Taiwan's first batch of aid to India to help it fight a surging increase in COVID-19 infections left for New Delhi on Sunday, consisting of 150 oxygen concentrators and 500 oxygen cylinders, Taiwan's Foreign Ministry said.&nbsp;

Countries around the world have been rushing to help India alleviate the crisis. India recorded more than 400,000 new COVID-19 cases for the first time on Saturday as it battles a devastating second wave.&nbsp;

Taiwan's Foreign Ministry said the aid consignment left on a China Airlines freighter on Sunday morning and would be received by India's Red Cross.&nbsp;

Taiwan will continue to provide aid as needed, it added.&nbsp;

"These oxygen concentrators and cylinders are love from Taiwan. More help for our friends in India is on the way. #IndiaStayStrong!" Foreign Minister Joseph Wu tweeted. &nbsp;

An oxygen concentrator reduces nitrogen from an air supply to produce an oxygen-enriched air supply to a patient.&nbsp;

While India, like most countries, has no formal diplomatic ties with Chinese-claimed Taiwan, the two have drawn closer in recent years thanks to their shared antipathy of Beijing.&nbsp;

Taiwan sees India as an important like-minded democracy and friend, and there are close cultural and economic links too.&nbsp;

Last year, Taiwan accused Beijing of trying to impose censorship in India after China's embassy in New Delhi advised local journalists to observe the ‘one-China' principle following advertisements in newspapers that marked Taiwan's national day.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Taiwan's first batch of aid to India to help it fight a surging increase in COVID-19 infections left for New Delhi on Sunday, consisting of 150 oxygen concentrators and 500 oxygen cylinders, Taiwan's Foreign Ministry said.

Taiwan's first batch of aid to India to help it fight a surging increase in COVID-19 infections left for New Delhi on Sunday, consisting of 150 oxygen concentrators and 500 oxygen cylinders, Taiwan's Foreign Ministry said. Countries around the world have been rushing to help India alleviate the crisis. India recorded more than 400,000 new COVID-19 cases for the first time on Saturday as it battles a devastating second wave. Taiwan's Foreign Ministry said the aid consignment left on a China Airlines freighter on Sunday morning and would be received by India's Red Cross. Taiwan will continue to provide aid as needed, it added. "These oxygen concentrators and cylinders are love from Taiwan. More help for our friends in India is on the way. #IndiaStayStrong!" Foreign Minister Joseph Wu tweeted. An oxygen concentrator reduces nitrogen from an air supply to produce an oxygen-enriched air supply to a patient. While India, like most countries, has no formal diplomatic ties with Chinese-claimed Taiwan, the two have drawn closer in recent years thanks to their shared antipathy of Beijing. Taiwan sees India as an important like-minded democracy and friend, and there are close cultural and economic links too. Last year, Taiwan accused Beijing of trying to impose censorship in India after China's embassy in New Delhi advised local journalists to observe the ‘one-China' principle following advertisements in newspapers that marked Taiwan's national day. (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan's first batch of COVID-19 aid leaves for India 

Australia's conservative government will increase childcare subsidies, officials said on Sunday, in a pre-budget announcement that pledges A$1.7 billion ($1.31 billion) to boost female participation in the workplace.&nbsp;

The promised spending comes ahead of a federal election expected in the next 12 months and follows polls showing Prime Minister Scott Morrison's approval ratings have sunk, amid growing anger over allegations of sexual abuse, discrimination against women and misconduct in parliament.&nbsp;

The spending targets families with more than one child in daycare, boosting subsidies for those with two or more children aged up to five-years-old to a maximum 95% subsidy for their second and subsequent children.&nbsp;

"Today's measures... are targeted, and they are an investment in making our economy stronger and boosting female working participation," Treasurer Josh Frydenberg told reporters in Canberra.&nbsp;

Parents who "want to work an extra couple of days. Right now, they have all of that additional income from their wage eaten up in additional childcare cost. This will remove that disincentive," he said.&nbsp;

Before the coronavirus pandemic pushed Australia's A$2 trillion economy into recession, Morrison's government had pledged to bring the budget to black.&nbsp;

But on Thursday, the government provided a foretaste of its spending plans due to be announced in its yearly Budget on May 11, abandoning its 'debt and deficit disaster' rhetoric for a focus on jobs.&nbsp;

Treasury estimates the additional spending will encourage up to 300,000 in additional work hours a week - equivalent to 40,000 people working an extra day a week and boost Australia's economic output by about A$1.5 billion a year, Frydenberg said.&nbsp;

Australia's government has struggled to placate public anger over claims of sexual abuse, discrimination against women and misconduct in Canberra. &nbsp;

In another move designed to regain voter support, it promoted a record seven female lawmakers to Cabinet in March.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Australia's conservative government will increase childcare subsidies, officials said on Sunday, in a pre-budget announcement that pledges A$1.7 billion ($1.31 billion) to boost female participation in the workplace.

Australia's conservative government will increase childcare subsidies, officials said on Sunday, in a pre-budget announcement that pledges A$1.7 billion ($1.31 billion) to boost female participation in the workplace. The promised spending comes ahead of a federal election expected in the next 12 months and follows polls showing Prime Minister Scott Morrison's approval ratings have sunk, amid growing anger over allegations of sexual abuse, discrimination against women and misconduct in parliament. The spending targets families with more than one child in daycare, boosting subsidies for those with two or more children aged up to five-years-old to a maximum 95% subsidy for their second and subsequent children. "Today's measures... are targeted, and they are an investment in making our economy stronger and boosting female working participation," Treasurer Josh Frydenberg told reporters in Canberra. Parents who "want to work an extra couple of days. Right now, they have all of that additional income from their wage eaten up in additional childcare cost. This will remove that disincentive," he said. Before the coronavirus pandemic pushed Australia's A$2 trillion economy into recession, Morrison's government had pledged to bring the budget to black. But on Thursday, the government provided a foretaste of its spending plans due to be announced in its yearly Budget on May 11, abandoning its 'debt and deficit disaster' rhetoric for a focus on jobs. Treasury estimates the additional spending will encourage up to 300,000 in additional work hours a week - equivalent to 40,000 people working an extra day a week and boost Australia's economic output by about A$1.5 billion a year, Frydenberg said. Australia's government has struggled to placate public anger over claims of sexual abuse, discrimination against women and misconduct in Canberra. In another move designed to regain voter support, it promoted a record seven female lawmakers to Cabinet in March. (With inputs from agencies)

Australia to spend $1.3 billion on childcare, enticing women back to work 

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/worldwide-covid-19-situation-continues-to-deteriorate-death-toll-tops-318-million-382081">Worldwide COVID-19 situation continues to deteriorate; death toll tops 3.18 mn</a>

<img alt="Brief 1" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6b9b1deb-b0f0-4f1c-9dd4-cc2d4189a6c0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Brief%20A.PNG" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/based-on-accords-so-far-us-sanctions-on-oil-banks-would-be-lifted-says-iran-negotiator-382085">Based on accords so far, US sanctions on oil, banks would be lifted: Iran</a>

<img alt="brief 2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="82c1b578-78d5-49a2-8f0b-454ffae69b5c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Brief%20A2.PNG" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-multiple-people-injured-in-wisconsin-casino-shooting-382078">US: Multiple people injured in Wisconsin casino shooting</a>

<img alt="Brief 3" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e7c7d7e0-98c8-465d-9213-f3e0ed9be234" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Brief%20A3.PNG" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-accuses-the-us-of-using-spurious-diplomacy-to-cover-up-hostile-acts-382073">North Korea accuses US of using spurious diplomacy to cover up hostile acts</a>

<img alt="Brief 4" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a14d8761-a64c-4560-8c77-8040ddbdec20" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Brief%20A4.PNG" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/somalias-parliament-votes-to-cancel-presidential-term-extension-382086">Somalia's parliament votes to cancel presidential term extension&nbsp;</a>

<img alt="Brief 5" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2a18474e-d858-48f3-8f07-ba73ade0ac27" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Brief%20A5.PNG" />

Worldwide COVID-19 situation continues to deteriorate; death toll tops 3.18 mn Based on accords so far, US sanctions on oil, banks would be lifted: Iran US: Mul

Worldwide COVID-19 situation continues to deteriorate; death toll tops 3.18 mn Based on accords so far, US sanctions on oil, banks would be lifted: Iran US: Multiple people injured in Wisconsin casino shooting North Korea accuses US of using spurious diplomacy to cover up hostile acts Somalia's parliament votes to cancel presidential term extension

Morning news brief: Worldwide COVID-19 situation continues to deteriorate and more

Somali lawmakers voted unanimously on Saturday to cancel a two-year presidential term extension they had approved last month, after clashes in the capital Mogadishu between factions of the security forces, which are divided over the issue. &nbsp;

In a speech following the vote in the lower house of parliament, Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble ordered the army to return to barracks and urged politicians to avoid inciting violence. &nbsp;

The political crisis has raised fears that al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab insurgents could exploit a security vacuum if state forces split along clan lines and turn on each other. The group has taken over at least one Somali town in the past week as heavily armed fighters moved from the countryside into the capital city. &nbsp;

President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed's attempt to extend his term has also angered foreign donors, who have backed his government in an attempt to bring stability to Somalia after more than two decades as a failed state following a civil war that began in 1991.&nbsp;

Saturday’s lower house vote was broadcast on Somali television and came shortly after Mohamed addressed parliament and said he was directing the prime minister to prepare to hold a delayed parliamentary election.&nbsp;

Roble said in a Twitter post late on Saturday that the government will ‘soon’ prepare the plan for elections, and thanked the president and the parliament. &nbsp;

Mohamed’s term expired in February, but without a new crop of lawmakers, parliament was unable to choose a president.&nbsp;

The term extension was approved by the lower house last month but rejected by the Senate, provoking the crisis that has intensified in the past week.&nbsp;

Between 60,000 and 100,000 people were forced to flee their homes following clashes on Sunday that stirred fears of all-out war between heavily armed factions for and against the president.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Somali lawmakers voted unanimously on Saturday to cancel a two-year presidential term extension they had approved last month, after clashes in the capital Mogadishu between factions of the security forces, which are divided over the issue.

Somali lawmakers voted unanimously on Saturday to cancel a two-year presidential term extension they had approved last month, after clashes in the capital Mogadishu between factions of the security forces, which are divided over the issue. In a speech following the vote in the lower house of parliament, Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble ordered the army to return to barracks and urged politicians to avoid inciting violence. The political crisis has raised fears that al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab insurgents could exploit a security vacuum if state forces split along clan lines and turn on each other. The group has taken over at least one Somali town in the past week as heavily armed fighters moved from the countryside into the capital city. President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed's attempt to extend his term has also angered foreign donors, who have backed his government in an attempt to bring stability to Somalia after more than two decades as a failed state following a civil war that began in 1991. Saturday’s lower house vote was broadcast on Somali television and came shortly after Mohamed addressed parliament and said he was directing the prime minister to prepare to hold a delayed parliamentary election. Roble said in a Twitter post late on Saturday that the government will ‘soon’ prepare the plan for elections, and thanked the president and the parliament. Mohamed’s term expired in February, but without a new crop of lawmakers, parliament was unable to choose a president. The term extension was approved by the lower house last month but rejected by the Senate, provoking the crisis that has intensified in the past week. Between 60,000 and 100,000 people were forced to flee their homes following clashes on Sunday that stirred fears of all-out war between heavily armed factions for and against the president. (With inputs from agencies)

Somalia's parliament votes to cancel presidential term extension 

Iran's chief nuclear negotiator said on Saturday, Tehran expects US sanctions on oil, banks and most individuals and institutions to be lifted based on agreements so far in Vienna talks, Iranian media reported, while Washington again played down the prospect of an imminent breakthrough.&nbsp;

Russia and Western European powers, meanwhile, gave contrasting accounts of the task ahead in the talks to bring Iran and the United States fully back into compliance with a 2015 nuclear deal, as the talks adjourned for six days.&nbsp;

"Sanctions ... on Iran's energy sector, which include oil and gas, or those on the automotive industry, financial, banking and port sanctions, all should be lifted based on agreements reached so far," Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi was quoted as saying by Iranian state media.&nbsp;

Araqchi did not say under which mechanism sanctions would be lifted or refer to how Tehran would meet Washington's demands and return to its commitments under the deal.&nbsp;

"We will negotiate until the two sides’ positions come closer and our demands are met," he said. "If they are met there will be an agreement, if not, there will naturally be no agreement."&nbsp;

Asked to comment, the US State Department referred back to past statements, including remarks on Friday from the US national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, who said the talks were in ‘an unclear place’.&nbsp;

"We've seen willingness of all sides, including the Iranians, to talk seriously about sanctions relief restrictions and a pathway back into the JCPOA," Sullivan said, referring to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the nuclear deal's title. &nbsp;

"But it is still uncertain as to whether this will culminate in a deal in Vienna," he said. &nbsp;

The State Department also referred to remarks by State Department spokesman Ned Price on Thursday, when he said the sides were 'not on the cusp of any breakthrough' and there was 'a potentially long road ahead’.&nbsp;

President Joe Biden is seeking to return to the deal that former President Donald Trump withdrew from in 2018. Trump reimposed sanctions against Tehran and Iran responded by breaching many of the deal's limits on its nuclear activities.&nbsp;

Talks began last month in Vienna with the remaining parties to the deal - Iran, Russia, China, France, Britain and Germany - meeting in the basement of a luxury hotel, and the United States based in another hotel across the street. Iran has refused to hold direct meetings with US officials.&nbsp;

"We have much work, and little time, left. Against that background, we would have hoped for more progress this week," senior diplomats from the so-called E3 - France, Britain and Germany - said in a statement. &nbsp;

Officials have said they hope to reach a deal by May 21, when an agreement between Tehran and the UN nuclear watchdog on continued monitoring of some Iranian nuclear activities is due to expire. &nbsp;

"We have yet to come to an understanding on the most critical points. Success is by no means guaranteed, but not impossible," they added.&nbsp;

Russia's ambassador to the UN nuclear watchdog, Mikhail Ulyanov, told reporters after a meeting of the remaining parties wrapping up the third round of talks that breakthroughs should not be expected in the days to come. He said the talks would reconvene on Friday. &nbsp;

"We need simply to continue diplomatic, day-to-day work, and we have all the reasons to expect that the outcome, (the) final outcome, will be successful and it will come quite soon, in a few weeks," said Ulyanov, one of the more optimistic voices at the talks. &nbsp;

The break in talks was widely expected as diplomats said officials from several countries are also involved in the Group of Seven foreign ministers' meeting in London that begins on Monday and ends on Wednesday.&nbsp;

In his remarks, Araqchi said that "There are individuals and institutions that have been specifically sanctioned and their (the US) list is long. Talks on the list are still ongoing". He added that under what had been agreed so far, more than a majority of the list would have the sanctions lifted.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Iran's chief nuclear negotiator said on Saturday, Tehran expects US sanctions on oil, banks and most individuals and institutions to be lifted based on agreements so far in Vienna talks, Iranian media reported, while Washington again played down the prospect of an imminent breakthrough.

Iran's chief nuclear negotiator said on Saturday, Tehran expects US sanctions on oil, banks and most individuals and institutions to be lifted based on agreements so far in Vienna talks, Iranian media reported, while Washington again played down the prospect of an imminent breakthrough. Russia and Western European powers, meanwhile, gave contrasting accounts of the task ahead in the talks to bring Iran and the United States fully back into compliance with a 2015 nuclear deal, as the talks adjourned for six days. "Sanctions ... on Iran's energy sector, which include oil and gas, or those on the automotive industry, financial, banking and port sanctions, all should be lifted based on agreements reached so far," Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi was quoted as saying by Iranian state media. Araqchi did not say under which mechanism sanctions would be lifted or refer to how Tehran would meet Washington's demands and return to its commitments under the deal. "We will negotiate until the two sides’ positions come closer and our demands are met," he said. "If they are met there will be an agreement, if not, there will naturally be no agreement." Asked to comment, the US State Department referred back to past statements, including remarks on Friday from the US national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, who said the talks were in ‘an unclear place’. "We've seen willingness of all sides, including the Iranians, to talk seriously about sanctions relief restrictions and a pathway back into the JCPOA," Sullivan said, referring to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the nuclear deal's title. "But it is still uncertain as to whether this will culminate in a deal in Vienna," he said. The State Department also referred to remarks by State Department spokesman Ned Price on Thursday, when he said the sides were 'not on the cusp of any breakthrough' and there was 'a potentially long road ahead’. President Joe Biden is seeking to return to the deal that former President Donald Trump withdrew from in 2018. Trump reimposed sanctions against Tehran and Iran responded by breaching many of the deal's limits on its nuclear activities. Talks began last month in Vienna with the remaining parties to the deal - Iran, Russia, China, France, Britain and Germany - meeting in the basement of a luxury hotel, and the United States based in another hotel across the street. Iran has refused to hold direct meetings with US officials. "We have much work, and little time, left. Against that background, we would have hoped for more progress this week," senior diplomats from the so-called E3 - France, Britain and Germany - said in a statement. Officials have said they hope to reach a deal by May 21, when an agreement between Tehran and the UN nuclear watchdog on continued monitoring of some Iranian nuclear activities is due to expire. "We have yet to come to an understanding on the most critical points. Success is by no means guaranteed, but not impossible," they added. Russia's ambassador to the UN nuclear watchdog, Mikhail Ulyanov, told reporters after a meeting of the remaining parties wrapping up the third round of talks that breakthroughs should not be expected in the days to come. He said the talks would reconvene on Friday. "We need simply to continue diplomatic, day-to-day work, and we have all the reasons to expect that the outcome, (the) final outcome, will be successful and it will come quite soon, in a few weeks," said Ulyanov, one of the more optimistic voices at the talks. The break in talks was widely expected as diplomats said officials from several countries are also involved in the Group of Seven foreign ministers' meeting in London that begins on Monday and ends on Wednesday. In his remarks, Araqchi said that "There are individuals and institutions that have been specifically sanctioned and their (the US) list is long. Talks on the list are still ongoing". He added that under what had been agreed so far, more than a majority of the list would have the sanctions lifted. (With inputs from agencies)

Based on accords so far, US sanctions on oil, banks would be lifted, says Iran negotiator 

May 2 in history: US forces kill Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad and more

Israel has temporarily barred its citizens from travelling to India and six other countries, citing high COVID-19 infection rates there.

A joint press release issued by the Prime Minister's Office and the Health Ministry on Friday said that Israelis will not be allowed to travel to Ukraine, Brazil, Ethiopia, South Africa, India, Mexico and Turkey.

This regulation will come into force on May 3 and will remain in place until May 16.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Australia bans arrivals from India, says offenders face jail, fines ">Australia bans arrivals from India, says offenders face jail, fines&nbsp;</a>

Non-Israelis, however, will be able to travel to these countries, provided they plan to reside there permanently, the press release said.

The regulation will not be applicable to those who stay at airports in transit in one of these countries for a time period of up to 12 hours while waiting for a connecting flight.

The Israeli government also authorised its health and interior ministers to appoint representatives to head an appeal committee and the panel reviewing special cases.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry proposed that those returning from the seven countries enter a two-week mandatory quarantine, even if they have been vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19, local media reports said.

Those who have received two negative COVID-19 test reports will be required to be in a 10-day quarantine, they said.

These additional restrictions are also expected to come into force on May 3, but are subject to the approval of the Knesset's (Israeli parliament) Arrangements Committee.

A record 3,689 daily COVID-19 fatalities pushed India's death toll to 2,15,542, while the infection count reached 1,95,57,457 with 3,92,488 more people being confirmed positive for the disease, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday.

The active cases have crossed the 33-lakh mark, the data updated at 8 am showed.

Israel has reported 838,481 COVID-19 cases so far with 6,363 deaths.

Israel has temporarily barred its citizens from travelling to India and six other countries, citing high COVID-19 infection rates there. A joint press release issued by the Prime Minister's Office and the Health Ministry on Friday said that Israelis will not be allowed to travel to Ukraine, Brazil, Ethiopia, South Africa, India, Mexico and Turkey.

Israel has temporarily barred its citizens from travelling to India and six other countries, citing high COVID-19 infection rates there. A joint press release issued by the Prime Minister's Office and the Health Ministry on Friday said that Israelis will not be allowed to travel to Ukraine, Brazil, Ethiopia, South Africa, India, Mexico and Turkey. This regulation will come into force on May 3 and will remain in place until May 16. Also read: Australia bans arrivals from India, says offenders face jail, fines Non-Israelis, however, will be able to travel to these countries, provided they plan to reside there permanently, the press release said. The regulation will not be applicable to those who stay at airports in transit in one of these countries for a time period of up to 12 hours while waiting for a connecting flight. The Israeli government also authorised its health and interior ministers to appoint representatives to head an appeal committee and the panel reviewing special cases. Meanwhile, the Health Ministry proposed that those returning from the seven countries enter a two-week mandatory quarantine, even if they have been vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19, local media reports said. Those who have received two negative COVID-19 test reports will be required to be in a 10-day quarantine, they said. These additional restrictions are also expected to come into force on May 3, but are subject to the approval of the Knesset's (Israeli parliament) Arrangements Committee. A record 3,689 daily COVID-19 fatalities pushed India's death toll to 2,15,542, while the infection count reached 1,95,57,457 with 3,92,488 more people being confirmed positive for the disease, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday. The active cases have crossed the 33-lakh mark, the data updated at 8 am showed. Israel has reported 838,481 COVID-19 cases so far with 6,363 deaths.

Israel bans travel to India, six other countries

Nigeria will ban entry to non-Nigerian passengers, who have been in Brazil, India or Turkey in the last fortnight due to concerns over the spread of coronavirus in those three nations, health authorities said on Sunday.

The travel ban does not apply to passengers, who have transited through those countries, the presidential steering committee on Covid said in a statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Australia bans arrivals from India, says offenders face jail, fines ">Australia bans arrivals from India, says offenders face jail, fines&nbsp;</a>

"These precautionary measures are a necessary step to minimise the risk of a surge in COVID-19 cases introduced to Nigeria from other countries," the statement said.

Nigerians and permanent residents who have been in those countries in the last 14 days will have to undergo mandatory quarantine for a week in a government-approved facility on arrival, it said.

All passengers arriving in Nigeria will now have to show a negative Covid test taken within 72 hours of travel rather then the previous 96 hours period.

Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, has reported just over 165,000 cases of the coronavirus and 2,063 deaths since the virus first emerged in China at the end of 2019.

Nigeria will ban entry to non-Nigerian passengers, who have been in Brazil, India or Turkey in the last fortnight due to concerns over the spread of coronavirus in those three nations, health authorities said on Sunday.

Nigeria will ban entry to non-Nigerian passengers, who have been in Brazil, India or Turkey in the last fortnight due to concerns over the spread of coronavirus in those three nations, health authorities said on Sunday. The travel ban does not apply to passengers, who have transited through those countries, the presidential steering committee on Covid said in a statement. Also read: Australia bans arrivals from India, says offenders face jail, fines "These precautionary measures are a necessary step to minimise the risk of a surge in COVID-19 cases introduced to Nigeria from other countries," the statement said. Nigerians and permanent residents who have been in those countries in the last 14 days will have to undergo mandatory quarantine for a week in a government-approved facility on arrival, it said. All passengers arriving in Nigeria will now have to show a negative Covid test taken within 72 hours of travel rather then the previous 96 hours period. Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, has reported just over 165,000 cases of the coronavirus and 2,063 deaths since the virus first emerged in China at the end of 2019.

Nigeria restricts passengers from India, Brazil, Turkey over virus

Sri Lanka's health authorities have issued new tough guidelines, including banning wedding receptions and gatherings at religious sites, to prevent the spread of the coronavirus as the Island nation continued to record a spike in daily infections.&nbsp;

For the fifth on Friday, the daily number of cases reported crossed the 1,000-mark.&nbsp;

The country recorded several cases of the UK variant, which has a bigger mortality rate, health officials said.&nbsp;

"We continue to monitor and place isolations on critical areas," Army chief Gen Shavendra Silva, the head of Covid prevention, said. &nbsp;

He said the government was reluctant to order blanket lockdowns due to possible adverse economic impacts.&nbsp;

Under the new guidelines, wedding receptions will not be permitted until May 21. No gatherings are allowed at religious sites.&nbsp;

Events and public gatherings held at closed and open venues are being prohibited until further notice.&nbsp;

Cinemas, kids playgrounds, swimming pools, pubs and bars, casinos and nightclubs, betting centres and spas will remain closed until further notice. &nbsp;

The businesses will be allowed to operate with only 25 per cent capacity. &nbsp;

Schools will remain shut until further notice.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka reported 1,716 new cases on Friday, the highest single-day spike since the onset of the pandemic in March 2020. &nbsp;

The country has reported 109,000 cases so far with 687 deaths.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka's health authorities have issued new tough guidelines, including banning wedding receptions and gatherings at religious sites, to prevent the spread of the coronavirus as the Island nation continued to record a spike in daily infections.

Sri Lanka's health authorities have issued new tough guidelines, including banning wedding receptions and gatherings at religious sites, to prevent the spread of the coronavirus as the Island nation continued to record a spike in daily infections. For the fifth on Friday, the daily number of cases reported crossed the 1,000-mark. The country recorded several cases of the UK variant, which has a bigger mortality rate, health officials said. "We continue to monitor and place isolations on critical areas," Army chief Gen Shavendra Silva, the head of Covid prevention, said. He said the government was reluctant to order blanket lockdowns due to possible adverse economic impacts. Under the new guidelines, wedding receptions will not be permitted until May 21. No gatherings are allowed at religious sites. Events and public gatherings held at closed and open venues are being prohibited until further notice. Cinemas, kids playgrounds, swimming pools, pubs and bars, casinos and nightclubs, betting centres and spas will remain closed until further notice. The businesses will be allowed to operate with only 25 per cent capacity. Schools will remain shut until further notice. Sri Lanka reported 1,716 new cases on Friday, the highest single-day spike since the onset of the pandemic in March 2020. The country has reported 109,000 cases so far with 687 deaths.

Sri Lanka issues new tough guidelines amid spike in COVID-19 cases 

A total of 86,023 beneficiaries in the age group of 18-44 years received their first dose of COVID vaccine across 11 states on May 1, the Union Health Ministry said on Sunday.&nbsp;

The cumulative number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the country has crossed 15,68,16,031 as the phase-3 of the nationwide vaccination drive commenced on Saturday.&nbsp;

The ministry said, "86,023 beneficiaries in the age group of 18-44 years received their first dose of Covid vaccine across 11 states".&nbsp;

These states are Chhattisgarh (987), Delhi (1,472), Gujarat (51,622), Jammu and Kashmir (201), Karnataka (649), Maharashtra (12,525), Odisha (97), Punjab (298), Rajasthan (1853), Tamil Nadu (527) and UP (15,792). &nbsp;

Cumulatively, 15,68,16,031 vaccine doses have been administered through 22,93,911 sessions, as per the provisional report till 7 am, the ministry said.&nbsp;

These include 94,28,490 healthcare workers (HCWs), who have taken the first dose and 62,65,397 HCWs, who have taken the second dose, 1,27,57,529 FLWs, who received the first dose and 69,22,093 FLWs, who took the second dose.&nbsp;

It also includes 86,023 beneficiaries in the age-group of 18-45. Besides, 5,26,18,135 and 1,14,49,310 beneficiaries more than 60 years old have been administered the first and second dose, respectively, while 5,32,80,976 and 40,08,078 beneficiaries aged 45 to 60 have taken the first and second dose.&nbsp;

Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh account for 67 per cent of the cumulative doses given so far in the country.&nbsp;

More than 18 lakh vaccination doses were administered in a span of 24 hours.&nbsp;

As on day-106 of the vaccination drive (May 1), 18,26,219 vaccine doses were given. Across 15,968 sessions, 11,14,214 beneficiaries were vaccinated for the first dose and 7,12,005 beneficiaries received their second dose of vaccine.&nbsp;

A total of 86,023 beneficiaries in the age group of 18-44 years received their first dose of COVID vaccine across 11 states on May 1, the Union Health Ministry said on Sunday.

A total of 86,023 beneficiaries in the age group of 18-44 years received their first dose of COVID vaccine across 11 states on May 1, the Union Health Ministry said on Sunday. The cumulative number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the country has crossed 15,68,16,031 as the phase-3 of the nationwide vaccination drive commenced on Saturday. The ministry said, "86,023 beneficiaries in the age group of 18-44 years received their first dose of Covid vaccine across 11 states". These states are Chhattisgarh (987), Delhi (1,472), Gujarat (51,622), Jammu and Kashmir (201), Karnataka (649), Maharashtra (12,525), Odisha (97), Punjab (298), Rajasthan (1853), Tamil Nadu (527) and UP (15,792). Cumulatively, 15,68,16,031 vaccine doses have been administered through 22,93,911 sessions, as per the provisional report till 7 am, the ministry said. These include 94,28,490 healthcare workers (HCWs), who have taken the first dose and 62,65,397 HCWs, who have taken the second dose, 1,27,57,529 FLWs, who received the first dose and 69,22,093 FLWs, who took the second dose. It also includes 86,023 beneficiaries in the age-group of 18-45. Besides, 5,26,18,135 and 1,14,49,310 beneficiaries more than 60 years old have been administered the first and second dose, respectively, while 5,32,80,976 and 40,08,078 beneficiaries aged 45 to 60 have taken the first and second dose. Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh account for 67 per cent of the cumulative doses given so far in the country. More than 18 lakh vaccination doses were administered in a span of 24 hours. As on day-106 of the vaccination drive (May 1), 18,26,219 vaccine doses were given. Across 15,968 sessions, 11,14,214 beneficiaries were vaccinated for the first dose and 7,12,005 beneficiaries received their second dose of vaccine.

Phase-3 vaccination: Over 86,000 received first dose on May 1 in India

Canada is all set to suspend entry of international students, including from India, to Ontario, the worst-hit province which is battling the third wave of the coronavirus.&nbsp;

According to the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), an education service provider based in Ottawa, there were 530,540 international students in Canada in 2020, of which the maximum were from India (34 per cent) followed by China (22 per cent).&nbsp;

Ontario has the maximum number of foreign students at 242,825 or 46 per cent, it said.&nbsp;

During a press conference on Friday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the government is considering halting the arrival of international students in Ontario, following a request from the province's premier Doug Ford to combat the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, the globalnews.ca reported.&nbsp;

“Because currently Ontario is the only province to request it, we are happy to work more closely with them," he said.&nbsp;

Trudeau said they will be reaching out to their officials to formalise the request. However, there is no clarity as yet on when the change will take effect or how long it will last.&nbsp;

International students are currently exempt from Canada's COVID-19 travel rules. All students must be able to provide a valid study permit or a letter of introduction that shows they were approved for a permit, according to CTV news.&nbsp;

Ford also called on the federal government to ban non-essential travel after 36 cases of the B.1.617 variant, originally found in India, were identified in the province, the report said. &nbsp;

Trudeau reiterated his intentions of working closely with the provinces to quell the spread of the coronavirus and cautioned against any kind of non-essential travel.&nbsp;

"We're engaging with other provinces that are hit hard by this third wave to see how we can help," he said.&nbsp;

Canada has so far reported 1.22 million coronavirus cases, including 463,000 in Ontario. Of the total 24,219 fatalities, 8,050 were reported from Ontario.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Canada is all set to suspend entry of international students, including from India, to Ontario, the worst-hit province which is battling the third wave of the coronavirus.

Canada is all set to suspend entry of international students, including from India, to Ontario, the worst-hit province which is battling the third wave of the coronavirus. According to the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), an education service provider based in Ottawa, there were 530,540 international students in Canada in 2020, of which the maximum were from India (34 per cent) followed by China (22 per cent). Ontario has the maximum number of foreign students at 242,825 or 46 per cent, it said. During a press conference on Friday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the government is considering halting the arrival of international students in Ontario, following a request from the province's premier Doug Ford to combat the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, the globalnews.ca reported. “Because currently Ontario is the only province to request it, we are happy to work more closely with them," he said. Trudeau said they will be reaching out to their officials to formalise the request. However, there is no clarity as yet on when the change will take effect or how long it will last. International students are currently exempt from Canada's COVID-19 travel rules. All students must be able to provide a valid study permit or a letter of introduction that shows they were approved for a permit, according to CTV news. Ford also called on the federal government to ban non-essential travel after 36 cases of the B.1.617 variant, originally found in India, were identified in the province, the report said. Trudeau reiterated his intentions of working closely with the provinces to quell the spread of the coronavirus and cautioned against any kind of non-essential travel. "We're engaging with other provinces that are hit hard by this third wave to see how we can help," he said. Canada has so far reported 1.22 million coronavirus cases, including 463,000 in Ontario. Of the total 24,219 fatalities, 8,050 were reported from Ontario. (With inputs from agencies)

Canada to ban entry of international students to Ontario province to combat COVID-19 surge 

A presidential decree published on Saturday added cryptocurrency exchanges to a list of firms covered by Turkey’s terror financing and money laundering.&nbsp;

The move came after a ban on using cryptocurrencies for making payments, which was introduced in response to claims that such transactions are too risky, took effect in Turkey on Friday.&nbsp;

The presidential decree makes 'crypto asset service providers' responsible for seeing their assets are not used illegally. The decree immediately went into force with its publication in Turkey’s Official Gazette.&nbsp;

Turkish authorities last month launched fraud investigations into two cryptocurrency exchanges, Thodex and Vebitcoin. Six suspects linked to the Thodex probe were jailed on Friday pending trial.&nbsp;

The investigation into Thodex, which handled daily trades of hundreds of millions of dollars, initially led to the arrests of 83 people after customers complained of not being able to access their funds. Interpol issued a detention warrant for the firm’s CEO on Turkey’s behalf.&nbsp;

Turks have been increasingly attracted by cryptocurrencies as protection against the decline of the lira and double-digit inflation.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A presidential decree published on Saturday added cryptocurrency exchanges to a list of firms covered by Turkey’s terror financing and money laundering. The move came after a ban on using cryptocurrencies for making payments, which was introduced in response to claims that such transactions are too risky, took effect in Turkey on Friday.

A presidential decree published on Saturday added cryptocurrency exchanges to a list of firms covered by Turkey’s terror financing and money laundering. The move came after a ban on using cryptocurrencies for making payments, which was introduced in response to claims that such transactions are too risky, took effect in Turkey on Friday. The presidential decree makes 'crypto asset service providers' responsible for seeing their assets are not used illegally. The decree immediately went into force with its publication in Turkey’s Official Gazette. Turkish authorities last month launched fraud investigations into two cryptocurrency exchanges, Thodex and Vebitcoin. Six suspects linked to the Thodex probe were jailed on Friday pending trial. The investigation into Thodex, which handled daily trades of hundreds of millions of dollars, initially led to the arrests of 83 people after customers complained of not being able to access their funds. Interpol issued a detention warrant for the firm’s CEO on Turkey’s behalf. Turks have been increasingly attracted by cryptocurrencies as protection against the decline of the lira and double-digit inflation. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkey adds cryptocurrency exchanges to terror funding rules 

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Gandharv Walia

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

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