Russia&nbsp;reported 752 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;deaths on Saturday, a national record of pandemic-related fatalities over a 24-hour period, as the country battles a third wave.

Russia&nbsp;has now set seven new pandemic highs for COVID-19 deaths in the last 12 days as it fights a surging outbreak driven by the highly infectious Delta variant and a sluggish vaccination campaign.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-reports-record-covid-deaths-for-fifth-straight-day-395544">Russia sets another Covid record as world battles Delta variant</a>

The country's official virus caseload passed 5.75 million on Saturday, making it the fifth-worst hit nation worldwide, according to an AFP tally.

As of Saturday, just 18.9 million of&nbsp;Russia's population of some 146 million people had been fully <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccinated</a>, according to the Gogov website, which tallies Covid data from the regions.&nbsp;

In Moscow, the epicentre of&nbsp;Russia's outbreak, just 1.8 million of the city's some 12 million people had been fully vaccinated despite free jabs having been available since December.&nbsp;

Authorities have faced a vaccine-sceptic population, with an independent poll this week showing that 54 percent of Russians do not plan on getting a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">COVID-19 jab</a>.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nobody-wants-a-lockdown-coronavirus-related-deaths-spike-in-russia-395375">'Nobody wants a lockdown': Coronavirus related deaths spike in Russia</a>

But the pace of the vaccination drive has nonetheless picked up after Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin last month mandated that 60 per cent of service industry workers must be fully inoculated by mid-August, with a number of Russian regions since following suit.

On Friday, Sobyanin said 3.5 million Muscovites will have received at least their first dose of a vaccine by the end of the weekend.&nbsp;

The mayor has also ordered offices in the Russian capital to send home a third of their unvaccinated employees and restaurants to allow inside only patrons who have been vaccinated or infected in the past six months.

The Kremlin, however, has rejected mandatory vaccinations for all groups of the population as well as suggestions of reimposing a nationwide lockdown.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-reports-record-covid-deaths-for-fifth-straight-day-395544">Russia reports record Covid deaths for fifth straight day</a>

With 142,253 deaths from the virus,&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;has the highest official COVID-19 toll in Europe, even as authorities have been accused of downplaying the severity of the country's outbreak.

Under a broader definition for deaths linked to the coronavirus, statistics agency Rosstat at the end of April said that&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;has seen at least 270,000 fatalities.

Russia reported 752 coronavirus deaths on Saturday, a national record of pandemic-related fatalities over a 24-hour period, as the country battles a third wave. Russia has now set seven new pandemic highs for COVID-19 deaths in the last 12 days as it fights a surging outbreak driven by the highly infectious Delta variant and a sluggish vaccination campaign.

Russia reported 752 coronavirus deaths on Saturday, a national record of pandemic-related fatalities over a 24-hour period, as the country battles a third wave. Russia has now set seven new pandemic highs for COVID-19 deaths in the last 12 days as it fights a surging outbreak driven by the highly infectious Delta variant and a sluggish vaccination campaign. Also read | Russia sets another Covid record as world battles Delta variant The country's official virus caseload passed 5.75 million on Saturday, making it the fifth-worst hit nation worldwide, according to an AFP tally. As of Saturday, just 18.9 million of Russia's population of some 146 million people had been fully vaccinated, according to the Gogov website, which tallies Covid data from the regions. In Moscow, the epicentre of Russia's outbreak, just 1.8 million of the city's some 12 million people had been fully vaccinated despite free jabs having been available since December. Authorities have faced a vaccine-sceptic population, with an independent poll this week showing that 54 percent of Russians do not plan on getting a COVID-19 jab. Also read | 'Nobody wants a lockdown': Coronavirus related deaths spike in Russia But the pace of the vaccination drive has nonetheless picked up after Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin last month mandated that 60 per cent of service industry workers must be fully inoculated by mid-August, with a number of Russian regions since following suit. On Friday, Sobyanin said 3.5 million Muscovites will have received at least their first dose of a vaccine by the end of the weekend. The mayor has also ordered offices in the Russian capital to send home a third of their unvaccinated employees and restaurants to allow inside only patrons who have been vaccinated or infected in the past six months. The Kremlin, however, has rejected mandatory vaccinations for all groups of the population as well as suggestions of reimposing a nationwide lockdown. Also read | Russia reports record Covid deaths for fifth straight day With 142,253 deaths from the virus, Russia has the highest official COVID-19 toll in Europe, even as authorities have been accused of downplaying the severity of the country's outbreak. Under a broader definition for deaths linked to the coronavirus, statistics agency Rosstat at the end of April said that Russia has seen at least 270,000 fatalities.

Russia sets latest pandemic high for coronavirus deaths

Work-from-home has been the new normal in pandemic times. Some of us may like WFH and some of us won't. All is fine till everyone is treated fairly in corporate decisions. But how would you feel if your boss, who staunchly opposed WFH initially packed bags and moved to another country in order to work from home?

This has reportedly happened in Google. CNET reported that Urs Holzle, Senior Vice President for technical infrastructure is moving to New Zealand to work remotely.

Holzle told staff on June 29 that he will be moving to New Zealand. As per the report in CNET, Holzle had initially opposed WFH for staff who did not have a certain level of seniority in the organisation.

"After three decades in the US, my wife and I both felt it was time to consider a new location," Hölzle wrote in a company memo reviewed by CNET. "We've decided to spend a year in New Zealand and see how we like it."

The charge is reportedly denied by Google. A spokesperson has been quoted by Business Insider as saying that Holzle did not oppose WFH for junior employees.

However, Holzle's move to work remotely from a different country altogether may not go down well just when Google is planning to gradually have employees work from office.

Work-from-home has been the new normal in pandemic times. Some of us may like WFH and some of us won't. All is fine till everyone is treated fairly in corporate decisions.

Work-from-home has been the new normal in pandemic times. Some of us may like WFH and some of us won't. All is fine till everyone is treated fairly in corporate decisions. But how would you feel if your boss, who staunchly opposed WFH initially packed bags and moved to another country in order to work from home? This has reportedly happened in Google. CNET reported that Urs Holzle, Senior Vice President for technical infrastructure is moving to New Zealand to work remotely. Holzle told staff on June 29 that he will be moving to New Zealand. As per the report in CNET, Holzle had initially opposed WFH for staff who did not have a certain level of seniority in the organisation. "After three decades in the US, my wife and I both felt it was time to consider a new location," Hölzle wrote in a company memo reviewed by CNET. "We've decided to spend a year in New Zealand and see how we like it." The charge is reportedly denied by Google. A spokesperson has been quoted by Business Insider as saying that Holzle did not oppose WFH for junior employees. However, Holzle's move to work remotely from a different country altogether may not go down well just when Google is planning to gradually have employees work from office.

Senior Google executive who opposed work-from-home to move to New Zealand to work remotely: Report

The&nbsp;mayor&nbsp;of Johannesburg on Friday became the latest fatality of a third <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Covid</a> wave ripping through South Africa as the authorities expanded inoculation against the virus.

Mayor&nbsp;Geoff Makhubo, who fell ill with Covid last month, died from complications at the age of 53.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/worst-of-covid-19-is-yet-to-come-for-africa-who-396816">Worst of COVID-19 is yet to come for Africa: WHO</a>

The loss is "a stark reminder of the threat posed by this deadly pandemic, against which we are all extremely vulnerable," said President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Makhubo was diagnosed before the country opened up vaccination to people aged under 60.

From July 1, people aged 50-59 were asked to start registering for their shots, which were scheduled to start being administered from July 15.

But many showed up at vaccination centres just after they had registered and were immunised.

On Friday, acting Health Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane announced plans to widen vaccination to the 35-49 age group from August 1.

The latest wave of infections in South Africa, the continent's hardest-hit country for coronvavirus, have been&nbsp;driven by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/delta-is-the-fastest-covid-19-variant-and-will-pick-off-the-most-vulnerable-who-393278">Delta</a> variant.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/delta-variant-driving-covid-surge-in-south-africa-394228">Delta variant driving Covid surge in South Africa</a>

South Africa has recorded more than 2.1 million cases.

Numbers are rapidly rising, with a pandemic-high 26,485 recorded on Saturday alone.&nbsp;

On Thursday it saw 22,910 new cases and 460 deaths, taking its total number of fatalities to 63,499.

"What's happening in South Africa is happening is many countries that still have low vaccination rates," virologist Tulio de Oliveira&nbsp;told the news briefing.

Only a tiny fraction have been of South Africa's 59 million people have been <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccinated</a>.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africa-moves-to-level-4-lockdown-as-covid-19-infections-surge-president-cyril-ramaphosa-394436">South Africa moves to Level 4 lockdown as COVID-19 infections surge: President Cyril Ramaphosa</a>

"We have reached 5.6 percent of the population, obviously way too little to reach herd immunity," said Nicholas Crisp, the health ministry's deputy director-general.

After a faltering start to its immunisation programme, the government is targeting 250,000 jabs daily.&nbsp;

It has recently approved the China's Sinovac and Sinopharm, which join the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/pfizer">Pfizer-BioNTech</a> and Johnson &amp; Johnson formulas in the national vaccine arsenal.

The mayor of Johannesburg on Friday became the latest fatality of a third Covid wave ripping through South Africa as the authorities expanded inoculation against the virus.

The mayor of Johannesburg on Friday became the latest fatality of a third Covid wave ripping through South Africa as the authorities expanded inoculation against the virus. Mayor Geoff Makhubo, who fell ill with Covid last month, died from complications at the age of 53. Also read | Worst of COVID-19 is yet to come for Africa: WHO The loss is "a stark reminder of the threat posed by this deadly pandemic, against which we are all extremely vulnerable," said President Cyril Ramaphosa. Makhubo was diagnosed before the country opened up vaccination to people aged under 60. From July 1, people aged 50-59 were asked to start registering for their shots, which were scheduled to start being administered from July 15. But many showed up at vaccination centres just after they had registered and were immunised. On Friday, acting Health Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane announced plans to widen vaccination to the 35-49 age group from August 1. The latest wave of infections in South Africa, the continent's hardest-hit country for coronvavirus, have been driven by the Delta variant. Also read | Delta variant driving Covid surge in South Africa South Africa has recorded more than 2.1 million cases. Numbers are rapidly rising, with a pandemic-high 26,485 recorded on Saturday alone. On Thursday it saw 22,910 new cases and 460 deaths, taking its total number of fatalities to 63,499. "What's happening in South Africa is happening is many countries that still have low vaccination rates," virologist Tulio de Oliveira told the news briefing. Only a tiny fraction have been of South Africa's 59 million people have been vaccinated. Also read | South Africa moves to Level 4 lockdown as COVID-19 infections surge: President Cyril Ramaphosa "We have reached 5.6 percent of the population, obviously way too little to reach herd immunity," said Nicholas Crisp, the health ministry's deputy director-general. After a faltering start to its immunisation programme, the government is targeting 250,000 jabs daily. It has recently approved the China's Sinovac and Sinopharm, which join the Pfizer-BioNTech and Johnson & Johnson formulas in the national vaccine arsenal.

Johannesburg mayor dies from Covid as South Africa extends vaccine age

Amidst the US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, China has evacuated 210 of its nationals citing safety concerns.&nbsp;

On Thursday, Xiamen Airlines in a social media post said that Chinese nationals stranded in Afghanistan were flown to Wuhan, Hubei Province, by a flight from Kabul on July 2.&nbsp;

It was later confirmed that despite "top-notch" epidemic prevention measures among them were 22 people infected with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/staring-at-civil-war-how-bad-is-the-situation-in-afghanistan-397134">Staring at civil war: How bad is the situation in Afghanistan?</a>

Chinese officials confirmed recent returnees had been infected with coronavirus but did not reveal particulars of the evacuation flight.&nbsp;

Calling for all Chinese nationals to leave Afghanistan as soon as possible, the Chinese consular affairs department offered them assistance in a social media post.

Chinese state media tabloid Global Times reported that the flight had been organised by the government.

With <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">US President Joe Biden's</a> vow to complete troop withdrawal by August 31, fears have been growing.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-controls-85-of-afghan-territory-taliban-official-says-396921">Taliban controls 85% of Afghan territory, Taliban official says</a>

After two decades of bloody conflict in Afghanistan, since the start of troop withdrawal Taliban has taken control of around 85 per cent of the territories, which has given rise to the Afghan government's declining control over provincial capitals.&nbsp;

Washington's quick and chaotic withdrawal has been harshly criticized by Beijing in recent weeks.

Foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a routine briefing that the US while disregarding its responsibilities and duties is withdrawing troops quickly from Afghanistan, dumping the resulting chaos on locals and neighbouring counties.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistans-neighbours-in-the-region-have-real-stake-in-its-future-us-state-department-397106">Afghanistan’s neighbours in the region have real stake in its future: US State Department</a>

He added that as the original culprit of the Afghan issue, the United States has an unavoidable responsibility.

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi is set to discuss the deteriorating Afghan security situation with counterparts from Russia, India, Pakistan and numerous Central Asian countries at a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation next week.

Next week, at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, China's foreign minister Wang Yi will meet with counterparts from Russia, India, Pakistan and numerous Central Asian countries to discuss the deteriorating Afghan security situation.

Throughout China, social media users celebrated the rescue mission as a national victory, with related hashtags receiving more than 300 million views on Weibo.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Amidst the US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, China has evacuated 210 of its nationals citing safety concerns. On Thursday, Xiamen Airlines in a social media post said that Chinese nationals stranded in Afghanistan were flown to Wuhan, Hubei Province, by a flight from Kabul on July 2.

Amidst the US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, China has evacuated 210 of its nationals citing safety concerns. On Thursday, Xiamen Airlines in a social media post said that Chinese nationals stranded in Afghanistan were flown to Wuhan, Hubei Province, by a flight from Kabul on July 2. It was later confirmed that despite "top-notch" epidemic prevention measures among them were 22 people infected with the coronavirus. Also read | Staring at civil war: How bad is the situation in Afghanistan? Chinese officials confirmed recent returnees had been infected with coronavirus but did not reveal particulars of the evacuation flight. Calling for all Chinese nationals to leave Afghanistan as soon as possible, the Chinese consular affairs department offered them assistance in a social media post. Chinese state media tabloid Global Times reported that the flight had been organised by the government. With US President Joe Biden's vow to complete troop withdrawal by August 31, fears have been growing. Also read | Taliban controls 85% of Afghan territory, Taliban official says After two decades of bloody conflict in Afghanistan, since the start of troop withdrawal Taliban has taken control of around 85 per cent of the territories, which has given rise to the Afghan government's declining control over provincial capitals. Washington's quick and chaotic withdrawal has been harshly criticized by Beijing in recent weeks. Foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a routine briefing that the US while disregarding its responsibilities and duties is withdrawing troops quickly from Afghanistan, dumping the resulting chaos on locals and neighbouring counties. Also read | Afghanistan’s neighbours in the region have real stake in its future: US State Department He added that as the original culprit of the Afghan issue, the United States has an unavoidable responsibility. Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi is set to discuss the deteriorating Afghan security situation with counterparts from Russia, India, Pakistan and numerous Central Asian countries at a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation next week. Next week, at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, China's foreign minister Wang Yi will meet with counterparts from Russia, India, Pakistan and numerous Central Asian countries to discuss the deteriorating Afghan security situation. Throughout China, social media users celebrated the rescue mission as a national victory, with related hashtags receiving more than 300 million views on Weibo. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese citizens evacuated from Afghanistan as US troops withdraw

Israel and Jordan struck a deal on Thursday according to which the Jewish state will sell an unprecedented amount of water to Jordan. This will also significantly boost Jordanian exports to Palestinians in West Bank.

Water resource cooperation has been a core issue between Israel and Jordan since a 1994 peace deal, but relations between the neighbours have frayed in recent years.

The meeting between the two countries was held just inside the Jordanian border. Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid and his Jordanian counterpart approved Israel's sale of &nbsp;50 million cubic metres of water to its neighbour.&nbsp;

Statements from both governments confirmed the sale, and said the final details of the transaction would be concluded in the coming days.

Lapid described Jordan as an "important partner" for Israel, and said he was committed to strengthening ties.

Gidon Bromberg, Israeli Director for EcoPeace Middle East -- a leading organisation on regional water cooperation which operates in Israel, the West Bank and Jordan -- described the water sale as "the largest quantity ever sold between the two countries."

It "is a true 'water shed' event," he said.

"It represents an understanding of mutual interests and how countries in the region need to cooperate, if we are to survive the tremendous challenges to water and national security that the climate crisis presents."

Jordan is one of the world's most water-deficient countries and experts say the country, home to 10 million people, has been grappling with one of its most severe droughts in its history.

Israel, which also faces water pressures, is a world leader in desalination.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel and Jordan struck a deal on Thursday according to which the Jewish state will sell an unprecedented amount of water to Jordan. This will also significantly boost Jordanian exports to Palestinians in West Bank.

Israel and Jordan struck a deal on Thursday according to which the Jewish state will sell an unprecedented amount of water to Jordan. This will also significantly boost Jordanian exports to Palestinians in West Bank. Water resource cooperation has been a core issue between Israel and Jordan since a 1994 peace deal, but relations between the neighbours have frayed in recent years. The meeting between the two countries was held just inside the Jordanian border. Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid and his Jordanian counterpart approved Israel's sale of 50 million cubic metres of water to its neighbour. Statements from both governments confirmed the sale, and said the final details of the transaction would be concluded in the coming days. Lapid described Jordan as an "important partner" for Israel, and said he was committed to strengthening ties. Gidon Bromberg, Israeli Director for EcoPeace Middle East -- a leading organisation on regional water cooperation which operates in Israel, the West Bank and Jordan -- described the water sale as "the largest quantity ever sold between the two countries." It "is a true 'water shed' event," he said. "It represents an understanding of mutual interests and how countries in the region need to cooperate, if we are to survive the tremendous challenges to water and national security that the climate crisis presents." Jordan is one of the world's most water-deficient countries and experts say the country, home to 10 million people, has been grappling with one of its most severe droughts in its history. Israel, which also faces water pressures, is a world leader in desalination. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel, Jordan strike a major water deal

Fifteen US states have stopped opposing a bankruptcy plan for OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma.&nbsp;

Purdue Pharma is accused of triggering America's opioid crisis.

The agreement to drop opposition is a step toward the pharma firm paying USD 4.3 billion to settle cases related to the crisis.&nbsp;

This crisis has caused more than 500,000 overdose death in the US in last 20 years.

A mediator's report filed in a New York state bankruptcy court late Wednesday announced that the states had reached an agreement with Purdue Pharma that would see its owners, the Sackler family, provide an additional $50 million.

Under the terms of the deal, Purdue will also make public tens of millions of documents, including exchanges with its lawyers that have so far remained confidential.

The states include New York and Massachusetts which have been aggressively pursuing the company.

Purdue Pharma agreed in October 2020 to plead guilty to criminal charges relating to its aggressive promotion of OxyContin, a painkiller it knew to be addictive, as part of a deal with the US Justice Department worth $8.3 billion.

The charges included defrauding federal health agencies and of paying illegal kickbacks to doctors.

The company filed for bankruptcy in September 2019, saying it would restructure and help tackle addiction.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Fifteen US states have stopped opposing a bankruptcy plan for OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma. Purdue Pharma is accused of triggering America's opioid crisis. The agreement to drop opposition is a step toward the pharma firm paying USD 4.

Fifteen US states have stopped opposing a bankruptcy plan for OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma. Purdue Pharma is accused of triggering America's opioid crisis. The agreement to drop opposition is a step toward the pharma firm paying USD 4.3 billion to settle cases related to the crisis. This crisis has caused more than 500,000 overdose death in the US in last 20 years. A mediator's report filed in a New York state bankruptcy court late Wednesday announced that the states had reached an agreement with Purdue Pharma that would see its owners, the Sackler family, provide an additional $50 million. Under the terms of the deal, Purdue will also make public tens of millions of documents, including exchanges with its lawyers that have so far remained confidential. The states include New York and Massachusetts which have been aggressively pursuing the company. Purdue Pharma agreed in October 2020 to plead guilty to criminal charges relating to its aggressive promotion of OxyContin, a painkiller it knew to be addictive, as part of a deal with the US Justice Department worth $8.3 billion. The charges included defrauding federal health agencies and of paying illegal kickbacks to doctors. The company filed for bankruptcy in September 2019, saying it would restructure and help tackle addiction. (With inputs from agencies)

US states drop opposition to Purdue Pharma bankruptcy plan

Thai health ministry on Thursday said that it had proposed new travel curbs alongwith tighter restrictions in high-risk areas in order to contain COVID-19 cases. The country reported a daily record of 75 deaths from coronavirus.

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha is due to consider the new restrictions in a meeting on Friday.

"We may need to impose tougher restriction to limit travel, stop group activities, close more facilities and take other measures that are necessary," Prayuth said, adding a decision would be announced after the COVID-19 task force meeting.

Health ministry has proposed measures to limit people's travel from their home and curb on inter-provincial travel. The ministry has also proposed closing non-essential venues and areas that attract crowds.

The rules would be in place for 14 days and would cover the Bangkok metropolitan area and "buffer zones", Kiatiphum said, without elaborating.

"This has similar intensity as April 2020," he said referring to lockdown measures last year that included a nationwide curfew.

Currently, Thailand has in place measures in "high-risk zones", including Bangkok and surrounding provinces, to close malls early and prohibit dining in at restaurants, but they have not been able to halt an acceleration of infections in the past month.

The health ministry has also been expanding hospital capacity in Bangkok including a plan to convert the newly built terminal at Suvarnabhumi International Airport into a field hospital with 5,000 beds by August.

Thailand's COVID-19 task force on Thursday reported 7,058 new coronavirus cases, taking the total number in the country to 308,230. The country has recorded 2,462 fatalities since the pandemic started last year.

(With inputs from agencies)

Thai health ministry on Thursday said that it had proposed new travel curbs alongwith tighter restrictions in high-risk areas in order to contain COVID-19 cases.

Thai health ministry on Thursday said that it had proposed new travel curbs alongwith tighter restrictions in high-risk areas in order to contain COVID-19 cases. The country reported a daily record of 75 deaths from coronavirus. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha is due to consider the new restrictions in a meeting on Friday. "We may need to impose tougher restriction to limit travel, stop group activities, close more facilities and take other measures that are necessary," Prayuth said, adding a decision would be announced after the COVID-19 task force meeting. Health ministry has proposed measures to limit people's travel from their home and curb on inter-provincial travel. The ministry has also proposed closing non-essential venues and areas that attract crowds. The rules would be in place for 14 days and would cover the Bangkok metropolitan area and "buffer zones", Kiatiphum said, without elaborating. "This has similar intensity as April 2020," he said referring to lockdown measures last year that included a nationwide curfew. Currently, Thailand has in place measures in "high-risk zones", including Bangkok and surrounding provinces, to close malls early and prohibit dining in at restaurants, but they have not been able to halt an acceleration of infections in the past month. The health ministry has also been expanding hospital capacity in Bangkok including a plan to convert the newly built terminal at Suvarnabhumi International Airport into a field hospital with 5,000 beds by August. Thailand's COVID-19 task force on Thursday reported 7,058 new coronavirus cases, taking the total number in the country to 308,230. The country has recorded 2,462 fatalities since the pandemic started last year. (With inputs from agencies)

Thailand mulls tighter restrictions as Covid deaths climb

France warned its nationals on Thursday not to travel to Spain or Portugal on holiday. The warning has been given in view of a spike in Covid cases caused by Delta variant. The variant is highly contagious.

Right now, France allows people to travel to all other European Union member states if they are fully vaccinated or presently negative PCR or antigen test on their return.

But Europe Minister Clement Beaune pointedly advised the French against crossing the Pyrenees mountains to Spain or Portugal.

"For those who have not yet booked their holidays, avoid Spain and Portugal as a destination," he told France 2 television. "It's better to remain in France or go to other countries."

Beaune added that France, which fears being hit by a fourth wave of coronavirus infections this summer, was weighing restrictions on travel in Europe over the spread of the highly infectious Delta mutation.

"We have to be careful... the pandemic is not over," he said. "We will decide in the coming days, but we could put in place reinforced measures."

Germany has already put a ban on travellers from Portugal. Delta variant has become dominant in Portugal

Portugal's Foreign Minister Augusto Santos Silva acknowledged that the health situation in his country had "worsened" and said France's concerns were "understandable."

(With inputs from agencies)

France warned its nationals on Thursday not to travel to Spain or Portugal on holiday. The warning has been given in view of a spike in Covid cases caused by Delta variant.

France warned its nationals on Thursday not to travel to Spain or Portugal on holiday. The warning has been given in view of a spike in Covid cases caused by Delta variant. The variant is highly contagious. Right now, France allows people to travel to all other European Union member states if they are fully vaccinated or presently negative PCR or antigen test on their return. But Europe Minister Clement Beaune pointedly advised the French against crossing the Pyrenees mountains to Spain or Portugal. "For those who have not yet booked their holidays, avoid Spain and Portugal as a destination," he told France 2 television. "It's better to remain in France or go to other countries." Beaune added that France, which fears being hit by a fourth wave of coronavirus infections this summer, was weighing restrictions on travel in Europe over the spread of the highly infectious Delta mutation. "We have to be careful... the pandemic is not over," he said. "We will decide in the coming days, but we could put in place reinforced measures." Germany has already put a ban on travellers from Portugal. Delta variant has become dominant in Portugal Portugal's Foreign Minister Augusto Santos Silva acknowledged that the health situation in his country had "worsened" and said France's concerns were "understandable." (With inputs from agencies)

Delta variant: France warns citizens against travel to Spain, Portugal

Anger is palpable on Iraqi streets as people protest power cuts amid temperatures rising above 50 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit).

The oil-rich city of Basra saw angry protests by the people last week. The protesters burnt tyres and blocked highways.

Power outages have often led to violent protests in Iraq, especially in the southern part of the country

The latest crisis has seen those with the means hooking up fridges, air conditioning units and fans to private generators. But same cannot be said about impoverished masses.&nbsp;

Four southern provinces have been without electricity since Tuesday, including Basra -- home to Iraq's main port.

Sizzling temperatures have been compounded by high levels of humidity.

"The children sleep right on the floor to try and stay cool, but us, the adults, haven't slept a wink these past nights," Meshaal Hashem, a Basra docker and father of three, told AFP.

In the city of Diwaniyah, Rahi Abdelhussein buys bags of ice to cool down his children, saying it helps hydrate them.

Shops have placed hoses and makeshift showers outdoors to attract customers to stop.

Blame game&nbsp;

Anger has mounted among Iraq's 40-million population, with corrupt politicians at the centre of a blame game for its poor services and dilapidated infrastructure.

"The electricity ministry is blaming the oil ministry which is blaming the finance ministry, and the finance ministry says the culprit is Iran, but Iran says it's the Iraqi government's fault, and the government lays the blame on the people who accuse politicians of shortcomings," Iraqi political analyst Sajad Jiyad tweeted.

"The politicians just shrug and say, 'We've got to live with it.'"

Power outages in sweltering summer heat are often a common thing in Iraq. But the current crisis has other factors as reason as well.

Iraq is the second-largest producer of oil in the OPEC group. It buy gas and power from Iran to supply about a third of its power sector, dilapidated by decades of conflict and poor maintenance.

However, Iran on Tuesday decided to cut supplies to its neighbour saying that Iraq owes more than USD 6 billion in arrears.

Iraq says it is unable to pay because of US sanctions on money transfers to Iran, a deep financial crisis compounded by lower oil prices, and the Covid-19 pandemic.

(With inputs from agencies)

Anger is palpable on Iraqi streets as people protest power cuts amid temperatures rising above 50 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit). The oil-rich city of Basra saw angry protests by the people last week.

Anger is palpable on Iraqi streets as people protest power cuts amid temperatures rising above 50 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit). The oil-rich city of Basra saw angry protests by the people last week. The protesters burnt tyres and blocked highways. Power outages have often led to violent protests in Iraq, especially in the southern part of the country The latest crisis has seen those with the means hooking up fridges, air conditioning units and fans to private generators. But same cannot be said about impoverished masses. Four southern provinces have been without electricity since Tuesday, including Basra -- home to Iraq's main port. Sizzling temperatures have been compounded by high levels of humidity. "The children sleep right on the floor to try and stay cool, but us, the adults, haven't slept a wink these past nights," Meshaal Hashem, a Basra docker and father of three, told AFP. In the city of Diwaniyah, Rahi Abdelhussein buys bags of ice to cool down his children, saying it helps hydrate them. Shops have placed hoses and makeshift showers outdoors to attract customers to stop. Blame game Anger has mounted among Iraq's 40-million population, with corrupt politicians at the centre of a blame game for its poor services and dilapidated infrastructure. "The electricity ministry is blaming the oil ministry which is blaming the finance ministry, and the finance ministry says the culprit is Iran, but Iran says it's the Iraqi government's fault, and the government lays the blame on the people who accuse politicians of shortcomings," Iraqi political analyst Sajad Jiyad tweeted. "The politicians just shrug and say, 'We've got to live with it.'" Power outages in sweltering summer heat are often a common thing in Iraq. But the current crisis has other factors as reason as well. Iraq is the second-largest producer of oil in the OPEC group. It buy gas and power from Iran to supply about a third of its power sector, dilapidated by decades of conflict and poor maintenance. However, Iran on Tuesday decided to cut supplies to its neighbour saying that Iraq owes more than USD 6 billion in arrears. Iraq says it is unable to pay because of US sanctions on money transfers to Iran, a deep financial crisis compounded by lower oil prices, and the Covid-19 pandemic. (With inputs from agencies)

Iraqis protest power outage amid 50+ degrees Celsius heat

Former US President Donald Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani's law license has been suspended in Washington DC. This means that Giuliani will not be able to practise law in the US capital. The District of Columbia Court of Appeals put a temporary suspension on Giuliani's license pending outcome of disciplinary proceedings in New York. Giuliani has been already barred from practising law in New York. The action has been taken for Giuliani's repeated allegations of election fraud on behalf of his client Donald Trump.

The court in New York said last month that Giuliani assertions of election fraud in 2020 US Presidential election misled the public, lawmakers and courts as he repeatedly created a false narrative.

The court said that this created tension in the US that ultimately led to a deadly attack on the US Capitol in the month of January. Trump supporters marched in hordes and broke into US Capitol building when Congress was gathered to certify Joe Biden as the winner of 2020 US elections.

Former US President Donald Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani's law license has been suspended in Washington DC. This means that Giuliani will not be able to practise law in the US capital.

Former US President Donald Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani's law license has been suspended in Washington DC. This means that Giuliani will not be able to practise law in the US capital. The District of Columbia Court of Appeals put a temporary suspension on Giuliani's license pending outcome of disciplinary proceedings in New York. Giuliani has been already barred from practising law in New York. The action has been taken for Giuliani's repeated allegations of election fraud on behalf of his client Donald Trump. The court in New York said last month that Giuliani assertions of election fraud in 2020 US Presidential election misled the public, lawmakers and courts as he repeatedly created a false narrative. The court said that this created tension in the US that ultimately led to a deadly attack on the US Capitol in the month of January. Trump supporters marched in hordes and broke into US Capitol building when Congress was gathered to certify Joe Biden as the winner of 2020 US elections.

Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani's law license suspended in Washington DC

Russia, Iran and Turkey will continue to co-operate in Syria against Islamic State (IS) and other militants, said RIA new agency. The new agency cited a joint statement by the nations.

The three powers were at international talks in Kazakhstan's city of Nur-Sultan to discuss the Syria conflict

Meanwhile, AFP cited diplomatic sources who said that a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) vote on extending cross-border aid into war-torn Syria's rebel-held northwest has been postponed to try to soften veto-wielder Russia's stance

"The idea is Friday now," one diplomatic source said on condition of anonymity, with another source saying postponing would allow for "more time to finish the negotiation."&nbsp;

The vote was originally set for Thursday. The vote is to take place on a draft resolution to keep open the only remaining entry point for aid into northwest Syria that bypasses Damascus.&nbsp;

The UN's cross-border aid authorization, in place since 2014 and sharply curtailed last year under pressure from Moscow, expires on Saturday.

Russia, which holds veto power at the council and is a staunch ally of the Syrian regime, may block the renewal, preferring to see aid delivered across front lines from Damascus and arguing the existing crossing is used to supply arms to rebel fighters.

During a meeting on the issue Tuesday, Moscow had "maintained its position, which has been clear for a long time," a Russian diplomat told AFP.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia, Iran and Turkey will continue to co-operate in Syria against Islamic State (IS) and other militants, said RIA new agency. The new agency cited a joint statement by the nations.

Russia, Iran and Turkey will continue to co-operate in Syria against Islamic State (IS) and other militants, said RIA new agency. The new agency cited a joint statement by the nations. The three powers were at international talks in Kazakhstan's city of Nur-Sultan to discuss the Syria conflict Meanwhile, AFP cited diplomatic sources who said that a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) vote on extending cross-border aid into war-torn Syria's rebel-held northwest has been postponed to try to soften veto-wielder Russia's stance "The idea is Friday now," one diplomatic source said on condition of anonymity, with another source saying postponing would allow for "more time to finish the negotiation." The vote was originally set for Thursday. The vote is to take place on a draft resolution to keep open the only remaining entry point for aid into northwest Syria that bypasses Damascus. The UN's cross-border aid authorization, in place since 2014 and sharply curtailed last year under pressure from Moscow, expires on Saturday. Russia, which holds veto power at the council and is a staunch ally of the Syrian regime, may block the renewal, preferring to see aid delivered across front lines from Damascus and arguing the existing crossing is used to supply arms to rebel fighters. During a meeting on the issue Tuesday, Moscow had "maintained its position, which has been clear for a long time," a Russian diplomat told AFP. (With inputs from agencies)

Syria: Russia, Iran, Turkey to continue cooperation against IS, says report

Afghan defence ministry said on Thursday that the governemnt forces had wrested back control of a provincial capital city from the Taliban

The ministry said that some fighting was continuing on the outskirts of Qala-e-Naw, capital of Badghis province. This province borders Turmenistan.

Insurgents had on Wednesday seized key government buildings in the city including police headquarters as part of a dramatic Taliban advance unfolding as foreign forces withdraw from Afghanistan after a 20-year-long intervention.

“The city is fully (back) under our control and we are conducting operations against the Taliban on the outskirts of the city,” Defence Ministry spokesman Fawad Aman said.

The ministry said that 69 Taliban fighters had been killed. Qala-e-naw was first provincial capital to see an all-out assault by the Taliban.

A large quantity of Taliban arms and ammunition was also seized by government forces, the ministry said on Twitter.

The rest of Badghis province is in Taliban hands. Western security officials say the Taliban have captured more than 100 districts in Afghanistan; the Taliban say they hold over 200 districts in 34 provinces comprising over half the country. Main cities and provincial capitals remain under government control.

(With inputs from agencies)

Afghan defence ministry said on Thursday that the governemnt forces had wrested back control of a provincial capital city from the Taliban The ministry said that some fighting was continuing on the outskirts of Qala-e-Naw, capital of Badghis province.

Afghan defence ministry said on Thursday that the governemnt forces had wrested back control of a provincial capital city from the Taliban The ministry said that some fighting was continuing on the outskirts of Qala-e-Naw, capital of Badghis province. This province borders Turmenistan. Insurgents had on Wednesday seized key government buildings in the city including police headquarters as part of a dramatic Taliban advance unfolding as foreign forces withdraw from Afghanistan after a 20-year-long intervention. “The city is fully (back) under our control and we are conducting operations against the Taliban on the outskirts of the city,” Defence Ministry spokesman Fawad Aman said. The ministry said that 69 Taliban fighters had been killed. Qala-e-naw was first provincial capital to see an all-out assault by the Taliban. A large quantity of Taliban arms and ammunition was also seized by government forces, the ministry said on Twitter. The rest of Badghis province is in Taliban hands. Western security officials say the Taliban have captured more than 100 districts in Afghanistan; the Taliban say they hold over 200 districts in 34 provinces comprising over half the country. Main cities and provincial capitals remain under government control. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghan forces retake provincial capital from Taliban

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.