Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga pledged on Sunday to do his utmost to prevent a resurgence of the coronavirus ahead of the Olympic torch relay and his upcoming visit to Washington.&nbsp;

Suga was addressing his ruling Liberal Democratic Party's annual convention, just hours ahead of the planned lifting of a virus state of emergency in the Tokyo region.&nbsp;

Suga said after the state of emergency is lifted is 'an extremely important time' for virus prevention.&nbsp;

"We must not put our guards down ... To prevent the infections from rebounding," he said.&nbsp;

Suga on Thursday announced that the months-long emergency measures for Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba and Saitama would end at midnight on Sunday, a move underscoring his government's eagerness to minimise burdens on businesses and keep the economy going, despite concerns raised by experts about the potential for an upsurge.&nbsp;

The lifting of the measure comes just days before the Olympic torch relay starts from Fukushima, northeast of Tokyo and the site of the 2011 nuclear crisis, as a symbol of reconstruction.&nbsp;

Suga renewed his pledge to achieve the Olympics in July as 'a proof of the victory against the coronavirus', after its one-year postponement due to the pandemic. Olympic officials decided on Saturday to bar spectators from abroad.&nbsp;

"We will deliver courage and hope from Japan to the world," Suga said.&nbsp;

Suga also wants to keep the infections low ahead of his planned Washington visit in early April for his first in-person summit with President Joe Biden. He will be the first foreign leader to meet in person, underscoring the importance of the Japan-US Alliance.&nbsp;

Suga, who received the first shot of a Covid-19 vaccine last week, said he looks forward to discussing pandemic measures, as well as cooperation in dealing with China's growing influence in the region.&nbsp;

"We would still face ups and downs, but we will surely find a light ahead of us," Suga said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga pledged on Sunday to do his utmost to prevent a resurgence of the coronavirus ahead of the Olympic torch relay and his upcoming visit to Washington.

Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga pledged on Sunday to do his utmost to prevent a resurgence of the coronavirus ahead of the Olympic torch relay and his upcoming visit to Washington. Suga was addressing his ruling Liberal Democratic Party's annual convention, just hours ahead of the planned lifting of a virus state of emergency in the Tokyo region. Suga said after the state of emergency is lifted is 'an extremely important time' for virus prevention. "We must not put our guards down ... To prevent the infections from rebounding," he said. Suga on Thursday announced that the months-long emergency measures for Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba and Saitama would end at midnight on Sunday, a move underscoring his government's eagerness to minimise burdens on businesses and keep the economy going, despite concerns raised by experts about the potential for an upsurge. The lifting of the measure comes just days before the Olympic torch relay starts from Fukushima, northeast of Tokyo and the site of the 2011 nuclear crisis, as a symbol of reconstruction. Suga renewed his pledge to achieve the Olympics in July as 'a proof of the victory against the coronavirus', after its one-year postponement due to the pandemic. Olympic officials decided on Saturday to bar spectators from abroad. "We will deliver courage and hope from Japan to the world," Suga said. Suga also wants to keep the infections low ahead of his planned Washington visit in early April for his first in-person summit with President Joe Biden. He will be the first foreign leader to meet in person, underscoring the importance of the Japan-US Alliance. Suga, who received the first shot of a Covid-19 vaccine last week, said he looks forward to discussing pandemic measures, as well as cooperation in dealing with China's growing influence in the region. "We would still face ups and downs, but we will surely find a light ahead of us," Suga said. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan PM pledges to prevent coronavirus' resurgence as emergency measures end 

Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a holiday in Siberia with Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, piloted an all-terrain vehicle through thick woodland and traversed a swaying rope bridge, Kremlin footage showed. &nbsp;

Putin routinely appears on state television participating in various outdoor pursuits to project the image of a healthy and robust leader capable of leading the country for many years to come.&nbsp;

His bare-chested exploits have conjured for many Russians an image of Putin, 68, as an in-shape role model.&nbsp;

Video released by the Kremlin from inside an all-terrain vehicle showed the president at the wheel of a vehicle that pulled branches from overhanging trees as it barrelled over snow-laden tracks through dense forests of birch.&nbsp;

The two men were seen trudging through knee-deep snow and inspecting wooden ruins in a barren forest before taking careful steps across a rope bridge over a frozen river.&nbsp;

Putin, who loves to cultivate a virile man-of-action image, was shown in 2017 on holiday with Shoigu spear-fishing in a camouflage wetsuit, piloting a powerboat and catching some rays.&nbsp;

Last year, he bestowed a 65th birthday honour on Shoigu, his loyal ally in the Syria conflict and companion on wilderness trips.&nbsp;

Putin sent Shoigu birthday greetings and signed a decree awarding him one of Russia's highest decorations, the 'For Merit to the Fatherland' medal in the first degree.&nbsp;

The PR display comes one month after Putin jailed his loudest critic Alexei Navalny in one of Russia's most infamous work colonies, a move the opposition figure's allies and Western countries said was a pretext to silence dissent.&nbsp;

Putin's previous made-for-TV exploits have not been without controversy.&nbsp;

During a 2011 dive in the Black Sea, he allegedly discovered two 15th-century amphoras, a find mocked in the independent media because they were both suspiciously without algae or other sea life. His spokesman later admitted that the scene had been staged.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a holiday in Siberia with Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, piloted an all-terrain vehicle through thick woodland and traversed a swaying rope bridge, Kremlin footage showed.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a holiday in Siberia with Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, piloted an all-terrain vehicle through thick woodland and traversed a swaying rope bridge, Kremlin footage showed. Putin routinely appears on state television participating in various outdoor pursuits to project the image of a healthy and robust leader capable of leading the country for many years to come. His bare-chested exploits have conjured for many Russians an image of Putin, 68, as an in-shape role model. Video released by the Kremlin from inside an all-terrain vehicle showed the president at the wheel of a vehicle that pulled branches from overhanging trees as it barrelled over snow-laden tracks through dense forests of birch. The two men were seen trudging through knee-deep snow and inspecting wooden ruins in a barren forest before taking careful steps across a rope bridge over a frozen river. Putin, who loves to cultivate a virile man-of-action image, was shown in 2017 on holiday with Shoigu spear-fishing in a camouflage wetsuit, piloting a powerboat and catching some rays. Last year, he bestowed a 65th birthday honour on Shoigu, his loyal ally in the Syria conflict and companion on wilderness trips. Putin sent Shoigu birthday greetings and signed a decree awarding him one of Russia's highest decorations, the 'For Merit to the Fatherland' medal in the first degree. The PR display comes one month after Putin jailed his loudest critic Alexei Navalny in one of Russia's most infamous work colonies, a move the opposition figure's allies and Western countries said was a pretext to silence dissent. Putin's previous made-for-TV exploits have not been without controversy. During a 2011 dive in the Black Sea, he allegedly discovered two 15th-century amphoras, a find mocked in the independent media because they were both suspiciously without algae or other sea life. His spokesman later admitted that the scene had been staged. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin pilots bumpy all-terrain rig on Siberian holiday 

Russia's ambassador to the United States landed in Moscow on Sunday after being recalled for emergency consultations over the worst crisis in relations with the United States in years.&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden on television earlier this week called the Russian leader a 'killer' spurring a terse quip from Vladimir Putin who responded that, 'it takes one to know one'.&nbsp;

The exchange pushed diplomatic relations to a new low even after Moscow's ties with Washington were already at rock bottom over election meddling allegations and the Kremlin's decision to jail opposition figure Alexei Navalny.&nbsp;

Russia's envoy to the United States Anatoly Antonov landed at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport Sunday morning, Russian news agencies reported, after he was recalled last week over the spat. &nbsp;

Before takeoff in New York, he told agencies he would stay in Moscow 'as along as necessary' and that several meetings were scheduled.&nbsp;

"The Russian side has always stressed that we are interested in the development of Russian-American relations to the same extent as our American colleagues are," he was quoted as saying by TASS.&nbsp;

Moscow, which rarely returns ambassadors, last summoned its envoy in the US in 1998 over a Western bombing campaign in Iraq.&nbsp;

In 2014, after the US said Russia would face repercussions for annexation of Crimea from Ukraine, Putin held back on recalling Moscow's envoy, describing the measure as a 'last resort'. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Russia's ambassador to the United States landed in Moscow on Sunday after being recalled for emergency consultations over the worst crisis in relations with the United States in years.

Russia's ambassador to the United States landed in Moscow on Sunday after being recalled for emergency consultations over the worst crisis in relations with the United States in years. US President Joe Biden on television earlier this week called the Russian leader a 'killer' spurring a terse quip from Vladimir Putin who responded that, 'it takes one to know one'. The exchange pushed diplomatic relations to a new low even after Moscow's ties with Washington were already at rock bottom over election meddling allegations and the Kremlin's decision to jail opposition figure Alexei Navalny. Russia's envoy to the United States Anatoly Antonov landed at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport Sunday morning, Russian news agencies reported, after he was recalled last week over the spat. Before takeoff in New York, he told agencies he would stay in Moscow 'as along as necessary' and that several meetings were scheduled. "The Russian side has always stressed that we are interested in the development of Russian-American relations to the same extent as our American colleagues are," he was quoted as saying by TASS. Moscow, which rarely returns ambassadors, last summoned its envoy in the US in 1998 over a Western bombing campaign in Iraq. In 2014, after the US said Russia would face repercussions for annexation of Crimea from Ukraine, Putin held back on recalling Moscow's envoy, describing the measure as a 'last resort'. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia's US envoy Anatoly Antonov returns to Moscow after 'killer' row 

Paraguayan opposition lawmakers lost a bid on Wednesday to impeach President Mario Abdo over the government's handling of the coronavirus pandemic in the South American country.&nbsp;

Abdo's conservative government has faced fierce protests in recent weeks as a surge in Covid-19 cases has left hospitals on the brink of collapse and out of drugs, while the country has been slow to secure vaccines.&nbsp;

Opposition lawmakers in the lower house of deputies put forward the motion to impeach Abdo and his vice-president.&nbsp;

Fifty-three votes were needed for the motion to pass and at the end, the president was thrown a lifeline by a voting bloc within the ruling Colorado Party led by former President Horacio Cartes.&nbsp;

"Just because you have a majority does not always mean you are right," said opposition deputy Edgar Acosta during the plenary session. "They may have won the political trial but they lost the citizen's trial."&nbsp;

Those, who argued against the motion, said the country needed stability to move forward with the purchase of vaccines and medicine critical to address the Covid-19 crisis.&nbsp;

The failed push will nonetheless pile further pressure on Abdo's government, which has been forced to shuffle several ministers, including the health minister and chief of staff, to help calm public anger.&nbsp;

Shortly after the result came through, police dispersed stone-throwing protesters with rubber bullets and water cannons near the congressional headquarters in the historic centre of Asunción.&nbsp;

A smaller group of protesters attacked the headquarters of the ruling party, starting a small fire in part of the building, which was later brought under control by police with no major damage or injuries reported.&nbsp;

Paraguay's health ministry reported a record daily high of 2,540 Covid-19 cases on Wednesday, bringing the total number of infections in the landlocked Latin nation to 185,888 and 3,588 people dead.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Paraguayan opposition lawmakers lost a bid on Wednesday to impeach President Mario Abdo over the government's handling of the coronavirus pandemic in the South American country.

Paraguayan opposition lawmakers lost a bid on Wednesday to impeach President Mario Abdo over the government's handling of the coronavirus pandemic in the South American country. Abdo's conservative government has faced fierce protests in recent weeks as a surge in Covid-19 cases has left hospitals on the brink of collapse and out of drugs, while the country has been slow to secure vaccines. Opposition lawmakers in the lower house of deputies put forward the motion to impeach Abdo and his vice-president. Fifty-three votes were needed for the motion to pass and at the end, the president was thrown a lifeline by a voting bloc within the ruling Colorado Party led by former President Horacio Cartes. "Just because you have a majority does not always mean you are right," said opposition deputy Edgar Acosta during the plenary session. "They may have won the political trial but they lost the citizen's trial." Those, who argued against the motion, said the country needed stability to move forward with the purchase of vaccines and medicine critical to address the Covid-19 crisis. The failed push will nonetheless pile further pressure on Abdo's government, which has been forced to shuffle several ministers, including the health minister and chief of staff, to help calm public anger. Shortly after the result came through, police dispersed stone-throwing protesters with rubber bullets and water cannons near the congressional headquarters in the historic centre of Asunción. A smaller group of protesters attacked the headquarters of the ruling party, starting a small fire in part of the building, which was later brought under control by police with no major damage or injuries reported. Paraguay's health ministry reported a record daily high of 2,540 Covid-19 cases on Wednesday, bringing the total number of infections in the landlocked Latin nation to 185,888 and 3,588 people dead. (With inputs from agencies)

Paraguay president survives impeachment bid by opposition over pandemic

Russia's ambassador to Britain has accused the UK government of breaking its international treaty commitments with a plan to increase the country's nuclear arsenal and said the political relationship between Moscow and London is 'nearly dead'.&nbsp;

In a foreign and defence policy review published on Tuesday and endorsed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Britain said it needed to increase its nuclear arsenal in the face of evolving global security threats.&nbsp;

Britain said it would raise the upper limit on its nuclear warhead stock to 260 from 180. The same report also classified Russia as 'the most acute threat to our security' in the Euro-Atlantic region.&nbsp;

The Kremlin said at the time that it regretted the British nuclear decision, which it suggested would harm international stability, while the Russian foreign ministry described the move as a serious blow to international arms control.&nbsp;

Andrei Kelin, Russia's ambassador to Britain, went further in an interview due to be broadcast on the London-based LBC radio station on Sunday, saying the plan looked illegal.&nbsp;

"You are increasing the number of warheads by 40%. This is a violation of the treaty of non-proliferation and many, many other agreements that are saying only a decline or a reduction in the number of nukes," Kelin told LBC, according to a partial transcript on the radio station's website.&nbsp;

The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, which Britain has ratified, came into force in 1970. The UK government has said its plans do not violate the pact.&nbsp;

Russian news agencies cited Kelin as saying that political relations between London and Moscow, which have become strained from events from Russia's jailing of opposition politician Alexei Navalny to the poisoning in 2018 of a Russian double agent and his daughter, were 'nearly dead'.&nbsp;

They cited Kelin as saying that only cultural and economic ties remained, while LBC cited him as saying that the last time, he had spoken to British foreign minister Dominic Raab was in December 2019.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Russia's ambassador to Britain has accused the UK government of breaking its international treaty commitments with a plan to increase the country's nuclear arsenal and said the political relationship between Moscow and London is 'nearly dead'.

Russia's ambassador to Britain has accused the UK government of breaking its international treaty commitments with a plan to increase the country's nuclear arsenal and said the political relationship between Moscow and London is 'nearly dead'. In a foreign and defence policy review published on Tuesday and endorsed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Britain said it needed to increase its nuclear arsenal in the face of evolving global security threats. Britain said it would raise the upper limit on its nuclear warhead stock to 260 from 180. The same report also classified Russia as 'the most acute threat to our security' in the Euro-Atlantic region. The Kremlin said at the time that it regretted the British nuclear decision, which it suggested would harm international stability, while the Russian foreign ministry described the move as a serious blow to international arms control. Andrei Kelin, Russia's ambassador to Britain, went further in an interview due to be broadcast on the London-based LBC radio station on Sunday, saying the plan looked illegal. "You are increasing the number of warheads by 40%. This is a violation of the treaty of non-proliferation and many, many other agreements that are saying only a decline or a reduction in the number of nukes," Kelin told LBC, according to a partial transcript on the radio station's website. The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, which Britain has ratified, came into force in 1970. The UK government has said its plans do not violate the pact. Russian news agencies cited Kelin as saying that political relations between London and Moscow, which have become strained from events from Russia's jailing of opposition politician Alexei Navalny to the poisoning in 2018 of a Russian double agent and his daughter, were 'nearly dead'. They cited Kelin as saying that only cultural and economic ties remained, while LBC cited him as saying that the last time, he had spoken to British foreign minister Dominic Raab was in December 2019. (With inputs from agencies)

UK nuclear arms plan is illegal: Russian envoy  

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei welcomed the Iranian New Year as one of 'production, support and removal of barriers' in a live televised speech on Saturday.&nbsp;

"There is good ground for a production leap," Khamenei said, adding the government needed to get rid of any legal obstacles to higher output and growth as the economy suffers under US sanctions.&nbsp;

The army fired gun salutes at Tehran’s Azadi Square to usher in Nowruz - New Day in Persian and the most important date in the Iranian calendar, marked at the spring equinox - and the beginning of the year 1,400, which is celebrated in a dozen countries stretching from the Caucasus to central Asia.&nbsp;

In Washington, US President Joe Biden issued a Nowruz message calling for peace, prosperity and understanding.&nbsp;

"That is the message and the joy of Nowruz that we are honouring ... This year, perhaps more than ever, that message is badly needed," Biden said in a White House statement.&nbsp;

Biden’s administration is exploring ways to restore the 2015 nuclear deal that Iran signed with major world powers, but which was abandoned in 2018 by President Donald Trump who reimposed sanctions.&nbsp;

The United States and the other Western powers which originally signed up to the 2015 deal appear to be at an impasse over which side should return to the accord first, making it unlikely US sanctions that have crippled its economy can be quickly removed.&nbsp;

In a separate message, President Hassan Rouhani said he was hopeful the new year will see the end of the sanctions.&nbsp;

“We will defeat the sanctions ... I am more hopeful than eight years ago”, Rouhani said, referring to when he was elected for his first term.&nbsp;

Rouhani is barred from standing for a third term and the slate of presidential candidates has yet to be finalised.&nbsp;

Iran’s hardliners say the US sanctions are proof Rouhani’s policy of reaching out to the country's enemies was a failure. A delay in progress on returning to the nuclear deal could hurt the chances of a moderate succeeding Rouhani, although the final decision on any diplomatic initiative would be taken by Khamenei rather than the elected president.&nbsp;

Khamenei said on Saturday that the June election will likely bring to office 'new managers who most probably will be energetic and strongly motivated'.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei welcomed the Iranian New Year as one of 'production, support and removal of barriers' in a live televised speech on Saturday.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei welcomed the Iranian New Year as one of 'production, support and removal of barriers' in a live televised speech on Saturday. "There is good ground for a production leap," Khamenei said, adding the government needed to get rid of any legal obstacles to higher output and growth as the economy suffers under US sanctions. The army fired gun salutes at Tehran’s Azadi Square to usher in Nowruz - New Day in Persian and the most important date in the Iranian calendar, marked at the spring equinox - and the beginning of the year 1,400, which is celebrated in a dozen countries stretching from the Caucasus to central Asia. In Washington, US President Joe Biden issued a Nowruz message calling for peace, prosperity and understanding. "That is the message and the joy of Nowruz that we are honouring ... This year, perhaps more than ever, that message is badly needed," Biden said in a White House statement. Biden’s administration is exploring ways to restore the 2015 nuclear deal that Iran signed with major world powers, but which was abandoned in 2018 by President Donald Trump who reimposed sanctions. The United States and the other Western powers which originally signed up to the 2015 deal appear to be at an impasse over which side should return to the accord first, making it unlikely US sanctions that have crippled its economy can be quickly removed. In a separate message, President Hassan Rouhani said he was hopeful the new year will see the end of the sanctions. “We will defeat the sanctions ... I am more hopeful than eight years ago”, Rouhani said, referring to when he was elected for his first term. Rouhani is barred from standing for a third term and the slate of presidential candidates has yet to be finalised. Iran’s hardliners say the US sanctions are proof Rouhani’s policy of reaching out to the country's enemies was a failure. A delay in progress on returning to the nuclear deal could hurt the chances of a moderate succeeding Rouhani, although the final decision on any diplomatic initiative would be taken by Khamenei rather than the elected president. Khamenei said on Saturday that the June election will likely bring to office 'new managers who most probably will be energetic and strongly motivated'. (With inputs from agencies)

Supreme leader ushers in Iranian New Year with message of hope 

Some migrant families arriving in the United States will be housed in hotels under a new programme managed by non-profit organisations, according to two people familiar with the plans, a move away from for-profit detention centers that have been criticised by Democrats and health experts.&nbsp;

Endeavors, a San Antonio-based organisation, will oversee what it calls 'family reception sites' at hotels in Texas and Arizona, the two sources said. The organisation, in partnership with other non-profits, will initially provide up to 1,400 beds in seven different brand-name hotels for families deemed vulnerable when caught at the border.&nbsp;

The opening of the reception centers would mark a significant shift by the administration of President Joe Biden, a Democrat, away from the detention of migrant families in for-profit facilities.&nbsp;

In January, Biden issued an order directing the Justice Department not to renew its contracts with privately operated criminal detention facilities. However, the order did not address immigration jails run by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).&nbsp;

ICE did not immediately respond to a request for comment.&nbsp;

Roughly 900 migrants are currently being held in two family detention centers in Texas, according to ICE data. A third center in Pennsylvania is no longer being used to hold families.&nbsp;

The number of migrants arriving at the US-Mexico border has climbed in recent weeks as Biden has rolled back some of the hardline policies of former President Donald Trump, a Republican.&nbsp;

Biden, who took office on January 20, has faced criticism from Republicans for reversing those policies. At the same time, some Democrats opposed Biden's administration re-opening a Trump-era emergency shelter for children.&nbsp;

The hotel sites, set to open in April, will offer Covid-19 testing, medical care, food services, social workers and case managers to help with travel and onward destinations, according to the two sources, who requested anonymity to discuss the matter. Staff will be trained to work with children.&nbsp;

It remained unclear whether migrants would be required to wear ankle bracelets or be subject to any other form of monitoring, the people said.&nbsp;

The families will arrive at border patrol stations and then be sent to the hotel sites to continue immigration paperwork, which is currently done in US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facilities, the two sources said. They could leave the reception centers as early as six hours after arrival if paperwork is completed, they test negative for Covid-19 and transportation has been arranged.&nbsp;

The housing of some migrants in hotels was reported by Axios earlier on Saturday.&nbsp;

Endeavors will also operate a new 2,000-bed shelter for unaccompanied children in Texas, the sources said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Some migrant families arriving in the United States will be housed in hotels under a new programme managed by non-profit organisations, according to two people familiar with the plans, a move away from for-profit detention centers that have been criticised by Democrats and health experts.

Some migrant families arriving in the United States will be housed in hotels under a new programme managed by non-profit organisations, according to two people familiar with the plans, a move away from for-profit detention centers that have been criticised by Democrats and health experts. Endeavors, a San Antonio-based organisation, will oversee what it calls 'family reception sites' at hotels in Texas and Arizona, the two sources said. The organisation, in partnership with other non-profits, will initially provide up to 1,400 beds in seven different brand-name hotels for families deemed vulnerable when caught at the border. The opening of the reception centers would mark a significant shift by the administration of President Joe Biden, a Democrat, away from the detention of migrant families in for-profit facilities. In January, Biden issued an order directing the Justice Department not to renew its contracts with privately operated criminal detention facilities. However, the order did not address immigration jails run by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). ICE did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Roughly 900 migrants are currently being held in two family detention centers in Texas, according to ICE data. A third center in Pennsylvania is no longer being used to hold families. The number of migrants arriving at the US-Mexico border has climbed in recent weeks as Biden has rolled back some of the hardline policies of former President Donald Trump, a Republican. Biden, who took office on January 20, has faced criticism from Republicans for reversing those policies. At the same time, some Democrats opposed Biden's administration re-opening a Trump-era emergency shelter for children. The hotel sites, set to open in April, will offer Covid-19 testing, medical care, food services, social workers and case managers to help with travel and onward destinations, according to the two sources, who requested anonymity to discuss the matter. Staff will be trained to work with children. It remained unclear whether migrants would be required to wear ankle bracelets or be subject to any other form of monitoring, the people said. The families will arrive at border patrol stations and then be sent to the hotel sites to continue immigration paperwork, which is currently done in US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facilities, the two sources said. They could leave the reception centers as early as six hours after arrival if paperwork is completed, they test negative for Covid-19 and transportation has been arranged. The housing of some migrants in hotels was reported by Axios earlier on Saturday. Endeavors will also operate a new 2,000-bed shelter for unaccompanied children in Texas, the sources said. (With inputs from agencies)

US to place migrant families in hotels in move away from detention centers 

Protesters erupt in Germany, defy coronavirus curbs

Virtual reality (VR) can reduce types of pain typically seen in patients with nerve injuries, and that VR can boost the dysfunctional pain suppression system, a new study suggests.&nbsp;

The study, published in The Journal of Pain, showed that VR can also reduce pain symptoms, such as prickling and pain following touch, that are often seen in patients with nerve injury.&nbsp;

"It's brilliant that we've seen these results as it shows more evidence that virtual reality can not only reduce pain perception in human models of chronic pain, but also gives us insight into the mechanisms behind this effect," said researcher Sam Hughes, Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Plymouth.&nbsp;

"The next step of course is to conduct the study with people, who experience chronic pain to see if it works for them," Hughes added.&nbsp;

According to the researchers, we all feel physical pain in different ways, but people with nerve injuries often have a dysfunctional pain suppression system, making them particularly prone to discomfort.&nbsp;

For the study, the team focussed on conditioned pain modulation (CPM) - a pain inhibitory pathway in humans.&nbsp;

The team previously published work showing that watching soothing 360-degree scenes of the Arctic in virtual reality can help to ease pain symptoms similar to those experienced during sunburn.&nbsp;

The team have also gone one step further and measured VR's direct effects on CPM. &nbsp;&nbsp;

CPM is dysfunctional in patients with nerve injury, so by knowing what can enhance its action, scientists can help to stimulate the body's natural pain inhibiting process, the researchers said.&nbsp;

The findings indicated that 360-degree scenes of the Arctic in virtual reality had an effect on the CPM efficiency, while the 2D versions of the same scenes (described as 'sham VR') reduced CPM efficiency.&nbsp;

"If it does work, it could be really helpful in forming part of ongoing pain management by helping to target the dysfunctions in the brain that underpin chronic pain," Hughes added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Virtual reality (VR) can reduce types of pain typically seen in patients with nerve injuries, and that VR can boost the dysfunctional pain suppression system, a new study suggests.

Virtual reality (VR) can reduce types of pain typically seen in patients with nerve injuries, and that VR can boost the dysfunctional pain suppression system, a new study suggests. The study, published in The Journal of Pain, showed that VR can also reduce pain symptoms, such as prickling and pain following touch, that are often seen in patients with nerve injury. "It's brilliant that we've seen these results as it shows more evidence that virtual reality can not only reduce pain perception in human models of chronic pain, but also gives us insight into the mechanisms behind this effect," said researcher Sam Hughes, Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Plymouth. "The next step of course is to conduct the study with people, who experience chronic pain to see if it works for them," Hughes added. According to the researchers, we all feel physical pain in different ways, but people with nerve injuries often have a dysfunctional pain suppression system, making them particularly prone to discomfort. For the study, the team focussed on conditioned pain modulation (CPM) - a pain inhibitory pathway in humans. The team previously published work showing that watching soothing 360-degree scenes of the Arctic in virtual reality can help to ease pain symptoms similar to those experienced during sunburn. The team have also gone one step further and measured VR's direct effects on CPM. CPM is dysfunctional in patients with nerve injury, so by knowing what can enhance its action, scientists can help to stimulate the body's natural pain inhibiting process, the researchers said. The findings indicated that 360-degree scenes of the Arctic in virtual reality had an effect on the CPM efficiency, while the 2D versions of the same scenes (described as 'sham VR') reduced CPM efficiency. "If it does work, it could be really helpful in forming part of ongoing pain management by helping to target the dysfunctions in the brain that underpin chronic pain," Hughes added. (With inputs from agencies)

Virtual reality may help reduce nerve injuries pain 

Some people report feeling no stress at all, but there may be downsides to this feeling of feeling always super-charged, say researchers.&nbsp;

The study showed that people, who reported experiencing no stress, were more likely to experience better daily well-being and fewer chronic health conditions. However, they were also more likely to have lower cognitive function, as well.&nbsp;

According to researcher David M Almeida from Penn State, the study suggests that small, daily stressors could potentially benefit the brain, despite being an inconvenience.&nbsp;

"It's possible that experiencing stressors creates opportunities for you to solve a problem, for example, maybe fixing your computer that has suddenly broken down before an important Zoom meeting," Almeida said.&nbsp;

"So, experiencing these stressors may not be pleasant but they may force you to solve a problem, and this might actually be good for cognitive functioning, especially as we grow older," Almeida added.&nbsp;

According to the researchers, a large number of previous studies have linked stress with a greater risk for many negative outcomes, like chronic illness or worse emotional wellbeing.&nbsp;

But Almeida said that while it may make sense to believe that the less stress someone experiences the more healthy they will be, he said, little research has explored that assumption.&nbsp;

For the study, published in the journal Emotion, the researchers used data from 2,711 participants for the study.&nbsp;

Prior to the start of the study, the participants completed a short cognition test.&nbsp;

Then, the participants were interviewed each night for eight consecutive nights, and answered questions about their mood, chronic conditions they may have, their physical symptoms, such as headaches, coughs or sore throats and what they did during that day.&nbsp;

After analysing the data, the researchers found that there did appear to be benefits for those who reported no stressors throughout the study, about 10 per cent of the participants.&nbsp;

These participants were less likely to have chronic health conditions and experience better moods throughout the day.&nbsp;

However, those who reported no stressors also performed lower on the cognition test, with the difference equalling more than eight years of aging.&nbsp;

Additionally, they were also less likely to report giving or receiving emotional support, as well as less likely to experience positive things happening throughout the day.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Some people report feeling no stress at all, but there may be downsides to this feeling of feeling always super-charged, say researchers. The study showed that people, who reported experiencing no stress, were more likely to experience better daily well-being and fewer chronic health conditions.

Some people report feeling no stress at all, but there may be downsides to this feeling of feeling always super-charged, say researchers. The study showed that people, who reported experiencing no stress, were more likely to experience better daily well-being and fewer chronic health conditions. However, they were also more likely to have lower cognitive function, as well. According to researcher David M Almeida from Penn State, the study suggests that small, daily stressors could potentially benefit the brain, despite being an inconvenience. "It's possible that experiencing stressors creates opportunities for you to solve a problem, for example, maybe fixing your computer that has suddenly broken down before an important Zoom meeting," Almeida said. "So, experiencing these stressors may not be pleasant but they may force you to solve a problem, and this might actually be good for cognitive functioning, especially as we grow older," Almeida added. According to the researchers, a large number of previous studies have linked stress with a greater risk for many negative outcomes, like chronic illness or worse emotional wellbeing. But Almeida said that while it may make sense to believe that the less stress someone experiences the more healthy they will be, he said, little research has explored that assumption. For the study, published in the journal Emotion, the researchers used data from 2,711 participants for the study. Prior to the start of the study, the participants completed a short cognition test. Then, the participants were interviewed each night for eight consecutive nights, and answered questions about their mood, chronic conditions they may have, their physical symptoms, such as headaches, coughs or sore throats and what they did during that day. After analysing the data, the researchers found that there did appear to be benefits for those who reported no stressors throughout the study, about 10 per cent of the participants. These participants were less likely to have chronic health conditions and experience better moods throughout the day. However, those who reported no stressors also performed lower on the cognition test, with the difference equalling more than eight years of aging. Additionally, they were also less likely to report giving or receiving emotional support, as well as less likely to experience positive things happening throughout the day. (With inputs from agencies)

Little stress a day good for brain, says study 

A new US-based study has found that hospitalised Covid-19 patients are at a higher risk of stroke compared with patients, who had similar infectious conditions, such as influenza and sepsis in prior studies.&nbsp;

The study, presented at the International Stroke Conference 2021, showed that 1.4 per cent in the Covid-19 Cardiovascular Disease Registry had a stroke confirmed by diagnostic imaging during hospitalisation.&nbsp;

Of these, 52.7 per cent experienced ischemic stroke; 2.5 per cent had transient ischemic attack (TIA); and 45.2 per cent experienced a bleeding stroke or unspecified type of stroke.&nbsp;

"These findings suggest that Covid-19 may increase the risk of stroke, though the exact mechanism for this is still unknown," said lead author Saate S Shakil of the University of Washington.&nbsp;

"As the pandemic continues, we are finding that coronavirus is not just a respiratory illness, but a vascular disease that can affect many organ systems," Shakil added.&nbsp;

For the study, the team accessed the American Heart Association's Covid-19 CVD Registry that included more than 20,000 patients hospitalised with Covid-19 across the US.&nbsp;

The analysis also found those with any type of stroke were more likely to be male and older (average age 65) than patients without stroke. Most of the ischemic stroke patients had high blood pressure compared to patients without stroke.&nbsp;

"Stroke on its own can have devastating consequences and recovering from Covid-19 is often a difficult path for those who survive. Together, they can exact a significant toll on patients who have had both conditions," Shakil said.&nbsp;

"It is more important than ever that we curb the spread of Covid-19 via public health interventions and widespread vaccine distribution," Shakil added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A new US-based study has found that hospitalised Covid-19 patients are at a higher risk of stroke compared with patients, who had similar infectious conditions, such as influenza and sepsis in prior studies.

A new US-based study has found that hospitalised Covid-19 patients are at a higher risk of stroke compared with patients, who had similar infectious conditions, such as influenza and sepsis in prior studies. The study, presented at the International Stroke Conference 2021, showed that 1.4 per cent in the Covid-19 Cardiovascular Disease Registry had a stroke confirmed by diagnostic imaging during hospitalisation. Of these, 52.7 per cent experienced ischemic stroke; 2.5 per cent had transient ischemic attack (TIA); and 45.2 per cent experienced a bleeding stroke or unspecified type of stroke. "These findings suggest that Covid-19 may increase the risk of stroke, though the exact mechanism for this is still unknown," said lead author Saate S Shakil of the University of Washington. "As the pandemic continues, we are finding that coronavirus is not just a respiratory illness, but a vascular disease that can affect many organ systems," Shakil added. For the study, the team accessed the American Heart Association's Covid-19 CVD Registry that included more than 20,000 patients hospitalised with Covid-19 across the US. The analysis also found those with any type of stroke were more likely to be male and older (average age 65) than patients without stroke. Most of the ischemic stroke patients had high blood pressure compared to patients without stroke. "Stroke on its own can have devastating consequences and recovering from Covid-19 is often a difficult path for those who survive. Together, they can exact a significant toll on patients who have had both conditions," Shakil said. "It is more important than ever that we curb the spread of Covid-19 via public health interventions and widespread vaccine distribution," Shakil added. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid patients at higher risk of stroke during hospitalisation: Study 

Police in Bangladesh on Saturday arrested the alleged prime accused and instigator in connection with the attack on about 80 houses of Hindus by a hardline Islamist group in the country's northeastern Sylhet division following a social media post reportedly by a youth from the minority community.&nbsp;

Shahidul Islam Swadhin, a Union Parishad member, who is also the president of the local ward Jubo League, was arrested by the Police Bureau of Investigation (PIB) from Moulvibazar district, bdnews24.Com reported.&nbsp;

"Swadhin is the prime suspect in the attacks at Noagaon village in Shalla Upazila," Special Superintendent of Police Khaled Uz Zaman of the PBI said, adding that he was held as an 'instigator' of the attacks.&nbsp;

A total of 23 people, including Swadhin, have been arrested so far, the police said. The arrests were made following the attack on a Hindu village by several thousand followers of Hefazat-e-Islam's leader Mamunul Haque in Shalla upazila of Sunamganj district in Sylhet division on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Haque's supporters gathered in Noagaon village and attacked the homes of local Hindus with sticks and locally-made weapons, vandalising 70-80 houses, according to the police.&nbsp;

Many local Hindus fled their homes to save themselves, the report said, adding that the mob entered the village, ransacked and looted many houses.&nbsp;

The incident happened after Hefazat-e-Islam's Amir Allama Junaid Babunagari, Joint-Secretary General Mawlana Mufti Mamunul Haque and several other central leaders attended a conference at Derai upazila on Monday.&nbsp;

Enraged by Haque's speech, a young Hindu man allegedly made a Facebook post criticising him. Following the social media post, the mob attacked the homes of the minority community in the village on Wednesday.&nbsp;

A large number of police personnel rushed to the spot to control the situation.&nbsp;

A senior police officer said that elite anti-crime and anti-terrorism unit of the Bangladesh Police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) was also deployed.&nbsp;

Shalla Upazila Nirbahi Officer Al Muktadir Hossain said in a statement that the accused youth has been arrested and handed over to the law enforcement for insulting Haque on Facebook. Legal action is being taken against him.&nbsp;

"Criminal cases were filed against 700 and a manhunt for the attackers is underway," Sunamganj district police chief Mizanur Rahman told reporters.&nbsp;

Ruling Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport Minister Obaidul Quader said the government has ordered stern actions to bring the culprits to justice.&nbsp;

"The government is committed to ensure security and peaceful coexistence of people of all religious faiths," he said.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, rights groups and Hindu leaders said the minority community was targeted in a planned way to drive them away.&nbsp;

Several Hindu organisations like the Bangladesh Hindu Parishad and the National Hindu Grand Alliance staged separate street protests in Dhaka and other places.&nbsp;

"This country belongs to everyone. We want harmony," Hindu Parishad leader Sajan Kumar Mishra told one of the major rallies in front of the National Press Club.&nbsp;

Hefazat is mainly a grouping of teachers and students of hundreds of non-government madrasas across the country. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Police in Bangladesh on Saturday arrested the alleged prime accused and instigator in connection with the attack on about 80 houses of Hindus by a hardline Islamist group in the country's northeastern Sylhet division following a social media post reportedly by a youth from the minority community.

Police in Bangladesh on Saturday arrested the alleged prime accused and instigator in connection with the attack on about 80 houses of Hindus by a hardline Islamist group in the country's northeastern Sylhet division following a social media post reportedly by a youth from the minority community. Shahidul Islam Swadhin, a Union Parishad member, who is also the president of the local ward Jubo League, was arrested by the Police Bureau of Investigation (PIB) from Moulvibazar district, bdnews24.Com reported. "Swadhin is the prime suspect in the attacks at Noagaon village in Shalla Upazila," Special Superintendent of Police Khaled Uz Zaman of the PBI said, adding that he was held as an 'instigator' of the attacks. A total of 23 people, including Swadhin, have been arrested so far, the police said. The arrests were made following the attack on a Hindu village by several thousand followers of Hefazat-e-Islam's leader Mamunul Haque in Shalla upazila of Sunamganj district in Sylhet division on Wednesday. Haque's supporters gathered in Noagaon village and attacked the homes of local Hindus with sticks and locally-made weapons, vandalising 70-80 houses, according to the police. Many local Hindus fled their homes to save themselves, the report said, adding that the mob entered the village, ransacked and looted many houses. The incident happened after Hefazat-e-Islam's Amir Allama Junaid Babunagari, Joint-Secretary General Mawlana Mufti Mamunul Haque and several other central leaders attended a conference at Derai upazila on Monday. Enraged by Haque's speech, a young Hindu man allegedly made a Facebook post criticising him. Following the social media post, the mob attacked the homes of the minority community in the village on Wednesday. A large number of police personnel rushed to the spot to control the situation. A senior police officer said that elite anti-crime and anti-terrorism unit of the Bangladesh Police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) was also deployed. Shalla Upazila Nirbahi Officer Al Muktadir Hossain said in a statement that the accused youth has been arrested and handed over to the law enforcement for insulting Haque on Facebook. Legal action is being taken against him. "Criminal cases were filed against 700 and a manhunt for the attackers is underway," Sunamganj district police chief Mizanur Rahman told reporters. Ruling Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport Minister Obaidul Quader said the government has ordered stern actions to bring the culprits to justice. "The government is committed to ensure security and peaceful coexistence of people of all religious faiths," he said. Meanwhile, rights groups and Hindu leaders said the minority community was targeted in a planned way to drive them away. Several Hindu organisations like the Bangladesh Hindu Parishad and the National Hindu Grand Alliance staged separate street protests in Dhaka and other places. "This country belongs to everyone. We want harmony," Hindu Parishad leader Sajan Kumar Mishra told one of the major rallies in front of the National Press Club. Hefazat is mainly a grouping of teachers and students of hundreds of non-government madrasas across the country. (With inputs from agencies)

Prime suspect in attack on Hindu homes in Bangladesh held 

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