Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with top officials to review the progress of vaccination and COVID-19 situation in the country and expressed satisfaction at the rising speed of vaccinations this week.He stressed that it is important to carry this momentum forward.The Prime Minister was informed that 3.77 crore doses have been administered in the last six days which is more than the entire population of countries like Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Canada.

It was also discussed that 128 districts in the country have vaccinated more than 50 per cent of the 45+ population and 16 districts have vaccinated more than 90 per cent of the 45+ population.The officers told the Prime Minister that they are in touch with state governments to explore and implement innovative methods to reach people for vaccination.PM Modi spoke about the need to involve NGOs and other organisations in such efforts.

He directed officers to work with the states to ensure that the pace of testing does not go down as testing remains a very important weapon to track and contain rising infections in any region.A PMO release said officials apprised PM Modi about the vaccine supply in the upcoming months and efforts being made to increase production.

"PM expressed satisfaction at the rising speed of vaccinations in this week and stressed that it is important to carry this momentum forward," the release said.

The government`s centralised free vaccination policy came into effect from June 21 under which the Centre is providing free vaccines to states for inoculating all above 18 years. The Centre has decided to procure 75 per cent of vaccines from manufacturers.&nbsp;

At the meeting, officers also apprised the Prime Minister about the rising interest in the Cowin platform globally.He said that efforts should be made to help all countries, who have expressed interest, in India`s rich tech expertise in the form of the Cowin platform.

Officials gave a detailed presentation to the Prime Minister on the progress of vaccination in the country. He was briefed about the age-wise vaccination coverage.He was briefed about the vaccine coverage among healthcare workers, frontline workers and the general population in various states.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with top officials to review the progress of vaccination and COVID-19 situation in the country and expressed satisfaction at the rising speed of vaccinations this week.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with top officials to review the progress of vaccination and COVID-19 situation in the country and expressed satisfaction at the rising speed of vaccinations this week.He stressed that it is important to carry this momentum forward.The Prime Minister was informed that 3.77 crore doses have been administered in the last six days which is more than the entire population of countries like Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Canada. It was also discussed that 128 districts in the country have vaccinated more than 50 per cent of the 45+ population and 16 districts have vaccinated more than 90 per cent of the 45+ population.The officers told the Prime Minister that they are in touch with state governments to explore and implement innovative methods to reach people for vaccination.PM Modi spoke about the need to involve NGOs and other organisations in such efforts. He directed officers to work with the states to ensure that the pace of testing does not go down as testing remains a very important weapon to track and contain rising infections in any region.A PMO release said officials apprised PM Modi about the vaccine supply in the upcoming months and efforts being made to increase production. "PM expressed satisfaction at the rising speed of vaccinations in this week and stressed that it is important to carry this momentum forward," the release said. The government`s centralised free vaccination policy came into effect from June 21 under which the Centre is providing free vaccines to states for inoculating all above 18 years. The Centre has decided to procure 75 per cent of vaccines from manufacturers. At the meeting, officers also apprised the Prime Minister about the rising interest in the Cowin platform globally.He said that efforts should be made to help all countries, who have expressed interest, in India`s rich tech expertise in the form of the Cowin platform. Officials gave a detailed presentation to the Prime Minister on the progress of vaccination in the country. He was briefed about the age-wise vaccination coverage.He was briefed about the vaccine coverage among healthcare workers, frontline workers and the general population in various states.

PM Modi reviews progress of COVID-19 vaccination

Three drones hit near Iraqi city of Arbil on Saturday. The city has a US consulate. As per a Iraqi Kurdish official, the drones were laden with explosives.

The attack came just before Hashed al-Shabbi, a pro-Iranian paramilitary alliance, held a military parade near Baghdad. The paramilitary alliance is opposed to US presence in Iraq.

The drone attack took place overnight. Anti-terrorist unit in Kurdistan said, two drones struck a house and caused damage. The payload on the third drone didn't explode.

The US consulate condemned the assault in a tweet, saying "this attack represents a clear violation of Iraqi sovereignty".

US interests in Iraq have come under repeated attacks in recent months but the use of drones is a relatively new tactic.

The United States consistently blames Iran-linked Iraqi factions for rocket and other attacks against Iraqi installations housing its personnel.

Since the start of the year there have been 43 attacks against US interests in Iraq, where 2,500 American troops are deployed as part of an international coalition to fight the jihadist Islamic State group.

The vast majority have been bombs against logistics convoys, while 14 were rocket attacks, some of them claimed by pro-Iran factions that aim to pressure Washington into withdrawing all their troops.

In April, a drone packed with explosives hit the coalition's Iraq headquarters in the military part of the airport in Arbil, the Iraqi Kurdish regional capital.

The tactic poses a headache for the coalition, as drones can evade air defences.

In May a drone packed with explosives hit the Ain Al-Asad air base housing US troops.

On June 9 three explosives-laden drones targeted Baghdad airport, where US soldiers are also deployed. One was intercepted by the Iraqi army.

(With agency inputs)

Three drones hit near Iraqi city of Arbil on Saturday. The city has a US consulate. As per a Iraqi Kurdish official, the drones were laden with explosives. The attack came just before Hashed al-Shabbi, a pro-Iranian paramilitary alliance, held a military parade near Baghdad.

Three drones hit near Iraqi city of Arbil on Saturday. The city has a US consulate. As per a Iraqi Kurdish official, the drones were laden with explosives. The attack came just before Hashed al-Shabbi, a pro-Iranian paramilitary alliance, held a military parade near Baghdad. The paramilitary alliance is opposed to US presence in Iraq. The drone attack took place overnight. Anti-terrorist unit in Kurdistan said, two drones struck a house and caused damage. The payload on the third drone didn't explode. The US consulate condemned the assault in a tweet, saying "this attack represents a clear violation of Iraqi sovereignty". US interests in Iraq have come under repeated attacks in recent months but the use of drones is a relatively new tactic. The United States consistently blames Iran-linked Iraqi factions for rocket and other attacks against Iraqi installations housing its personnel. Since the start of the year there have been 43 attacks against US interests in Iraq, where 2,500 American troops are deployed as part of an international coalition to fight the jihadist Islamic State group. The vast majority have been bombs against logistics convoys, while 14 were rocket attacks, some of them claimed by pro-Iran factions that aim to pressure Washington into withdrawing all their troops. In April, a drone packed with explosives hit the coalition's Iraq headquarters in the military part of the airport in Arbil, the Iraqi Kurdish regional capital. The tactic poses a headache for the coalition, as drones can evade air defences. In May a drone packed with explosives hit the Ain Al-Asad air base housing US troops. On June 9 three explosives-laden drones targeted Baghdad airport, where US soldiers are also deployed. One was intercepted by the Iraqi army. (With agency inputs)

Explosives-laden drones strike near Iraq's Arbil

Amid the celebration after the sentencing of ex-police officer Derek Chauvin to 22 ½ years in prison for the murder of George Floyd, comes a piece of grim news.

In New York, less than a week after its unveiling, a statue of Floyd was found defaced and marked with a neo-Nazi group’s name.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chauvin-gets-22-12-years-in-prison-for-george-floyds-death-394037">Chauvin gets 22 1/2 years in prison for George Floyd's death</a>

The statue was found covered in paint, with an inscription of the American far-right cell “Patriot Front”, a group that is defined as a “white nationalist hate group’ by the Southern Poverty Law Center.

The group is also believed to be behind another similar defacing in New Jersey. There,&nbsp;a bronze statue of Floyd in front of the town hall of Newark was covered in paint.

A video released by authorities showed four individuals participating in this vandalism. One of them can be seen holding a paint spray can.

New York police said that they are investigating the attack on the monument.

New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo tweeted, "I'm going to be absolutely clear with the neo-Nazi group that did this: get out of our state," adding that special agents from the Hate Crimes Task Force would offer to help the investigation.

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I am directing the <a href="https://twitter.com/nyspolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nyspolice</a> Hate Crimes Task Force to assist in the investigation of the defacing of the George Floyd monument in Brooklyn. 
 
To the group of neo-Nazis who did this, I want to be absolutely clear: get the hell out of our state. <a href="https://t.co/Mjkpn4lVLZ">pic.twitter.com/Mjkpn4lVLZ</a>
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYGovCuomo/status/1408248987572850690?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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In a Twitter post, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio commented "We will bring these cowards to justice".

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Last night a far-right extremist group vandalized a statue of George Floyd in Brooklyn. A racist, loathsome, despicable act of hate. 
 
The City Cleanup Corps is repairing the statue right now and a hate crime investigation is underway. We will bring these cowards to justice. <a href="https://t.co/mTwzwIyG4z">pic.twitter.com/mTwzwIyG4z</a>
— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYCMayor/status/1408149957593473024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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This six-foot wooden statue was made by artist Chris Carnabuci and was inaugurated as a part of Juneteenth (June 19th) celebrations in the presence of George Floyd’s brother, Terrence Floyd.

Amid the celebration after the sentencing of ex-police officer Derek Chauvin to 22 ½ years in prison for the murder of George Floyd, comes a piece of grim news. In New York, less than a week after its unveiling, a statue of Floyd was found defaced and marked with a neo-Nazi group’s name.

Amid the celebration after the sentencing of ex-police officer Derek Chauvin to 22 ½ years in prison for the murder of George Floyd, comes a piece of grim news. In New York, less than a week after its unveiling, a statue of Floyd was found defaced and marked with a neo-Nazi group’s name. Also read | Chauvin gets 22 1/2 years in prison for George Floyd's death The statue was found covered in paint, with an inscription of the American far-right cell “Patriot Front”, a group that is defined as a “white nationalist hate group’ by the Southern Poverty Law Center. The group is also believed to be behind another similar defacing in New Jersey. There, a bronze statue of Floyd in front of the town hall of Newark was covered in paint. A video released by authorities showed four individuals participating in this vandalism. One of them can be seen holding a paint spray can. New York police said that they are investigating the attack on the monument. New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo tweeted, "I'm going to be absolutely clear with the neo-Nazi group that did this: get out of our state," adding that special agents from the Hate Crimes Task Force would offer to help the investigation. I am directing the @nyspolice Hate Crimes Task Force to assist in the investigation of the defacing of the George Floyd monument in Brooklyn. To the group of neo-Nazis who did this, I want to be absolutely clear: get the hell out of our state. pic.twitter.com/Mjkpn4lVLZ — Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) June 25, 2021 × In a Twitter post, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio commented "We will bring these cowards to justice". Last night a far-right extremist group vandalized a statue of George Floyd in Brooklyn. A racist, loathsome, despicable act of hate. The City Cleanup Corps is repairing the statue right now and a hate crime investigation is underway. We will bring these cowards to justice. pic.twitter.com/mTwzwIyG4z — Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) June 24, 2021 × This six-foot wooden statue was made by artist Chris Carnabuci and was inaugurated as a part of Juneteenth (June 19th) celebrations in the presence of George Floyd’s brother, Terrence Floyd.

George Floyd's New York statue defaced, marked with neo-Nazi group's name

Iraqi paramilitary fighters, including Iran-backed factions, held a parade at a military base in eastern Iraq on Saturday. The parade showcased tanks and rocket launchers. This was their biggest formal parade till date. The event was attended by Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi.

The event marked seven years since the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) were formed to fight the Sunni Muslim extremist Islamic State group.

"I esteem your sacrifices, and the sacrifices of the Iraqi armed forces" in fighting Islamic State, Kadhimi said, warning against any "sedition" within the PMF, but without elaborating.

The PMF's establishment created a state-sanctioned umbrella organisation of mostly Shi'ite militias backed by Iran.

Iran-backed factions are the most powerful in the PMF. After the Islamic State's defeat in 2017, these factions have expanded their military, political and economic power. They have also carried out attacks on bases that house the 2500 remaining US forces in Iraq.

They have allies in parliament and government and a grip over some state bodies, including security institutions.

Those factions are also accused of killing protesters who took to the streets in late 2019 demanding the removal of Iraq's ruling elite. The groups deny involvement in activist killings.

Kadhimi, a U.S.-friendly interim premier, has tried to crack down on the most powerful Iran-backed factions but without success because of their military strength and political influence.

The membership of Iran-aligned groups in the PMF has made it difficult for Kadhimi and state security forces to check the power of the militias, since they are effectively part of the state itself.

On Saturday Kadhimi watched, flanked by militia commanders while hundreds of armoured vehicles drove past a banner of the late PMF military chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, an Iran-backed commander who was killed in a U.S. drone strike last year.

The parade, a demonstration of military might, took place at a base once occupied by U.S. troops near the border with Iran.

The PMF was formed in 2014 after Iraq's top Shi'ite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani urged all able-bodied Iraqis to take up arms against Islamic State, which had taken over a third of Iraq.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iraqi paramilitary fighters, including Iran-backed factions, held a parade at a military base in eastern Iraq on Saturday. The parade showcased tanks and rocket launchers.

Iraqi paramilitary fighters, including Iran-backed factions, held a parade at a military base in eastern Iraq on Saturday. The parade showcased tanks and rocket launchers. This was their biggest formal parade till date. The event was attended by Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi. The event marked seven years since the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) were formed to fight the Sunni Muslim extremist Islamic State group. "I esteem your sacrifices, and the sacrifices of the Iraqi armed forces" in fighting Islamic State, Kadhimi said, warning against any "sedition" within the PMF, but without elaborating. The PMF's establishment created a state-sanctioned umbrella organisation of mostly Shi'ite militias backed by Iran. Iran-backed factions are the most powerful in the PMF. After the Islamic State's defeat in 2017, these factions have expanded their military, political and economic power. They have also carried out attacks on bases that house the 2500 remaining US forces in Iraq. They have allies in parliament and government and a grip over some state bodies, including security institutions. Those factions are also accused of killing protesters who took to the streets in late 2019 demanding the removal of Iraq's ruling elite. The groups deny involvement in activist killings. Kadhimi, a U.S.-friendly interim premier, has tried to crack down on the most powerful Iran-backed factions but without success because of their military strength and political influence. The membership of Iran-aligned groups in the PMF has made it difficult for Kadhimi and state security forces to check the power of the militias, since they are effectively part of the state itself. On Saturday Kadhimi watched, flanked by militia commanders while hundreds of armoured vehicles drove past a banner of the late PMF military chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, an Iran-backed commander who was killed in a U.S. drone strike last year. The parade, a demonstration of military might, took place at a base once occupied by U.S. troops near the border with Iran. The PMF was formed in 2014 after Iraq's top Shi'ite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani urged all able-bodied Iraqis to take up arms against Islamic State, which had taken over a third of Iraq. (With inputs from agencies)

Iraqi paramilitaries, Iran-backed factions hold parade in Iraq

British destroyer ship Defender docked at Georgian port of Batumi on Saturday. This is the same destroyer that angered Russia by sailing through waters off Crimea.

Russia said it had fired warning shots at the Defender, and later threatened to bomb British naval vessels in the Black Sea if there were further "provocative" actions off Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014. The peninsula is still recognised internationally as part of Ukraine.

Defender's commander Vince Owen said that British Navy was committed to "providing reassurances and security in the region, and incredible deterrence to those who seek to undermine global security"

On Wednesday, Russia had dropped bombs in Defender's path on Wednesday as it was passing Crimea. Russia considered Defender's movements an incursion into Russian waters.

Britain said the Defender had sailed through waters belonging to Ukraine, and that any shots fired had been part of a pre-announced Russian gunnery exercise. It said no bombs had been dropped.

(With inputs from agencies)

British destroyer ship Defender docked at Georgian port of Batumi on Saturday. This is the same destroyer that angered Russia by sailing through waters off Crimea.

British destroyer ship Defender docked at Georgian port of Batumi on Saturday. This is the same destroyer that angered Russia by sailing through waters off Crimea. Russia said it had fired warning shots at the Defender, and later threatened to bomb British naval vessels in the Black Sea if there were further "provocative" actions off Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014. The peninsula is still recognised internationally as part of Ukraine. Defender's commander Vince Owen said that British Navy was committed to "providing reassurances and security in the region, and incredible deterrence to those who seek to undermine global security" On Wednesday, Russia had dropped bombs in Defender's path on Wednesday as it was passing Crimea. Russia considered Defender's movements an incursion into Russian waters. Britain said the Defender had sailed through waters belonging to Ukraine, and that any shots fired had been part of a pre-announced Russian gunnery exercise. It said no bombs had been dropped. (With inputs from agencies)

British navy destroyer that angered Russia docks in Georgia

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held talks with his Greek counterpart Nikos Dendias in Athens on Saturday. Both the countries discussed recent developments in the eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus and Libya.

Eastern Mediterranean saw tense developments recently&nbsp;over Turkey's claims in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) which Greece says belongs to it under UN laws. Cyprus and Libya are also involved in this given their EEZs are also impacted due to tussle in the region. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

This is the first visit to Athens by an Indian foreign minister in last 18 years.

During the talks, the Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias focussed on Indo-Pacific, counter-terror, UN reforms as well. A joint release said, "Both sides noted with satisfaction the convergence of each other's vision for a free, open, inclusive and cooperative Indo-Pacific ensuring connectivity and growth for all in the region."

Both sides called for reforms at the United Nations security council and other multilateral institutions to make them "more inclusive, transparent, accountable, and better reflective of contemporary geopolitical realities." During the discussions, Greek side reiterated its support for permanent membership of India in a reformed United Nations Security Council (UNSC)

Greece's neighbour Turkey is part of the Uniting for Consensus or coffee club which is countering bids by G4 nations (Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan) for expanded UNSC. Pakistan is also part of the coffee club along with ally Turkey.

One of the most significant outcomes of Indian foreign minister's visit to Greece was the country formally joining the International Solar Alliance (ISA). Foreign minister Nikos Dendias formally handed over the agreement of ISA. India Headquartered ISA aims to use solar energy as a source of clean energy that is affordable to all.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held talks with his Greek counterpart Nikos Dendias in Athens on Saturday. Both the countries discussed recent developments in the eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus and Libya.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held talks with his Greek counterpart Nikos Dendias in Athens on Saturday. Both the countries discussed recent developments in the eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus and Libya. Eastern Mediterranean saw tense developments recently over Turkey's claims in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) which Greece says belongs to it under UN laws. Cyprus and Libya are also involved in this given their EEZs are also impacted due to tussle in the region. This is the first visit to Athens by an Indian foreign minister in last 18 years. During the talks, the Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias focussed on Indo-Pacific, counter-terror, UN reforms as well. A joint release said, "Both sides noted with satisfaction the convergence of each other's vision for a free, open, inclusive and cooperative Indo-Pacific ensuring connectivity and growth for all in the region." Both sides called for reforms at the United Nations security council and other multilateral institutions to make them "more inclusive, transparent, accountable, and better reflective of contemporary geopolitical realities." During the discussions, Greek side reiterated its support for permanent membership of India in a reformed United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Greece's neighbour Turkey is part of the Uniting for Consensus or coffee club which is countering bids by G4 nations (Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan) for expanded UNSC. Pakistan is also part of the coffee club along with ally Turkey. One of the most significant outcomes of Indian foreign minister's visit to Greece was the country formally joining the International Solar Alliance (ISA). Foreign minister Nikos Dendias formally handed over the agreement of ISA. India Headquartered ISA aims to use solar energy as a source of clean energy that is affordable to all.

India, Greece discuss developments in Eastern Mediterranean during Jaishankar's Athens visit

A central Russian region on Saturday suspended <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">COVID-19 vaccinations</a> for two days due to a shortage of doses, local officials said, as the country reported its highest daily increase in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> cases since mid-January.

Russia is facing a surge in new cases that authorities blame on the highly infectious Delta variant and slow progress on vaccinating people, with deaths hitting a new record in the capital, Moscow, on Friday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-moscow-orders-work-from-home-amid-rise-in-delta-variant-cases-394002">COVID-19: Moscow orders work-from-home amid rise in Delta variant cases</a>

Following shortages that suspended inoculation campaigns from Friday at some centres in the Bashkiria and Khabarovsk regions, health officials in the central Udmurtia region said vaccinations would stop until Monday due to a supply crunch.

The Kremlin said the issue would be resolved in the coming days, and Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin announced additional health spending of 25 billion roubles ($346.80 million) for the care of COVID-19 patients.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said cases of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kappa-delta-who-releases-greek-nomenclature-for-covid-variants-including-ones-found-in-india-388657">Delta variant</a>, which was first detected in India, were on the increase in the city.

"To drastically solve the issues, you need people to get vaccinated or head to lockdowns and shut down everything," he told state TV.

So far, 21 million of Russia's 144 million people have received at least one vaccine dose, Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said on Friday.

By the end of this month, 2.5 million doses of the country's Sputnik Light single-dose vaccine will be put into circulation, he said on Saturday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-registers-record-high-covid-19-cases-deaths-393736">Russia registers record high COVID-19 cases, deaths</a>&nbsp;

Russia reported 21,665 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday, more than a third of them in Moscow, taking the official national tally since the pandemic began to nearly 5.5 million.

The government's coronavirus task force said 619 people had died of COVID-19-linked causes in the past 24 hours, the highest number since late December and pushing the overall death toll to 132,683.

St Petersburg, Russia's second-largest city, saw a record daily death toll from the novel coronavirus of 107 in the past 24 hours.

A central Russian region on Saturday suspended COVID-19 vaccinations for two days due to a shortage of doses, local officials said, as the country reported its highest daily increase in coronavirus cases since mid-January.

A central Russian region on Saturday suspended COVID-19 vaccinations for two days due to a shortage of doses, local officials said, as the country reported its highest daily increase in coronavirus cases since mid-January. Russia is facing a surge in new cases that authorities blame on the highly infectious Delta variant and slow progress on vaccinating people, with deaths hitting a new record in the capital, Moscow, on Friday. Also read | COVID-19: Moscow orders work-from-home amid rise in Delta variant cases Following shortages that suspended inoculation campaigns from Friday at some centres in the Bashkiria and Khabarovsk regions, health officials in the central Udmurtia region said vaccinations would stop until Monday due to a supply crunch. The Kremlin said the issue would be resolved in the coming days, and Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin announced additional health spending of 25 billion roubles ($346.80 million) for the care of COVID-19 patients. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said cases of the Delta variant, which was first detected in India, were on the increase in the city. "To drastically solve the issues, you need people to get vaccinated or head to lockdowns and shut down everything," he told state TV. So far, 21 million of Russia's 144 million people have received at least one vaccine dose, Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said on Friday. By the end of this month, 2.5 million doses of the country's Sputnik Light single-dose vaccine will be put into circulation, he said on Saturday. Also read | Russia registers record high COVID-19 cases, deaths Russia reported 21,665 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday, more than a third of them in Moscow, taking the official national tally since the pandemic began to nearly 5.5 million. The government's coronavirus task force said 619 people had died of COVID-19-linked causes in the past 24 hours, the highest number since late December and pushing the overall death toll to 132,683. St Petersburg, Russia's second-largest city, saw a record daily death toll from the novel coronavirus of 107 in the past 24 hours.

Russian regions run low on vaccines as COVID-19 cases jump

Over 70 per cent of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> cases in the Lisbon area are from the more contagious <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kappa-delta-who-releases-greek-nomenclature-for-covid-variants-including-ones-found-in-india-388657">Delta variant</a>, which is quickly spreading to other parts of the country, a report said late on Friday, as authorities scramble to stop a worrying rise in infections.

The national health institute, Ricardo Jorge, said in its report that the Delta variant, first identified in India, represented 51 per cent of cases in mainland Portugal, showing the variant is "spreading rapidly" as it happened in Britain.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europe-health-agency-warns-delta-variant-rise-portugal-fears-fourth-wave-393465">Europe health agency warns Delta variant rise; Portugal fears fourth wave</a>

New coronavirus cases rose by 1,604 on Friday, the biggest jump since February 19, when the country of just over 10 million people was still under lockdown. In total, Portugal has recorded 871,483 cases and 17,081 deaths since the pandemic began.

Although most new cases are still concentrated in the populous Lisbon region, the southern Algarve region, famous for its beaches and golf courses, has the highest COVID-19 reproduction "R" number of 1.34, the report said.

The jump in infections comes after tourism-dependent Portugal opened to visitors from the European Union and Britain in mid-May. Most businesses have reopened and, as the summer season kicks off, beaches are packed.

On Thursday, Portugal imposed stricter rules, including forcing restaurants to shut earlier over the weekend in Lisbon and in the Algarve tourism magnet Albufeira, a popular destination for British visitors.

Britain removed Portugal from its quarantine-free travel list earlier this month and Germany declared Portugal to be a "virus-variant zone" on Thursday, a measure that will trigger severe restrictions on travel to and from the country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-removes-portugal-from-green-list-mandates-quarantine-389310">UK removes Portugal from 'green list', mandates quarantine</a>

The number of people in need of hospital care in Portugal, which faced its toughest battle against the virus in January, has also increased. There are 71 COVID-19 patients in intensive care in Lisbon, occupying 86 per cent of beds allocated to those infected by the virus.

To tackle the surge, Portugal is speeding up the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccination</a> of younger people at a time only around 30 per cent of the population has been fully vaccinated so far.

Over 70 per cent of coronavirus cases in the Lisbon area are from the more contagious Delta variant, which is quickly spreading to other parts of the country, a report said late on Friday, as authorities scramble to stop a worrying rise in infections.

Over 70 per cent of coronavirus cases in the Lisbon area are from the more contagious Delta variant, which is quickly spreading to other parts of the country, a report said late on Friday, as authorities scramble to stop a worrying rise in infections. The national health institute, Ricardo Jorge, said in its report that the Delta variant, first identified in India, represented 51 per cent of cases in mainland Portugal, showing the variant is "spreading rapidly" as it happened in Britain. Also read | Europe health agency warns Delta variant rise; Portugal fears fourth wave New coronavirus cases rose by 1,604 on Friday, the biggest jump since February 19, when the country of just over 10 million people was still under lockdown. In total, Portugal has recorded 871,483 cases and 17,081 deaths since the pandemic began. Although most new cases are still concentrated in the populous Lisbon region, the southern Algarve region, famous for its beaches and golf courses, has the highest COVID-19 reproduction "R" number of 1.34, the report said. The jump in infections comes after tourism-dependent Portugal opened to visitors from the European Union and Britain in mid-May. Most businesses have reopened and, as the summer season kicks off, beaches are packed. On Thursday, Portugal imposed stricter rules, including forcing restaurants to shut earlier over the weekend in Lisbon and in the Algarve tourism magnet Albufeira, a popular destination for British visitors. Britain removed Portugal from its quarantine-free travel list earlier this month and Germany declared Portugal to be a "virus-variant zone" on Thursday, a measure that will trigger severe restrictions on travel to and from the country. Also read | UK removes Portugal from 'green list', mandates quarantine The number of people in need of hospital care in Portugal, which faced its toughest battle against the virus in January, has also increased. There are 71 COVID-19 patients in intensive care in Lisbon, occupying 86 per cent of beds allocated to those infected by the virus. To tackle the surge, Portugal is speeding up the vaccination of younger people at a time only around 30 per cent of the population has been fully vaccinated so far.

Delta variant 'spreading rapidly' from Lisbon to rest of Portugal

Hong&nbsp;Kong's new police chief called for a fake news law on Saturday and blamed the media for plunging trust in his officers in the politically polarised finance hub.

His call comes as authorities carry out a sweeping crackdown on dissent and just days after outspoken newspaper Apple Daily was forced to fold following the freezing of its accounts under a tough new national security law.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kongs-pro-democracy-apple-daily-signs-off-in-painful-farewell-393526">Hong Kong's pro-democracy Apple Daily signs off in painful farewell</a>

Surveys show the police have been the least popular disciplinary service in the city since Hong Kong was rocked by huge and sometimes violent pro-democracy protests in 2019, during which allegations of police brutality emerged.

Police chief Raymond Siu said much of the blame lay with the media.

"I understand that there are residents who are still hostile against us. In this regard, I told my colleagues that many of these torn relationships and hostility against the police are due to fake news," Siu said at his first media briefing since taking office.

"There is no legal definition of fake news at the moment, but if there is any legislation that could help us bring these people to justice, as law enforcers, we absolutely welcome it," he added.

Hong Kong's demonstrations subsided last year due to mass arrests, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus pandemic</a> and Beijing's imposition of the security law, which critics argue has been used to curb dissent.

Three former police officers were on Friday promoted to key positions in government, with former security minister John Lee becoming the city's new number two official and an ex-police chief stepping into Lee's security bureau role.

Last Thursday 500 police officers raided the newsroom of pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily as authorities froze the company's assets under the security law.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-raid-pro-democracy-newspaper-apple-daily-arrest-editor-and-four-other-executives-392042">Hong Kong police raid pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, arrest editor and four other executives</a>

Five executives of the paper were arrested and two were charged with conspiracy to collude with foreign forces.&nbsp;

Apple Daily's lead editorial writer was also arrested on Wednesday and the paper was forced to fold, saying it feared for the safety of staff.

Siu however said police were targeting national security offenders and not the news media.

Hong Kong's new police chief called for a fake news law on Saturday and blamed the media for plunging trust in his officers in the politically polarised finance hub.

Hong Kong's new police chief called for a fake news law on Saturday and blamed the media for plunging trust in his officers in the politically polarised finance hub. His call comes as authorities carry out a sweeping crackdown on dissent and just days after outspoken newspaper Apple Daily was forced to fold following the freezing of its accounts under a tough new national security law. Also read | Hong Kong's pro-democracy Apple Daily signs off in painful farewell Surveys show the police have been the least popular disciplinary service in the city since Hong Kong was rocked by huge and sometimes violent pro-democracy protests in 2019, during which allegations of police brutality emerged. Police chief Raymond Siu said much of the blame lay with the media. "I understand that there are residents who are still hostile against us. In this regard, I told my colleagues that many of these torn relationships and hostility against the police are due to fake news," Siu said at his first media briefing since taking office. "There is no legal definition of fake news at the moment, but if there is any legislation that could help us bring these people to justice, as law enforcers, we absolutely welcome it," he added. Hong Kong's demonstrations subsided last year due to mass arrests, the coronavirus pandemic and Beijing's imposition of the security law, which critics argue has been used to curb dissent. Three former police officers were on Friday promoted to key positions in government, with former security minister John Lee becoming the city's new number two official and an ex-police chief stepping into Lee's security bureau role. Last Thursday 500 police officers raided the newsroom of pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily as authorities froze the company's assets under the security law. Also read | Hong Kong police raid pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, arrest editor and four other executives Five executives of the paper were arrested and two were charged with conspiracy to collude with foreign forces. Apple Daily's lead editorial writer was also arrested on Wednesday and the paper was forced to fold, saying it feared for the safety of staff. Siu however said police were targeting national security offenders and not the news media.

Hong Kong police chief calls for fake news law

New Zealand announced a three-day suspension of its quarantine-free travel arrangement with Australia on Saturday, with Wellington citing "multiple" outbreaks of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> in the neighbouring country.

The announcement comes as a two-week lockdown begins in Sydney to contain a rapidly spreading outbreak of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kappa-delta-who-releases-greek-nomenclature-for-covid-variants-including-ones-found-in-india-388657">Delta coronavirus variant</a>.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sydney-flags-broader-lockdown-as-delta-variant-cases-swell-394050">Sydney flags broader lockdown as Delta variant cases swell</a>

More than 80 cases have been reported so far in Australia's largest city, while a handful of community cases have also been recorded in the Northern Territory, Victoria and Queensland in recent days.

"But given the high level of transmissibility of what appears to be the Delta variant, and the fact that there are now multiple community clusters (in Australia), it is the right thing to do to keep COVID-19 out of New Zealand," said New Zealand's COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins.

Hipkins said he understood the inconvenience the pause would cause and added that New Zealand remained committed to quarantine-free travel with Australia.&nbsp;

He added that the suspension would give officials time to consider measures "to make the bubble safer, such as pre-departure testing for all flights" between the two countries.

New Zealand has previously paused the bubble arrangement five times with individual states but this is the first time it has put a blanket halt to quarantine-free travel from all of Australia.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-australia-travel-bubble-faces-disruption-due-to-fresh-covid-cases-382361">New Zealand-Australia travel bubble faces disruption due to fresh Covid cases</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/australia-and-new-zealand">Both countries</a> have been among the world's most successful in containing COVID-19. New Zealand has recorded just 26 COVID-19 deaths in a population of five million, and Australia has had fewer than 1,000 deaths in a population of 25 million.&nbsp;

The trans-Tasman travel bubble opened in mid-April, more than a year after both countries closed their international borders due to the pandemic. It has been hailed as a major milestone in restarting the global travel industry.

New Zealand announced a three-day suspension of its quarantine-free travel arrangement with Australia on Saturday, with Wellington citing "multiple" outbreaks of COVID-19 in the neighbouring country.

New Zealand announced a three-day suspension of its quarantine-free travel arrangement with Australia on Saturday, with Wellington citing "multiple" outbreaks of COVID-19 in the neighbouring country. The announcement comes as a two-week lockdown begins in Sydney to contain a rapidly spreading outbreak of the Delta coronavirus variant. Also read | Sydney flags broader lockdown as Delta variant cases swell More than 80 cases have been reported so far in Australia's largest city, while a handful of community cases have also been recorded in the Northern Territory, Victoria and Queensland in recent days. "But given the high level of transmissibility of what appears to be the Delta variant, and the fact that there are now multiple community clusters (in Australia), it is the right thing to do to keep COVID-19 out of New Zealand," said New Zealand's COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins. Hipkins said he understood the inconvenience the pause would cause and added that New Zealand remained committed to quarantine-free travel with Australia. He added that the suspension would give officials time to consider measures "to make the bubble safer, such as pre-departure testing for all flights" between the two countries. New Zealand has previously paused the bubble arrangement five times with individual states but this is the first time it has put a blanket halt to quarantine-free travel from all of Australia. Also read | New Zealand-Australia travel bubble faces disruption due to fresh Covid cases Both countries have been among the world's most successful in containing COVID-19. New Zealand has recorded just 26 COVID-19 deaths in a population of five million, and Australia has had fewer than 1,000 deaths in a population of 25 million. The trans-Tasman travel bubble opened in mid-April, more than a year after both countries closed their international borders due to the pandemic. It has been hailed as a major milestone in restarting the global travel industry.

New Zealand suspends travel bubble with Australia

Abdullah Abdullah, the chief of Afghanistan's peace council said on Friday that talks with Taliban on political settlement should not be abandoned despite Taliban attacks unless the insurgents themselves pull out. The talks have been long-stalled.

“I think we shouldn’t shut the door unless it’s completely shut by the Taliban,” Abdullah Abdullah, chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation, told Reuters in an interview. “We can’t say no to talks despite a lack of progress or in spite of what’s happening on the ground.”

He spoke after he accompanied Afghan Prsident Ashraf Ghani as they met US President Joe Biden at White House. The talks remained focussed on US military and civilian aid and issues stemming from the departure of the last U.S. troops nearly 20 years after the U.S.-led invasion.

Biden told Ghani and Abdullah that “Afghans are going to have to decide their future” and the “senseless violence has to stop.”

The fighting, however, has raised grave doubts about long-stalled US-backed peace negotiations between the insurgents and a delegation that includes government officials that began in Doha under the Trump administration in 2020.

Abdullah said there was “perhaps more optimism” about a peace deal when the negotiations began because “the Taliban said things to different interlocutors that created optimism.”

Still, Abdullah said, the talks should not be abandoned.

“Eventually, the last man killed will not be a solution,” he said. “There has to be a peaceful settlement.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Abdullah Abdullah, the chief of Afghanistan's peace council said on Friday that talks with Taliban on political settlement should not be abandoned despite Taliban attacks unless the insurgents themselves pull out.

Abdullah Abdullah, the chief of Afghanistan's peace council said on Friday that talks with Taliban on political settlement should not be abandoned despite Taliban attacks unless the insurgents themselves pull out. The talks have been long-stalled. “I think we shouldn’t shut the door unless it’s completely shut by the Taliban,” Abdullah Abdullah, chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation, told Reuters in an interview. “We can’t say no to talks despite a lack of progress or in spite of what’s happening on the ground.” He spoke after he accompanied Afghan Prsident Ashraf Ghani as they met US President Joe Biden at White House. The talks remained focussed on US military and civilian aid and issues stemming from the departure of the last U.S. troops nearly 20 years after the U.S.-led invasion. Biden told Ghani and Abdullah that “Afghans are going to have to decide their future” and the “senseless violence has to stop.” The fighting, however, has raised grave doubts about long-stalled US-backed peace negotiations between the insurgents and a delegation that includes government officials that began in Doha under the Trump administration in 2020. Abdullah said there was “perhaps more optimism” about a peace deal when the negotiations began because “the Taliban said things to different interlocutors that created optimism.” Still, Abdullah said, the talks should not be abandoned. “Eventually, the last man killed will not be a solution,” he said. “There has to be a peaceful settlement.” (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan peace talks should go on unless Taliban pull out: Abdullah

World Health Organisation chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus accused on Friday that Ethiopian authorities blocked ambulances from reaching victims of an airstrike this week. This was a rare statement that Dr Tedros made about conflict in his homeland.

Tedros is an ethnic Tigrayan and former Ethiopian Cabinet minister.

The airstrike hit a crowded market in his native region. &nbsp;

"Ambulances were blocked for more than a day from attending the scene and evacuating the wounded for medical care," Tedros said.

"WHO is currently providing life-saving trauma and surgical supplies to a hospital that is treating survivors who were able to reach care," Tedros said. "Attacks on civilians anywhere are completely unacceptable and so is denying them access to immediate care, because we lose lives."

Tedros has occasionally tweeted about the conflict in Tigray, but has rarely mentioned it while speaking publicly in his official capacity as head of the WHO.

Ethiopia's government has accused him in the past of supporting its opponents in the Tigray conflict, the Tigrayan People's Liberation Front, which he previously represented as Ethiopia's health minister and foreign minister.

Ethiopia's military has denied that any civilians were among those killed in the airstrike on the town of Togoga near the regional capital Mekelle. A military spokesman said on Thursday that all those struck were combatants, wearing civilian clothes.

Residents and doctors, however, have said that women and children were among the dead and wounded. A health official working on the response to the airstrike said on Friday the death toll had risen to 64 killed, with 180 other people wounded.

The incident was one of the deadliest in months in a conflict in which the government had said major fighting largely ended last year.

(With inputs from agencies)

World Health Organisation chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus accused on Friday that Ethiopian authorities blocked ambulances from reaching victims of an airstrike this week.

World Health Organisation chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus accused on Friday that Ethiopian authorities blocked ambulances from reaching victims of an airstrike this week. This was a rare statement that Dr Tedros made about conflict in his homeland. Tedros is an ethnic Tigrayan and former Ethiopian Cabinet minister. The airstrike hit a crowded market in his native region. "Ambulances were blocked for more than a day from attending the scene and evacuating the wounded for medical care," Tedros said. "WHO is currently providing life-saving trauma and surgical supplies to a hospital that is treating survivors who were able to reach care," Tedros said. "Attacks on civilians anywhere are completely unacceptable and so is denying them access to immediate care, because we lose lives." Tedros has occasionally tweeted about the conflict in Tigray, but has rarely mentioned it while speaking publicly in his official capacity as head of the WHO. Ethiopia's government has accused him in the past of supporting its opponents in the Tigray conflict, the Tigrayan People's Liberation Front, which he previously represented as Ethiopia's health minister and foreign minister. Ethiopia's military has denied that any civilians were among those killed in the airstrike on the town of Togoga near the regional capital Mekelle. A military spokesman said on Thursday that all those struck were combatants, wearing civilian clothes. Residents and doctors, however, have said that women and children were among the dead and wounded. A health official working on the response to the airstrike said on Friday the death toll had risen to 64 killed, with 180 other people wounded. The incident was one of the deadliest in months in a conflict in which the government had said major fighting largely ended last year. (With inputs from agencies)

WHO chief says victims of Ethiopia airstrike denied access to care

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