID-19 variant first found in India The document revealed that Chinese military scientists were discussing the weaponisation of SARS coronaviruses, five years before the COVID-19 pandemic. The report by Weekend Australian was published in news.com.au. Peter Jennings, the executive director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), told news.com.au that the document is as close to a "smoking gun" as we've got. Also read | China mocks India’s COVID-19 crisis, deletes post after backlash "I think this is significant because it clearly shows that Chinese scientists were thinking about military application for different strains of the coronavirus and thinking about how it could be deployed," Jennings said. "It begins to firm up the possibility that what we have here is the accidental release of a pathogen for military use," Jennings added. He also said that the document may explain why China has been so reluctant for outside investigations into the origins of COVID-19. "If this was a case of transmission from a wet market it would be in China's interest to co-operate ... we've had the opposite of that." Robert Potter, a cyber security specialist who analyses leaked Chinese government documents, was asked by The Australian to verify the paper. He says the document definitely isn't fake, reported news.com.au. "We reached a high confidence conclusion that it was genuine ... It's not fake but it`s up to someone else to interpret how serious it is," Potter said. "It emerged in the last few years ... they (China) will almost certainly try to remove it now it's been covered." Potter further stated that it isn't unusual to see Chinese research papers discussing areas that they're behind on and need to make progress in. "It's a really interesting article to show what their scientific researchers are thinking," he added. COVID-19 pandemic has been caused by a coronavirus named SARS-Co V-2 which emerged in December 2019. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, several of which cause respiratory diseases in humans - ranging from a common cold to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Since the COVID-19 pandemic began there have been over 157 million cases of COVID-19 and 3.28 million deaths worldwide, according to the latest update by Johns Hopkins University.

Chinese scientists discussed weaponising SARS coronaviruses 5 years back: Report

A key expert has warned that the coronavirus pandemic is far from over after Spaniards celebrated the end of a six-month lockdown with abandon and paid little heed to precautions like masks and social distancing. 
 
In remarks to the national daily El Pais, the president of Spain's Epidemiological Society, Elena Vanessa Martinez, warned there are still many infected people who could pass the virus on, DPA news agency reported.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="COVID 19 : Spain ends Covid state of emergency">COVID 19 : Spain ends Covid state of emergency</a> 
 
She noted that people having more contact could lead to more infections. 
 
"In this situation, I am concerned about the false security signal sent with the end of the emergency and the end of the night curfew," Martinez said.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/spain-barcelona-residents-celebrate-end-of-emergency-383875/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Most of restrictions expired at Sunday midnight, including the nationwide night curfew, which was lifted in most places but remains in force in a several others. 
 
Travel within Spain is also allowed again, as are in-person family visits. 
 
"I can finally visit my son, my daughter-in-law and my grandchildren in Cadiz," said Asuncion, an 82-year-old widow. 
 
Spain's left-wing government has also urged caution. "The pandemic is not over yet," Deputy Prime Minister Carmen Calvo on Saturday. 
 
Officials are concerned that the past year could repeat itself: in June the government declared a 'new normal' with many restrictions easing. 
 
By November, coronavirus numbers spiked again and the government had to pull the emergency brake and declare the state of emergency, which formed the legal basis for nationwide restrictions.

A key expert has warned that the coronavirus pandemic is far from over after Spaniards celebrated the end of a six-month lockdown with abandon and paid little heed to precautions like masks and social distancing.

A key expert has warned that the coronavirus pandemic is far from over after Spaniards celebrated the end of a six-month lockdown with abandon and paid little heed to precautions like masks and social distancing. In remarks to the national daily El Pais, the president of Spain's Epidemiological Society, Elena Vanessa Martinez, warned there are still many infected people who could pass the virus on, DPA news agency reported. Also read | COVID 19 : Spain ends Covid state of emergency She noted that people having more contact could lead to more infections. "In this situation, I am concerned about the false security signal sent with the end of the emergency and the end of the night curfew," Martinez said. Watch | Most of restrictions expired at Sunday midnight, including the nationwide night curfew, which was lifted in most places but remains in force in a several others. Travel within Spain is also allowed again, as are in-person family visits. "I can finally visit my son, my daughter-in-law and my grandchildren in Cadiz," said Asuncion, an 82-year-old widow. Spain's left-wing government has also urged caution. "The pandemic is not over yet," Deputy Prime Minister Carmen Calvo on Saturday. Officials are concerned that the past year could repeat itself: in June the government declared a 'new normal' with many restrictions easing. By November, coronavirus numbers spiked again and the government had to pull the emergency brake and declare the state of emergency, which formed the legal basis for nationwide restrictions.

Spain celebrates end of lockdown, expert warns pandemic isn't over

Britain has tasked naturalist David Attenborough with inspiring action to tackle the issue of climate change as its People’s Advocate ahead of the United Nations’ Climate Change Conference (COP26) in November in Glasgow, Scotland.&nbsp;

COP26 could accelerate measures by the world's biggest polluters to tackle climate change, which activists, scientists and world leaders say could ultimately endanger the planet. &nbsp;

Britain holds the presidency of the conference this year.&nbsp;

Attenborough, 95, the world's most influential wildlife broadcaster, will exhort leaders at events over the next six months to put climate and the protection of nature at the top of their agenda, including at the Group of Seven summit in Cornwall, southwest England, in June, the UK government said on Monday.&nbsp;

He has also been invited to address world leaders and the public at the Glasgow summit, which has been billed as the most important climate meeting since the Paris Agreement in 2015.&nbsp;

“David Attenborough has already inspired millions of people in the UK and around the world with his passion and knowledge to act on climate change and protect the planet for future generations. There is no better person to build momentum for further change as we approach the COP26 climate summit in November,” said Prime Minister Boris Johnson.&nbsp;

Johnson, who is keen to burnish his environmental credentials, has said he will push leaders at the G7 summit he will chair to make firm climate commitments.&nbsp;

Attenborough said COP26 had to succeed.&nbsp;

“There could not be a more important moment that we should have international agreement. The epidemic has shown us how crucial it is to find agreement among nations if we are to solve such worldwide problems," he said.&nbsp;

In February, Attenborough told the UN Security Council that climate change is the biggest security threat that modern humans have ever faced. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Britain has tasked naturalist David Attenborough with inspiring action to tackle the issue of climate change as its People’s Advocate ahead of the United Nations’ Climate Change Conference (COP26) in November in Glasgow, Scotland.

Britain has tasked naturalist David Attenborough with inspiring action to tackle the issue of climate change as its People’s Advocate ahead of the United Nations’ Climate Change Conference (COP26) in November in Glasgow, Scotland. COP26 could accelerate measures by the world's biggest polluters to tackle climate change, which activists, scientists and world leaders say could ultimately endanger the planet. Britain holds the presidency of the conference this year. Attenborough, 95, the world's most influential wildlife broadcaster, will exhort leaders at events over the next six months to put climate and the protection of nature at the top of their agenda, including at the Group of Seven summit in Cornwall, southwest England, in June, the UK government said on Monday. He has also been invited to address world leaders and the public at the Glasgow summit, which has been billed as the most important climate meeting since the Paris Agreement in 2015. “David Attenborough has already inspired millions of people in the UK and around the world with his passion and knowledge to act on climate change and protect the planet for future generations. There is no better person to build momentum for further change as we approach the COP26 climate summit in November,” said Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Johnson, who is keen to burnish his environmental credentials, has said he will push leaders at the G7 summit he will chair to make firm climate commitments. Attenborough said COP26 had to succeed. “There could not be a more important moment that we should have international agreement. The epidemic has shown us how crucial it is to find agreement among nations if we are to solve such worldwide problems," he said. In February, Attenborough told the UN Security Council that climate change is the biggest security threat that modern humans have ever faced. (With inputs from agencies)

David Attenborough named COP26 People’s Advocate ahead of key climate summit 

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan on Sunday expressed ‘serious concerns' to his Israeli counterpart about violent clashes in Jerusalem sparked by planned evictions of Palestinians from East Jerusalem, the White House said in a statement.&nbsp;

Sullivan in a phone call with Israeli National Security Adviser Meir Ben-Shabbat 'encouraged the Israeli government to pursue appropriate measures to ensure calm during Jerusalem Day commemorations’.&nbsp;

New confrontations broke out between Palestinians and Israeli police in parts of East Jerusalem on Sunday, including in Sheikh Jarrah and outside the walled Old City, as well as in Haifa, a mixed Arab-Jewish city in northern Israel at the height of the Muslim holy month of Ramzan.&nbsp;

The clashes have been sparked by the planned evictions of several Palestinian families from the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood in East Jerusalem, an area captured by Israel in a 1967 war.&nbsp;

Israel's attorney-general secured a deferment on Sunday of an Israeli Supreme Court hearing on the evictions, a session that had threatened to stoke more violence in the holy city and heighten international concern.&nbsp;

"Mr Sullivan also reiterated the United States’ serious concerns about the potential evictions of Palestinian families from their homes in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood," the White House statement said.&nbsp;

Sullivan and Ben-Shabbat "agreed that the launching of rocket attacks and incendiary balloons from Gaza towards Israel is unacceptable and must be condemned," the White House added.&nbsp;

It said Sullivan also expressed the Biden administration's commitment to Israel's security and to supporting peace and stability throughout the Middle East and would remain fully engaged in the days ahead to promote calm in Jerusalem.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan on Sunday expressed ‘serious concerns' to his Israeli counterpart about violent clashes in Jerusalem sparked by planned evictions of Palestinians from East Jerusalem, the White House said in a statement.

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan on Sunday expressed ‘serious concerns' to his Israeli counterpart about violent clashes in Jerusalem sparked by planned evictions of Palestinians from East Jerusalem, the White House said in a statement. Sullivan in a phone call with Israeli National Security Adviser Meir Ben-Shabbat 'encouraged the Israeli government to pursue appropriate measures to ensure calm during Jerusalem Day commemorations’. New confrontations broke out between Palestinians and Israeli police in parts of East Jerusalem on Sunday, including in Sheikh Jarrah and outside the walled Old City, as well as in Haifa, a mixed Arab-Jewish city in northern Israel at the height of the Muslim holy month of Ramzan. The clashes have been sparked by the planned evictions of several Palestinian families from the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood in East Jerusalem, an area captured by Israel in a 1967 war. Israel's attorney-general secured a deferment on Sunday of an Israeli Supreme Court hearing on the evictions, a session that had threatened to stoke more violence in the holy city and heighten international concern. "Mr Sullivan also reiterated the United States’ serious concerns about the potential evictions of Palestinian families from their homes in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood," the White House statement said. Sullivan and Ben-Shabbat "agreed that the launching of rocket attacks and incendiary balloons from Gaza towards Israel is unacceptable and must be condemned," the White House added. It said Sullivan also expressed the Biden administration's commitment to Israel's security and to supporting peace and stability throughout the Middle East and would remain fully engaged in the days ahead to promote calm in Jerusalem. (With inputs from agencies)

US expresses 'serious concerns' over Jerusalem clashes, evictions

Myanmar's military government completes 100 days after coup

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