Albanians are voting in parliamentary elections on Sunday amid the virus pandemic and a bitter rivalry between the two largest political parties.&nbsp;

Some 3.6 million eligible voters, including Albanians overseas, will elect 140 lawmakers among some 1,800 candidates from 12 political parties or coalitions and those running independently. &nbsp;

No early or postal voting is allowed and people infected with COVID-19 cannot vote.&nbsp;

Following approval of electoral reforms last year, a new voters' electronic identification, a partial depoliticising of the electoral commission and a pilot project on full digitalisation of the voting and counting process are being applied. &nbsp;

The hope is that post-communist Albania's 10th parliamentary election will be free and fair. To date, voting always has been marred by irregularities.&nbsp;

Preliminary turnout at 11 am was 16.67 per cent.&nbsp;

Albania, which has a population of 2.8 million and has been a NATO member since 2009, is looking forward to launching full membership negotiations with the European Union later this year. Sunday's vote is considered as a key milestone on that path.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Edi Rama of the governing Socialists, who are seeking their third consecutive mandate, wants to turn Albania into a 'champion' in tourism, energy, agriculture and digital projects.&nbsp;

Pre-election survey polls showed Rama's left-wing Socialist Party likely to place first.&nbsp;

Lulzim Basha of the Democratic Party accuses the government of corruption and links to organised crime, and pledges lower taxes, higher salaries and more social financial support.&nbsp;

Confrontations between supporters of the two main parties culminated on Wednesday in central Elbasan city, where a leading activist of the Socialist Party died. &nbsp;

Police said the victim was shot, allegedly by a member of the opposition Democratic Party, during an argument.&nbsp;

Though officially impartial, President Ilir Meta has turned into a firebrand government opponent, accusing Rama of concentrating all legislative, administrative and judicial powers in his hands and running a 'kleptocratic regime' that has bungled pandemic response and delayed the country's EU integration.&nbsp;

Political leaders cast their ballots on Sunday morning and called on the people to vote. Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurti, also an Albanian citizen, also voted.&nbsp;

"For the Constitution, for the republic, for democracy, for Albania in Europe,” said President Ilir Meta as he cast his ballot, among the first when the polling station opened.&nbsp;

Scores of foreign observers from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and Western embassies are closely watching Sunday's polls.&nbsp;

"We hope that every Albanian citizen goes and votes, free of fear, free of interference," said US Ambassador Yuri Kim at a polling station in northern Shkodra. "This is your day."&nbsp;

Albania has seen a significant fall in daily coronavirus cases in the past week despite political rallies around the country. More than 400,000 people have received their jabs.&nbsp;

An overnight curfew has been enforced with restrictions on gatherings and mandatory mask-wearing.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Albanians are voting in parliamentary elections on Sunday amid the virus pandemic and a bitter rivalry between the two largest political parties. Some 3.6 million eligible voters, including Albanians overseas, will elect 140 lawmakers among some 1,800 candidates from 12 political parties or coalitions and those running independently.

Albanians are voting in parliamentary elections on Sunday amid the virus pandemic and a bitter rivalry between the two largest political parties. Some 3.6 million eligible voters, including Albanians overseas, will elect 140 lawmakers among some 1,800 candidates from 12 political parties or coalitions and those running independently. No early or postal voting is allowed and people infected with COVID-19 cannot vote. Following approval of electoral reforms last year, a new voters' electronic identification, a partial depoliticising of the electoral commission and a pilot project on full digitalisation of the voting and counting process are being applied. The hope is that post-communist Albania's 10th parliamentary election will be free and fair. To date, voting always has been marred by irregularities. Preliminary turnout at 11 am was 16.67 per cent. Albania, which has a population of 2.8 million and has been a NATO member since 2009, is looking forward to launching full membership negotiations with the European Union later this year. Sunday's vote is considered as a key milestone on that path. Prime Minister Edi Rama of the governing Socialists, who are seeking their third consecutive mandate, wants to turn Albania into a 'champion' in tourism, energy, agriculture and digital projects. Pre-election survey polls showed Rama's left-wing Socialist Party likely to place first. Lulzim Basha of the Democratic Party accuses the government of corruption and links to organised crime, and pledges lower taxes, higher salaries and more social financial support. Confrontations between supporters of the two main parties culminated on Wednesday in central Elbasan city, where a leading activist of the Socialist Party died. Police said the victim was shot, allegedly by a member of the opposition Democratic Party, during an argument. Though officially impartial, President Ilir Meta has turned into a firebrand government opponent, accusing Rama of concentrating all legislative, administrative and judicial powers in his hands and running a 'kleptocratic regime' that has bungled pandemic response and delayed the country's EU integration. Political leaders cast their ballots on Sunday morning and called on the people to vote. Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurti, also an Albanian citizen, also voted. "For the Constitution, for the republic, for democracy, for Albania in Europe,” said President Ilir Meta as he cast his ballot, among the first when the polling station opened. Scores of foreign observers from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and Western embassies are closely watching Sunday's polls. "We hope that every Albanian citizen goes and votes, free of fear, free of interference," said US Ambassador Yuri Kim at a polling station in northern Shkodra. "This is your day." Albania has seen a significant fall in daily coronavirus cases in the past week despite political rallies around the country. More than 400,000 people have received their jabs. An overnight curfew has been enforced with restrictions on gatherings and mandatory mask-wearing. (With inputs from agencies)

Albanians vote in election after a bitter political fight 

India, in its fight against the coronavirus pandemic, is trying to get as many cryogenic oxygen containers as possible globally, the country's envoy said on Sunday, after the Indian government airlifted four containers from Singapore on Saturday.&nbsp;

The Indian Air Force on Saturday brought four cryogenic tanks, to be used for transporting oxygen, from Singapore as the country scrambles to meet the spike in demand for medical oxygen amid a surge in COVID-19 infections.&nbsp;

The containers were airlifted from Singapore by C17 heavy-lift aircraft of the IAF.&nbsp;

India's High Commissioner to Singapore P Kumaran said that there will be more consignments in the coming days.&nbsp;

"We are trying to get as many cryogenic oxygen containers as we can from any part of the world," said Kumaran, adding that oxygen plants and concentrators are being contacted.&nbsp;

Acting swiftly to meet the high demand of oxygen requirements, India procured four containers of cryogenic O2 tanks from Singapore on Saturday.&nbsp;

The transfer of four containers of cryogenic oxygen tanks donated by Tata Group was moved from Singapore by the Indian Air Force, Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Singapore (MINDEF), Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, LINDE GAS (Singapore) and the Changi Airport and Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, the Indian mission said in a Facebook post.&nbsp;

According to observers, Indian corporations with international network are supporting the Government of India's call in getting the cryogenic oxygen containers at the highest priority.&nbsp;

India is struggling with a second wave of the pandemic with more than 3,00,000 daily new coronavirus cases being reported in the past few days, and hospitals in several states are reeling under a shortage of medical oxygen and beds.&nbsp;

Since Friday, the IAF has been airlifting empty oxygen tankers and containers to various filling stations across the country to speed up the distribution of the much-needed medical oxygen in treating COVID-19 patients.&nbsp;

On Friday, the Union Home Ministry said it was in talks for the import of high-capacity oxygen-carrying tankers from Singapore and the UAE. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

India, in its fight against the coronavirus pandemic, is trying to get as many cryogenic oxygen containers as possible globally, the country's envoy said on Sunday, after the Indian government airlifted four containers from Singapore on Saturday.

India, in its fight against the coronavirus pandemic, is trying to get as many cryogenic oxygen containers as possible globally, the country's envoy said on Sunday, after the Indian government airlifted four containers from Singapore on Saturday. The Indian Air Force on Saturday brought four cryogenic tanks, to be used for transporting oxygen, from Singapore as the country scrambles to meet the spike in demand for medical oxygen amid a surge in COVID-19 infections. The containers were airlifted from Singapore by C17 heavy-lift aircraft of the IAF. India's High Commissioner to Singapore P Kumaran said that there will be more consignments in the coming days. "We are trying to get as many cryogenic oxygen containers as we can from any part of the world," said Kumaran, adding that oxygen plants and concentrators are being contacted. Acting swiftly to meet the high demand of oxygen requirements, India procured four containers of cryogenic O2 tanks from Singapore on Saturday. The transfer of four containers of cryogenic oxygen tanks donated by Tata Group was moved from Singapore by the Indian Air Force, Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Singapore (MINDEF), Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, LINDE GAS (Singapore) and the Changi Airport and Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, the Indian mission said in a Facebook post. According to observers, Indian corporations with international network are supporting the Government of India's call in getting the cryogenic oxygen containers at the highest priority. India is struggling with a second wave of the pandemic with more than 3,00,000 daily new coronavirus cases being reported in the past few days, and hospitals in several states are reeling under a shortage of medical oxygen and beds. Since Friday, the IAF has been airlifting empty oxygen tankers and containers to various filling stations across the country to speed up the distribution of the much-needed medical oxygen in treating COVID-19 patients. On Friday, the Union Home Ministry said it was in talks for the import of high-capacity oxygen-carrying tankers from Singapore and the UAE. (With inputs from agencies)

India trying to get as many cryogenic oxygen containers as possible, says envoy in Singapore  

Italy has joined other countries by imposing restrictions on travel from India to avert the spread of a COVID-19 variant as the Asian nation struggles with a surge in infections.&nbsp;

Italy's Health Minister Roberto Speranza said on Twitter,&nbsp;he had signed an order barring foreign&nbsp;travellers, who have been in India in the past 14 days from entering the country.&nbsp;

India, which is facing a health crisis, is battling a 'double mutant' strain of COVID-19. On Sunday, the country posted the world's highest single-day increase in cases for a fourth day.&nbsp;

Italian residents will be allowed to return from India with a negative test result at their departure and one at their arrival and then have to go into quarantine, the minister said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Those already in Italy and who travelled from India in the past 14 days were requested to undergo a swab.&nbsp;"Our scientists are at work to study the new Indian variant," Speranza said.&nbsp;

Earlier,&nbsp;Germany’s Health Minister Jens Spahn said, the country will shut out all&nbsp;travellers&nbsp;arriving from India apart from its own citizens as a new variant has made the South Asian country the latest coronavirus hotspot.&nbsp;

"We're very worried about the new mutation of the virus discovered in India. So as not to endanger our vaccination&nbsp;programme, India travel has to be significantly limited," Spahn told the Funke newspaper group.&nbsp;

Only German citizens will be allowed to enter the country when arriving from India, he added.&nbsp;

As Spahn plans to designate India a ‘virus variant zone’,&nbsp;travellers&nbsp;will have to be tested before departure for Germany and immediately enter a 14-day quarantine on arrival.&nbsp;

Berlin had already dubbed India a 'zone with particularly high risk of infection'.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Italy has joined other countries by imposing restrictions on travel from India to avert the spread of a COVID-19 variant as the Asian nation struggles with a surge in infections.

Italy has joined other countries by imposing restrictions on travel from India to avert the spread of a COVID-19 variant as the Asian nation struggles with a surge in infections. Italy's Health Minister Roberto Speranza said on Twitter, he had signed an order barring foreign travellers, who have been in India in the past 14 days from entering the country. India, which is facing a health crisis, is battling a 'double mutant' strain of COVID-19. On Sunday, the country posted the world's highest single-day increase in cases for a fourth day. Italian residents will be allowed to return from India with a negative test result at their departure and one at their arrival and then have to go into quarantine, the minister said. Those already in Italy and who travelled from India in the past 14 days were requested to undergo a swab. "Our scientists are at work to study the new Indian variant," Speranza said. Earlier, Germany’s Health Minister Jens Spahn said, the country will shut out all travellers arriving from India apart from its own citizens as a new variant has made the South Asian country the latest coronavirus hotspot. "We're very worried about the new mutation of the virus discovered in India. So as not to endanger our vaccination programme, India travel has to be significantly limited," Spahn told the Funke newspaper group. Only German citizens will be allowed to enter the country when arriving from India, he added. As Spahn plans to designate India a ‘virus variant zone’, travellers will have to be tested before departure for Germany and immediately enter a 14-day quarantine on arrival. Berlin had already dubbed India a 'zone with particularly high risk of infection'. (With inputs from agencies)

Italy imposes travel ban from India over COVID-19 variant 

Lebanon's farmers union described as 'arbitrary and unjust' the decision by Saudi Arabia to ban Lebanese produce from going through the kingdom over drug smuggling allegations, calling on Saturday for it be repealed.&nbsp;

The ban, ordered by the kingdom's Interior Ministry and due to take effect on Sunday, is a major blow to the Lebanese economy, already reeling from an unprecedented economic crisis.&nbsp;

It came after Saudi Arabia announced on Friday, it has seized over 5 million pills of an amphetamine drug known as Captagon, hidden in a shipment of pomegranate coming from Lebanon. The official Saudi Press Agency said four Saudis and one displaced it did not identify were arrested.&nbsp;

On Saturday, Lebanon's President Michel Aoun called for a meeting next week with Cabinet members, security officials, farmers and exporters to discuss the Saudi decision and its implications.&nbsp;

Lebanon's Foreign Ministry on Friday said smuggling of drugs is harmful to the country's reputation and economy. It called on Lebanese customs duty authorities to increase checks and inspections of shipments leaving the small Mediterranean country.&nbsp;

But in a statement on Sunday, Lebanon's Farmers Union called on the kingdom to repeal its decision. It said the mistake of one person or a criminal gang should not be the reason to punish the entire Lebanese people.&nbsp;

Agricultural exports are a major foreign currency earner for Lebanon. Arab countries are Lebanon's main export markets for agricultural products, accounting for nearly 80% of over $190 million of total exports in 2019, where Saudi Arabia had more than 20% of the share, followed by Qatar.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia's decision showed 'political maliciousness’, and contradicts the kingdom's claims that it protects Lebanon's interests, the statement added. The farmers union accused Saudi Arabia of participating in a policy to besiege Lebanon and change its alliance.&nbsp;

While Saudi Arabia has been a major Lebanon supporter, the kingdom has also been locked in a regional struggle with Iran, the main ally of the powerful Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. Tension between the two regional powerhouses have often spilled into a deadlock in decision-making in Lebanese politics. Saudi Arabia is among Gulf countries that imposed sanctions on Hezbollah.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, other officials denied the smuggling was done by Lebanese. The head of the farmers' union in eastern Lebanon's Bekaa valley said the pomegranate shipment was coming from Syria, passing transit through Lebanese port.&nbsp;

Lebanon's farmers union described as 'arbitrary and unjust' the decision by Saudi Arabia to ban Lebanese produce from going through the kingdom over drug smuggling allegations, calling on Saturday for it be repealed.

Lebanon's farmers union described as 'arbitrary and unjust' the decision by Saudi Arabia to ban Lebanese produce from going through the kingdom over drug smuggling allegations, calling on Saturday for it be repealed. The ban, ordered by the kingdom's Interior Ministry and due to take effect on Sunday, is a major blow to the Lebanese economy, already reeling from an unprecedented economic crisis. It came after Saudi Arabia announced on Friday, it has seized over 5 million pills of an amphetamine drug known as Captagon, hidden in a shipment of pomegranate coming from Lebanon. The official Saudi Press Agency said four Saudis and one displaced it did not identify were arrested. On Saturday, Lebanon's President Michel Aoun called for a meeting next week with Cabinet members, security officials, farmers and exporters to discuss the Saudi decision and its implications. Lebanon's Foreign Ministry on Friday said smuggling of drugs is harmful to the country's reputation and economy. It called on Lebanese customs duty authorities to increase checks and inspections of shipments leaving the small Mediterranean country. But in a statement on Sunday, Lebanon's Farmers Union called on the kingdom to repeal its decision. It said the mistake of one person or a criminal gang should not be the reason to punish the entire Lebanese people. Agricultural exports are a major foreign currency earner for Lebanon. Arab countries are Lebanon's main export markets for agricultural products, accounting for nearly 80% of over $190 million of total exports in 2019, where Saudi Arabia had more than 20% of the share, followed by Qatar. Saudi Arabia's decision showed 'political maliciousness’, and contradicts the kingdom's claims that it protects Lebanon's interests, the statement added. The farmers union accused Saudi Arabia of participating in a policy to besiege Lebanon and change its alliance. While Saudi Arabia has been a major Lebanon supporter, the kingdom has also been locked in a regional struggle with Iran, the main ally of the powerful Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. Tension between the two regional powerhouses have often spilled into a deadlock in decision-making in Lebanese politics. Saudi Arabia is among Gulf countries that imposed sanctions on Hezbollah. Meanwhile, other officials denied the smuggling was done by Lebanese. The head of the farmers' union in eastern Lebanon's Bekaa valley said the pomegranate shipment was coming from Syria, passing transit through Lebanese port.

Lebanon farmers union calls on Saudi to repeal produce ban 

Firefighters in Northern Ireland are spending a second day batting fires across difficult terrain on the Mourne Mountains.&nbsp;

More than 70 firefighters and 10 fire trucks from across Northern Ireland were involved Saturday in trying to contain the wildfire, while helicopters from both Britain and Ireland are set to join the effort.&nbsp;

The wildfire has been raging since Friday morning in the Slieve Donard area, the highest point in Northern Ireland, with a peak of 850 meters (2,780 feet).&nbsp;

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service has urged people to stay away from the area as it declared a major incident.&nbsp;

Northern Ireland's first minister, Arlene Foster, said the wildfire is ‘devastating and tragic’, adding that the impact on local wildlife and flora is 'unimaginable’.&nbsp;

Assistant Fire Commander Aidan Jennings said the cause of the wildfire is unknown at present but noted they are 'predominantly caused by human behavior’. He said firefighters are wearing personal protective equipment and travelling for up to an hour and a half to get up the slopes.&nbsp;

"We're working with small pumps out of rivers but predominantly it is a physical, hard, beating-out job up there," he said.&nbsp;

He said the fire was moving quickly, pressed by an easterly wind. The weather has been relatively dry in recent weeks. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Firefighters in Northern Ireland are spending a second day batting fires across difficult terrain on the Mourne Mountains. More than 70 firefighters and 10 fire trucks from across Northern Ireland were involved Saturday in trying to contain the wildfire, while helicopters from both Britain and Ireland are set to join the effort.

Firefighters in Northern Ireland are spending a second day batting fires across difficult terrain on the Mourne Mountains. More than 70 firefighters and 10 fire trucks from across Northern Ireland were involved Saturday in trying to contain the wildfire, while helicopters from both Britain and Ireland are set to join the effort. The wildfire has been raging since Friday morning in the Slieve Donard area, the highest point in Northern Ireland, with a peak of 850 meters (2,780 feet). The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service has urged people to stay away from the area as it declared a major incident. Northern Ireland's first minister, Arlene Foster, said the wildfire is ‘devastating and tragic’, adding that the impact on local wildlife and flora is 'unimaginable’. Assistant Fire Commander Aidan Jennings said the cause of the wildfire is unknown at present but noted they are 'predominantly caused by human behavior’. He said firefighters are wearing personal protective equipment and travelling for up to an hour and a half to get up the slopes. "We're working with small pumps out of rivers but predominantly it is a physical, hard, beating-out job up there," he said. He said the fire was moving quickly, pressed by an easterly wind. The weather has been relatively dry in recent weeks.

Wildfire in Northern Ireland declared a 'major incident' 

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Saturday inaugurated the newly-constructed historic Dharahara tower that collapsed in a powerful earthquake in 2015, a day before the disaster's sixth anniversary.&nbsp;

The 19th-century, 11-storey tower, a major tourist attraction, was among the buildings, which collapsed in the 7.8-magnitude quake that hit the country on April 25, killing nearly 9,000 people and injuring about 22,000 others.&nbsp;

Oli inaugurated the new 22-storey, 84-meter white tower, that was built two and a half centuries ago as per the orders of then Queen Lalit Tripura Sundari, by showering flowers from the top-floor balcony and declaring it open to the general public.&nbsp;

The newly-built tower provides a spectacular panoramic view of the Kathmandu city.&nbsp;

The old tower had a spiral staircase and was built by using mud, bricks and wood, while the new structure is made of concrete, iron and cement.&nbsp;

The tower had already been rebuilt once, after a 1934 earthquake and is part of a huge national reconstruction programme.&nbsp;

In December 2019, Oli laid the foundation stone of the new tower that has been built in the same architectural style as the old one but with a larger diameter and by using modern technology.&nbsp;

The new tower also has two elevators along with the traditional stairs leading up to the top floor. A garden, museum, colorful fountain, an exhibition hall, underground parking and shopping complex would also be built on its premises.&nbsp;

Its estimated cost is Nepali Rupees 3.5 billion. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Saturday inaugurated the newly-constructed historic Dharahara tower that collapsed in a powerful earthquake in 2015, a day before the disaster's sixth anniversary.

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Saturday inaugurated the newly-constructed historic Dharahara tower that collapsed in a powerful earthquake in 2015, a day before the disaster's sixth anniversary. The 19th-century, 11-storey tower, a major tourist attraction, was among the buildings, which collapsed in the 7.8-magnitude quake that hit the country on April 25, killing nearly 9,000 people and injuring about 22,000 others. Oli inaugurated the new 22-storey, 84-meter white tower, that was built two and a half centuries ago as per the orders of then Queen Lalit Tripura Sundari, by showering flowers from the top-floor balcony and declaring it open to the general public. The newly-built tower provides a spectacular panoramic view of the Kathmandu city. The old tower had a spiral staircase and was built by using mud, bricks and wood, while the new structure is made of concrete, iron and cement. The tower had already been rebuilt once, after a 1934 earthquake and is part of a huge national reconstruction programme. In December 2019, Oli laid the foundation stone of the new tower that has been built in the same architectural style as the old one but with a larger diameter and by using modern technology. The new tower also has two elevators along with the traditional stairs leading up to the top floor. A garden, museum, colorful fountain, an exhibition hall, underground parking and shopping complex would also be built on its premises. Its estimated cost is Nepali Rupees 3.5 billion. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Oli reopens Nepal's historic quake-hit Dharahara tower 

The Syrian government received the first batch of Chinese COVID-19 vaccines on Saturday, a gift of 150,000 jabs to Damascus, Syrian and Chinese officials said.&nbsp;

The Chinese vaccines arrived in Damascus airport where they were received by Syria's Health Minister Hassan Ghabbash and China's ambassador to Damascus.&nbsp;

The Chinese batch comes a few days after more than 200,000 jabs were delivered to Syria through the United Nations-led platform, which provides vaccines to the needy. &nbsp;

The new jabs are likely to speed up the inoculation campaign in the war-torn country where a battered health sector has been overwhelmed by the pandemic, and where infections have been on the rise. &nbsp;

Syria was the last country in the Middle East and North Africa to receive the UN-supported jabs, the first batch arriving this week. &nbsp;

UN officials say the quantities are limited and have appealed for more funding and vaccines to help stem the spread of the virus in the country reeling from years of conflict and growing economic hardships.&nbsp;

The UN-provided AstraZeneca vaccines arrived on Wednesday and Thursday. They were part of the UN-led campaign aiming to vaccinate 20% of the country's population before the end of the year. Frontline workers, the elderly and those with chronic diseases were priority. &nbsp;

The Syrian government has registered nearly 22,000 infection cases, including over 1,500 deaths in areas under its control. &nbsp;

Ghabbash said China has been supporting Syria in the face of the pandemic, first with medical and technical expertise and now, with the Chinese vaccine Sinopharm. &nbsp;

"We appreciate this support that will enable the health ministry to fight the spread of this pandemic and to limit its health, social and economic impacts specially in those difficult times that Syria is going through," Ghabbash said at a press conference. &nbsp;

It is not clear how the Chinese vaccines will be distributed. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Syrian government received the first batch of Chinese COVID-19 vaccines on Saturday, a gift of 150,000 jabs to Damascus, Syrian and Chinese officials said. The Chinese vaccines arrived in Damascus airport where they were received by Syria's Health Minister Hassan Ghabbash and China's ambassador to Damascus.

The Syrian government received the first batch of Chinese COVID-19 vaccines on Saturday, a gift of 150,000 jabs to Damascus, Syrian and Chinese officials said. The Chinese vaccines arrived in Damascus airport where they were received by Syria's Health Minister Hassan Ghabbash and China's ambassador to Damascus. The Chinese batch comes a few days after more than 200,000 jabs were delivered to Syria through the United Nations-led platform, which provides vaccines to the needy. The new jabs are likely to speed up the inoculation campaign in the war-torn country where a battered health sector has been overwhelmed by the pandemic, and where infections have been on the rise. Syria was the last country in the Middle East and North Africa to receive the UN-supported jabs, the first batch arriving this week. UN officials say the quantities are limited and have appealed for more funding and vaccines to help stem the spread of the virus in the country reeling from years of conflict and growing economic hardships. The UN-provided AstraZeneca vaccines arrived on Wednesday and Thursday. They were part of the UN-led campaign aiming to vaccinate 20% of the country's population before the end of the year. Frontline workers, the elderly and those with chronic diseases were priority. The Syrian government has registered nearly 22,000 infection cases, including over 1,500 deaths in areas under its control. Ghabbash said China has been supporting Syria in the face of the pandemic, first with medical and technical expertise and now, with the Chinese vaccine Sinopharm. "We appreciate this support that will enable the health ministry to fight the spread of this pandemic and to limit its health, social and economic impacts specially in those difficult times that Syria is going through," Ghabbash said at a press conference. It is not clear how the Chinese vaccines will be distributed. (With inputs from agencies)

Syria gets donation of 150,000 COVID-19 shots from China

Nepal's former King Gyanendra Shah and Queen Komal Shah on Saturday have been admitted to a hospital here for treatment of coronavirus, days after they were tested positive for the viral infection on their return from India after participating in the Maha Kumbh at Haridwar.&nbsp;

The 73-year-old former King and 70-year-old former Queen were diagnosed with the disease on April 20.&nbsp;

The former royal couple and their daughter Prerana Singh have been admitted to the Norvic International Hospital for treatment of COVID-19, the hospital officials said.&nbsp;

Shah's aide and former press secretary of the Narayanhiti palace, Faniraj Pathak, also confirmed that the former monarch has been admitted to the hospital.&nbsp;

"They (the couple and their daughter) don't have any health complications and their condition is stable for now," said Somnath Bastola, the chief of the hospital's Communications and Public Relations Department.&nbsp;

The couple had recently returned from India where they had taken a holy dip at Haridwar's Har Ki Pauri during the Maha Kumbh, a religious congregation of Hindu seers and devotees, Nepal's Health Ministry had said.&nbsp;

According to a report in the Himalayan Times, hundreds of people had gathered at the airport in Kathmandu to welcome the former king and queen during their arrival back home.&nbsp;

As of Saturday, the Himalayan nation has reported a total of 297,087 coronavirus cases and 3,136 deaths. Of the total infections, 16,828 cases are currently active, the health ministry said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Nepal's former King Gyanendra Shah and Queen Komal Shah on Saturday have been admitted to a hospital here for treatment of coronavirus, days after they were tested positive for the viral infection on their return from India after participating in the Maha Kumbh at Haridwar.

Nepal's former King Gyanendra Shah and Queen Komal Shah on Saturday have been admitted to a hospital here for treatment of coronavirus, days after they were tested positive for the viral infection on their return from India after participating in the Maha Kumbh at Haridwar. The 73-year-old former King and 70-year-old former Queen were diagnosed with the disease on April 20. The former royal couple and their daughter Prerana Singh have been admitted to the Norvic International Hospital for treatment of COVID-19, the hospital officials said. Shah's aide and former press secretary of the Narayanhiti palace, Faniraj Pathak, also confirmed that the former monarch has been admitted to the hospital. "They (the couple and their daughter) don't have any health complications and their condition is stable for now," said Somnath Bastola, the chief of the hospital's Communications and Public Relations Department. The couple had recently returned from India where they had taken a holy dip at Haridwar's Har Ki Pauri during the Maha Kumbh, a religious congregation of Hindu seers and devotees, Nepal's Health Ministry had said. According to a report in the Himalayan Times, hundreds of people had gathered at the airport in Kathmandu to welcome the former king and queen during their arrival back home. As of Saturday, the Himalayan nation has reported a total of 297,087 coronavirus cases and 3,136 deaths. Of the total infections, 16,828 cases are currently active, the health ministry said. (With inputs from agencies)

Nepal's former royal couple admitted to hospital for COVID-19 treatment  

Even as the Derek Chauvin case was fresh in memory, the reading of the verdict in a Minneapolis courtroom, the shackling of the former police officer, the jubilation at what many saw as justice in the death of George Floyd, even then, blood flowed on America's streets.&nbsp;

And even then, some of that blood was shed at the hands of law enforcement.&nbsp;

At least six people were fatally shot by officers across the United States in the 24 hours after jurors reached a verdict in the murder case against Chauvin on Tuesday. The roll call of the dead is distressing: A 16-year-old girl in Columbus, Ohio. An oft-arrested man in Escondido, California. And a 42-year-old man in eastern North Carolina.&nbsp;

The deaths, in some cases, sparked new cries for justice. Some said they reflect an urgent need for radical changes to American policing, a need that the Chauvin verdict cannot bring over. For others, the shootings are a tragic reminder of the difficult and dangerous decisions law enforcement face daily.&nbsp;

An unidentified man in San Antonio. Another man, killed in the same city within hours of the first. And a 31-year-old man in central Massachusetts.&nbsp;

The circumstances surrounding each death differ widely. Some happened while officers investigated serious crimes. Police say some of the people were armed with a gun, knife or a metal pole. One man claimed to have a bomb that he threatened to detonate. In several cases, little is known about the lives of those killed and what happened in their final moments.&nbsp;

The deadly encounters are only a small snapshot of the thousands of interactions between American police officers and civilians every day, most of which end safely. Uneventful encounters between the police and the populace, however, are not an issue.&nbsp;

It's a very different story when a weapon is drawn and a life is ended.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Even as the Derek Chauvin case was fresh in memory, the reading of the verdict in a Minneapolis courtroom, the shackling of the former police officer, the jubilation at what many saw as justice in the death of George Floyd, even then, blood flowed on America's streets.

Even as the Derek Chauvin case was fresh in memory, the reading of the verdict in a Minneapolis courtroom, the shackling of the former police officer, the jubilation at what many saw as justice in the death of George Floyd, even then, blood flowed on America's streets. And even then, some of that blood was shed at the hands of law enforcement. At least six people were fatally shot by officers across the United States in the 24 hours after jurors reached a verdict in the murder case against Chauvin on Tuesday. The roll call of the dead is distressing: A 16-year-old girl in Columbus, Ohio. An oft-arrested man in Escondido, California. And a 42-year-old man in eastern North Carolina. The deaths, in some cases, sparked new cries for justice. Some said they reflect an urgent need for radical changes to American policing, a need that the Chauvin verdict cannot bring over. For others, the shootings are a tragic reminder of the difficult and dangerous decisions law enforcement face daily. An unidentified man in San Antonio. Another man, killed in the same city within hours of the first. And a 31-year-old man in central Massachusetts. The circumstances surrounding each death differ widely. Some happened while officers investigated serious crimes. Police say some of the people were armed with a gun, knife or a metal pole. One man claimed to have a bomb that he threatened to detonate. In several cases, little is known about the lives of those killed and what happened in their final moments. The deadly encounters are only a small snapshot of the thousands of interactions between American police officers and civilians every day, most of which end safely. Uneventful encounters between the police and the populace, however, are not an issue. It's a very different story when a weapon is drawn and a life is ended. (With inputs from agencies)

One verdict, then six police killings across America in 24 hours 

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree allowing the country to limit the number of Russians employed at embassies of countries determined to be unfriendly, or to ban their employment entirely.&nbsp;

The measure, announced by the Kremlin on Friday, comes amid a flurry of expulsions of Russian diplomats from the United States and European countries and Moscow's retaliatory expulsions. &nbsp;

The decree directs the government to draw up a list of countries determined to be unfriendly. It would affect not only those countries' embassies, but consular offices and offices of state institutions. &nbsp;

The United States last week expelled 10 Russian diplomats in connection with interference in the 2020 US Presidential election and for involvement in the SolarWind hack of federal agencies.&nbsp;

The Czech Republic last week expelled 18 Russian envoys they labeled as spies, prompting Russia to send 20 Czech diplomats home. That devastated Czech Embassy operations in Moscow, prompting Czech authorities on Thursday to order 63 more Russian diplomats to leave so that both countries had the same number of staff in their respective embassies.&nbsp;

Poland last week said it was expelling three Russians and Moscow expelled five in retaliation. The Baltic countries of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia ordered a total of four Russian envoys to leave. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree allowing the country to limit the number of Russians employed at embassies of countries determined to be unfriendly, or to ban their employment entirely.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree allowing the country to limit the number of Russians employed at embassies of countries determined to be unfriendly, or to ban their employment entirely. The measure, announced by the Kremlin on Friday, comes amid a flurry of expulsions of Russian diplomats from the United States and European countries and Moscow's retaliatory expulsions. The decree directs the government to draw up a list of countries determined to be unfriendly. It would affect not only those countries' embassies, but consular offices and offices of state institutions. The United States last week expelled 10 Russian diplomats in connection with interference in the 2020 US Presidential election and for involvement in the SolarWind hack of federal agencies. The Czech Republic last week expelled 18 Russian envoys they labeled as spies, prompting Russia to send 20 Czech diplomats home. That devastated Czech Embassy operations in Moscow, prompting Czech authorities on Thursday to order 63 more Russian diplomats to leave so that both countries had the same number of staff in their respective embassies. Poland last week said it was expelling three Russians and Moscow expelled five in retaliation. The Baltic countries of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia ordered a total of four Russian envoys to leave. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin: 'Unfriendly' embassies may face Russian hiring bans 

Southeast Asian leaders said they had agreed on a plan with Myanmar's junta chief on Saturday to end the crisis in the violence-hit nation, including halting the killing of civilian protesters and accepting humanitarian assistance.&nbsp;

"It's beyond our expectation," Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin told reporters after the leaders' meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). &nbsp;

ASEAN leaders wanted a commitment from Senior General Min Aung Hlaing to restrain his security forces, who monitors say have killed 745 people since a mass civil disobedience movement emerged to challenge his February 1 coup against the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. They had also wanted the release of political prisoners.&nbsp;

"It's good that he did not reject what was put forward by me and many other colleagues," Muhyiddin said of the general, who was at the meeting with the other leaders.&nbsp;

According to a statement from Brunei, the chair of the group, a consensus was reached on five points - ending violence, a constructive dialogue among all parties, a special ASEAN envoy to facilitate the dialogue, acceptance of aid and a visit by the envoy to Myanmar. &nbsp;

"He said he heard us, he would take the points in, which he considered helpful," said Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of the junta chief, according to Channel NewsAsia television. "He was not opposed to ASEAN playing a constructive role, or an ASEAN delegation visit, or humanitarian assistance."&nbsp;

But Lee added the process had a long way to go, "because there's one thing to say you'll cease violence and release political prisoners; it's another thing to get it done."&nbsp;

There was no immediate comment from Min Aung Hlaing.&nbsp;

The ASEAN gathering was the first coordinated international effort to ease the crisis in Myanmar, an impoverished country that neighbours China, India and Thailand. Myanmar is part of the 10-nation ASEAN.&nbsp;

The bloc has a policy of consensus decision-making and non-interference in the affairs of its members.&nbsp;

It was unusual for the leader of a military government in Myanmar to attend an ASEAN summit - usually the country has been represented by a lower-ranked officer or a civilian.&nbsp;

The leaders of Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia and Brunei were at the meeting, along with the foreign ministers of Laos, Thailand and the Philippines.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Southeast Asian leaders said they had agreed on a plan with Myanmar's junta chief on Saturday to end the crisis in the violence-hit nation, including halting the killing of civilian protesters and accepting humanitarian assistance.

Southeast Asian leaders said they had agreed on a plan with Myanmar's junta chief on Saturday to end the crisis in the violence-hit nation, including halting the killing of civilian protesters and accepting humanitarian assistance. "It's beyond our expectation," Malaysian Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin told reporters after the leaders' meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). ASEAN leaders wanted a commitment from Senior General Min Aung Hlaing to restrain his security forces, who monitors say have killed 745 people since a mass civil disobedience movement emerged to challenge his February 1 coup against the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. They had also wanted the release of political prisoners. "It's good that he did not reject what was put forward by me and many other colleagues," Muhyiddin said of the general, who was at the meeting with the other leaders. According to a statement from Brunei, the chair of the group, a consensus was reached on five points - ending violence, a constructive dialogue among all parties, a special ASEAN envoy to facilitate the dialogue, acceptance of aid and a visit by the envoy to Myanmar. "He said he heard us, he would take the points in, which he considered helpful," said Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of the junta chief, according to Channel NewsAsia television. "He was not opposed to ASEAN playing a constructive role, or an ASEAN delegation visit, or humanitarian assistance." But Lee added the process had a long way to go, "because there's one thing to say you'll cease violence and release political prisoners; it's another thing to get it done." There was no immediate comment from Min Aung Hlaing. The ASEAN gathering was the first coordinated international effort to ease the crisis in Myanmar, an impoverished country that neighbours China, India and Thailand. Myanmar is part of the 10-nation ASEAN. The bloc has a policy of consensus decision-making and non-interference in the affairs of its members. It was unusual for the leader of a military government in Myanmar to attend an ASEAN summit - usually the country has been represented by a lower-ranked officer or a civilian. The leaders of Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia and Brunei were at the meeting, along with the foreign ministers of Laos, Thailand and the Philippines. (With inputs from agencies)

Nations say reach consensus on ending Myanmar crisis at ASEAN meet 

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said he will sign a decree allowing the transfer of presidential power to the security council if he were to become unable to perform his duties, the state Belta news agency reported on Saturday.&nbsp;

"Tell me, if there is no president tomorrow, would you guarantee everything is going to be fine? No," he told reporters during a visit to areas affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in April 1986, according to Belta.&nbsp;

"I will sign a decree about how the power in Belarus will be set up. If the president is shot, the next day the security council will get the power," Lukashenko said.&nbsp;

According to the current procedure, if the president's position becomes vacant, or he is unable to fulfill his duties, his power is transferred to the prime minister until a new president takes oath.&nbsp;

The prime minister would head the security council if the president is absent, Lukashenko added.&nbsp;

Lukashenko, 66, who has ruled Belarus since 1994, has faced street protests following a presidential election in August 2020. He said he would only step down if there was no protests or revolutionary activities in the country.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said he will sign a decree allowing the transfer of presidential power to the security council if he were to become unable to perform his duties, the state Belta news agency reported on Saturday.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said he will sign a decree allowing the transfer of presidential power to the security council if he were to become unable to perform his duties, the state Belta news agency reported on Saturday. "Tell me, if there is no president tomorrow, would you guarantee everything is going to be fine? No," he told reporters during a visit to areas affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in April 1986, according to Belta. "I will sign a decree about how the power in Belarus will be set up. If the president is shot, the next day the security council will get the power," Lukashenko said. According to the current procedure, if the president's position becomes vacant, or he is unable to fulfill his duties, his power is transferred to the prime minister until a new president takes oath. The prime minister would head the security council if the president is absent, Lukashenko added. Lukashenko, 66, who has ruled Belarus since 1994, has faced street protests following a presidential election in August 2020. He said he would only step down if there was no protests or revolutionary activities in the country. (With inputs from agencies)

Lukashenko to amend emergency transfer of presidential power: Report 

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Gandharv Walia

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