The leader of Britain's opposition Labour Party, Keir Starmer, has reshuffled his team after disappointing results in local elections that further strengthened Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s grip on power.&nbsp;

Labour lost control of a number of local authorities and of the parliamentary seat of Hartlepool, a Labour bastion for many decades. It held on to city halls in London, Manchester and elsewhere, but those successes could not mask its retreat in areas that used to be party strongholds.&nbsp;

Starmer, elected leader last year, has struggled to bridge divides and unite Labour around a clear agenda to challenge the governing Conservatives, who are enjoying a boost from a successful COVID-19 vaccination programme and from ploughing money into areas where many voters have felt neglected.&nbsp;

After many voters in the local elections suggested they did not know what Starmer stood for, Shabana Mahmood, appointed Labour's campaign coordinator in the reshuffle, said the party would launch a policy review to settle on a programme.&nbsp;

"There has to be a policy review process which we are now going to embark on together as a movement to try and work out what is the programme that we need to be offering the country," she told BBC radio.&nbsp;

"It has to be a platform that speaks to the public."&nbsp;

The main changes in the reshuffle included the appointment of Rachel Reeves as head of economic policy, replacing Anneliese Dodds, who became party chair and head of the policy review.&nbsp;

Angela Rayner, who was sacked on Saturday as party chair and campaign coordinator in a move that went down badly in Labour ranks, was appointed policy chief on 'the future of work'.&nbsp;

She was also given the title of 'shadow first secretary of state', the equivalent of deputy prime minister in Starmer's 'shadow cabinet', or opposition leadership team.&nbsp;

"The Labour Party must be the party that embraces the demand for change across our country," Starmer said in a statement.&nbsp;

"I look forward to working with our refreshed and renewed team to take on that challenge, deliver that change and build the ambitious programme that will deliver the next Labour government."&nbsp;

The reshuffle got off to a bad start after several party figures openly criticised the removal of Rayner as party chair. She comes from a working-class background in northern England - precisely the demographic Labour has lost and needs to win back.&nbsp;

Starmer is likely seeking to placate critics by giving Rayner a prominent role in the shadow Cabinet.&nbsp;

Starmer and Rayner were elected as party leader and deputy leader last year, following Labour's crushing defeat in a general election in December 2019, when it was led by hard-left veteran Jeremy Corbyn.&nbsp;

While opinion polls suggest Starmer has more credibility in the eyes of many voters than Corbyn did, the local election results showed the party was still very far from being in a position to regain power at an election due in 2024.&nbsp;

After a 13-year stint in office under former prime ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, Labour has lost four consecutive general elections since 2010.&nbsp;

The leader of Britain's opposition Labour Party, Keir Starmer, has reshuffled his team after disappointing results in local elections that further strengthened Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s grip on power.

The leader of Britain's opposition Labour Party, Keir Starmer, has reshuffled his team after disappointing results in local elections that further strengthened Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s grip on power. Labour lost control of a number of local authorities and of the parliamentary seat of Hartlepool, a Labour bastion for many decades. It held on to city halls in London, Manchester and elsewhere, but those successes could not mask its retreat in areas that used to be party strongholds. Starmer, elected leader last year, has struggled to bridge divides and unite Labour around a clear agenda to challenge the governing Conservatives, who are enjoying a boost from a successful COVID-19 vaccination programme and from ploughing money into areas where many voters have felt neglected. After many voters in the local elections suggested they did not know what Starmer stood for, Shabana Mahmood, appointed Labour's campaign coordinator in the reshuffle, said the party would launch a policy review to settle on a programme. "There has to be a policy review process which we are now going to embark on together as a movement to try and work out what is the programme that we need to be offering the country," she told BBC radio. "It has to be a platform that speaks to the public." The main changes in the reshuffle included the appointment of Rachel Reeves as head of economic policy, replacing Anneliese Dodds, who became party chair and head of the policy review. Angela Rayner, who was sacked on Saturday as party chair and campaign coordinator in a move that went down badly in Labour ranks, was appointed policy chief on 'the future of work'. She was also given the title of 'shadow first secretary of state', the equivalent of deputy prime minister in Starmer's 'shadow cabinet', or opposition leadership team. "The Labour Party must be the party that embraces the demand for change across our country," Starmer said in a statement. "I look forward to working with our refreshed and renewed team to take on that challenge, deliver that change and build the ambitious programme that will deliver the next Labour government." The reshuffle got off to a bad start after several party figures openly criticised the removal of Rayner as party chair. She comes from a working-class background in northern England - precisely the demographic Labour has lost and needs to win back. Starmer is likely seeking to placate critics by giving Rayner a prominent role in the shadow Cabinet. Starmer and Rayner were elected as party leader and deputy leader last year, following Labour's crushing defeat in a general election in December 2019, when it was led by hard-left veteran Jeremy Corbyn. While opinion polls suggest Starmer has more credibility in the eyes of many voters than Corbyn did, the local election results showed the party was still very far from being in a position to regain power at an election due in 2024. After a 13-year stint in office under former prime ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, Labour has lost four consecutive general elections since 2010.

UK Labour leader reshuffles team after poor local election results 

Taiwan will quarantine all pilots for its largest carrier China Airlines Ltd for 14 days as it tries to stop an outbreak of COVID-19, the health minister said on Monday, impacting a lifeline for the island's trade-dependent economy. &nbsp;

Taiwan has generally kept the pandemic under control due to early prevention with only sporadic domestic cases, but since last month it has been dealing with an outbreak linked to China Airlines pilots and an airport hotel where many of them stayed. There have been 35 confirmed infections so far in the outbreak.&nbsp;

Health Minister Chen Shih-chung told reporters the only way to break the chain of transmission at the carrier is to quarantine all China Airlines pilots currently in Taiwan and any who return. &nbsp;

"This will have a big impact on China Airlines, on its passenger and freighter flights, and for the crew, too. But for the safety of the whole community we cannot but make this decision," he said. &nbsp;

The pilots will only be allowed out of quarantine once they have tested negative, Chen said. &nbsp;

China Airlines, a major cargo carrier, said it would split the quarantining pilots into groups and try "as much as possible to maintain flight operations; it is not a total grounding." &nbsp;

China Airlines will prioritise cargo flights, but there will be disruption even as they 'go all out' to ensure they can still fly, it said. &nbsp;

"The short-term reduction in Taiwan’s import and export capacity will affect the delivery time of goods," China Airlines said, without elaborating. &nbsp;

Taiwan's health authorities believe some of the pilots got infected overseas, then spread the infection upon returning to Taiwan, and that others could have been infected by pilots from other airlines staying at the same hotel.&nbsp;

Taiwan will quarantine all pilots for its largest carrier China Airlines Ltd for 14 days as it tries to stop an outbreak of COVID-19, the health minister said on Monday, impacting a lifeline for the island's trade-dependent economy.

Taiwan will quarantine all pilots for its largest carrier China Airlines Ltd for 14 days as it tries to stop an outbreak of COVID-19, the health minister said on Monday, impacting a lifeline for the island's trade-dependent economy. Taiwan has generally kept the pandemic under control due to early prevention with only sporadic domestic cases, but since last month it has been dealing with an outbreak linked to China Airlines pilots and an airport hotel where many of them stayed. There have been 35 confirmed infections so far in the outbreak. Health Minister Chen Shih-chung told reporters the only way to break the chain of transmission at the carrier is to quarantine all China Airlines pilots currently in Taiwan and any who return. "This will have a big impact on China Airlines, on its passenger and freighter flights, and for the crew, too. But for the safety of the whole community we cannot but make this decision," he said. The pilots will only be allowed out of quarantine once they have tested negative, Chen said. China Airlines, a major cargo carrier, said it would split the quarantining pilots into groups and try "as much as possible to maintain flight operations; it is not a total grounding." China Airlines will prioritise cargo flights, but there will be disruption even as they 'go all out' to ensure they can still fly, it said. "The short-term reduction in Taiwan’s import and export capacity will affect the delivery time of goods," China Airlines said, without elaborating. Taiwan's health authorities believe some of the pilots got infected overseas, then spread the infection upon returning to Taiwan, and that others could have been infected by pilots from other airlines staying at the same hotel.

Taiwan to quarantine pilots of its largest airline amid COVID-19 outbreak 

More than 11,000 academics and other university staff opposed to Myanmar's ruling junta have been suspended after going on strike in protest against military rule, a teachers' group said.&nbsp;

The suspensions come as the resumption of universities after a year closed due to the coronavirus epidemic prompts a new confrontation between the army and the staff and students, who are calling for boycotts over the February 1 coup.&nbsp;

"I feel upset to give up a job that I adored so much, but I feel proud to stand against injustice," said one 37-year-old university rector, who gave her name only as Thandar for fear of reprisals.&nbsp;

"My department summoned me today. I'm not going. We shouldn't follow the orders of the military council."&nbsp;

A professor on a fellowship in the United States said she was told she would have to declare opposition to the strikes or lose her job. Her university authorities had told her every scholar would be tracked down and forced to choose, she said.&nbsp;

As of Monday, more than 11,100 academic and other staff had been suspended from colleges and universities offering degrees, an official of the Myanmar Teachers` Federation said, declining to be identified for fear of reprisals.&nbsp;

According to the most recent World Bank data, Myanmar had more than 26,000 teachers in universities and other tertiary education institutions in 2018.&nbsp;

Students and teachers were at the forefront of opposition during nearly half a century of military rule and have been prominent in the protests since the army detained elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi and halted a decade of tentative democratic reforms.&nbsp;

Many teachers, like medics and other government workers, have stopped work as part of a civil disobedience movement that has paralysed Myanmar. As protests flared after the coup, security forces occupied campuses in the biggest city, Yangon, and elsewhere.&nbsp;

A spokesman for the junta did not respond to phone calls seeking comment on the suspensions.&nbsp;

The junta-controlled Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper said teachers and students should cooperate to get the education system started again.&nbsp;

"Political opportunists do not wish to see such development by committing sabotage acts," it said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

More than 11,000 academics and other university staff opposed to Myanmar's ruling junta have been suspended after going on strike in protest against military rule, a teachers' group said.

More than 11,000 academics and other university staff opposed to Myanmar's ruling junta have been suspended after going on strike in protest against military rule, a teachers' group said. The suspensions come as the resumption of universities after a year closed due to the coronavirus epidemic prompts a new confrontation between the army and the staff and students, who are calling for boycotts over the February 1 coup. "I feel upset to give up a job that I adored so much, but I feel proud to stand against injustice," said one 37-year-old university rector, who gave her name only as Thandar for fear of reprisals. "My department summoned me today. I'm not going. We shouldn't follow the orders of the military council." A professor on a fellowship in the United States said she was told she would have to declare opposition to the strikes or lose her job. Her university authorities had told her every scholar would be tracked down and forced to choose, she said. As of Monday, more than 11,100 academic and other staff had been suspended from colleges and universities offering degrees, an official of the Myanmar Teachers` Federation said, declining to be identified for fear of reprisals. According to the most recent World Bank data, Myanmar had more than 26,000 teachers in universities and other tertiary education institutions in 2018. Students and teachers were at the forefront of opposition during nearly half a century of military rule and have been prominent in the protests since the army detained elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi and halted a decade of tentative democratic reforms. Many teachers, like medics and other government workers, have stopped work as part of a civil disobedience movement that has paralysed Myanmar. As protests flared after the coup, security forces occupied campuses in the biggest city, Yangon, and elsewhere. A spokesman for the junta did not respond to phone calls seeking comment on the suspensions. The junta-controlled Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper said teachers and students should cooperate to get the education system started again. "Political opportunists do not wish to see such development by committing sabotage acts," it said. (With inputs from agencies)

Thousands suspended at Myanmar universities as junta targets education 

COVID-19: In hope to attract tourists, Greece reopens its beaches

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Monday that if wealthy nations hogged COVID-19 shots while millions in poor countries died waiting for them it would amount to 'vaccine apartheid'.&nbsp;

South Africa and India have been pushing for a waiver on some intellectual property (IP) rights for vaccines and medicines at the World Trade Organization.&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden backed the proposal last week, though it may still take months to reach a deal.&nbsp;

Ramaphosa called on South Africans to support the waiver in a weekly newsletter, saying vaccines should be 'a global public good'.&nbsp;

"It is about affirming our commitment to the advancement of equality and human rights, not just in our own country but around the world," he wrote. &nbsp;

"A situation in which the populations of advanced, rich countries are safely inoculated while millions in poorer countries die in the queue would be tantamount to vaccine apartheid."&nbsp;

Sub-Saharan Africa has administered the fewest vaccines relative to its population of any region, with roughly 8 doses per 1,000 people versus doses per 1,000 people globally, according to the World Health Organization.&nbsp;

Ramaphosa recalled that twenty years ago South Africa faced off against 'big pharma' over efforts to import and manufacture affordable generic antiretroviral medicines to treat people with HIV/AIDS.&nbsp;

"Years later, the world is in the grip of another deadly pandemic in the form of COVID-19. And once again, South Africa is waging a struggle that puts global solidarity to the test," he said.&nbsp;

Ramaphosa said South Africa was one of only five countries on the African continent able to manufacture vaccines and that there was a need for new capacity to be built.&nbsp;

South Africa has ordered enough COVID-19 vaccines for 46 million of its 60 million people via bilateral deals with Johnson &amp; Johnson (J&amp;J) and Pfizer. The J&amp;J shots will be made locally by Aspen Pharmacare.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Monday that if wealthy nations hogged COVID-19 shots while millions in poor countries died waiting for them it would amount to 'vaccine apartheid'.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Monday that if wealthy nations hogged COVID-19 shots while millions in poor countries died waiting for them it would amount to 'vaccine apartheid'. South Africa and India have been pushing for a waiver on some intellectual property (IP) rights for vaccines and medicines at the World Trade Organization. US President Joe Biden backed the proposal last week, though it may still take months to reach a deal. Ramaphosa called on South Africans to support the waiver in a weekly newsletter, saying vaccines should be 'a global public good'. "It is about affirming our commitment to the advancement of equality and human rights, not just in our own country but around the world," he wrote. "A situation in which the populations of advanced, rich countries are safely inoculated while millions in poorer countries die in the queue would be tantamount to vaccine apartheid." Sub-Saharan Africa has administered the fewest vaccines relative to its population of any region, with roughly 8 doses per 1,000 people versus doses per 1,000 people globally, according to the World Health Organization. Ramaphosa recalled that twenty years ago South Africa faced off against 'big pharma' over efforts to import and manufacture affordable generic antiretroviral medicines to treat people with HIV/AIDS. "Years later, the world is in the grip of another deadly pandemic in the form of COVID-19. And once again, South Africa is waging a struggle that puts global solidarity to the test," he said. Ramaphosa said South Africa was one of only five countries on the African continent able to manufacture vaccines and that there was a need for new capacity to be built. South Africa has ordered enough COVID-19 vaccines for 46 million of its 60 million people via bilateral deals with Johnson & Johnson (J&J) and Pfizer. The J&J shots will be made locally by Aspen Pharmacare. (With inputs from agencies)

South Africa warns of 'vaccine apartheid' if rich countries hog shots 

Palestinian protesters threw rocks and Israeli police fired stun grenades and rubber bullets in clashes outside the al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem on Monday as Israel marked the anniversary of its capture of parts of the city in the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. &nbsp;

The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said more than 180 Palestinians were injured in the violence, of whom more than 80, including one person in critical condition, were transferred to hospitals.&nbsp;

Al-Aqsa, Islam's third-holiest site, has been a focal point of violence in Jerusalem throughout the Muslim holy month of Ramzan. The clashes have raised international concern.&nbsp;

Tensions were particularly high as Israel marked 'Jerusalem Day', its annual celebration of the capture of East Jerusalem and the walled Old City that is home to Muslim, Jewish and Christian holy places. &nbsp;

In an effort to ease the situation, Israeli police said they had banned Jewish groups from paying Jerusalem Day visits to the holy plaza that houses al-Aqsa, and which Jews revere as the site of biblical Jewish temples.&nbsp;

Police were also considering whether to reroute a traditional Jerusalem Day march in which thousands of Israeli flag-waving Jewish youth walk through the Old City's Damascus Gate and the Muslim Quarter.&nbsp;

Police fired tear gas, stun grenades and rubber bullets at hundreds of Palestinians, who hurled rocks at them on al-Aqsa's stone-strewn plaza, witnesses said. &nbsp;

"Extremist Palestinians planned well in advance to carry out riots today on the Temple Mount," Ofir Gendelman, a spokesman for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tweeted. "What we see now is the result of that."&nbsp;

Police said they had deployed thousands of officers in Jerusalem streets and on rooftops to keep the peace.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Palestinian protesters threw rocks and Israeli police fired stun grenades and rubber bullets in clashes outside the al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem on Monday as Israel marked the anniversary of its capture of parts of the city in the 1967 Arab-Israeli war.

Palestinian protesters threw rocks and Israeli police fired stun grenades and rubber bullets in clashes outside the al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem on Monday as Israel marked the anniversary of its capture of parts of the city in the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said more than 180 Palestinians were injured in the violence, of whom more than 80, including one person in critical condition, were transferred to hospitals. Al-Aqsa, Islam's third-holiest site, has been a focal point of violence in Jerusalem throughout the Muslim holy month of Ramzan. The clashes have raised international concern. Tensions were particularly high as Israel marked 'Jerusalem Day', its annual celebration of the capture of East Jerusalem and the walled Old City that is home to Muslim, Jewish and Christian holy places. In an effort to ease the situation, Israeli police said they had banned Jewish groups from paying Jerusalem Day visits to the holy plaza that houses al-Aqsa, and which Jews revere as the site of biblical Jewish temples. Police were also considering whether to reroute a traditional Jerusalem Day march in which thousands of Israeli flag-waving Jewish youth walk through the Old City's Damascus Gate and the Muslim Quarter. Police fired tear gas, stun grenades and rubber bullets at hundreds of Palestinians, who hurled rocks at them on al-Aqsa's stone-strewn plaza, witnesses said. "Extremist Palestinians planned well in advance to carry out riots today on the Temple Mount," Ofir Gendelman, a spokesman for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tweeted. "What we see now is the result of that." Police said they had deployed thousands of officers in Jerusalem streets and on rooftops to keep the peace. (With inputs from agencies)

Violence erupts at al-Aqsa mosque as Israel marks Jerusalem Day 

US President Joe Biden will join a virtual summit of eastern European NATO states held in the Romanian capital Bucharest on Monday, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis said, with a focus on security in the Black Sea region and Ukraine. &nbsp;

The summit of the Bucharest Nine, a group of European countries on the eastern edge of NATO, will be jointly hosted by Iohannis and Poland's President Andrzej Duda and aims at coordinating the security positions of countries in the region.&nbsp;

"Glad to welcome Joe Biden to the Bucharest9 Summit, which I host in Bucharest today," Iohannis said on his Twitter account.&nbsp;

"Together with President Andrzej Duda we'll also welcome ... Jens Stoltenberg in preparation of NATO Summit, focusing on Transatlantic ties, NATO 2030, defence and deterrence on the eastern flank."&nbsp;

Biden, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg and the presidents of Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia will video-conference into the gathering. &nbsp;

"In ... the statement that the nine will publish after the meeting there will be the issue of security in the Black Sea region and the related security issues in Ukraine," the head of Poland's National Security Bureau, Pawel Soloch, told reporters.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, Washington said it could increase security help for Kyiv after Russia moved troops near its border with Ukraine's eastern Donbass region, where Ukrainian troops are in conflict with Moscow-backed separatists.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

US President Joe Biden will join a virtual summit of eastern European NATO states held in the Romanian capital Bucharest on Monday, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis said, with a focus on security in the Black Sea region and Ukraine.

US President Joe Biden will join a virtual summit of eastern European NATO states held in the Romanian capital Bucharest on Monday, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis said, with a focus on security in the Black Sea region and Ukraine. The summit of the Bucharest Nine, a group of European countries on the eastern edge of NATO, will be jointly hosted by Iohannis and Poland's President Andrzej Duda and aims at coordinating the security positions of countries in the region. "Glad to welcome Joe Biden to the Bucharest9 Summit, which I host in Bucharest today," Iohannis said on his Twitter account. "Together with President Andrzej Duda we'll also welcome ... Jens Stoltenberg in preparation of NATO Summit, focusing on Transatlantic ties, NATO 2030, defence and deterrence on the eastern flank." Biden, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg and the presidents of Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia will video-conference into the gathering. "In ... the statement that the nine will publish after the meeting there will be the issue of security in the Black Sea region and the related security issues in Ukraine," the head of Poland's National Security Bureau, Pawel Soloch, told reporters. Earlier this month, Washington said it could increase security help for Kyiv after Russia moved troops near its border with Ukraine's eastern Donbass region, where Ukrainian troops are in conflict with Moscow-backed separatists. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden to join eastern European NATO states summit, focus seen on Ukraine 

Iran confirmed publicly for the first time on Monday that it is in talks with its regional arch rival Saudi Arabia, saying it would do what it could to resolve issues between them.&nbsp;

"De-escalation of tensions between the two Muslim countries in the Persian Gulf region is in the interest of both nations and the region," foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said in a televised weekly news conference.&nbsp;

Iran was waiting for the outcome of the talks, he said: "We welcome resolving of the issues that have existed between the two countries ... We will use our best efforts in this regard."&nbsp;

Ambassador Rayed Krimly, head of policy planning at Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry, last week said that talks between Saudi Arabia and Iran were aimed at reducing regional tensions. He said it was too early to judge the outcome and Riyadh wanted to see 'verifiable deeds'.&nbsp;

Iran and Saudi Arabia have been locked in a rivalry that has played out in proxy conflicts across the region, from Yemen to Syria to Iraq. The two countries cut diplomatic ties in 2016. Middle East officials and sources said last month that they had held two rounds of talks. &nbsp;

The arrival of President Joe Biden in the United States has altered the diplomatic calculus across the Middle East. Washington aims to restart a nuclear deal with Iran that Biden's predecessor Donald Trump abandoned, and has called for Saudi Arabia to end a war against Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi forces.&nbsp;

Some sources said last month that Tehran had promised to use its influence to halt Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, in return asking Riyadh to support the nuclear talks. &nbsp;

Nuclear talks in Vienna between Tehran and world powers aim to bring Washington and Iran back into full compliance with the nuclear deal. In retaliation for sanctions reimposed since 2018 by Trump, Iran has breached nuclear restrictions under the pact.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Iran confirmed publicly for the first time on Monday that it is in talks with its regional arch rival Saudi Arabia, saying it would do what it could to resolve issues between them.

Iran confirmed publicly for the first time on Monday that it is in talks with its regional arch rival Saudi Arabia, saying it would do what it could to resolve issues between them. "De-escalation of tensions between the two Muslim countries in the Persian Gulf region is in the interest of both nations and the region," foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said in a televised weekly news conference. Iran was waiting for the outcome of the talks, he said: "We welcome resolving of the issues that have existed between the two countries ... We will use our best efforts in this regard." Ambassador Rayed Krimly, head of policy planning at Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry, last week said that talks between Saudi Arabia and Iran were aimed at reducing regional tensions. He said it was too early to judge the outcome and Riyadh wanted to see 'verifiable deeds'. Iran and Saudi Arabia have been locked in a rivalry that has played out in proxy conflicts across the region, from Yemen to Syria to Iraq. The two countries cut diplomatic ties in 2016. Middle East officials and sources said last month that they had held two rounds of talks. The arrival of President Joe Biden in the United States has altered the diplomatic calculus across the Middle East. Washington aims to restart a nuclear deal with Iran that Biden's predecessor Donald Trump abandoned, and has called for Saudi Arabia to end a war against Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi forces. Some sources said last month that Tehran had promised to use its influence to halt Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, in return asking Riyadh to support the nuclear talks. Nuclear talks in Vienna between Tehran and world powers aim to bring Washington and Iran back into full compliance with the nuclear deal. In retaliation for sanctions reimposed since 2018 by Trump, Iran has breached nuclear restrictions under the pact. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran confirms talks with Saudi Arabia, promises best efforts 

Saudi Arabia has announced its plan to hold this year's Haj pilgrimage under Covod safety measures that will ensure preserving the health and safety of the worshippers, state media reported. 
 
The health authorities in the Kingdom continue to assess conditions and take all measures to protect the health and well-being of the public, state media quoted the Ministry of Haj and Umrah as saying on Sunday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Saudi Arabia to allow only 'immunised' pilgrims to Mecca">Saudi Arabia to allow only 'immunised' pilgrims to Mecca</a> 
 
It added that organisation details of the Haj season will be announced later, Xinhua news agency reported. 
 
The Ministry did not mention whether foreign pilgrims will be allowed to attend this season. 
 
The Kingdom had organised an exceptional Haj season last year with a limited number of pilgrims as part of precautionary measures against the spread of Covid. 
 
Saudi Arabia has so far reported 426,384 confirmed Covid cases, with 7,072 deaths and 409,740 recoveries.

Saudi Arabia has announced its plan to hold this year's Haj pilgrimage under Covod safety measures that will ensure preserving the health and safety of the worshippers, state media reported.

Saudi Arabia has announced its plan to hold this year's Haj pilgrimage under Covod safety measures that will ensure preserving the health and safety of the worshippers, state media reported. The health authorities in the Kingdom continue to assess conditions and take all measures to protect the health and well-being of the public, state media quoted the Ministry of Haj and Umrah as saying on Sunday. Also read | Saudi Arabia to allow only 'immunised' pilgrims to Mecca It added that organisation details of the Haj season will be announced later, Xinhua news agency reported. The Ministry did not mention whether foreign pilgrims will be allowed to attend this season. The Kingdom had organised an exceptional Haj season last year with a limited number of pilgrims as part of precautionary measures against the spread of Covid. Saudi Arabia has so far reported 426,384 confirmed Covid cases, with 7,072 deaths and 409,740 recoveries.

Saudi Arabia to hold Haj under Covid safety measures

Pope&nbsp;Francis on Saturday supported waiving intellectual property rights for COVID-19&nbsp;vaccines, backing a proposal by US&nbsp;President Joe Biden that has been rebuffed by some European nations, including Germany.

In a speech to a global fundraising concert to promote fair access to&nbsp;vaccines, the&nbsp;pope&nbsp;said the world was infected with the "virus of individualism".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Pope hails 'tireless' work of Indian medics in his message to India">Pope hails 'tireless' work of Indian medics in his message to India</a>

"A variant of this virus is closed nationalism, which prevents, for example, an internationalism of&nbsp;vaccines," he said in the pre-recorded video message.

"Another variant is when we put the laws of the market or of intellectual market or intellectual property over the laws of love and the health of humanity," he added, recalling the heavy death toll the coronavirus had inflicted on the world.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="'Stop Clashes': Pope Francis calls for end to violence in Jerusalem">'Stop Clashes': Pope Francis calls for end to violence in Jerusalem</a>

His comments came in the middle of a debate over whether pharmaceutical companies should waive patent protection for COVID-19&nbsp;vaccines.

Biden backed such a move on Wednesday, heeding calls from India, South Africa and more than 100 other countries.

However, many European countries, led by Germany and France, distanced themselves on Friday from the suggestion, arguing that key to ending the COVID-19 pandemic was making and sharing&nbsp;vaccines more quickly.

Pope Francis on Saturday supported waiving intellectual property rights for COVID-19 vaccines, backing a proposal by US President Joe Biden that has been rebuffed by some European nations, including Germany.

Pope Francis on Saturday supported waiving intellectual property rights for COVID-19 vaccines, backing a proposal by US President Joe Biden that has been rebuffed by some European nations, including Germany. In a speech to a global fundraising concert to promote fair access to vaccines, the pope said the world was infected with the "virus of individualism". Also read | Pope hails 'tireless' work of Indian medics in his message to India "A variant of this virus is closed nationalism, which prevents, for example, an internationalism of vaccines," he said in the pre-recorded video message. "Another variant is when we put the laws of the market or of intellectual market or intellectual property over the laws of love and the health of humanity," he added, recalling the heavy death toll the coronavirus had inflicted on the world. Also read | 'Stop Clashes': Pope Francis calls for end to violence in Jerusalem His comments came in the middle of a debate over whether pharmaceutical companies should waive patent protection for COVID-19 vaccines. Biden backed such a move on Wednesday, heeding calls from India, South Africa and more than 100 other countries. However, many European countries, led by Germany and France, distanced themselves on Friday from the suggestion, arguing that key to ending the COVID-19 pandemic was making and sharing vaccines more quickly.

Pope Francis backs waivers on intellectual property rights for vaccines

British Prime Minister&nbsp;Boris&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;will set out on Monday the next phase of lockdown easing in England, giving the green light to "cautious hugging" and allowing pubs to serve customers pints inside after months of strict measures.

Aided by one of the fastest vaccine rollouts in the world, Britain's daily case and death numbers have dropped sharply - reporting just two fatalities on Sunday - enabling it to emerge from a lockdown imposed in January to tackle a second wave.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="UK regulators advise under-40s to get alternative to AstraZeneca vaccine">UK regulators advise under-40s to get alternative to AstraZeneca vaccine</a>

The government set out plans on Friday to slowly reopen international travel and&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;is expected on Monday to confirm that the next set of easing will come into force on May 17, with pubs, restaurants and cinemas opening indoors.

People should also be able to meet in groups of up to 30 outdoors, while six people or two households can meet indoors. The government is also expected to say whether the rules around social distancing with friends and family can ease, prompting headlines about "cautious hugging".

"It does look as if the roadmap is on course," junior minister Nadine Dorries told Sky News. "The prime minister will be making an announcement later this afternoon and he will be detailing how we're going to unlock and when."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="UK returns to normalcy as restrictions ease ">UK returns to normalcy as restrictions ease&nbsp;</a>

Asked by the BBC if people would be told to cautiously cuddle, Dorries replied: "I don't think you can cautiously cuddle but the prime minister is going to make the announcement this afternoon."

That reopening will apply to England only, with the devolved governments of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales setting out their own rules.

Dorries, the minister for mental health, said the government needed to be careful that society did not reopen too quickly however because variants of the coronavirus have been circulating.

According to Johns Hopkins data, Britain has the fifth highest death toll in the world from COVID-19 with 127,605 fatalities. Two thirds of adults in the United Kingdom have had a first vaccine and one third have had both doses.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will set out on Monday the next phase of lockdown easing in England, giving the green light to "cautious hugging" and allowing pubs to serve customers pints inside after months of strict measures.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will set out on Monday the next phase of lockdown easing in England, giving the green light to "cautious hugging" and allowing pubs to serve customers pints inside after months of strict measures. Aided by one of the fastest vaccine rollouts in the world, Britain's daily case and death numbers have dropped sharply - reporting just two fatalities on Sunday - enabling it to emerge from a lockdown imposed in January to tackle a second wave. Also read | UK regulators advise under-40s to get alternative to AstraZeneca vaccine The government set out plans on Friday to slowly reopen international travel and Johnson is expected on Monday to confirm that the next set of easing will come into force on May 17, with pubs, restaurants and cinemas opening indoors. People should also be able to meet in groups of up to 30 outdoors, while six people or two households can meet indoors. The government is also expected to say whether the rules around social distancing with friends and family can ease, prompting headlines about "cautious hugging". "It does look as if the roadmap is on course," junior minister Nadine Dorries told Sky News. "The prime minister will be making an announcement later this afternoon and he will be detailing how we're going to unlock and when." Also read | UK returns to normalcy as restrictions ease Asked by the BBC if people would be told to cautiously cuddle, Dorries replied: "I don't think you can cautiously cuddle but the prime minister is going to make the announcement this afternoon." That reopening will apply to England only, with the devolved governments of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales setting out their own rules. Dorries, the minister for mental health, said the government needed to be careful that society did not reopen too quickly however because variants of the coronavirus have been circulating. According to Johns Hopkins data, Britain has the fifth highest death toll in the world from COVID-19 with 127,605 fatalities. Two thirds of adults in the United Kingdom have had a first vaccine and one third have had both doses.

'Cautious hugging' and pints: UK PM Johnson to ease England's lockdown

Scottish leader&nbsp;Nicola&nbsp;Sturgeon&nbsp;told British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday that another referendum on independence was inevitable after her party won a resounding election victory.

Johnson and his Conservative Party, which is in opposition in Scotland, strongly oppose a referendum, saying the issue was settled in 2014 when Scots voted against independence by 55% to 45%.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Scottish nationalists vow independence vote after election win">Scottish nationalists vow independence vote after election win</a>

But pro-independence parties won a majority in the Scottish parliament in elections held on Thursday, which&nbsp;Sturgeon&nbsp;said gave her a mandate to push ahead with plans for a second referendum after the COVID-19 crisis.

"The First Minister reiterated her intention to ensure that the people of Scotland can choose our own future when the crisis is over,"&nbsp;Sturgeon's media office said in a statement after she spoke to Johnson on the phone.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Scottish National Party projected to fall short of majority">Scottish National Party projected to fall short of majority</a>

"(She) made clear that the question of a referendum is now a matter of when - not if."

A statement from Johnson's Downing Street office after his talk with&nbsp;Sturgeon&nbsp;made no mention of the referendum issue, instead emphasising "the importance of focusing on COVID recovery at this time".

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/video-scotlands-road-to-independence-383919/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Sturgeon's Scottish National Party (SNP) won 64 seats in the Scottish parliament, just one short of an overall majority. With its Green allies, who won eight and also favour independence, it is in control of the political agenda in Scotland.

Speculation has been mounting that when the Scottish parliament legislated for a referendum, the British government would go to court to stop it. But senior minister Michael Gove sidestepped repeated questions about that earlier on Sunday.

"We're not going to go there," he said on Sky News.

"To start speculating about this type of legislation or that type of court hearing and all the rest of it, it's just a massive distraction," he said.

Sturgeon&nbsp;told the BBC it would be "absurd and completely outrageous" for the British government to take legal action to stop a referendum.

She argued that for London to use "force of law" to prevent a vote would amount to saying that the 300-year-old union between England and Scotland was no longer based on consent.

"I don't think we will get there," she said.

Under the 1998 Scotland Act - which created the Scottish parliament and devolved some powers to Edinburgh from London - all matters relating to the "Union of the Kingdoms of Scotland and England" are reserved to the UK parliament.

Under the act, the UK parliament can grant the Scottish government the authority to hold a referendum, a process that was used to allow the 2014 plebiscite to go ahead and which&nbsp;Sturgeon&nbsp;said should unfold again for a new referendum.

Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon told British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday that another referendum on independence was inevitable after her party won a resounding election victory.

Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon told British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday that another referendum on independence was inevitable after her party won a resounding election victory. Johnson and his Conservative Party, which is in opposition in Scotland, strongly oppose a referendum, saying the issue was settled in 2014 when Scots voted against independence by 55% to 45%. Also read | Scottish nationalists vow independence vote after election win But pro-independence parties won a majority in the Scottish parliament in elections held on Thursday, which Sturgeon said gave her a mandate to push ahead with plans for a second referendum after the COVID-19 crisis. "The First Minister reiterated her intention to ensure that the people of Scotland can choose our own future when the crisis is over," Sturgeon's media office said in a statement after she spoke to Johnson on the phone. Also read | Scottish National Party projected to fall short of majority "(She) made clear that the question of a referendum is now a matter of when - not if." A statement from Johnson's Downing Street office after his talk with Sturgeon made no mention of the referendum issue, instead emphasising "the importance of focusing on COVID recovery at this time". Watch | Sturgeon's Scottish National Party (SNP) won 64 seats in the Scottish parliament, just one short of an overall majority. With its Green allies, who won eight and also favour independence, it is in control of the political agenda in Scotland. Speculation has been mounting that when the Scottish parliament legislated for a referendum, the British government would go to court to stop it. But senior minister Michael Gove sidestepped repeated questions about that earlier on Sunday. "We're not going to go there," he said on Sky News. "To start speculating about this type of legislation or that type of court hearing and all the rest of it, it's just a massive distraction," he said. Sturgeon told the BBC it would be "absurd and completely outrageous" for the British government to take legal action to stop a referendum. She argued that for London to use "force of law" to prevent a vote would amount to saying that the 300-year-old union between England and Scotland was no longer based on consent. "I don't think we will get there," she said. Under the 1998 Scotland Act - which created the Scottish parliament and devolved some powers to Edinburgh from London - all matters relating to the "Union of the Kingdoms of Scotland and England" are reserved to the UK parliament. Under the act, the UK parliament can grant the Scottish government the authority to hold a referendum, a process that was used to allow the 2014 plebiscite to go ahead and which Sturgeon said should unfold again for a new referendum.

Scottish leader to London: Independence vote a matter of 'when, not if'

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Gandharv Walia

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