The CIA has removed its Vienna station chief following criticism of his management, including what some considered an inadequate response to reports of "Havana syndrome" incidents at the US&nbsp;Embassy there, the Washington Post reported on Thursday.

The Post, which cited unnamed current and former US&nbsp;officials, reported the action would send a message that leaders must take seriously the Havana syndrome, a mysterious set of ailments that include migraines, nausea, memory lapses and dizziness.

A CIA spokesperson said the agency does not comment on specific incidents or officers.

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The Washington Post said dozens of US&nbsp;personnel in the Austrian capital, including diplomats and intelligence officials, as well as some of the children of US&nbsp;employees, have reported symptoms of the syndrome.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-evidence-of-havana-syndrome-say-cuban-scientists-412983">No evidence of 'Havana Syndrome', say Cuban scientists</a>

CIA Director William Burns said in July that about 100 CIA officers and family members were among some 200 US&nbsp;officials and kin sickened by Havana syndrome.

The ailments were first reported by officials based in the US&nbsp;Embassy in Cuba in 2016.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/havana-syndrome-strikes-again-what-is-it-exactly-408221">Havana Syndrome strikes again? What is it exactly?</a>

Last year, a US&nbsp;National Academy of Sciences panel found that the most plausible theory is that "directed, pulsed radio frequency energy" causes the syndrome.

Burns has said there is a "very strong possibility" the syndrome is intentionally caused and that Russia could be responsible. Moscow denies involvement.

The CIA has removed its Vienna station chief following criticism of his management, including what some considered an inadequate response to reports of "Havana syndrome" incidents at the US Embassy there, the Washington Post reported on Thursday.

The CIA has removed its Vienna station chief following criticism of his management, including what some considered an inadequate response to reports of "Havana syndrome" incidents at the US Embassy there, the Washington Post reported on Thursday. The Post, which cited unnamed current and former US officials, reported the action would send a message that leaders must take seriously the Havana syndrome, a mysterious set of ailments that include migraines, nausea, memory lapses and dizziness. A CIA spokesperson said the agency does not comment on specific incidents or officers. Also Read | CIA officer reports Havana syndrome symptoms on India trip: reports The Washington Post said dozens of US personnel in the Austrian capital, including diplomats and intelligence officials, as well as some of the children of US employees, have reported symptoms of the syndrome. Also Read | No evidence of 'Havana Syndrome', say Cuban scientists CIA Director William Burns said in July that about 100 CIA officers and family members were among some 200 US officials and kin sickened by Havana syndrome. The ailments were first reported by officials based in the US Embassy in Cuba in 2016. Also Read | Havana Syndrome strikes again? What is it exactly? Last year, a US National Academy of Sciences panel found that the most plausible theory is that "directed, pulsed radio frequency energy" causes the syndrome. Burns has said there is a "very strong possibility" the syndrome is intentionally caused and that Russia could be responsible. Moscow denies involvement.

CIA Vienna station chief removed amid 'Havana syndrome' criticism: Report

The US House of Representatives Select Committee investigating the deadly Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol has subpoenaed former Trump White House officials Mark Meadows and Steve Bannon, the panel's chairman said on Thursday (September 23).

Former White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino and former Defense Department official Kash Patel were also subpoenaed and instructed to produce materials and appear for depositions in the weeks ahead, committee Chairman Bennie Thompson said in a statement.

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Meadows, a former congressman, served as former President Donald Trump's White House chief of staff. Bannon was a White House adviser to Trump.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/double-standards-while-kamala-harris-talks-of-pak-terror-role-blinken-appreciates-it-over-afghanistan-415485">Double standards? While Kamala Harris talks of Pak terror role, Blinken 'appreciates' it over Afghanistan</a>

A mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol as Congress was meeting to certify Democrat Joe Biden's election victory, delaying that process for several hours as then-Vice President Mike Pence, members of Congress, staff and journalists fled from rioters.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cia-vienna-station-chief-removed-amid-havana-syndrome-criticism-report-415559">CIA Vienna station chief removed amid 'Havana syndrome' criticism: Report</a>

Nearly 600 people have been arrested in connection with the attack. It was the worst violence at the seat of the US&nbsp;government since the British invasion during the War of 1812.

The US House of Representatives Select Committee investigating the deadly Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol has subpoenaed former Trump White House officials Mark Meadows and Steve Bannon, the panel's chairman said on Thursday (September 23).

The US House of Representatives Select Committee investigating the deadly Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol has subpoenaed former Trump White House officials Mark Meadows and Steve Bannon, the panel's chairman said on Thursday (September 23). Former White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino and former Defense Department official Kash Patel were also subpoenaed and instructed to produce materials and appear for depositions in the weeks ahead, committee Chairman Bennie Thompson said in a statement. Also Read | Risk of another 9/11-style attack on US very real: Former NSA John Bolton to WION Meadows, a former congressman, served as former President Donald Trump's White House chief of staff. Bannon was a White House adviser to Trump. Also Read | Double standards? While Kamala Harris talks of Pak terror role, Blinken 'appreciates' it over Afghanistan A mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol as Congress was meeting to certify Democrat Joe Biden's election victory, delaying that process for several hours as then-Vice President Mike Pence, members of Congress, staff and journalists fled from rioters. Also Read | CIA Vienna station chief removed amid 'Havana syndrome' criticism: Report Nearly 600 people have been arrested in connection with the attack. It was the worst violence at the seat of the US government since the British invasion during the War of 1812.

Trump allies Bannon, Meadows subpoenaed in US Congress' probe of Capitol riot

NASA's Ingenuity helicopter has already defied expectations after its first flight on Mars. After creating history earlier this year of carrying out first motored flight on planet other than Earth, Ingenuity's mission has been extended. Now it is getting ready for 14th flight over the surface of the red planet.

However, things are getting difficult for the helicopter. Martian atmosphere is thinner than that of Earth so flying is a challenge there to start with. But situation has become more difficult due to further thinning of Martian air.

This is happening due seasonal variations on Mars.

Ingenuity has carried out 'daring' missions before and has helped Perseverance rover as it moved on Martian surface and studied the planet more. But for its 14th flight, the helicopter will only test high rotor speeds to test its ability to fly in thinning air.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-to-send-ice-seeking-rover-to-moon-414613">NASA to send ice-seeking rover to Moon</a>

In this flight, Ingenuity will rise up to 16 feet (5 metres) from the surface.

Ingenuity's mission was expected to last for just a few months. But its success has seen the mission getting extended. However, this has brought unexpected challenges.

Ingenuity was not designed to withstand seasonal variations on Mars. And these variations is exactly something it is having to tackle now.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-ingenuity-helicopter-takes-3d-photo-of-rock-structure-on-mars-414347">NASA's Ingenuity helicopter takes 3D photo of rock structure on Mars</a>

Density of Martian atmosphere is about 1.5 per cent of that of Earth's atmosphere. But due to the variations, it is going down to 1 per cent. Though the difference appears small on paper, it throws up considerable challenges for Ingenuity's flight.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/at-iss-sun-rises-and-sets-every-45-minutes-nasa-tells-why-412923">At ISS, Sun rises and sets every 45 minutes, NASA tells why</a>

Solution to this problem is increasing the rotor speed of the helicopter so that it creates sufficient air cushion under the helicopter in thinning air. However, NASA is planning to see whether the higher rotor speeds can be achieved on ground first before allowing the helicopter to fly.

The date for Ingenuity's 14th flight has not been finalised as of now.

NASA's Ingenuity helicopter has already defied expectations after its first flight on Mars. After creating history earlier this year of carrying out first motored flight on planet other than Earth, Ingenuity's mission has been extended.

NASA's Ingenuity helicopter has already defied expectations after its first flight on Mars. After creating history earlier this year of carrying out first motored flight on planet other than Earth, Ingenuity's mission has been extended. Now it is getting ready for 14th flight over the surface of the red planet. However, things are getting difficult for the helicopter. Martian atmosphere is thinner than that of Earth so flying is a challenge there to start with. But situation has become more difficult due to further thinning of Martian air. This is happening due seasonal variations on Mars. Ingenuity has carried out 'daring' missions before and has helped Perseverance rover as it moved on Martian surface and studied the planet more. But for its 14th flight, the helicopter will only test high rotor speeds to test its ability to fly in thinning air. Also Read | NASA to send ice-seeking rover to Moon In this flight, Ingenuity will rise up to 16 feet (5 metres) from the surface. Ingenuity's mission was expected to last for just a few months. But its success has seen the mission getting extended. However, this has brought unexpected challenges. Ingenuity was not designed to withstand seasonal variations on Mars. And these variations is exactly something it is having to tackle now. Also Read | NASA's Ingenuity helicopter takes 3D photo of rock structure on Mars Density of Martian atmosphere is about 1.5 per cent of that of Earth's atmosphere. But due to the variations, it is going down to 1 per cent. Though the difference appears small on paper, it throws up considerable challenges for Ingenuity's flight. Also Read | At ISS, Sun rises and sets every 45 minutes, NASA tells why Solution to this problem is increasing the rotor speed of the helicopter so that it creates sufficient air cushion under the helicopter in thinning air. However, NASA is planning to see whether the higher rotor speeds can be achieved on ground first before allowing the helicopter to fly. The date for Ingenuity's 14th flight has not been finalised as of now.

NASA's Ingenuity helicopter is finding it tougher to fly on Mars

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday (local time) asked the world to "grow up" to tackle Climate Change.He was addressing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). His words have come just a month before UN COP26 climate conference which is scheduled to take place in Glasgow October 31 onwards.

"We need all countries, every single one of you, to step up and commit to very substantial reductions by 2030, and I am absolutely convinced, I passionately believe that we can do it by making commitments in four areas and I want you to remember them - coal, cars, cash and trees," he said.

"We will have made this beautiful planet effectively uninhabitable -- not just for us but for many other species," he told the General Assembly.

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"And that is why the Glasgow COP26 summit is the turning point for humanity," he said,&nbsp;

UN COP26 is aiming to encourage much more ambitious global climate action. The conference is taking place amid warnings from scientists that global warming is spiralling out of control.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/not-aware-of-any-concerns-being-raised-by-the-uk-says-indias-top-health-official-on-vaccine-certification-issue-414989">Not aware of any concerns being raised by the UK, says India's top health official on vaccine certification issue</a>

"We must show that we are capable of learning and maturing and finally taking responsibility for the destruction we are inflicting, not just upon our planet, but upon ourselves. It's time for humanity to grow up," Johnson said.

Johnson hailed a pledge made a day earlier by Chinese President Xi Jinping to end coal financing overseas and urged the world's largest emitter also to end its own growing use of coal. He even stated that he did not see that a pro-environment approach was a pretext to be used against capitalism

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-narendra-modis-flight-to-us-skips-frankfurt-stopover-courtesy-advanced-aircraft-414962">Indian PM Narendra Modi's flight to US skips Frankfurt stopover, courtesy advanced aircraft &nbsp;</a> 
 
A UN analysis of country under the 2015 Paris agreement on climate on Friday (September 17) showed global emissions would be 16% higher in 2030 than they were in 2010 - far off the 45% reduction by 2030 that scientists say is needed to stave off disastrous climate change.

(With inputs from agencies)

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday (local time) asked the world to "grow up" to tackle Climate Change.He was addressing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday (local time) asked the world to "grow up" to tackle Climate Change.He was addressing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). His words have come just a month before UN COP26 climate conference which is scheduled to take place in Glasgow October 31 onwards. "We need all countries, every single one of you, to step up and commit to very substantial reductions by 2030, and I am absolutely convinced, I passionately believe that we can do it by making commitments in four areas and I want you to remember them - coal, cars, cash and trees," he said. "We will have made this beautiful planet effectively uninhabitable -- not just for us but for many other species," he told the General Assembly. Also Read | Global COVID-19 summit: Indian PM Modi bats for mutual recognition of vaccine certificates amid UK row "And that is why the Glasgow COP26 summit is the turning point for humanity," he said, UN COP26 is aiming to encourage much more ambitious global climate action. The conference is taking place amid warnings from scientists that global warming is spiralling out of control. Also Read | Not aware of any concerns being raised by the UK, says India's top health official on vaccine certification issue "We must show that we are capable of learning and maturing and finally taking responsibility for the destruction we are inflicting, not just upon our planet, but upon ourselves. It's time for humanity to grow up," Johnson said. Johnson hailed a pledge made a day earlier by Chinese President Xi Jinping to end coal financing overseas and urged the world's largest emitter also to end its own growing use of coal. He even stated that he did not see that a pro-environment approach was a pretext to be used against capitalism Also Read | Indian PM Narendra Modi's flight to US skips Frankfurt stopover, courtesy advanced aircraft A UN analysis of country under the 2015 Paris agreement on climate on Friday (September 17) showed global emissions would be 16% higher in 2030 than they were in 2010 - far off the 45% reduction by 2030 that scientists say is needed to stave off disastrous climate change. (With inputs from agencies)

'Grow up' to tackle Climate Change, says UK PM Boris Johnson at UNGA

Just as Thursday deadline for a dollar-bond coupon loomed large for indebted Chinese property giant Evergrande, its chairman Hui Ka Yan sought to assure investors that the firm would make it a top priority for them to be able to redeem their products.

Hui Ka Yan, the chairman, said that the company was striving to ensure quality delivery of properties and stressed the importance to resume construction on developments where building had been halted

The assurance had a positive impact and Evergrande's shares jumped as much as 32 per cent. This year, when the threat of Evergrande defaulting on its interest payments loomed large, the company's shares have plunged around 85 per cent.

The bounce in the shares was also a reaction to Wednesday's news that an Evergrande unit had <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-crisis-hit-evergrande-says-deal-has-been-reached-to-avoid-default-414778">resolved a coupon payment with creditors</a>, although this was just one of the hurdles the company faces as it labours under a $305 billion mountain of debt.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/chinas-evergrande-crisis-a-global-financial-crisis-in-the-making-414669">China's Evergrande crisis: A global financial crisis in the making</a>

The group's electric vehicle and property services units climbed around 3% and 9%, respectively.

Reuters quoted a source who said that Evergrande chairman's latest comments were "clearly aimed at stabilising markets but there seems to be not much information for bond holders," said a source familiar with the situation. "There's no clear plan as yet but we expect the debt to be restructured at some point," said the source, who declined to be identified as he was not authorised to speak to the media.&nbsp;

Global investors have been on tenterhooks as the deadline looms, worried that the company's malaise could spread beyond the country’s property sector and pose systemic risks to China's financial system.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-crisis-hit-evergrande-says-deal-has-been-reached-to-avoid-default-414778">China's crisis-hit Evergrande says deal has been reached to avoid default</a>

Chinese Estates Holdings, the second-biggest shareholder of Evergrande, said on Thursday it had sold $32 million worth of its Evergrande stake and planned to exit the holding completely.

On Wednesday, global markets reacted with relief when the People's Bank of China's injected 90 billion yuan ($13.9 billion) into the banking system and an Evergrande unit said it had "resolved" a coupon payment on an onshore bond.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-stocks-slide-over-fears-of-china-property-giant-evergrandes-collapse-414580">US stocks slide over fears of China property giant Evergrande's collapse</a>

But it faces $83.5 million in dollar-bond interest payments due on Thursday on a $2 billion offshore bond. And more payments are coming due next week, with a $47.5 million dollar-bond interest payment due.

($1 = 6.4583 Chinese yuan renminbi)

(With inputs from agencies)

Just as Thursday deadline for a dollar-bond coupon loomed large for indebted Chinese property giant Evergrande, its chairman Hui Ka Yan sought to assure investors that the firm would make it a top priority for them to be able to redeem their products.

Just as Thursday deadline for a dollar-bond coupon loomed large for indebted Chinese property giant Evergrande, its chairman Hui Ka Yan sought to assure investors that the firm would make it a top priority for them to be able to redeem their products. Hui Ka Yan, the chairman, said that the company was striving to ensure quality delivery of properties and stressed the importance to resume construction on developments where building had been halted The assurance had a positive impact and Evergrande's shares jumped as much as 32 per cent. This year, when the threat of Evergrande defaulting on its interest payments loomed large, the company's shares have plunged around 85 per cent. The bounce in the shares was also a reaction to Wednesday's news that an Evergrande unit had resolved a coupon payment with creditors, although this was just one of the hurdles the company faces as it labours under a $305 billion mountain of debt. Also Read | China's Evergrande crisis: A global financial crisis in the making The group's electric vehicle and property services units climbed around 3% and 9%, respectively. Reuters quoted a source who said that Evergrande chairman's latest comments were "clearly aimed at stabilising markets but there seems to be not much information for bond holders," said a source familiar with the situation. "There's no clear plan as yet but we expect the debt to be restructured at some point," said the source, who declined to be identified as he was not authorised to speak to the media. Global investors have been on tenterhooks as the deadline looms, worried that the company's malaise could spread beyond the country’s property sector and pose systemic risks to China's financial system. Also Read | China's crisis-hit Evergrande says deal has been reached to avoid default Chinese Estates Holdings, the second-biggest shareholder of Evergrande, said on Thursday it had sold $32 million worth of its Evergrande stake and planned to exit the holding completely. On Wednesday, global markets reacted with relief when the People's Bank of China's injected 90 billion yuan ($13.9 billion) into the banking system and an Evergrande unit said it had "resolved" a coupon payment on an onshore bond. Also Read | US stocks slide over fears of China property giant Evergrande's collapse But it faces $83.5 million in dollar-bond interest payments due on Thursday on a $2 billion offshore bond. And more payments are coming due next week, with a $47.5 million dollar-bond interest payment due. ($1 = 6.4583 Chinese yuan renminbi) (With inputs from agencies)

Evergrande chairman reassures investors, shares surge

UNGA: PM Modi arrives in US, busy days ahead

US President Joe Biden on Wednesday said that the Quad partnership of Australia, US, India, Japan was on track to produce 1 billion vaccine doses in India by 2022. He was addressing virtually the Global Summit to end Covid-19. He asserted that nothing was more important than defeating Covid-19

"We're working with partner nations, pharmaceutical companies, and other manufacturers to increase their own capacity and capability to produce and manufacture safe and highly effective vaccines in their own countries," Biden said.

"For example, our Quad partnership with India, Japan, and Australia is on track to help produce at least 1 billion vaccine doses in India to boost the global supply by the end of 2022. And we're providing financing and helping strengthen manufacturing in South Africa, and produce more than 500 million doses of J&amp;J in Africa for Africa next year," he said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/global-covid-19-summit-indian-pm-modi-bats-for-mutual-recognition-of-vaccine-certificates-amid-uk-row-414998">Global COVID-19 summit: Indian PM Modi bats for mutual recognition of vaccine certificates amid UK row</a>

Biden also said that he is keeping his promise that America will become arsenal of vaccines as it was the arsenal for democracy during Second World War.

The US has already shipped nearly 160 million doses to 100 countries, more than every other country has donated combined. America's donations of a half a billion Pfizer vaccines through COVAX, that he announced before the G-7 summit in June, have already begun to ship, Mr Biden told the virtual summit from the White House.

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"Today, I'm announcing another historic commitment. The United States is buying another half billion doses of Pfizer to donate to low and middle-income countries around the world. This is another half billion doses that will all be shipped by this time next year, and it brings our total commitment to a donation, of donated vaccines, to over 1.1 billion vaccines to be donated," Biden said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pressure-grows-on-us-companies-to-share-covid-vaccine-technology-415018">Pressure grows on US companies to share Covid vaccine technology</a>

"Put another way, for every one shot we've administered to date in America, we have now committed to do three shots to the rest of the world," he said and thanked Pfizer and its CEO and chairman, Albert Bourla for being helpful in this regard.

"They've been and continue to be partners and the leader of this fight. The United States is leading the world on vaccination donations. As we are doing that, we need other high-income countries to deliver on their own ambitious vaccine donations and pledges. That's why today, we're launching the EU-US vaccine partnership to work more closely together and with our partners and expanding global vaccinations," Biden said.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden on Wednesday said that the Quad partnership of Australia, US, India, Japan was on track to produce 1 billion vaccine doses in India by 2022.

US President Joe Biden on Wednesday said that the Quad partnership of Australia, US, India, Japan was on track to produce 1 billion vaccine doses in India by 2022. He was addressing virtually the Global Summit to end Covid-19. He asserted that nothing was more important than defeating Covid-19 "We're working with partner nations, pharmaceutical companies, and other manufacturers to increase their own capacity and capability to produce and manufacture safe and highly effective vaccines in their own countries," Biden said. "For example, our Quad partnership with India, Japan, and Australia is on track to help produce at least 1 billion vaccine doses in India to boost the global supply by the end of 2022. And we're providing financing and helping strengthen manufacturing in South Africa, and produce more than 500 million doses of J&J in Africa for Africa next year," he said. Also Read | Global COVID-19 summit: Indian PM Modi bats for mutual recognition of vaccine certificates amid UK row Biden also said that he is keeping his promise that America will become arsenal of vaccines as it was the arsenal for democracy during Second World War. The US has already shipped nearly 160 million doses to 100 countries, more than every other country has donated combined. America's donations of a half a billion Pfizer vaccines through COVAX, that he announced before the G-7 summit in June, have already begun to ship, Mr Biden told the virtual summit from the White House. Also Read | Germany seeks backing for Tedros at WHO helm as Africa quiet: Diplomats "Today, I'm announcing another historic commitment. The United States is buying another half billion doses of Pfizer to donate to low and middle-income countries around the world. This is another half billion doses that will all be shipped by this time next year, and it brings our total commitment to a donation, of donated vaccines, to over 1.1 billion vaccines to be donated," Biden said. Also Read | Pressure grows on US companies to share Covid vaccine technology "Put another way, for every one shot we've administered to date in America, we have now committed to do three shots to the rest of the world," he said and thanked Pfizer and its CEO and chairman, Albert Bourla for being helpful in this regard. "They've been and continue to be partners and the leader of this fight. The United States is leading the world on vaccination donations. As we are doing that, we need other high-income countries to deliver on their own ambitious vaccine donations and pledges. That's why today, we're launching the EU-US vaccine partnership to work more closely together and with our partners and expanding global vaccinations," Biden said. (With inputs from agencies)

Quad on track to produce 1 billion Covid doses in India: Biden

Delta has all but elbowed out the three other Covid-19 variants of concern, which now represent a tiny fraction of the samples being sequenced, the WHO said Tuesday.

"Less than one percent each of Alpha, Beta and Gamma are currently circulating. It's really predominantly Delta around the world," said Maria Van Kerkhove, the World Health Organization's technical lead on COVID-19.

 
Delta "has become more fit, it is more transmissible and it is out-competing, it is replacing the other viruses that are circulating," she told a WHO social media live interaction, adding that Delta had been detected in more than 185 countries to date.

All viruses mutate over time, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus which causes Covid-19 disease.

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During late 2020, the emergence of variants that posed an increased risk to global public health prompted the WHO to start characterising them as variants of interest, and the more-worrying variants of concern, to inform the response to the pandemic.

The UN health agency decided to name the variants after the letters of the Greek alphabet, to avoid the countries that first detected them being stigmatised.

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Besides the four variants of concern, there are also five variants of interest, but Van Kerkhove said three of them -- Eta, Iota and Kappa -- were now being downgraded to variants under monitoring.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-vaccine-swap-deal-uk-to-send-1-million-pfizer-doses-to-south-korea-415042">In a vaccine swap deal, UK to send 1 million Pfizer doses to South Korea</a>

"This is really due to changes in circulation and that the variants of interest are just out-competed by the variants of concern. They're just not taking hold," she said.

Delta has all but elbowed out the three other Covid-19 variants of concern, which now represent a tiny fraction of the samples being sequenced, the WHO said Tuesday.

Delta has all but elbowed out the three other Covid-19 variants of concern, which now represent a tiny fraction of the samples being sequenced, the WHO said Tuesday. "Less than one percent each of Alpha, Beta and Gamma are currently circulating. It's really predominantly Delta around the world," said Maria Van Kerkhove, the World Health Organization's technical lead on COVID-19. Delta "has become more fit, it is more transmissible and it is out-competing, it is replacing the other viruses that are circulating," she told a WHO social media live interaction, adding that Delta had been detected in more than 185 countries to date. All viruses mutate over time, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus which causes Covid-19 disease. Also Read | Quad on track to produce 1 billion Covid doses in India: Biden During late 2020, the emergence of variants that posed an increased risk to global public health prompted the WHO to start characterising them as variants of interest, and the more-worrying variants of concern, to inform the response to the pandemic. The UN health agency decided to name the variants after the letters of the Greek alphabet, to avoid the countries that first detected them being stigmatised. Also Read | US FDA authorises third dose of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for older Americans Besides the four variants of concern, there are also five variants of interest, but Van Kerkhove said three of them -- Eta, Iota and Kappa -- were now being downgraded to variants under monitoring. Also Read | In a vaccine swap deal, UK to send 1 million Pfizer doses to South Korea "This is really due to changes in circulation and that the variants of interest are just out-competed by the variants of concern. They're just not taking hold," she said.

Delta is edging out other strains as most dominant Covid variant of concern: WHO

NASA is splitting its human spaceflight department into two separate bodies - one centered on big, future-oriented missions to the moon and Mars, the other on the International Space Station and other operations closer to Earth.

The reorganization, announced by NASA chief Bill Nelson on Tuesday, reflects an evolving relationship between private companies, such as SpaceX, that have increasingly commercialised rocket travel and the federal agency that had exercised a US&nbsp;monopoly over spaceflight for decades.

Nelson said the shake-up was also spurred by a recent proliferation of flights and commercial investment in low-Earth orbit even as NASA steps up its development of deep-space aspirations.

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"Today is more than organizational change," Nelson said at a press briefing. "It's setting the stage for the next 20 years, it's defining NASA's future in a growing space economy."

The move breaks up NASA's Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, currently headed by Kathy Leuders, into two separate branches.

Leuders will keep her associate administrator title as head of the new Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate, focusing on NASA's most ambitious, long-term programs, such as plans to return astronauts to the moon under project Artemis, and eventual human exploration of Mars.

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A retired deputy associate administrator, James Free, who played key roles in NASA's space station and commercial crew and cargo programs, will return to the agency as head of the new Space Operations Mission Directorate.

His branch will primarily oversee more routine launch and spaceflight activities, including missions involving the space station and privatization of low-Earth orbit, as well as sustaining lunar operations once those have been established.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-hubble-telescope-captures-massive-eye-of-dying-star-414846">NASA's Hubble Telescope captures massive 'eye' of dying star</a>

"This approach with two areas focused on human spaceflight allows one mission directorate to operate in space while the other builds future space systems," NASA said in a press release announcing the move.

The announcement came less than a week after SpaceX, which had already flown numerous astronaut missions and cargo payloads to the space station for NASA, launched the first all-civilian crew ever to reach orbit and returned them safely to Earth.

NASA is splitting its human spaceflight department into two separate bodies - one centered on big, future-oriented missions to the moon and Mars, the other on the International Space Station and other operations closer to Earth.

NASA is splitting its human spaceflight department into two separate bodies - one centered on big, future-oriented missions to the moon and Mars, the other on the International Space Station and other operations closer to Earth. The reorganization, announced by NASA chief Bill Nelson on Tuesday, reflects an evolving relationship between private companies, such as SpaceX, that have increasingly commercialised rocket travel and the federal agency that had exercised a US monopoly over spaceflight for decades. Nelson said the shake-up was also spurred by a recent proliferation of flights and commercial investment in low-Earth orbit even as NASA steps up its development of deep-space aspirations. Also Read | Cracks on ISS a 'serious issue', says former NASA astronaut "Today is more than organizational change," Nelson said at a press briefing. "It's setting the stage for the next 20 years, it's defining NASA's future in a growing space economy." The move breaks up NASA's Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, currently headed by Kathy Leuders, into two separate branches. Leuders will keep her associate administrator title as head of the new Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate, focusing on NASA's most ambitious, long-term programs, such as plans to return astronauts to the moon under project Artemis, and eventual human exploration of Mars. Also Read | NASA's Ingenuity helicopter is finding it tougher to fly on Mars A retired deputy associate administrator, James Free, who played key roles in NASA's space station and commercial crew and cargo programs, will return to the agency as head of the new Space Operations Mission Directorate. His branch will primarily oversee more routine launch and spaceflight activities, including missions involving the space station and privatization of low-Earth orbit, as well as sustaining lunar operations once those have been established. Also Read | NASA's Hubble Telescope captures massive 'eye' of dying star "This approach with two areas focused on human spaceflight allows one mission directorate to operate in space while the other builds future space systems," NASA said in a press release announcing the move. The announcement came less than a week after SpaceX, which had already flown numerous astronaut missions and cargo payloads to the space station for NASA, launched the first all-civilian crew ever to reach orbit and returned them safely to Earth.

NASA splits human spaceflight unit in two, reflecting new orbital economy

He was seen as symbol of USA's resurgence globally when he said "America is back!" but a latest opinion poll shows US President Joe Biden's approval rating has dropped below former US President Donald Trump. In a poll carried out by Harvard CAPS/ Harris Poll, it has been seen that approval of Biden has dropped since the time he got elected as President of USA.

Trump was favoured by 48 per cent of the respondents while Biden found backing from 46 per cent, as per The Hill which has reported the survey.

Trump also scores more on the question asking people who was the better president. 51 per cent backed Trump while 40 per cent had the opposite view.

However, Trump has more negative rating of 49 per cent than Biden's 47 per cent. These respondents have unfavourable opinion of the respective men.

The news report said that the full results are due to be released later this week.

The survey was carried out on September 15 and 16. There were 1,578 respondents, all of whom were registered US voters.

Biden enjoyed positive image globally as Trump's policies had seen him take USA out of number of international treaties and anger US allies. However, Biden faced a lot of flak over hasty US withdrawal from Afghanistan.

He was seen as symbol of USA's resurgence globally when he said "America is back!" but a latest opinion poll shows US President Joe Biden's approval rating has dropped below former US President Donald Trump.

He was seen as symbol of USA's resurgence globally when he said "America is back!" but a latest opinion poll shows US President Joe Biden's approval rating has dropped below former US President Donald Trump. In a poll carried out by Harvard CAPS/ Harris Poll, it has been seen that approval of Biden has dropped since the time he got elected as President of USA. Trump was favoured by 48 per cent of the respondents while Biden found backing from 46 per cent, as per The Hill which has reported the survey. Trump also scores more on the question asking people who was the better president. 51 per cent backed Trump while 40 per cent had the opposite view. However, Trump has more negative rating of 49 per cent than Biden's 47 per cent. These respondents have unfavourable opinion of the respective men. The news report said that the full results are due to be released later this week. The survey was carried out on September 15 and 16. There were 1,578 respondents, all of whom were registered US voters. Biden enjoyed positive image globally as Trump's policies had seen him take USA out of number of international treaties and anger US allies. However, Biden faced a lot of flak over hasty US withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Harvard poll reveals Donald Trump has higher positive rating than Biden

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached USA on September 23 (as per Indian time). The PM&nbsp;will be&nbsp;engaged in a number of&nbsp;high-profile meetings. Over the entirety of his US visit, PM Modi will address 76th session of United Nations General Assembly, meet US President Joe Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris, attend Quad summit and more. These high-profile meets are happening this year just over a month after Taliban's capture of power in Afghanistan. This and many other issues are likely to feature in talks.

PM Modi has addressed Global Covid-19 Summit. During his address he <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/global-covid-19-summit-indian-pm-modi-bats-for-mutual-recognition-of-vaccine-certificates-amid-uk-row-414998">made a case for mutual recognition of vaccine certificates</a>. This has come amid India's row with Britain on the same issue.

Here is PM Modi's schedule on day 1 of his US visit

September 23 (Indian time)

7:15 pm IST: Meet with global CEOs

PM Narendra Modi will meet CEOs of prominent global companies. Two of them are of&nbsp;Indian heritage.

The CEOs PM Modi will meet include Shantanu Narayen from Adobe Vivek Lall from General Atomics, Cristiano E Amon from Qualcomm, Mark Widmar from First Solar, and Stephen A Schwarzman from Blackstone.

In Pics | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/pm-modi-in-usa-quad-unga-joe-biden-415080">UNGA: PM Modi arrives in US, busy days ahead</a>

The Prime Minister's meeting with American CEOs from five different key areas is reflective of the priorities of his government.

While Narayen reflects the IT and digital priority that the Indian government is pushing for, Modi's meeting with Lall is significant as General Atomics is not only the pioneer in military drone technologies but also the world's top manufacturer of state-of-the-art military drones, which the US shares only with its key allies and partners.

Jakarta-born Vivek Lall, now based out of California, for over a decade has been instrumental in major bilateral defence deals worth around $18 billion, as India and the US take steps to forge a new relationship in which defence trade is a key pillar.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/global-covid-19-summit-indian-pm-modi-bats-for-mutual-recognition-of-vaccine-certificates-amid-uk-row-414998">Global COVID-19 summit: Indian PM Modi bats for mutual recognition of vaccine certificates amid UK row</a>

Stephen A Schwarzman is Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder of Blackstone, one of the world's leading investment firms investing capital on behalf of pension funds, large institutions and individuals.

The meeting with Qualcomm's Cristiano Amon assumes significance, given India's push for the 5G technology to be safe and secure.

Meeting with Mark Widmar is important as First Solar is a leading global provider of comprehensive photovoltaic (“PV”) solar solutions

11 pm IST: Meet with Australian PM Scott Morisson

PM Modi will hold a separate meeting with Australian PM Scott Morrison. Both India and Australia are part of Quad grouping that includes USA, Japan additionally.

Australia recently struck a submarine deal with US and UK

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-narendra-modis-flight-to-us-skips-frankfurt-stopover-courtesy-advanced-aircraft-414962">Indian PM Narendra Modi's flight to US skips Frankfurt stopover, courtesy advanced aircraft </a>

PM Modi is scheduled to meet US President Joe Biden on September 24. The day will also be important because of the Quad summit. This will be first in-person summit of the grouping.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached USA on September 23 (as per Indian time). The PM will be engaged in a number of high-profile meetings. Over the entirety of his US visit, PM Modi will address 76th session of United Nations General Assembly, meet US President Joe Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris, attend Quad summit and more.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached USA on September 23 (as per Indian time). The PM will be engaged in a number of high-profile meetings. Over the entirety of his US visit, PM Modi will address 76th session of United Nations General Assembly, meet US President Joe Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris, attend Quad summit and more. These high-profile meets are happening this year just over a month after Taliban's capture of power in Afghanistan. This and many other issues are likely to feature in talks. PM Modi has addressed Global Covid-19 Summit. During his address he made a case for mutual recognition of vaccine certificates. This has come amid India's row with Britain on the same issue. Here is PM Modi's schedule on day 1 of his US visit September 23 (Indian time) 7:15 pm IST: Meet with global CEOs PM Narendra Modi will meet CEOs of prominent global companies. Two of them are of Indian heritage. The CEOs PM Modi will meet include Shantanu Narayen from Adobe Vivek Lall from General Atomics, Cristiano E Amon from Qualcomm, Mark Widmar from First Solar, and Stephen A Schwarzman from Blackstone. In Pics | UNGA: PM Modi arrives in US, busy days ahead The Prime Minister's meeting with American CEOs from five different key areas is reflective of the priorities of his government. While Narayen reflects the IT and digital priority that the Indian government is pushing for, Modi's meeting with Lall is significant as General Atomics is not only the pioneer in military drone technologies but also the world's top manufacturer of state-of-the-art military drones, which the US shares only with its key allies and partners. Jakarta-born Vivek Lall, now based out of California, for over a decade has been instrumental in major bilateral defence deals worth around $18 billion, as India and the US take steps to forge a new relationship in which defence trade is a key pillar. Also Read | Global COVID-19 summit: Indian PM Modi bats for mutual recognition of vaccine certificates amid UK row Stephen A Schwarzman is Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder of Blackstone, one of the world's leading investment firms investing capital on behalf of pension funds, large institutions and individuals. The meeting with Qualcomm's Cristiano Amon assumes significance, given India's push for the 5G technology to be safe and secure. Meeting with Mark Widmar is important as First Solar is a leading global provider of comprehensive photovoltaic (“PV”) solar solutions 11 pm IST: Meet with Australian PM Scott Morisson PM Modi will hold a separate meeting with Australian PM Scott Morrison. Both India and Australia are part of Quad grouping that includes USA, Japan additionally. Australia recently struck a submarine deal with US and UK Also Read | Indian PM Narendra Modi's flight to US skips Frankfurt stopover, courtesy advanced aircraft PM Modi is scheduled to meet US President Joe Biden on September 24. The day will also be important because of the Quad summit. This will be first in-person summit of the grouping. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi's US visit day 1 schedule: Meet with Australian PM Scott Morrison, global CEOs

The US Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday (September 22) authorized a booster dose of the Pfizer Inc and BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for those aged 65 and older and some high-risk Americans, paving the way for a quick rollout of the shots.

The booster dose is to be administered at least six months after completion of the second dose, and the authorisation would include people most susceptible to severe disease and those in jobs that left them at risk, the FDA said.

A US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advisory panel could vote on Thursday on the use of a third shot of the vaccine, an agency official said at a public meeting of the panel on Wednesday.

President Joe Biden announced in August the government's intention to roll out booster shots for people aged 16 and older this week, pending approval by the FDA and CDC.

Advisers to the FDA voted on Friday to recommend COVID-19 vaccine booster shots for Americans 65 and older and those at high risk of severe illness, after overwhelmingly rejecting a call for broader approval.

The advisory panel said there was not enough evidence to support booster shots for all those aged 16 and older who had received a second dose at least six months earlier and also sought more safety data.

The agency could revisit the issue of additional shots for a broader authorization in the future. Top FDA members have been split on the need for boosters for the general population, with interim head Janet Woodcock backing them and some of the agency's senior scientists arguing current evidence does not support them.

Johnson &amp; Johnson said on Tuesday a second shot of its COVID-19 vaccine increased its effectiveness in the United States against moderate to severe forms of the disease.

Data from Moderna Inc's COVID-19 vaccine on booster doses is just weeks away, President Joe Biden's chief medical adviser, Dr. Anthony Fauci, said on Sunday.

Some countries, including Israel and Britain, have already rolled out COVID-19 booster campaigns. The United States authorized extra shots for people with compromised immune systems last month and over 2 million people had already received a third shot, CDC data showed.

The US Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday (September 22) authorized a booster dose of the Pfizer Inc and BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for those aged 65 and older and some high-risk Americans, paving the way for a quick rollout of the shots.

The US Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday (September 22) authorized a booster dose of the Pfizer Inc and BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for those aged 65 and older and some high-risk Americans, paving the way for a quick rollout of the shots. The booster dose is to be administered at least six months after completion of the second dose, and the authorisation would include people most susceptible to severe disease and those in jobs that left them at risk, the FDA said. A US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advisory panel could vote on Thursday on the use of a third shot of the vaccine, an agency official said at a public meeting of the panel on Wednesday. President Joe Biden announced in August the government's intention to roll out booster shots for people aged 16 and older this week, pending approval by the FDA and CDC. Advisers to the FDA voted on Friday to recommend COVID-19 vaccine booster shots for Americans 65 and older and those at high risk of severe illness, after overwhelmingly rejecting a call for broader approval. The advisory panel said there was not enough evidence to support booster shots for all those aged 16 and older who had received a second dose at least six months earlier and also sought more safety data. The agency could revisit the issue of additional shots for a broader authorization in the future. Top FDA members have been split on the need for boosters for the general population, with interim head Janet Woodcock backing them and some of the agency's senior scientists arguing current evidence does not support them. Johnson & Johnson said on Tuesday a second shot of its COVID-19 vaccine increased its effectiveness in the United States against moderate to severe forms of the disease. Data from Moderna Inc's COVID-19 vaccine on booster doses is just weeks away, President Joe Biden's chief medical adviser, Dr. Anthony Fauci, said on Sunday. Some countries, including Israel and Britain, have already rolled out COVID-19 booster campaigns. The United States authorized extra shots for people with compromised immune systems last month and over 2 million people had already received a third shot, CDC data showed.

US FDA authorises third dose of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for older Americans

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