US space agency NASA has postponed its uncrewed Artemis 1 Moon mission. The mission has been delayed to March next year. The postponement has come about due to issue with the engine.

Artemis I is an uncrewed flight test of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft around the Moon. It was initially slated for launch in February 2022 before missions with astronauts.

NASA is now targeting a launch in March or April 2022, the space agency said in a statement.

During a recent core stage power test, engineers identified an issue with one of the RS-25 engine flight controllers.

The flight controller works as the "brain" for each RS-25 engine, communicating with the SLS rocket to provide precision control of the engine as well as internal health diagnostics. Each controller is equipped with two channels so that there is a back-up, should an issue arise with one of the channels during launch or ascent. In the recent testing, channel B of the controller on engine four failed to power up consistently.

"After performing a series of inspections and troubleshooting, engineers determined the best course of action is to replace the engine controller, returning the rocket to full functionality and redundancy while continuing to investigate and identify a root cause," NASA officials said in the statement.

"NASA is developing a plan and updated schedule to replace the engine controller while continuing integrated testing and reviewing launch opportunities in March and April."

(With inputs from agencies)

US space agency NASA has postponed its uncrewed Artemis 1 Moon mission. The mission has been delayed to March next year. The postponement has come about due to issue with the engine.

US space agency NASA has postponed its uncrewed Artemis 1 Moon mission. The mission has been delayed to March next year. The postponement has come about due to issue with the engine. Artemis I is an uncrewed flight test of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft around the Moon. It was initially slated for launch in February 2022 before missions with astronauts. NASA is now targeting a launch in March or April 2022, the space agency said in a statement. During a recent core stage power test, engineers identified an issue with one of the RS-25 engine flight controllers. The flight controller works as the "brain" for each RS-25 engine, communicating with the SLS rocket to provide precision control of the engine as well as internal health diagnostics. Each controller is equipped with two channels so that there is a back-up, should an issue arise with one of the channels during launch or ascent. In the recent testing, channel B of the controller on engine four failed to power up consistently. "After performing a series of inspections and troubleshooting, engineers determined the best course of action is to replace the engine controller, returning the rocket to full functionality and redundancy while continuing to investigate and identify a root cause," NASA officials said in the statement. "NASA is developing a plan and updated schedule to replace the engine controller while continuing integrated testing and reviewing launch opportunities in March and April." (With inputs from agencies)

NASA's Artemis 1 Moon mission postponed

US Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday gave a go-ahead to Pfizer's Covid pill for its use among high-risk people aged 12 and above.

"Today's authorization introduces the first treatment for Covid-19 that is in the form of a pill that is taken orally -- a major step forward in the fight against this global pandemic," said FDA scientist Patrizia Cavazzoni.

Paxlovid, Pfizer's treatment is a combination of two pills taken over five days. The treatment was shown to be safe and reduced the risk of hospitalizations and deaths among at-risk people by 88 percent. The clinical trial included 2,200 people.

In an unusual move, the FDA did not convene its customary panel of independent experts to review in depth data surrounding Pfizer's pill ahead of authorization.

Also Raed | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boosters-cannot-be-seen-as-a-ticket-to-go-ahead-says-who-chief-tedros-amid-omicron-threat-439113">Boosters cannot be seen as a ticket to go ahead, says WHO chief Tedros amid Omicron threat</a>

Pfizer's treatment has previously been authorized in the European Union.

The US has already paid for 10 million courses.

The authorization comes as cases are surging across the United States, driven by Omicron, the most infectious variant seen to date.

The highly-mutated variant is better able to bypass immunity conferred by prior infection, and health authorities are urging the public to get boosted with mRNA vaccines in order to restore a higher degree of protection.

Unlike vaccines, the Covid pill does not target the ever-evolving spike protein of the coronavirus, which it uses to invade cells. It should in theory be more variant proof, and Pfizer has said preliminary studies have backed up that hypothesis.

Authorization is still awaited for another Covid pill, developed by Merck, which is also taken over five days and has been shown to reduce the same outcomes by 30 percent among high-risk people.

(With inputs from agencies)

US Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday gave a go-ahead to Pfizer's Covid pill for its use among high-risk people aged 12 and above. "Today's authorization introduces the first treatment for Covid-19 that is in the form of a pill that is taken orally -- a major step forward in the fight against this global pandemic," said FDA scientist Patrizia Cavazzoni.

US Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday gave a go-ahead to Pfizer's Covid pill for its use among high-risk people aged 12 and above. "Today's authorization introduces the first treatment for Covid-19 that is in the form of a pill that is taken orally -- a major step forward in the fight against this global pandemic," said FDA scientist Patrizia Cavazzoni. Paxlovid, Pfizer's treatment is a combination of two pills taken over five days. The treatment was shown to be safe and reduced the risk of hospitalizations and deaths among at-risk people by 88 percent. The clinical trial included 2,200 people. In an unusual move, the FDA did not convene its customary panel of independent experts to review in depth data surrounding Pfizer's pill ahead of authorization. Also Raed | Boosters cannot be seen as a ticket to go ahead, says WHO chief Tedros amid Omicron threat Pfizer's treatment has previously been authorized in the European Union. The US has already paid for 10 million courses. The authorization comes as cases are surging across the United States, driven by Omicron, the most infectious variant seen to date. The highly-mutated variant is better able to bypass immunity conferred by prior infection, and health authorities are urging the public to get boosted with mRNA vaccines in order to restore a higher degree of protection. Unlike vaccines, the Covid pill does not target the ever-evolving spike protein of the coronavirus, which it uses to invade cells. It should in theory be more variant proof, and Pfizer has said preliminary studies have backed up that hypothesis. Authorization is still awaited for another Covid pill, developed by Merck, which is also taken over five days and has been shown to reduce the same outcomes by 30 percent among high-risk people. (With inputs from agencies)

USFDA gives go-ahead to Pfizer's Covid pill

Japan may have a global image of a high-tech country where extremely disciplines citizens walk the roads just as Yakuza, the dreaded Japanese mafia does! But the country is in news for an interesting reason. Milk!

Japanese politicians are urging people to drink milk. Ministers are drinking glasses of milk during news conferences to drive home the point. A major brand has roped in a celebrity to encourage consumption of milk and even the prime minister has joined the chorus urging the Japanese to take a nourishing sip.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-hangs-3-defends-capital-punishment-calls-it-necessary-for-atrocious-crimes-438987">Japan hangs 3, defends 'capital punishment', calls it necessary for 'atrocious crimes'</a>

“We’d like the population to cooperate in drinking an extra cup of milk than you’d normally do and make use of milk products when cooking,” Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Tuesday. He was speaking at a news conference that was held at the end of the parliamentary session.

Kishida is not alone in this milk crusade. On December 17, Japan's farm minister Genjiro Kaneko and Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike drank glasses of milk in their press conferences.

All this effort is on to avoid huge wastage of milk. Government statistics have been quoted in news reports saying that Japan stares at a massive 5000 tonnes of milk wastage just this winter.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-supply-chain-disruption-hits-mcdonalds-in-japan-french-fries-take-a-hit-439149">Now, supply chain disruption hits McDonald's in Japan; French fries take a hit</a>

Japanese farmers have joined forces to prevent this wastage. They have pledged to buy 1 litre of milk from December 25 to January 3. They are drawing attention to their effort through social media by using the hashtag #1Lperday.

The industry and dairy giants have stepped up as well. Lawson Inc's convenience store chain is offering a discount of 50 per cent on a steaming cup of hot milk. They are targetting new year celebrations and offering the discount on December 31 and January 1.

Meiji Holdings Company, a dairy industry giant has gone one step ahead. It has roped in Saori Yoshida, an Olympic wrestling champion and running a campaign to increase milk consumption

The reason behind it all

Japan sees weaker demand for milk this time of the year. Schoolchildren are usually given boxes of milk in Japan. However, with kids ar home due to holiday season nationwide, huge amount of milk is unutilised.

In addition to this, major retailers temporarily close around this time of the year.

Covid pandemic has added another dimension to this. With hospitality industry still recovering from the downturn, demand for milk is slow in this sector. 
&nbsp;

Japan may have a global image of a high-tech country where extremely disciplines citizens walk the roads just as Yakuza, the dreaded Japanese mafia does! But the country is in news for an interesting reason.

Japan may have a global image of a high-tech country where extremely disciplines citizens walk the roads just as Yakuza, the dreaded Japanese mafia does! But the country is in news for an interesting reason. Milk! Japanese politicians are urging people to drink milk. Ministers are drinking glasses of milk during news conferences to drive home the point. A major brand has roped in a celebrity to encourage consumption of milk and even the prime minister has joined the chorus urging the Japanese to take a nourishing sip. Also read | Japan hangs 3, defends 'capital punishment', calls it necessary for 'atrocious crimes' “We’d like the population to cooperate in drinking an extra cup of milk than you’d normally do and make use of milk products when cooking,” Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Tuesday. He was speaking at a news conference that was held at the end of the parliamentary session. Kishida is not alone in this milk crusade. On December 17, Japan's farm minister Genjiro Kaneko and Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike drank glasses of milk in their press conferences. All this effort is on to avoid huge wastage of milk. Government statistics have been quoted in news reports saying that Japan stares at a massive 5000 tonnes of milk wastage just this winter. Also read | Now, supply chain disruption hits McDonald's in Japan; French fries take a hit Japanese farmers have joined forces to prevent this wastage. They have pledged to buy 1 litre of milk from December 25 to January 3. They are drawing attention to their effort through social media by using the hashtag #1Lperday. The industry and dairy giants have stepped up as well. Lawson Inc's convenience store chain is offering a discount of 50 per cent on a steaming cup of hot milk. They are targetting new year celebrations and offering the discount on December 31 and January 1. Meiji Holdings Company, a dairy industry giant has gone one step ahead. It has roped in Saori Yoshida, an Olympic wrestling champion and running a campaign to increase milk consumption The reason behind it all Japan sees weaker demand for milk this time of the year. Schoolchildren are usually given boxes of milk in Japan. However, with kids ar home due to holiday season nationwide, huge amount of milk is unutilised. In addition to this, major retailers temporarily close around this time of the year. Covid pandemic has added another dimension to this. With hospitality industry still recovering from the downturn, demand for milk is slow in this sector.

Drink milk, Japan urges people as huge wastage looms

A screen that tastes good developed in Japan

French health minister said on Wednesday that France had cancelled its order of Merck &amp; Co's Covid antiviral drug. This step was taken after the trail data showed disappointing results. France has become first country to publicly cancel the order. The country now hopes to receive Pfizer's drug before end of January.

Merck had released its data in November suggesting its drug was markedly less effective than previously thought, reducing hospitalisations and deaths in its clinical trial of high-risk individuals by about 30%.

There was no immediate reaction from Merck.

While vaccines are the main weapons against COVID-19 for governments, there are hopes Merck and Pfizer's experimental pills could be a game-changer in reducing the chances of dying or hospitalisation for those most at risk of severe illness.

France had placed an early order for 50,000 doses of the nucleoside analogue drug molnupiravir developed by Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics.

The cancellation would not incur a cost, Veran said.

In Italy, the office of the special commissioner for the COVID emergency said on Nov 18 it had received a mandate from the health ministry to buy 50,000 courses of Merck's pill and another 50,000 of Pfizer's. "The contract has not yet been finalised, but is in progress," a spokesperson for the commissioner told Reuters on Tuesday.

Italian drug regulator Aifa's head Nicola Magrini told a Senate committee on Dec. 9 the two treatments could be available in Italy from the end of January.

However, regardless of the availability of the drugs, there will be assessments of their use, two top government scientific advisers told Reuters.

"There must and will be an evaluation, independently of the assessments of regulatory bodies," Walter Ricciardi, top adviser of health minister Roberto Speranza, told Reuters.

Germany has already bought Merck's antiviral treatment, health minister Karl Lauterbach told Reuters on Wednesday.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

French health minister said on Wednesday that France had cancelled its order of Merck & Co's Covid antiviral drug. This step was taken after the trail data showed disappointing results.

French health minister said on Wednesday that France had cancelled its order of Merck & Co's Covid antiviral drug. This step was taken after the trail data showed disappointing results. France has become first country to publicly cancel the order. The country now hopes to receive Pfizer's drug before end of January. Merck had released its data in November suggesting its drug was markedly less effective than previously thought, reducing hospitalisations and deaths in its clinical trial of high-risk individuals by about 30%. There was no immediate reaction from Merck. While vaccines are the main weapons against COVID-19 for governments, there are hopes Merck and Pfizer's experimental pills could be a game-changer in reducing the chances of dying or hospitalisation for those most at risk of severe illness. France had placed an early order for 50,000 doses of the nucleoside analogue drug molnupiravir developed by Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics. The cancellation would not incur a cost, Veran said. In Italy, the office of the special commissioner for the COVID emergency said on Nov 18 it had received a mandate from the health ministry to buy 50,000 courses of Merck's pill and another 50,000 of Pfizer's. "The contract has not yet been finalised, but is in progress," a spokesperson for the commissioner told Reuters on Tuesday. Italian drug regulator Aifa's head Nicola Magrini told a Senate committee on Dec. 9 the two treatments could be available in Italy from the end of January. However, regardless of the availability of the drugs, there will be assessments of their use, two top government scientific advisers told Reuters. "There must and will be an evaluation, independently of the assessments of regulatory bodies," Walter Ricciardi, top adviser of health minister Roberto Speranza, told Reuters. Germany has already bought Merck's antiviral treatment, health minister Karl Lauterbach told Reuters on Wednesday. (With inputs from agencies)

Jolt for Merck as France cancels order for Covid antiviral drug

A suicide bomber was killed at the gate of a passport office in the Afghan capital Kabul on Thursday, a government spokesman said, and several people were injured in the blast, according to unconfirmed reports.

A spokesman for Afghanistan's interior ministry said the attacker was shot and killed while trying to enter the passport office premises.

One member of the Taliban who was a witness told Reuters multiple people were injured, and the building and streets around the area were locked down by Taliban security forces.

Large crowds of Afghans have been thronging outside the passport office in a bid to get travel documents in recent days after the service was restarted after weeks of suspension.

Officials said that Thursdays are reserved as a special day for Taliban officials to visit the passport office to make travel documents.

A suicide bomber was killed at the gate of a passport office in the Afghan capital Kabul on Thursday, a government spokesman said, and several people were injured in the blast, according to unconfirmed reports.

A suicide bomber was killed at the gate of a passport office in the Afghan capital Kabul on Thursday, a government spokesman said, and several people were injured in the blast, according to unconfirmed reports. A spokesman for Afghanistan's interior ministry said the attacker was shot and killed while trying to enter the passport office premises. One member of the Taliban who was a witness told Reuters multiple people were injured, and the building and streets around the area were locked down by Taliban security forces. Large crowds of Afghans have been thronging outside the passport office in a bid to get travel documents in recent days after the service was restarted after weeks of suspension. Officials said that Thursdays are reserved as a special day for Taliban officials to visit the passport office to make travel documents.

Suicide bomber killed at Kabul passport office gate

There are bizarre bizarre things in this world that make us go 'hmm' just to sound polite while our heads burst with genuine questions as to which thought sparked idea behind a particular invention. If lickable TV does not fall in this category according to you then just maybe your inquisitive nature needs a boost.

A Japanese professor has actually created a lickable TV screen. This TV screen can imitate flavours of food and is being touted as another step towards a 'multi sensory' viewing experience. Hmm!

The device is called Taste the TV (TTTV). It uses a carousel of 10 flavour canisters that spray in combination to create the taste of a particular food. The flavour sample then rolls on hygienic film over a flat TV screen for the viewer to try.&nbsp;

The intent behind developing lickable screen is noble.

Meiji University professor Homei Miyashita says that this kind of technology can enhance the way people connect and interact with the outside world in the era of pandemic.

"The goal is to make it possible for people to have the experience of something like eating at a restaurant on the other side of the world, even while staying at home," he said.

<img alt="Lickable TV" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ecca47c7-3e39-42b3-aec0-68fb123a6239" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2021-12-23T044936Z_2_LYNXMPEHBM04N_RTROPTP_4_JAPAN-TASTE-SCREEN.JPG" />

(The professor can be seen filling flavour canisters, Reuters image)

Professor Miyashita worked with team of about 30 students. The team has made a number of flavour-related devices. These include fork that makes food taste richer. Professor has made a prototype himself and says that commercial version would cost about $875 to make.

So who are the potential applicant who would show special interest in such a device?

The professor says sommeliers and cooks who are learning through distance education would make part of the customer base, so would be the people who want to organise tasting games and quizzes.

He also hopes to make a platform where tastes from around the world can be downloaded and enjoyed by users, much like music is now.

One Meiji student demonstrated TTTV for reporters, telling the screen she wanted to taste sweet chocolate. After a few tries, an automated voice repeated the order and flavour jets spritzed a sample onto a plastic sheet.

"It's kind of like milk chocolate," she said. "It's sweet like a chocolate sauce."

(With inputs from agencies)

There are bizarre bizarre things in this world that make us go 'hmm' just to sound polite while our heads burst with genuine questions as to which thought sparked idea behind a particular invention.

There are bizarre bizarre things in this world that make us go 'hmm' just to sound polite while our heads burst with genuine questions as to which thought sparked idea behind a particular invention. If lickable TV does not fall in this category according to you then just maybe your inquisitive nature needs a boost. A Japanese professor has actually created a lickable TV screen. This TV screen can imitate flavours of food and is being touted as another step towards a 'multi sensory' viewing experience. Hmm! The device is called Taste the TV (TTTV). It uses a carousel of 10 flavour canisters that spray in combination to create the taste of a particular food. The flavour sample then rolls on hygienic film over a flat TV screen for the viewer to try. The intent behind developing lickable screen is noble. Meiji University professor Homei Miyashita says that this kind of technology can enhance the way people connect and interact with the outside world in the era of pandemic. "The goal is to make it possible for people to have the experience of something like eating at a restaurant on the other side of the world, even while staying at home," he said. (The professor can be seen filling flavour canisters, Reuters image) Professor Miyashita worked with team of about 30 students. The team has made a number of flavour-related devices. These include fork that makes food taste richer. Professor has made a prototype himself and says that commercial version would cost about $875 to make. So who are the potential applicant who would show special interest in such a device? The professor says sommeliers and cooks who are learning through distance education would make part of the customer base, so would be the people who want to organise tasting games and quizzes. He also hopes to make a platform where tastes from around the world can be downloaded and enjoyed by users, much like music is now. One Meiji student demonstrated TTTV for reporters, telling the screen she wanted to taste sweet chocolate. After a few tries, an automated voice repeated the order and flavour jets spritzed a sample onto a plastic sheet. "It's kind of like milk chocolate," she said. "It's sweet like a chocolate sauce." (With inputs from agencies)

Lickable TV: Japanese Professor creates screen that tastes good 

Amid vaccines, pills and ever-mutating Covid virus, a new approach to combat the pandemic is being tested. One that of nasal spray. True, news stories about such a treatment have been doing rounds. But there are very early indications that such a treatment indeed can be part of collective fight against the pandemic.

Researchers in Australia are testing whether a nasal spray of a particular drug can make a Covid patient less infectious. Important thing about these trials are the researchers are using a commonly available drug heparin. It is a blood thinner. Due to it easy availability, such sprays may potentially be made on large scale.

The trials are going to go on till mid-2022 after which we would know for sure if this approach is workable. But if results are encouraging then we may have another weapon in our arsenal against Covid-19.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/usfda-gives-go-ahead-to-pfizers-covid-pill-439146">USFDA gives go-ahead to Pfizer's Covid pill</a>

The nasal spray does not target the spike protein of coronavirus. Large number of mutations in spike protein have been a persistent issue in front of scientists previously.

When the drug is sprayed in the nose, it does not enter the bloodstream but stays in the nose. The aim is to let the virus latch on to the drug instead of human cells.

Researchers are hopeful that the drug, in addition to make a Covid patient less infectious, can also potentially be used as a nose mask. If such a function of the drug is found to be feasible, healthy persons would be able to use the nasal spray before heading out in the open to protect themselves.

Amid vaccines, pills and ever-mutating Covid virus, a new approach to combat the pandemic is being tested. One that of nasal spray. True, news stories about such a treatment have been doing rounds.

Amid vaccines, pills and ever-mutating Covid virus, a new approach to combat the pandemic is being tested. One that of nasal spray. True, news stories about such a treatment have been doing rounds. But there are very early indications that such a treatment indeed can be part of collective fight against the pandemic. Researchers in Australia are testing whether a nasal spray of a particular drug can make a Covid patient less infectious. Important thing about these trials are the researchers are using a commonly available drug heparin. It is a blood thinner. Due to it easy availability, such sprays may potentially be made on large scale. The trials are going to go on till mid-2022 after which we would know for sure if this approach is workable. But if results are encouraging then we may have another weapon in our arsenal against Covid-19. Also Read | USFDA gives go-ahead to Pfizer's Covid pill The nasal spray does not target the spike protein of coronavirus. Large number of mutations in spike protein have been a persistent issue in front of scientists previously. When the drug is sprayed in the nose, it does not enter the bloodstream but stays in the nose. The aim is to let the virus latch on to the drug instead of human cells. Researchers are hopeful that the drug, in addition to make a Covid patient less infectious, can also potentially be used as a nose mask. If such a function of the drug is found to be feasible, healthy persons would be able to use the nasal spray before heading out in the open to protect themselves.

Covid: Australian researchers examine if blood thinner nasal spray offers protection

Planet Venus, the other neighbour of Earth besides Mars is perfect example of hell. Venus is rightly called a 'greenhouse planet' since surface temperatures go upto 400 degrees Celsius. Its thick atmosphere is predominantly made of carbon dioxide and sulfuric acid droplets. Such harsh conditions are not at all conducive to life. Hence it was thought that there was no life on Venus.

But now, scientists think that life may have found a way to survive in these harsh conditions on Venus.

Scientists and researchers from MIT, Cardiff University and Cambridge University have said in a new study that presence of Ammonia may suggest that microbes may be able to live inside clouds in Venus's atmosphere. The Ammonia can neutralise Venus' highly acidic environment and create habitable space in the clouds.

Moreover, these researchers think that a biological activity led to formation of Ammonia.

But can life survive in highly acidic environment?

Co-author of the study has been quoted in media reports as saying that life exists in highly acidic environs on Earth.&nbsp;

Venus, after Mars has always piqued scientific interest with respect to possibility of life. NASA and European Space Agency (ESA) are planning to send two spacecrafts to Venus in next 10 to 15 years. More light would be thrown on habitability of Venus' atmosphere at that time.

Planet Venus, the other neighbour of Earth besides Mars is perfect example of hell. Venus is rightly called a 'greenhouse planet' since surface temperatures go upto 400 degrees Celsius.

Planet Venus, the other neighbour of Earth besides Mars is perfect example of hell. Venus is rightly called a 'greenhouse planet' since surface temperatures go upto 400 degrees Celsius. Its thick atmosphere is predominantly made of carbon dioxide and sulfuric acid droplets. Such harsh conditions are not at all conducive to life. Hence it was thought that there was no life on Venus. But now, scientists think that life may have found a way to survive in these harsh conditions on Venus. Scientists and researchers from MIT, Cardiff University and Cambridge University have said in a new study that presence of Ammonia may suggest that microbes may be able to live inside clouds in Venus's atmosphere. The Ammonia can neutralise Venus' highly acidic environment and create habitable space in the clouds. Moreover, these researchers think that a biological activity led to formation of Ammonia. But can life survive in highly acidic environment? Co-author of the study has been quoted in media reports as saying that life exists in highly acidic environs on Earth. Venus, after Mars has always piqued scientific interest with respect to possibility of life. NASA and European Space Agency (ESA) are planning to send two spacecrafts to Venus in next 10 to 15 years. More light would be thrown on habitability of Venus' atmosphere at that time.

Study finds more indication of life on Venus

Libyan parliament on Friday said that presidential elections would not go ahead. This has created fresh political instability in a country that has been ravaged by wars since erstwhile dictator Muammar Gaddafi was deposed in a NATO-backed uprising in 2011. Postponement of elections may bring internationally-backed peace process into trouble and doubts may be raised on the fate of the interim government.

Libya's electoral commission proposed postponement of the elections by a month. The delay was widely expected as there were disputes over rules of the election including eligibility of several divisive candidates.

Disagreements showed the limitations of a winner-takes-all presidential vote involving candidates viewed as unacceptable in large parts of the country, including the son of the late ruler Muammar Gaddafi and a military leader who assaulted Tripoli.

At stake is a peace process that had been seen as the best hope in years of bringing an end to the decade of chaos and violence that has engulfed Libya since a NATO-backed uprising ousted Gaddafi in 2011.

Large numbers of Libyans had already registered for voting cards for the election in what politicians on all sides in Libya have said is a sign of strong popular desire for a vote. The U.S. ambassador on Wednesday said work towards elections should remain a priority.

However, with mobilisations in Tripoli and other western areas by armed groups, the collapse of the electoral process risks aggravating local disputes and triggering a new round of fighting.

Disputes over the path forward could also undo the wider U.N.-backed peace process between Libya's main eastern and western camps that have maintained a ceasefire since last year.

Renewed conflict could also lead to more frequent or extensive shutdowns in oil output by armed groups, hitting state finances. A group this week closed down three major fields.

Some figures in the east have warned of a new breakaway government that would return Libya to the division between warring administrations that lasted from the last election in 2014 until the installation of the current interim government.

Turkey and regional adversaries that backed opposing sides in Libya have improved relations recently, easing the risk they will drive a return to war through local proxies, analysts say.

(With inputs from agencies)

Libyan parliament on Friday said that presidential elections would not go ahead. This has created fresh political instability in a country that has been ravaged by wars since erstwhile dictator Muammar Gaddafi was deposed in a NATO-backed uprising in 2011.

Libyan parliament on Friday said that presidential elections would not go ahead. This has created fresh political instability in a country that has been ravaged by wars since erstwhile dictator Muammar Gaddafi was deposed in a NATO-backed uprising in 2011. Postponement of elections may bring internationally-backed peace process into trouble and doubts may be raised on the fate of the interim government. Libya's electoral commission proposed postponement of the elections by a month. The delay was widely expected as there were disputes over rules of the election including eligibility of several divisive candidates. Disagreements showed the limitations of a winner-takes-all presidential vote involving candidates viewed as unacceptable in large parts of the country, including the son of the late ruler Muammar Gaddafi and a military leader who assaulted Tripoli. At stake is a peace process that had been seen as the best hope in years of bringing an end to the decade of chaos and violence that has engulfed Libya since a NATO-backed uprising ousted Gaddafi in 2011. Large numbers of Libyans had already registered for voting cards for the election in what politicians on all sides in Libya have said is a sign of strong popular desire for a vote. The U.S. ambassador on Wednesday said work towards elections should remain a priority. However, with mobilisations in Tripoli and other western areas by armed groups, the collapse of the electoral process risks aggravating local disputes and triggering a new round of fighting. Disputes over the path forward could also undo the wider U.N.-backed peace process between Libya's main eastern and western camps that have maintained a ceasefire since last year. Renewed conflict could also lead to more frequent or extensive shutdowns in oil output by armed groups, hitting state finances. A group this week closed down three major fields. Some figures in the east have warned of a new breakaway government that would return Libya to the division between warring administrations that lasted from the last election in 2014 until the installation of the current interim government. Turkey and regional adversaries that backed opposing sides in Libya have improved relations recently, easing the risk they will drive a return to war through local proxies, analysts say. (With inputs from agencies)

Libya: Presidential elections postponed, uncertainty prevails

Portugal on Tuesday imposed Covid curbs which will come in effect on December 25. The restrictions have been placed in light of surging Covid cases caused by Omicron variant. Nightclubs and bars have been ordered to closen and people have been told to work from home for two weeks at least, starting December 25.

"This still isn't the normal Christmas we are used to," Prime Minister Antonio Costa told a news conference. "If we don't adopt preventively the necessary measures the consequences in everyone's lives will be much bigger after Christmas and New Year."

The prime minister made announcement of capacity restrictions at stores as well. He further said that negative Covid test will be needed to be required to go to event and to stay at hotels.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-army-institute-eyes-single-vaccine-against-covid-19-including-omicron-439036">US Army institute eyes single vaccine against COVID-19 including Omicron</a>

Authorities will also limit outdoor gatherings to 10 people per group on New Year's Eve, when a negative test will be needed to enter restaurants, casinos or attend parties in public spaces, Costa said.

Most of these measures were meant to come into force in January but current situation has forced their implementation ahead of time.

Portugal, which has one of the world's highest rates of vaccination against COVID-19 with around 87% of its 10 million population fully inoculated, is facing a surge in infections along with the rest of Europe, in part due to the fast-spreading Omicron variant.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/astrazenecas-covid-vaccine-immunity-declines-after-3-months-says-lancet-study-438907">AstraZeneca’s Covid vaccine immunity declines after 3 months, says Lancet study</a>

Close to 50% of new coronavirus cases in Portugal are from the Omicron variant, the national health institute said in a report on Tuesday.

The country reported 5,754 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, returning to levels last seen in February, when it faced its toughest battle against the illness, but deaths and hospitalisations remain low compared to that period.

Health Minister Marta Temido said last week Omicron infections were doubling every two days and could account for 80% of all new cases by the end of the month.

(With inputs from agencies)

Portugal on Tuesday imposed Covid curbs which will come in effect on December 25. The restrictions have been placed in light of surging Covid cases caused by Omicron variant.

Portugal on Tuesday imposed Covid curbs which will come in effect on December 25. The restrictions have been placed in light of surging Covid cases caused by Omicron variant. Nightclubs and bars have been ordered to closen and people have been told to work from home for two weeks at least, starting December 25. "This still isn't the normal Christmas we are used to," Prime Minister Antonio Costa told a news conference. "If we don't adopt preventively the necessary measures the consequences in everyone's lives will be much bigger after Christmas and New Year." The prime minister made announcement of capacity restrictions at stores as well. He further said that negative Covid test will be needed to be required to go to event and to stay at hotels. Also Read | US Army institute eyes single vaccine against COVID-19 including Omicron Authorities will also limit outdoor gatherings to 10 people per group on New Year's Eve, when a negative test will be needed to enter restaurants, casinos or attend parties in public spaces, Costa said. Most of these measures were meant to come into force in January but current situation has forced their implementation ahead of time. Portugal, which has one of the world's highest rates of vaccination against COVID-19 with around 87% of its 10 million population fully inoculated, is facing a surge in infections along with the rest of Europe, in part due to the fast-spreading Omicron variant. Also Read | AstraZeneca’s Covid vaccine immunity declines after 3 months, says Lancet study Close to 50% of new coronavirus cases in Portugal are from the Omicron variant, the national health institute said in a report on Tuesday. The country reported 5,754 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, returning to levels last seen in February, when it faced its toughest battle against the illness, but deaths and hospitalisations remain low compared to that period. Health Minister Marta Temido said last week Omicron infections were doubling every two days and could account for 80% of all new cases by the end of the month. (With inputs from agencies)

Portugal announces post-Christmas Covid curbs in light of Omicron threat

Indian capital of New Delhi on Wednesday passed orders prohibitting Christmas or New Year gatherings in view of the Omicron Covid variant threat. The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) directed district magistrate to ensure no such gatherings took place.

It ordered the district magistrates (DMs) to identify potential COVID-19 superspreader areas ahead of Christmas and New Year.

The district magistrates and deputy commissioners of police (DCPs) have also been directed to tighten the enforcement machinery to ensure that people follow social-distancing norms and wear masks.

"All district magistrates shall conduct an intensive survey of the entire area falling under their jurisdiction and identify those pockets, colonies markets and crowded places which have the potential of becoming superspreaders of coronavirus and its Omicron variant," the DDMA said in the order.

It stated that all DMs and DCPs shall deploy a sufficient number of enforcement teams on the field for keeping utmost vigil at public places to enforce strict adherence to Covid-appropriate behaviour to avoid any possible surge in COVID-19 cases.

With over 200 cases of Omicron variant of COVID-19 in India, the health experts treating the patients infected with the virus say that so far cases are mild and the recovery rate is high but it is high time to be cautious otherwise India will be in trouble.

The country has reported 213 cases of Omicron so far, with two states-- Maharashtra and Delhi-- and topping the number of cases

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian capital of New Delhi on Wednesday passed orders prohibitting Christmas or New Year gatherings in view of the Omicron Covid variant threat. The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) directed district magistrate to ensure no such gatherings took place.

Indian capital of New Delhi on Wednesday passed orders prohibitting Christmas or New Year gatherings in view of the Omicron Covid variant threat. The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) directed district magistrate to ensure no such gatherings took place. It ordered the district magistrates (DMs) to identify potential COVID-19 superspreader areas ahead of Christmas and New Year. The district magistrates and deputy commissioners of police (DCPs) have also been directed to tighten the enforcement machinery to ensure that people follow social-distancing norms and wear masks. "All district magistrates shall conduct an intensive survey of the entire area falling under their jurisdiction and identify those pockets, colonies markets and crowded places which have the potential of becoming superspreaders of coronavirus and its Omicron variant," the DDMA said in the order. It stated that all DMs and DCPs shall deploy a sufficient number of enforcement teams on the field for keeping utmost vigil at public places to enforce strict adherence to Covid-appropriate behaviour to avoid any possible surge in COVID-19 cases. With over 200 cases of Omicron variant of COVID-19 in India, the health experts treating the patients infected with the virus say that so far cases are mild and the recovery rate is high but it is high time to be cautious otherwise India will be in trouble. The country has reported 213 cases of Omicron so far, with two states-- Maharashtra and Delhi-- and topping the number of cases (With inputs from agencies)

Omicron: Indian capital New Delhi bans Christmas and New Year gatherings

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Manas Joshi

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

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