Visitors to Dracula's castle are more likely to find puncture marks in their arms than their necks this month, after medics set up a COVID-19 vaccination centre at the Transylvanian attraction.&nbsp;

Doctors and nurses with fang stickers on their scrubs are offering free Pfizer shots to all-comers at 14th century Bran Castle, which is purported to be an inspiration for the vampire's towering home in Bram Stoker’s novel 'Dracula'.&nbsp;

Castle staff hope the service will bring more people to the site in Romania's Carpathian mountains, where tourist numbers have plummeted since the start of the pandemic. &nbsp;

Anyone can turn up without an appointment every weekend in May. They also get free entry to the castle's exhibit of 52 medieval torture instruments.&nbsp;

"The idea ... was to show how people got jabbed 500-600 years ago in Europe," the castle's marketing director, Alexandru Priscu, said.&nbsp;

One of the visitors on Saturday was Fernando Orozco, a 37-year-old renewable energy market developer usually based in Berlin, who has been working remotely out of Romania.&nbsp;

"I was already planning to come to the castle and I just thought it was the two-for-one special," he said.&nbsp;

The government has said it wants to vaccinate 10 million of its people by September, but a survey released in April by Bratislava-based think tank Globsec showed Romanians were the least inclined to get vaccinated among the EU’s eastern members.&nbsp;

Visitors to Dracula's castle are more likely to find puncture marks in their arms than their necks this month, after medics set up a COVID-19 vaccination centre at the Transylvanian attraction.

Visitors to Dracula's castle are more likely to find puncture marks in their arms than their necks this month, after medics set up a COVID-19 vaccination centre at the Transylvanian attraction. Doctors and nurses with fang stickers on their scrubs are offering free Pfizer shots to all-comers at 14th century Bran Castle, which is purported to be an inspiration for the vampire's towering home in Bram Stoker’s novel 'Dracula'. Castle staff hope the service will bring more people to the site in Romania's Carpathian mountains, where tourist numbers have plummeted since the start of the pandemic. Anyone can turn up without an appointment every weekend in May. They also get free entry to the castle's exhibit of 52 medieval torture instruments. "The idea ... was to show how people got jabbed 500-600 years ago in Europe," the castle's marketing director, Alexandru Priscu, said. One of the visitors on Saturday was Fernando Orozco, a 37-year-old renewable energy market developer usually based in Berlin, who has been working remotely out of Romania. "I was already planning to come to the castle and I just thought it was the two-for-one special," he said. The government has said it wants to vaccinate 10 million of its people by September, but a survey released in April by Bratislava-based think tank Globsec showed Romanians were the least inclined to get vaccinated among the EU’s eastern members.

Vlad the vaccinator: Dracula's castle lures visitors with COVID-19 jabs 

Continuing their buying spree for the second straight month, mutual funds invested Rs 5,526 crore in stocks in April with fund managers sensing opportunities after some consolidation in the market. &nbsp;

Investment by mutual funds (MFs) in equities will continue in coming months seeing the increase in user growths as multiple fintech players are entering into this space, Kaushlendra Singh Sengar, founder and CEO at INVEST19, said.&nbsp;

Alok Aggarwala, Chief Research Officer, Bajaj Capital, is also of the view that this bullish stance to continue as valuations moderate somewhat post FY21 earnings and the consolidation provides investors with an opportunity to accumulate equities. &nbsp;

Another factor driving this stance is the softening of bond yields from March onwards, forcing investors to flock to equities in search of higher returns, he added.&nbsp;

According to Sebi data, MFs put in a net amount of Rs 5,526 crore in equities in the month of April, much higher than a net sum of Rs 4,773 crore invested in March.&nbsp;

This was the first such fund infusion by MFs in 10 months.&nbsp;

Prior to the inflows, mutual funds had been withdrawing money from equities since June 2020, data available with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) showed.&nbsp;

"We have witnessed 15.8 per cent monthly investment growth by mutual funds into equities last month as volatile stock market pushed investors to invest via equity mutual funds to reduce risk," Sengar said.&nbsp;

Alok Aggarwala, Chief Research Officer, Bajaj Capital, said mutual fund flows are generally a reflection of investor flows in the respective mutual fund schemes. &nbsp;

Domestic investors had been taking out money from equity mutual fund schemes since July 2020 and March 2021 was the first month when the trend changed. &nbsp;

In addition, spike in SIP flows was witnessed in March rising to Rs 9,182 crore from Rs 7,528 crore in the preceding month. Hence, the positive flow by mutual funds in equities was witnessed in March, he said.&nbsp;

Though the data is not yet out, but this trend of net inflow in equity mutual fund schemes seems to have continued in April 2021 too, leading to positive flows by mutual fund, he added.&nbsp;

"The month of April witnessed a surge in the number of COVID-19 cases that lead to some minor corrections in the markets, however, this was followed by quick recoveries as well. Mutual funds used this fall in the market to buy new stocks resulting in increased inflow in the equities even in the month of April 2021," Gautam Kalia, Head, Investment Solutions, Sharekhan by BNP Paribas, said.&nbsp;

Furthermore, there have been positive flows in mutual funds schemes in March and April that provided fund managers with additional liquidity to manage, he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Continuing their buying spree for the second straight month, mutual funds invested Rs 5,526 crore in stocks in April with fund managers sensing opportunities after some consolidation in the market.

Continuing their buying spree for the second straight month, mutual funds invested Rs 5,526 crore in stocks in April with fund managers sensing opportunities after some consolidation in the market. Investment by mutual funds (MFs) in equities will continue in coming months seeing the increase in user growths as multiple fintech players are entering into this space, Kaushlendra Singh Sengar, founder and CEO at INVEST19, said. Alok Aggarwala, Chief Research Officer, Bajaj Capital, is also of the view that this bullish stance to continue as valuations moderate somewhat post FY21 earnings and the consolidation provides investors with an opportunity to accumulate equities. Another factor driving this stance is the softening of bond yields from March onwards, forcing investors to flock to equities in search of higher returns, he added. According to Sebi data, MFs put in a net amount of Rs 5,526 crore in equities in the month of April, much higher than a net sum of Rs 4,773 crore invested in March. This was the first such fund infusion by MFs in 10 months. Prior to the inflows, mutual funds had been withdrawing money from equities since June 2020, data available with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) showed. "We have witnessed 15.8 per cent monthly investment growth by mutual funds into equities last month as volatile stock market pushed investors to invest via equity mutual funds to reduce risk," Sengar said. Alok Aggarwala, Chief Research Officer, Bajaj Capital, said mutual fund flows are generally a reflection of investor flows in the respective mutual fund schemes. Domestic investors had been taking out money from equity mutual fund schemes since July 2020 and March 2021 was the first month when the trend changed. In addition, spike in SIP flows was witnessed in March rising to Rs 9,182 crore from Rs 7,528 crore in the preceding month. Hence, the positive flow by mutual funds in equities was witnessed in March, he said. Though the data is not yet out, but this trend of net inflow in equity mutual fund schemes seems to have continued in April 2021 too, leading to positive flows by mutual fund, he added. "The month of April witnessed a surge in the number of COVID-19 cases that lead to some minor corrections in the markets, however, this was followed by quick recoveries as well. Mutual funds used this fall in the market to buy new stocks resulting in increased inflow in the equities even in the month of April 2021," Gautam Kalia, Head, Investment Solutions, Sharekhan by BNP Paribas, said. Furthermore, there have been positive flows in mutual funds schemes in March and April that provided fund managers with additional liquidity to manage, he added. (With inputs from agencies)

MFs' buying spree continues; Rs 5,526 cr infused in equities in April 

A string of lights that lobbed across the night sky in parts of the US on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday had some people wondering if a fleet of UFOs was coming, but it had others, mostly amateur stargazers and professional astronomers, lamenting the industrialisation of space.&nbsp;

The train of lights was actually a series of relatively low-flying satellites launched by Elon Musk's SpaceX as part of its Starlink internet service earlier this week. Callers swamped TV stations from Texas to Wisconsin reporting the lights and musing about UFOs.&nbsp;

An email to a spokesman for SpaceX was not returned on Saturday, but astronomy experts said the number of lights in quick succession and their distance from Earth made them easily identifiable as Starlink satellites for those, who are used to seeing them. &nbsp;

"The way you can tell they are Starlink satellites is they are like a string of pearls, these lights travelling in the same basic orbit, one right after the other," said Dr Richard Fienberg, press officer for the American Astronomical Society.&nbsp;

Fienberg said the satellites that are being launched in large groups called constellations string together when they orbit, especially right after launching. The strings get smaller as time goes on.&nbsp;

This month, SpaceX has already launched dozens of satellites. It is all part of a plan to bridge the digital divide and bring internet access to underserved areas of the world, with SpaceX tentatively scheduled to launch another 120 satellites later in the month. Overall, the company has sent about 1,500 satellites into orbit and has asked for permission to launch thousands more.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A string of lights that lobbed across the night sky in parts of the US on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday had some people wondering if a fleet of UFOs was coming, but it had others, mostly amateur stargazers and professional astronomers, lamenting the industrialisation of space.

A string of lights that lobbed across the night sky in parts of the US on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday had some people wondering if a fleet of UFOs was coming, but it had others, mostly amateur stargazers and professional astronomers, lamenting the industrialisation of space. The train of lights was actually a series of relatively low-flying satellites launched by Elon Musk's SpaceX as part of its Starlink internet service earlier this week. Callers swamped TV stations from Texas to Wisconsin reporting the lights and musing about UFOs. An email to a spokesman for SpaceX was not returned on Saturday, but astronomy experts said the number of lights in quick succession and their distance from Earth made them easily identifiable as Starlink satellites for those, who are used to seeing them. "The way you can tell they are Starlink satellites is they are like a string of pearls, these lights travelling in the same basic orbit, one right after the other," said Dr Richard Fienberg, press officer for the American Astronomical Society. Fienberg said the satellites that are being launched in large groups called constellations string together when they orbit, especially right after launching. The strings get smaller as time goes on. This month, SpaceX has already launched dozens of satellites. It is all part of a plan to bridge the digital divide and bring internet access to underserved areas of the world, with SpaceX tentatively scheduled to launch another 120 satellites later in the month. Overall, the company has sent about 1,500 satellites into orbit and has asked for permission to launch thousands more. (With inputs from agencies)

String of satellites baffles residents, bugs astronomers 

Myanmar's junta has labeled a shadow government of lawmakers and politicians ousted in a February coup and a people's defence force that is being set up to confront security forces as terrorist groups. &nbsp;

The government of national unity was established by elected legislators, who were barred from taking their seats when the military seized power and detained civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and others. &nbsp;

The junta has previously accused them of treason, and the announcement on state TV on Saturday said they were being branded terrorists because of their participation in a civil disobedience movement, a popular revolt against the military takeover that has seen people taking to the streets daily despite the lethal use of force by authorities. &nbsp;

More than 700 protesters and bystanders have been killed by security forces since the February 1 coup, according to several detailed estimates. The junta has said the death toll is about one-third of that, and that the use of lethal force was justified to end what it called rioting.&nbsp;

Last week, the shadow government announced the formation of 'People's Defense Force’, which would serve as a precursor to a ‘Federal Union Army' of democratic forces including ethnic minorities. &nbsp;

The National Unity Government has the backing of several major ethnic minority groups, who for decades have been seeking greater autonomy and who maintain their own guerrilla forces. The two most important are the Kachin in the north and the Karen in the east, both of which are actively engaged in combat with the government's military forces.&nbsp;

Since the coup and crackdown on opponents, students and factory workers have fled to territory controlled by the ethnic guerrilla forces to take military training. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar's junta has labeled a shadow government of lawmakers and politicians ousted in a February coup and a people's defence force that is being set up to confront security forces as terrorist groups.

Myanmar's junta has labeled a shadow government of lawmakers and politicians ousted in a February coup and a people's defence force that is being set up to confront security forces as terrorist groups. The government of national unity was established by elected legislators, who were barred from taking their seats when the military seized power and detained civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and others. The junta has previously accused them of treason, and the announcement on state TV on Saturday said they were being branded terrorists because of their participation in a civil disobedience movement, a popular revolt against the military takeover that has seen people taking to the streets daily despite the lethal use of force by authorities. More than 700 protesters and bystanders have been killed by security forces since the February 1 coup, according to several detailed estimates. The junta has said the death toll is about one-third of that, and that the use of lethal force was justified to end what it called rioting. Last week, the shadow government announced the formation of 'People's Defense Force’, which would serve as a precursor to a ‘Federal Union Army' of democratic forces including ethnic minorities. The National Unity Government has the backing of several major ethnic minority groups, who for decades have been seeking greater autonomy and who maintain their own guerrilla forces. The two most important are the Kachin in the north and the Karen in the east, both of which are actively engaged in combat with the government's military forces. Since the coup and crackdown on opponents, students and factory workers have fled to territory controlled by the ethnic guerrilla forces to take military training. (With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar junta brands ousted lawmakers as 'terrorists' 

India recorded 4,03,738 fresh COVID-19 cases in a day, which pushed the tally to 2,22,96,414, according to the Union health ministry data updated on Sunday.&nbsp;

The death toll climbed to 2,42,362 with 4,092 daily deaths, the data updated at 8 am showed. &nbsp;

Registering a steady increase, the active cases have increased to 37,36,648, comprising 16.76 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 82.15 per cent.&nbsp;

The number of people, who have recuperated from the disease, surged to 1,83,17,404 with 3,86,444 patients recovering in a day, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.09 per cent, the data stated.&nbsp;

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 30,22,75,471 samples have been tested up to May 8 with 18,65,428 samples being tested on Saturday. &nbsp;

The 4,092 new fatalities include 864 from Maharashtra, 482 from Karnataka, 332 from Delhi, 297 from Uttar Pradesh, 241 from Tamil Nadu, 223 from Chhattisgarh, 171 from Punjab, 160 from Rajasthan, 155 from Haryana, 141 from Jharkhand, 127 from West Bengal, 119 from Gujarat and 118 from Uttarakhand.&nbsp;

A total of 2,42,362 deaths have been reported so far in the country, including 75,277 from Maharashtra, 19,071 from Delhi, 18,286 from Karnataka, 15,412 from Tamil Nadu, 15,170 from Uttar Pradesh, 12,203 from West Bengal, 10,381 from Chhattisgarh and 10,315 from Punjab.&nbsp;

The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.&nbsp;

"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

India recorded 4,03,738 fresh COVID-19 cases in a day, which pushed the tally to 2,22,96,414, according to the Union health ministry data updated on Sunday. The death toll climbed to 2,42,362 with 4,092 daily deaths, the data updated at 8 am showed.

India recorded 4,03,738 fresh COVID-19 cases in a day, which pushed the tally to 2,22,96,414, according to the Union health ministry data updated on Sunday. The death toll climbed to 2,42,362 with 4,092 daily deaths, the data updated at 8 am showed. Registering a steady increase, the active cases have increased to 37,36,648, comprising 16.76 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 82.15 per cent. The number of people, who have recuperated from the disease, surged to 1,83,17,404 with 3,86,444 patients recovering in a day, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.09 per cent, the data stated. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 30,22,75,471 samples have been tested up to May 8 with 18,65,428 samples being tested on Saturday. The 4,092 new fatalities include 864 from Maharashtra, 482 from Karnataka, 332 from Delhi, 297 from Uttar Pradesh, 241 from Tamil Nadu, 223 from Chhattisgarh, 171 from Punjab, 160 from Rajasthan, 155 from Haryana, 141 from Jharkhand, 127 from West Bengal, 119 from Gujarat and 118 from Uttarakhand. A total of 2,42,362 deaths have been reported so far in the country, including 75,277 from Maharashtra, 19,071 from Delhi, 18,286 from Karnataka, 15,412 from Tamil Nadu, 15,170 from Uttar Pradesh, 12,203 from West Bengal, 10,381 from Chhattisgarh and 10,315 from Punjab. The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation. (With inputs from agencies)

India records 4,03,738 COVID-19 cases, 4,092 deaths in a day 

The US Navy’s Fifth Fleet said on Saturday that the guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61) seized an illicit shipment of weapons from a stateless dhow in international water of the North Arabian Sea on May 6 and 7. &nbsp;

"The cache of weapons included dozens of advanced Russian-made anti-tank guided missiles, thousands of Chinese Type 56 assault rifles, and hundreds of PKM machine guns, sniper rifles and rocket-propelled grenades launchers. Other weapon components included advanced optical sights," the Bahrain-based Fleet said in a statement. &nbsp;

It added that the material is in US custody awaiting final disposition, while the original source and intended destination of the materiel is under investigation.&nbsp;

"After all illicit cargo was removed, the dhow was assessed for seaworthiness, and after questioning, its crew was provided food and water before being released," the statement said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The US Navy’s Fifth Fleet said on Saturday that the guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61) seized an illicit shipment of weapons from a stateless dhow in international water of the North Arabian Sea on May 6 and 7.

The US Navy’s Fifth Fleet said on Saturday that the guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61) seized an illicit shipment of weapons from a stateless dhow in international water of the North Arabian Sea on May 6 and 7. "The cache of weapons included dozens of advanced Russian-made anti-tank guided missiles, thousands of Chinese Type 56 assault rifles, and hundreds of PKM machine guns, sniper rifles and rocket-propelled grenades launchers. Other weapon components included advanced optical sights," the Bahrain-based Fleet said in a statement. It added that the material is in US custody awaiting final disposition, while the original source and intended destination of the materiel is under investigation. "After all illicit cargo was removed, the dhow was assessed for seaworthiness, and after questioning, its crew was provided food and water before being released," the statement said. (With inputs from agencies)

US 5th Fleet seizes weapons shipment from stateless dhow in Arabian Sea 

President Vladimir Putin is expected to review Russia's traditional World War Two victory parade on Sunday, a patriotic display of raw military power that this year coincides with soaring tensions with the West. &nbsp;

The parade on Moscow's Red Square commemorating the 76th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two is expected to feature over 12,000 troops, more than 190 pieces of military hardware, including intercontinental ballistic missile launchers, and - weather permitting - a fly-past by nearly 80 military aircraft. &nbsp;

Putin, who has been in power as either president or prime minister since 1999, traditionally watches the display, which is due to start at 0700 GMT, with Soviet war veterans from a review platform.&nbsp;

This year's parade precedes parliamentary elections in September and comes at a time when Moscow's relations with the West are acutely strained over everything from Ukraine to the fate of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny.&nbsp;

The United States and Russia have expelled each other's diplomats in recent months in a series of retaliatory moves and Moscow and EU member states have been involved in a similar tit-for-tat diplomatic dispute. &nbsp;

Sunday's parade follows a massive show of Russian military force near the borders of Ukraine and in Crimea, which Russia annexed from Kyiv in 2014, and an uptick in fighting in eastern Ukraine between Russian-backed separatists and Ukrainian government forces. &nbsp;

Moscow said the build-up, which alarmed the West, was a training exercise in response to activity by the NATO military alliance and Ukraine. It has since ordered a withdrawal of some troops.&nbsp;

Smaller military parades are planned on Sunday in cities across Russia, in annexed Crimea, and at Russia's Hmeymim air base in Syria.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

President Vladimir Putin is expected to review Russia's traditional World War Two victory parade on Sunday, a patriotic display of raw military power that this year coincides with soaring tensions with the West.

President Vladimir Putin is expected to review Russia's traditional World War Two victory parade on Sunday, a patriotic display of raw military power that this year coincides with soaring tensions with the West. The parade on Moscow's Red Square commemorating the 76th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two is expected to feature over 12,000 troops, more than 190 pieces of military hardware, including intercontinental ballistic missile launchers, and - weather permitting - a fly-past by nearly 80 military aircraft. Putin, who has been in power as either president or prime minister since 1999, traditionally watches the display, which is due to start at 0700 GMT, with Soviet war veterans from a review platform. This year's parade precedes parliamentary elections in September and comes at a time when Moscow's relations with the West are acutely strained over everything from Ukraine to the fate of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. The United States and Russia have expelled each other's diplomats in recent months in a series of retaliatory moves and Moscow and EU member states have been involved in a similar tit-for-tat diplomatic dispute. Sunday's parade follows a massive show of Russian military force near the borders of Ukraine and in Crimea, which Russia annexed from Kyiv in 2014, and an uptick in fighting in eastern Ukraine between Russian-backed separatists and Ukrainian government forces. Moscow said the build-up, which alarmed the West, was a training exercise in response to activity by the NATO military alliance and Ukraine. It has since ordered a withdrawal of some troops. Smaller military parades are planned on Sunday in cities across Russia, in annexed Crimea, and at Russia's Hmeymim air base in Syria. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin to review Russian military might as tensions with West soar 

A Singapore-based education foundation has dispatched more than 500 oxygen concentrators to India to save the lives of coronavirus patients in the remotest corner of the country.&nbsp;

Global Schools Foundation (GSF) reached out to Sewa International, a huge network of social initiatives across India, to tap their deep local resources and get these oxygen concentrators to the small towns and villages deep inside the country. &nbsp;

These concentrators are in addition to the first shipment of 200 oxygen cylinders sent on an urgent basis as part of a larger consignment on board the Indian Navy warship Airavat. &nbsp;

"We are saving lives in India by sending life-saving equipment, such as Oxygen concentrators and cylinders. They can be used within hospitals or at venues of social organisations or community centres," said Atul Temurnikar, Chairman of GSF. &nbsp;

"It is our duty to ensure we reach this benefit to the remotest corner of India and GSF would do whatever it can to assist in Covid-relief measures," he said on Saturday.&nbsp;

India has been dealing with shortages of Oxygen tanks as the second wave of COVID-19 hit the country hard. &nbsp;

India on Sunday reported 4,03,738 fresh COVID-19 cases, which pushed the tally to 2,22,96,414, according to the Union health ministry data.&nbsp;

The death toll climbed to 2,42,362 with 4,092 daily deaths.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

GSF runs 23 international schools under its aegis. &nbsp;

A Singapore-based education foundation has dispatched more than 500 oxygen concentrators to India to save the lives of coronavirus patients in the remotest corner of the country.

A Singapore-based education foundation has dispatched more than 500 oxygen concentrators to India to save the lives of coronavirus patients in the remotest corner of the country. Global Schools Foundation (GSF) reached out to Sewa International, a huge network of social initiatives across India, to tap their deep local resources and get these oxygen concentrators to the small towns and villages deep inside the country. These concentrators are in addition to the first shipment of 200 oxygen cylinders sent on an urgent basis as part of a larger consignment on board the Indian Navy warship Airavat. "We are saving lives in India by sending life-saving equipment, such as Oxygen concentrators and cylinders. They can be used within hospitals or at venues of social organisations or community centres," said Atul Temurnikar, Chairman of GSF. "It is our duty to ensure we reach this benefit to the remotest corner of India and GSF would do whatever it can to assist in Covid-relief measures," he said on Saturday. India has been dealing with shortages of Oxygen tanks as the second wave of COVID-19 hit the country hard. India on Sunday reported 4,03,738 fresh COVID-19 cases, which pushed the tally to 2,22,96,414, according to the Union health ministry data. The death toll climbed to 2,42,362 with 4,092 daily deaths. GSF runs 23 international schools under its aegis.

Singapore-based education foundation sends over 500 oxygen concentrators to India  

President Emmanuel Macron's plans for bringing France out of the pandemic aren't just about resuscitating long-closed restaurants, boutiques and museums. They are also about preparing his possible campaign for a second term. &nbsp;

A year before the next presidential election, Macron is focusing on saving jobs and reviving the pandemic-battered French economy as his country inches out of its third partial lockdown.&nbsp;

The centrist president's ability to meet the challenge will be significant for his political future and for France, which is among the world's worst-hit nations with the fourth-highest number of reported COVID-19 cases and the eighth-highest death toll at more than 106,000.&nbsp;

While he has not officially declared his candidacy, Macron has made comments suggesting he intends to seek reelection. And he has pushed recent legislation on issues that potential rivals on the right and the left hold dear, from security to climate change.&nbsp;

Pollsters suggest Macron, who four years ago became the youngest president in French history, has a good chance of winning the presidency again in 2022 despite his government's oft-criticised management of the pandemic and earlier challenges to his policies, from activists protesting what they see as social and economic injustice to unions angry over retirement reforms.&nbsp;

The coronavirus reopening strategy Macron unveiled this month calls for most restrictions on public life to be lifted June 30, when half of France's population is expected to have received at least one vaccine shot. With up to 3 million people in France getting vaccinated each week, the government plans to allow outdoor areas of restaurants and cafes, as well as museums and nonessential shops, to resume operating on May 19.&nbsp;

In an interview with French media, Macron said he would visit France's regions over the summer 'to feel the pulse of the country' and to engage with people in a mass consultation aimed at 'turning the page of that moment in the nation's life'. "No individual destiny is worthwhile without a collective project," he said, giving the latest hint about a potential reelection bid.&nbsp;

At the moment, all opinion polls show Macron and Marine Le Pen, the far-right leader he beat in a presidential runoff election in 2017, again reaching the runoff next year. The polls also forecast that Macron would defeat National Rally leader Le Pen again, though by a smaller margin.&nbsp;

President Emmanuel Macron's plans for bringing France out of the pandemic aren't just about resuscitating long-closed restaurants, boutiques and museums. They are also about preparing his possible campaign for a second term.

President Emmanuel Macron's plans for bringing France out of the pandemic aren't just about resuscitating long-closed restaurants, boutiques and museums. They are also about preparing his possible campaign for a second term. A year before the next presidential election, Macron is focusing on saving jobs and reviving the pandemic-battered French economy as his country inches out of its third partial lockdown. The centrist president's ability to meet the challenge will be significant for his political future and for France, which is among the world's worst-hit nations with the fourth-highest number of reported COVID-19 cases and the eighth-highest death toll at more than 106,000. While he has not officially declared his candidacy, Macron has made comments suggesting he intends to seek reelection. And he has pushed recent legislation on issues that potential rivals on the right and the left hold dear, from security to climate change. Pollsters suggest Macron, who four years ago became the youngest president in French history, has a good chance of winning the presidency again in 2022 despite his government's oft-criticised management of the pandemic and earlier challenges to his policies, from activists protesting what they see as social and economic injustice to unions angry over retirement reforms. The coronavirus reopening strategy Macron unveiled this month calls for most restrictions on public life to be lifted June 30, when half of France's population is expected to have received at least one vaccine shot. With up to 3 million people in France getting vaccinated each week, the government plans to allow outdoor areas of restaurants and cafes, as well as museums and nonessential shops, to resume operating on May 19. In an interview with French media, Macron said he would visit France's regions over the summer 'to feel the pulse of the country' and to engage with people in a mass consultation aimed at 'turning the page of that moment in the nation's life'. "No individual destiny is worthwhile without a collective project," he said, giving the latest hint about a potential reelection bid. At the moment, all opinion polls show Macron and Marine Le Pen, the far-right leader he beat in a presidential runoff election in 2017, again reaching the runoff next year. The polls also forecast that Macron would defeat National Rally leader Le Pen again, though by a smaller margin.

Eyeing reelection bid, Macron looks to repair French economy 

Saudi Arabia has emphasised the importance of dialogue between Pakistan and India to resolve their outstanding matters, including the Kashmir issue.&nbsp;

Pakistan Foreign Office on Saturday night released a joint statement agreed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia after Prime Minister Imran Khan held high-level talks with Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman.&nbsp;

Khan is on an official visit to Saudi Arabia from May 7 to May 9.&nbsp;

"The two sides emphasised the importance of dialogue between Pakistan and India to resolve the outstanding issues between the two countries, especially Jammu and Kashmir issue, to ensure peace and stability in the region," according to the joint statement.&nbsp;

The Crown Prince welcomed the recent understanding reached between the military authorities of Pakistan and India regarding ceasefire at the Line of Control (LoC), which is based on a 2003 understanding between Pakistan and India.&nbsp;

The militaries of India and Pakistan, in a surprise announcement on February 25, said that they have agreed to strictly observe all agreements on ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir and other sectors.&nbsp;

India has told Pakistan that it desires normal neighbourly relations with it in an environment free of terror, hostility and violence. &nbsp;

During Khan's Saudi visit, the two sides also reviewed all facets of bilateral cooperation and discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest and agreed to further strengthen the relationship in diverse fields.&nbsp;

They signed an agreement on the establishment of the Saudi-Pakistan Supreme Coordination Council (SPSCC). An MoU on combating illicit traffic in narcotics, drugs, psychotropic substances and precursor chemicals was also signed.&nbsp;

They also inked a framework MoU between Saudi Fund for Development and Pakistan for financing projects in energy, hydropower generation, Infrastructure, transport communication and water resource development.&nbsp;

Cooperation agreements in the field of combating crimes and on the transfer of convicted prisoners were also signed.&nbsp;

The two leaders also stressed the need for concerted efforts by the Muslim countries to confront extremism and violence, reject sectarianism, and strive to achieve international peace and security.&nbsp;

They called for joint efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia has emphasised the importance of dialogue between Pakistan and India to resolve their outstanding matters, including the Kashmir issue. Pakistan Foreign Office on Saturday night released a joint statement agreed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia after Prime Minister Imran Khan held high-level talks with Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman.

Saudi Arabia has emphasised the importance of dialogue between Pakistan and India to resolve their outstanding matters, including the Kashmir issue. Pakistan Foreign Office on Saturday night released a joint statement agreed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia after Prime Minister Imran Khan held high-level talks with Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman. Khan is on an official visit to Saudi Arabia from May 7 to May 9. "The two sides emphasised the importance of dialogue between Pakistan and India to resolve the outstanding issues between the two countries, especially Jammu and Kashmir issue, to ensure peace and stability in the region," according to the joint statement. The Crown Prince welcomed the recent understanding reached between the military authorities of Pakistan and India regarding ceasefire at the Line of Control (LoC), which is based on a 2003 understanding between Pakistan and India. The militaries of India and Pakistan, in a surprise announcement on February 25, said that they have agreed to strictly observe all agreements on ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir and other sectors. India has told Pakistan that it desires normal neighbourly relations with it in an environment free of terror, hostility and violence. During Khan's Saudi visit, the two sides also reviewed all facets of bilateral cooperation and discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest and agreed to further strengthen the relationship in diverse fields. They signed an agreement on the establishment of the Saudi-Pakistan Supreme Coordination Council (SPSCC). An MoU on combating illicit traffic in narcotics, drugs, psychotropic substances and precursor chemicals was also signed. They also inked a framework MoU between Saudi Fund for Development and Pakistan for financing projects in energy, hydropower generation, Infrastructure, transport communication and water resource development. Cooperation agreements in the field of combating crimes and on the transfer of convicted prisoners were also signed. The two leaders also stressed the need for concerted efforts by the Muslim countries to confront extremism and violence, reject sectarianism, and strive to achieve international peace and security. They called for joint efforts to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. (With inputs from agencies)

Saudi Arabia calls for dialogue between India, Pak to resolve issues

South Korea said on Sunday it will strengthen its monitoring system against cryptocurrency-related phishing websites by working with the National Police Agency amid recent surges in prices of virtual money.&nbsp;

The ICT ministry said there have recently been increasing reports of phishing attempts via text messages that lead cryptocurrency users to enter their exchange IDs and passwords on fake websites to steal them and access their accounts.&nbsp;

The ministry said it found and blocked 32 such phishing websites in the past three months, compared with a total of 41 websites detected in the whole of last year, reports Yonhap news agency.&nbsp;

Examples of such websites include www.bithnub.com, compared with the address of local cryptocurrency exchange Bithumb -- www.bithumb.com.&nbsp;

The ministry said it will strengthen its 24-hour monitoring system to swiftly block such phishing websites.&nbsp;

The National Police Agency has also been conducting a crackdown on phishing websites since the start of March this year.&nbsp;

As of May 4, the police were investigating 21 cases, in which individuals accessed other cryptocurrency users' accounts and sold their assets.&nbsp;

Major cryptocurrency Bitcoin topped $72,000 per unit in South Korea for the first time in mid-April. The virtual currency has since fallen, trading at around 67 million won on Friday, according to Bithumb.&nbsp;

Amid rising prices, South Korean financial authorities are also cracking down on illegal activities involving cryptocurrencies, such as money laundering, until June.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

South Korea said on Sunday it will strengthen its monitoring system against cryptocurrency-related phishing websites by working with the National Police Agency amid recent surges in prices of virtual money.

South Korea said on Sunday it will strengthen its monitoring system against cryptocurrency-related phishing websites by working with the National Police Agency amid recent surges in prices of virtual money. The ICT ministry said there have recently been increasing reports of phishing attempts via text messages that lead cryptocurrency users to enter their exchange IDs and passwords on fake websites to steal them and access their accounts. The ministry said it found and blocked 32 such phishing websites in the past three months, compared with a total of 41 websites detected in the whole of last year, reports Yonhap news agency. Examples of such websites include www.bithnub.com, compared with the address of local cryptocurrency exchange Bithumb -- www.bithumb.com. The ministry said it will strengthen its 24-hour monitoring system to swiftly block such phishing websites. The National Police Agency has also been conducting a crackdown on phishing websites since the start of March this year. As of May 4, the police were investigating 21 cases, in which individuals accessed other cryptocurrency users' accounts and sold their assets. Major cryptocurrency Bitcoin topped $72,000 per unit in South Korea for the first time in mid-April. The virtual currency has since fallen, trading at around 67 million won on Friday, according to Bithumb. Amid rising prices, South Korean financial authorities are also cracking down on illegal activities involving cryptocurrencies, such as money laundering, until June. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea to clamp down on cryptocurrency phishing activity 

Tesla and SpaceX CEO was at his hilarious best as he hosted the popular American TV show ‘Saturday Night Live’ for the first time, acknowledging that his public comments on Twitter do get him in trouble at times.&nbsp;

Appearing alongside American singer-songwriter Miley Cyrus to host the late-night comedy show on NBC Television that was streamed in over 100 countries including India for the first time, Musk said, "Sometimes after I say something I have to say, 'I mean that,'.&nbsp;

He pointed to his ‘69 days after 4/20 again haha’ tweet but didn’t mention the 2018 tweet that got him in trouble with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), reports The Verge.&nbsp;

Musk revealed that he was the first person with Asperger Syndrome to host SNL.&nbsp;

Asperger Syndrome (AS), also known as Asperger's, is a neuro-developmental disorder characterised by significant difficulties in social interaction and non-verbal communication, along with restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour and interests.&nbsp;

Throughout the TV show, Musk joked and poked fun at himself, saying that people sometimes don't know what to expect from him.&nbsp;

"I reinvented electric cars and I'm sending people to Mars on a rocket ship. Did you think I was going to be a chill, normal dude?" He told the viewers.&nbsp;

He said that his famous appearance on Joe Rogan's podcast where he smoked weed wasn't his usual habit.&nbsp;

Musk also said the name of his youngest child from musician-singer Grimes, spelled X AE A-12, is "pronounced 'cat running across keyboard’."&nbsp;

Musk's mother Faye also made an appearance during the programme.&nbsp;

"I'm excited for my Mother's Day gift, I just hope it's not Dogecoin," she said.&nbsp;

To which Elon replied, "it is."&nbsp;

However, Dogecoin, which is fourth-largest cryptocurrency by market value and promoted by Musk fell sharply during his show.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Tesla and SpaceX CEO was at his hilarious best as he hosted the popular American TV show ‘Saturday Night Live’ for the first time, acknowledging that his public comments on Twitter do get him in trouble at times.

Tesla and SpaceX CEO was at his hilarious best as he hosted the popular American TV show ‘Saturday Night Live’ for the first time, acknowledging that his public comments on Twitter do get him in trouble at times. Appearing alongside American singer-songwriter Miley Cyrus to host the late-night comedy show on NBC Television that was streamed in over 100 countries including India for the first time, Musk said, "Sometimes after I say something I have to say, 'I mean that,'. He pointed to his ‘69 days after 4/20 again haha’ tweet but didn’t mention the 2018 tweet that got him in trouble with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), reports The Verge. Musk revealed that he was the first person with Asperger Syndrome to host SNL. Asperger Syndrome (AS), also known as Asperger's, is a neuro-developmental disorder characterised by significant difficulties in social interaction and non-verbal communication, along with restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour and interests. Throughout the TV show, Musk joked and poked fun at himself, saying that people sometimes don't know what to expect from him. "I reinvented electric cars and I'm sending people to Mars on a rocket ship. Did you think I was going to be a chill, normal dude?" He told the viewers. He said that his famous appearance on Joe Rogan's podcast where he smoked weed wasn't his usual habit. Musk also said the name of his youngest child from musician-singer Grimes, spelled X AE A-12, is "pronounced 'cat running across keyboard’." Musk's mother Faye also made an appearance during the programme. "I'm excited for my Mother's Day gift, I just hope it's not Dogecoin," she said. To which Elon replied, "it is." However, Dogecoin, which is fourth-largest cryptocurrency by market value and promoted by Musk fell sharply during his show. (With inputs from agencies)

Musk pokes fun at himself, admits Twitter puts him in trouble 

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