Kerala Government on Sunday extended the lockdown restrictions till June 9 in all its districts.

"Special intensified stringent restrictions enforced in the district of Malappuram will cease to exist from 00:00 of May 30. Thereafter the lockdown restrictions shall be uniform in all districts of the state," according to an official order.&nbsp;

However, the state government allowed industrial establishments and production centres (including cash, coir and mining) to function with minimum staff not exceeding 50 per cent of staff strength.&nbsp;

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan took to Twitter saying, "Lockdown extended for all of Kerala till 9 June, with certain relaxations. All industries can function with minimal staff, not to exceed 50 per cent strength.&nbsp;

Banks will continue on Mon, Wed, Fri. Time extended till 5 pm. Triple lockdown in Malappuram will stand repealed from 30 May."According to Union Health Ministry Kerala has 2,38,210 active COVID-19 cases. The total number of recoveries has reached 22,24,405 and fatalities have mounted to 8,257.

Kerala Government on Sunday extended the lockdown restrictions till June 9 in all its districts. "Special intensified stringent restrictions enforced in the district of Malappuram will cease to exist from 00:00 of May 30.

Kerala Government on Sunday extended the lockdown restrictions till June 9 in all its districts. "Special intensified stringent restrictions enforced in the district of Malappuram will cease to exist from 00:00 of May 30. Thereafter the lockdown restrictions shall be uniform in all districts of the state," according to an official order. However, the state government allowed industrial establishments and production centres (including cash, coir and mining) to function with minimum staff not exceeding 50 per cent of staff strength. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan took to Twitter saying, "Lockdown extended for all of Kerala till 9 June, with certain relaxations. All industries can function with minimal staff, not to exceed 50 per cent strength. Banks will continue on Mon, Wed, Fri. Time extended till 5 pm. Triple lockdown in Malappuram will stand repealed from 30 May."According to Union Health Ministry Kerala has 2,38,210 active COVID-19 cases. The total number of recoveries has reached 22,24,405 and fatalities have mounted to 8,257.

Kerala extends COVID-19 lockdown till June 9

The Delhi government has extended the COVID curfew for another week till 5 am of June 7 while allowing operations of manufacturing/production units within closed premises.

"The DDMA extended the curfew on the movement of individuals except for essential activities in Delhi till 5 am on June 7 (Monday) or further orders whichever is earlier. Operations of manufacturing/production units within closed premises in approved industrial areas and construction activities within their worksites shall be allowed outside the containment zones during the curfew period," reads the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) order.&nbsp;

On Friday, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had announced that the national capital will begin to unlock from Monday and said that construction activities and factories will be reopened from May 31.

"In the meeting chaired by the Lieutenant Governor with Delhi Disaster Management Authority over unlocking process, it has been decided that construction activities and factories will be reopened from Monday keeping the daily wage workers in mind," he said.

Kejriwal urged people to follow the COVID-appropriate behaviour and stated that Delhi may have to opt for lockdown if there is an increase in the COVID cases again.The national capital has been under a lockdown since April 19 in view of a surge in COVID-19 cases in the second wave of the pandemic.

Delhi recorded 956 fresh COVID cases and 122 deaths on Saturday, according to the health department of the union territory. The daily new case numbers on Saturday have been the lowest over the last two month

The Delhi government has extended the COVID curfew for another week till 5 am of June 7 while allowing operations of manufacturing/production units within closed premises.

The Delhi government has extended the COVID curfew for another week till 5 am of June 7 while allowing operations of manufacturing/production units within closed premises. "The DDMA extended the curfew on the movement of individuals except for essential activities in Delhi till 5 am on June 7 (Monday) or further orders whichever is earlier. Operations of manufacturing/production units within closed premises in approved industrial areas and construction activities within their worksites shall be allowed outside the containment zones during the curfew period," reads the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) order. On Friday, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had announced that the national capital will begin to unlock from Monday and said that construction activities and factories will be reopened from May 31. "In the meeting chaired by the Lieutenant Governor with Delhi Disaster Management Authority over unlocking process, it has been decided that construction activities and factories will be reopened from Monday keeping the daily wage workers in mind," he said. Kejriwal urged people to follow the COVID-appropriate behaviour and stated that Delhi may have to opt for lockdown if there is an increase in the COVID cases again.The national capital has been under a lockdown since April 19 in view of a surge in COVID-19 cases in the second wave of the pandemic. Delhi recorded 956 fresh COVID cases and 122 deaths on Saturday, according to the health department of the union territory. The daily new case numbers on Saturday have been the lowest over the last two month

Delhi extends COVID curbs till June 7

At least 10 people in the city of Cali were in a day of anti-government protests as per authorities. Colombia has entered second month of demonstrations that have met violent repression.

Colombian President Ivan Duque has already announced that he was deploying military to Cali.

"Ten people" are dead, "this is the toll we have this morning" in events linked to Friday's demonstrations, Cali's security secretary Carlos Rojas told Caracol radio. Police said eight of the 10 were shot dead.

He spoke after reports of violent street clashes. In one case, a representative from the Cali prosecutor's office said an off-duty investigator had shot at a crowd, killing a civilian, before being lynched by protesters.

Video footage showed a man lying in a pool of blood and another nearby wielding a gun; that man was then attacked by a group of people.

"In the south of the city we had a real scene of confrontation and almost an urban war where many people not only lost their lives, but we also had a significant number of injuries," said Rojas.

After chairing a security meeting in the city, Duque announced on Friday "the maximum deployment of military assistance to the national police" would begin immediately.&nbsp;

Militarised response

Human Rights Watch said that the situation in the city was "very serious"

Jose Miguel Vivanco, the rights group's executive director for the Americas, urged Duque to take "urgent measures to de-escalate, including a specific order prohibiting agents of the state from using firearms."

Analysts have blamed the government's militarized history for its response to the protests.

For more than 50 years, Colombia's war against leftist FARC guerrillas eclipsed all other government priorities, with the state emerging from the conflict militarily strong but weak on social redress.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least 10 people in the city of Cali were in a day of anti-government protests as per authorities. Colombia has entered second month of demonstrations that have met violent repression.

At least 10 people in the city of Cali were in a day of anti-government protests as per authorities. Colombia has entered second month of demonstrations that have met violent repression. Colombian President Ivan Duque has already announced that he was deploying military to Cali. "Ten people" are dead, "this is the toll we have this morning" in events linked to Friday's demonstrations, Cali's security secretary Carlos Rojas told Caracol radio. Police said eight of the 10 were shot dead. He spoke after reports of violent street clashes. In one case, a representative from the Cali prosecutor's office said an off-duty investigator had shot at a crowd, killing a civilian, before being lynched by protesters. Video footage showed a man lying in a pool of blood and another nearby wielding a gun; that man was then attacked by a group of people. "In the south of the city we had a real scene of confrontation and almost an urban war where many people not only lost their lives, but we also had a significant number of injuries," said Rojas. After chairing a security meeting in the city, Duque announced on Friday "the maximum deployment of military assistance to the national police" would begin immediately. Militarised response Human Rights Watch said that the situation in the city was "very serious" Jose Miguel Vivanco, the rights group's executive director for the Americas, urged Duque to take "urgent measures to de-escalate, including a specific order prohibiting agents of the state from using firearms." Analysts have blamed the government's militarized history for its response to the protests. For more than 50 years, Colombia's war against leftist FARC guerrillas eclipsed all other government priorities, with the state emerging from the conflict militarily strong but weak on social redress. (With inputs from agencies)

Colombia: At least 10 dead in anti-government protest clashes

Russia approved flight plans of Air France and Lufthansa to the country that avoid Belarus. After Belarus forced landing of a Ryanair passenger plane in Minsk and arrested a dissident journalist on May 23, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) had advised airlines to avoid Belarusian airspace.

Air France said its new flight path to Moscow started on Saturday and had been authorised for this weekend.

"We ... are awaiting a green light from Russian authorities for our flights after this weekend," a spokesman said.

Air France, part of the Air France-KLM group, operates one or two flights a day between Paris and Moscow.

A spokeswoman for Lufthansa, Germany's biggest airline, said it had been given approval for the new routes on its flights from Frankfurt to Moscow and St Petersburg for the foreseeable future.

Lufthansa currently operates seven return flights from Frankfurt to Moscow and three return flights from Frankfurt to St Petersburg per week.

(With inputs from agenies)

Russia approved flight plans of Air France and Lufthansa to the country that avoid Belarus. After Belarus forced landing of a Ryanair passenger plane in Minsk and arrested a dissident journalist on May 23, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) had advised airlines to avoid Belarusian airspace.

Russia approved flight plans of Air France and Lufthansa to the country that avoid Belarus. After Belarus forced landing of a Ryanair passenger plane in Minsk and arrested a dissident journalist on May 23, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) had advised airlines to avoid Belarusian airspace. Air France said its new flight path to Moscow started on Saturday and had been authorised for this weekend. "We ... are awaiting a green light from Russian authorities for our flights after this weekend," a spokesman said. Air France, part of the Air France-KLM group, operates one or two flights a day between Paris and Moscow. A spokeswoman for Lufthansa, Germany's biggest airline, said it had been given approval for the new routes on its flights from Frankfurt to Moscow and St Petersburg for the foreseeable future. Lufthansa currently operates seven return flights from Frankfurt to Moscow and three return flights from Frankfurt to St Petersburg per week. (With inputs from agenies)

Russia approves Air France, Lufthansa routes which avoid Belarus airspace

A shadow government in Myanmar said on Saturday that it had joined forces with a rebel group to "demolish" military junta rule. The military junta toppled Myanmar's civilian government under Aung San Suu Kyi in a coup on February 1 this year. The country has been in turmoil ever since and has been rocked by pro-democracy protests. The military junta has used force to suppress the dissent

A group of ousted lawmakers later set up a shadow "National Unity Government" (NUG) which has sought to bring anti-coup dissidents together with Myanmar's myriad ethnic rebel fighters to form a federal army to challenge the junta.

On Saturday, the rebel Chin National Front signed an agreement to "demolish the dictatorship and to implement a federal democratic system" in Myanmar, the NUG said in a statement.

Both parties pledged "mutual recognition" and to "partner equally", said the statement without giving more details.

Chin National Front (CNF) mainly represents Christian Chin minority in western Myanmar and it had signed a ceasefire with Myanmar military in 2015.

In recent years its fighters have dwindled.

"The CNF has no real military strength, so this move is symbolic," Richard Horsey, senior advisor on Myanmar to the International Crisis Group, told AFP.

"But [it is] nevertheless significant as CNF has been quite prominent in the peace process, due to its well respected political leaders in exile."

Several rebel groups have condemned military coup and use of violence against civilians.

Some are also providing shelter and even training to dissidents who flee into their territories.&nbsp;

But more than 20 outfits have long distrusted the ethnic Bamar majority -- including lawmakers affiliated with Suu Kyi's government.

On Friday, the NUG released a video it said showed the first batch of fighters from its "People's Defence Force", formed to protect civilians, completing their training.

Around a hundred recruits were shown marching across flat ground surrounded by jungle. None appeared to be carrying weapons.

"Let all Burmese people be freed from military slavery," the recruits were heard shouting together.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A shadow government in Myanmar said on Saturday that it had joined forces with a rebel group to "demolish" military junta rule. The military junta toppled Myanmar's civilian government under Aung San Suu Kyi in a coup on February 1 this year.

A shadow government in Myanmar said on Saturday that it had joined forces with a rebel group to "demolish" military junta rule. The military junta toppled Myanmar's civilian government under Aung San Suu Kyi in a coup on February 1 this year. The country has been in turmoil ever since and has been rocked by pro-democracy protests. The military junta has used force to suppress the dissent A group of ousted lawmakers later set up a shadow "National Unity Government" (NUG) which has sought to bring anti-coup dissidents together with Myanmar's myriad ethnic rebel fighters to form a federal army to challenge the junta. On Saturday, the rebel Chin National Front signed an agreement to "demolish the dictatorship and to implement a federal democratic system" in Myanmar, the NUG said in a statement. Both parties pledged "mutual recognition" and to "partner equally", said the statement without giving more details. Chin National Front (CNF) mainly represents Christian Chin minority in western Myanmar and it had signed a ceasefire with Myanmar military in 2015. In recent years its fighters have dwindled. "The CNF has no real military strength, so this move is symbolic," Richard Horsey, senior advisor on Myanmar to the International Crisis Group, told AFP. "But [it is] nevertheless significant as CNF has been quite prominent in the peace process, due to its well respected political leaders in exile." Several rebel groups have condemned military coup and use of violence against civilians. Some are also providing shelter and even training to dissidents who flee into their territories. But more than 20 outfits have long distrusted the ethnic Bamar majority -- including lawmakers affiliated with Suu Kyi's government. On Friday, the NUG released a video it said showed the first batch of fighters from its "People's Defence Force", formed to protect civilians, completing their training. Around a hundred recruits were shown marching across flat ground surrounded by jungle. None appeared to be carrying weapons. "Let all Burmese people be freed from military slavery," the recruits were heard shouting together. (With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar's shadow government allies with rebel group against military junta

A statue of 17th century British slave trader will go on temporary display in&nbsp;London. The statue was toppled last June in Bristol

The statue of Edward Colston, a former top official in the Royal African Company, was pulled down during a Black Lives Matter rally in the southwest English city on June 7.

It was dragged through the city and dumped in the harbour, as anger at the death of George Floyd in US police custody the previous month prompted protests in numerous British cities and around the world.

Later this year, four people will stand trial after pleading not guilty to charges of criminal damage.

The statue was retrieved from the harbour and a conservation team at local museum M Shed cleaned it and stabilised spray painted graffiti to prevent flaking.

The statue will be centrepiece of a temporary exhibition opening next Friday.

Meanwhile, Bristol's city council is going to launch a survey, asking locals about what they think should happen to the statue.

Bristol mayor Marvin Rees, who previously described its toppling as a "piece of historical poetry", said the exhibition and survey aim "to start a conversation about our history".

In response to the incident, Rees formed the We Are Bristol History Commission last September, which he said would "be leading that conversation with citizens over the coming months".

"The 7 June 2020 is undoubtedly a significant day in Bristol's history and had a profound impact not just in our city but also across the country and around the world," he said.

"The future of the statue must be decided by the people of Bristol," Rees added, urging all residents to participate.

(With inputs from agencies)

A statue of 17th century British slave trader will go on temporary display in London. The statue was toppled last June in Bristol The statue of Edward Colston, a former top official in the Royal African Company, was pulled down during a Black Lives Matter rally in the southwest English city on June 7.

A statue of 17th century British slave trader will go on temporary display in London. The statue was toppled last June in Bristol The statue of Edward Colston, a former top official in the Royal African Company, was pulled down during a Black Lives Matter rally in the southwest English city on June 7. It was dragged through the city and dumped in the harbour, as anger at the death of George Floyd in US police custody the previous month prompted protests in numerous British cities and around the world. Later this year, four people will stand trial after pleading not guilty to charges of criminal damage. The statue was retrieved from the harbour and a conservation team at local museum M Shed cleaned it and stabilised spray painted graffiti to prevent flaking. The statue will be centrepiece of a temporary exhibition opening next Friday. Meanwhile, Bristol's city council is going to launch a survey, asking locals about what they think should happen to the statue. Bristol mayor Marvin Rees, who previously described its toppling as a "piece of historical poetry", said the exhibition and survey aim "to start a conversation about our history". In response to the incident, Rees formed the We Are Bristol History Commission last September, which he said would "be leading that conversation with citizens over the coming months". "The 7 June 2020 is undoubtedly a significant day in Bristol's history and had a profound impact not just in our city but also across the country and around the world," he said. "The future of the statue must be decided by the people of Bristol," Rees added, urging all residents to participate. (With inputs from agencies)

Toppled statue of UK slave trader to go on temporary display

Commander of Iran's Quds Force on Saturday asked Israelis to "go back" to Europe and USA and "rebuild lives" there. He also said that Palestinians were ready to take back control of occupied lands.

Brigadier General Esmail Ghaani, the commander of the Quds Force made the comments during a ceremony in Iran's capital Tehran.

Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas have established ceasefire last week but tensions are still high in the region. The ceasefire halted the 11-day fighting between the two warring parties that saw rocket attacks and airstrikes causing casualties on both sides.

Iran supports Hamas that rules the Gaza Strip. Iran does not recognise Tehran.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-fighters-display-weapons-in-gaza-after-truce-with-israel-388205">Hamas fighters display weapons in Gaza after truce with Israel&nbsp;</a>

Israeli strikes on Gaza during the 11-day conflict killed 248 Palestinians, including 66 children, and have wounded more than 1,900 people, the Gaza health ministry says.

Rockets and other fire from Gaza claimed 12 lives in Israel, including one child and an Arab-Israeli teenager, an Israeli soldier, one Indian, and two Thai nationals, medics say. Some 357 people in Israel were wounded.

There is controversy about how many of those killed in Gaza were combatants, and how many were civilians.

(With inputs from agencies)

Commander of Iran's Quds Force on Saturday asked Israelis to "go back" to Europe and USA and "rebuild lives" there. He also said that Palestinians were ready to take back control of occupied lands.

Commander of Iran's Quds Force on Saturday asked Israelis to "go back" to Europe and USA and "rebuild lives" there. He also said that Palestinians were ready to take back control of occupied lands. Brigadier General Esmail Ghaani, the commander of the Quds Force made the comments during a ceremony in Iran's capital Tehran. Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas have established ceasefire last week but tensions are still high in the region. The ceasefire halted the 11-day fighting between the two warring parties that saw rocket attacks and airstrikes causing casualties on both sides. Iran supports Hamas that rules the Gaza Strip. Iran does not recognise Tehran. Also Read | Hamas fighters display weapons in Gaza after truce with Israel Israeli strikes on Gaza during the 11-day conflict killed 248 Palestinians, including 66 children, and have wounded more than 1,900 people, the Gaza health ministry says. Rockets and other fire from Gaza claimed 12 lives in Israel, including one child and an Arab-Israeli teenager, an Israeli soldier, one Indian, and two Thai nationals, medics say. Some 357 people in Israel were wounded. There is controversy about how many of those killed in Gaza were combatants, and how many were civilians. (With inputs from agencies)

Israelis should 'go back' to Europe, US: Iran's Quds Force commander

The government of Democratic Republic of Congo said on Saturday that eruption of second volcano was a 'false alarm'. The government had made an announcement about the eruption just hours ago. This came just a week after Mount Nyiragongo erupted causing devastation and mass exodus.

The government had said that Murara volcano had a "low intensity" eruption on Saturday morning sending lava flowing into an uninhabited area of Virunga Park.&nbsp;

Virunga Park is a wildlife reserve home to a quarter of the world's critically endangered mountain gorillas.

Murara is a small volcano considered to be a crater of Mount Nyamuragira, which along with Nyiragongo is known for strong volcanic activity.

However, the communications ministry then issued another statement saying "false alarm on Nyamuragira".

"A plane has just flown over the entire area on the sides of this volcano. No eruption was observed," it added.

"It was instead intense activities of carbonising wood into charcoal, the smoke of which was perceived as volcanic activity."&nbsp;

Aerial images of Nyamuragira taken Saturday morning and viewed by AFP showed just a few wisps of white smoke in the volcano's crater.

Murara rises 25 kilometres (15 miles) north of Goma, capital of North Kivu province.

Mass evacuation

City in the shadow of Nyiragongo, Africa's most active volcano is still living in fear since the eruption on last Saturday. The strato-volcano spewed rivers of lava that claimed nearly three dozen lives and destroyed the homes of some 20,000 people before the eruption stopped.

Hundreds of aftershocks have rocked the region since and around 400,000 people have been evacuated from Goma.

(With inputs from agencies)

The government of Democratic Republic of Congo said on Saturday that eruption of second volcano was a 'false alarm'. The government had made an announcement about the eruption just hours ago.

The government of Democratic Republic of Congo said on Saturday that eruption of second volcano was a 'false alarm'. The government had made an announcement about the eruption just hours ago. This came just a week after Mount Nyiragongo erupted causing devastation and mass exodus. The government had said that Murara volcano had a "low intensity" eruption on Saturday morning sending lava flowing into an uninhabited area of Virunga Park. Virunga Park is a wildlife reserve home to a quarter of the world's critically endangered mountain gorillas. Murara is a small volcano considered to be a crater of Mount Nyamuragira, which along with Nyiragongo is known for strong volcanic activity. However, the communications ministry then issued another statement saying "false alarm on Nyamuragira". "A plane has just flown over the entire area on the sides of this volcano. No eruption was observed," it added. "It was instead intense activities of carbonising wood into charcoal, the smoke of which was perceived as volcanic activity." Aerial images of Nyamuragira taken Saturday morning and viewed by AFP showed just a few wisps of white smoke in the volcano's crater. Murara rises 25 kilometres (15 miles) north of Goma, capital of North Kivu province. Mass evacuation City in the shadow of Nyiragongo, Africa's most active volcano is still living in fear since the eruption on last Saturday. The strato-volcano spewed rivers of lava that claimed nearly three dozen lives and destroyed the homes of some 20,000 people before the eruption stopped. Hundreds of aftershocks have rocked the region since and around 400,000 people have been evacuated from Goma. (With inputs from agencies)

Warning on second DR Congo volcano eruption a 'false alarm'

Taliban has publically threatened Afghan security guards who have worked for Australian embassy. The embassy has been shut by Australia. Taliban has circulated pictures of Afghan security guards who have worked for the embassy.

Australia shut its embassy on Friday highlighting security fears as US-led international forces withdraw from Afghanistan.

With President Joe Biden's September 11 deadline looming, nations are weighing how they might operate without the security blanket provided by US and NATO forces, while scrambling to decide what to do with thousands of Afghan staff.

Taliban have openly said that anyone working alongside foreign governments will be treated as collaborators and will be targetted.

Kabul-based political analyst Sayed Nasir Musawi told AFP he expected more foreign missions to close shop in coming months.

"Western countries are not fully sure about the continuation and survival of the incumbent government," he said.

The Afghan government insists it can keep the Taliban at bay, but the insurgents have made huge gains in the countryside in recent months and engage daily with local security forces.

The Taliban are now present in almost every Afghan province, have full or partial control of thousands of districts, and have effectively encircled several cities -- a similar situation to 1996, when they took over most of the country.

(With agency inputs)

Taliban has publically threatened Afghan security guards who have worked for Australian embassy. The embassy has been shut by Australia. Taliban has circulated pictures of Afghan security guards who have worked for the embassy.

Taliban has publically threatened Afghan security guards who have worked for Australian embassy. The embassy has been shut by Australia. Taliban has circulated pictures of Afghan security guards who have worked for the embassy. Australia shut its embassy on Friday highlighting security fears as US-led international forces withdraw from Afghanistan. With President Joe Biden's September 11 deadline looming, nations are weighing how they might operate without the security blanket provided by US and NATO forces, while scrambling to decide what to do with thousands of Afghan staff. Taliban have openly said that anyone working alongside foreign governments will be treated as collaborators and will be targetted. Kabul-based political analyst Sayed Nasir Musawi told AFP he expected more foreign missions to close shop in coming months. "Western countries are not fully sure about the continuation and survival of the incumbent government," he said. The Afghan government insists it can keep the Taliban at bay, but the insurgents have made huge gains in the countryside in recent months and engage daily with local security forces. The Taliban are now present in almost every Afghan province, have full or partial control of thousands of districts, and have effectively encircled several cities -- a similar situation to 1996, when they took over most of the country. (With agency inputs)

Taliban threatens Afghan security guards at Australian embassy

The World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Friday that efforts to uncover origins of Covid-19 pandemic were being hampered by politics. The agency insisted that scientists needed some space to work on solving the mystery.

"We would ask that we separate the science from the politics, and let us get on with finding the answers that we need in a proper, positive atmosphere," WHO emergencies chief Michael Ryan told reporters.

"This whole process is being poisoned by politics," he warned.&nbsp;

WHO is under pressure to launch a new, in-depth investigation on origins of the pandemic. No timeline has currently been set for the next stage in this probe.

Earlier this week, US President Joe Biden this week ordered US intelligence community to investigate Covid-19 virus first emerged in China from an animal source or from a laboratory accident.

The move hints at growing impatience with waiting for a conclusive WHO investigation into how the pandemic that has killed more than 3.5 million people worldwide began.&nbsp;

During an ongoing meeting of WHO member states, European Union countries and a range of others also pressed for clarity on the next steps in the organisation's efforts to solve the mystery, seen as vital to averting future pandemics.

'No timeline'

However, WHO said on Friday that it was still waiting for recommendations from a team of WHO technical experts on how to move forward.

"The technical team will prepare a proposal for the next studies that will need to be carried out and will present that to the director-general," spokeswoman Fadela Chaib told reporters.

"He will then work with member states about the next steps," she said, acknowledging "there is no timeline".

The WHO finally managed to send a team of independent, international experts to Wuhan in January, more than a year after Covid-19 first surfaced there in late 2019, to help probe the pandemic origins.

(With inputs from agencies)

The World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Friday that efforts to uncover origins of Covid-19 pandemic were being hampered by politics. The agency insisted that scientists needed some space to work on solving the mystery.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Friday that efforts to uncover origins of Covid-19 pandemic were being hampered by politics. The agency insisted that scientists needed some space to work on solving the mystery. "We would ask that we separate the science from the politics, and let us get on with finding the answers that we need in a proper, positive atmosphere," WHO emergencies chief Michael Ryan told reporters. "This whole process is being poisoned by politics," he warned. WHO is under pressure to launch a new, in-depth investigation on origins of the pandemic. No timeline has currently been set for the next stage in this probe. Earlier this week, US President Joe Biden this week ordered US intelligence community to investigate Covid-19 virus first emerged in China from an animal source or from a laboratory accident. The move hints at growing impatience with waiting for a conclusive WHO investigation into how the pandemic that has killed more than 3.5 million people worldwide began. During an ongoing meeting of WHO member states, European Union countries and a range of others also pressed for clarity on the next steps in the organisation's efforts to solve the mystery, seen as vital to averting future pandemics. 'No timeline' However, WHO said on Friday that it was still waiting for recommendations from a team of WHO technical experts on how to move forward. "The technical team will prepare a proposal for the next studies that will need to be carried out and will present that to the director-general," spokeswoman Fadela Chaib told reporters. "He will then work with member states about the next steps," she said, acknowledging "there is no timeline". The WHO finally managed to send a team of independent, international experts to Wuhan in January, more than a year after Covid-19 first surfaced there in late 2019, to help probe the pandemic origins. (With inputs from agencies)

Search for Covid origins 'being poisoned by politics': WHO

Republicans in US Senate derailed an inquiry into deadly Capitol riots that took place in January this year.&nbsp;

Democrats along with some moderate Republicans had sought a commission to probe events leading up to the US Capitol attack. The measure failed by a vote of 54 to 35, short of the 60 votes needed to advance the legislation in the 100-member Senate. The 35 no votes were all Republicans.

It was the first time this year that Republicans were able to use the 60-vote hurdle, known as a filibuster, to defeat legislation.

The vote underscores the steep challenges for Democrats in the evenly divided chamber, as they will have to win at least some Republican support in order to pass policing reforms, voting-rights legislation and other priorities.

Hundreds of Trump supporter had stormed the Capitol building on January 6 as US Congress was in session. The rioters fought with police, urging violence against lawmakers and delaying the formal certification of President Joe Biden's election victory.&nbsp;

The violence left five people dead including a Capitol Police officer.

(With inputs from agencies)

Republicans in US Senate derailed an inquiry into deadly Capitol riots that took place in January this year. Democrats along with some moderate Republicans had sought a commission to probe events leading up to the US Capitol attack.

Republicans in US Senate derailed an inquiry into deadly Capitol riots that took place in January this year. Democrats along with some moderate Republicans had sought a commission to probe events leading up to the US Capitol attack. The measure failed by a vote of 54 to 35, short of the 60 votes needed to advance the legislation in the 100-member Senate. The 35 no votes were all Republicans. It was the first time this year that Republicans were able to use the 60-vote hurdle, known as a filibuster, to defeat legislation. The vote underscores the steep challenges for Democrats in the evenly divided chamber, as they will have to win at least some Republican support in order to pass policing reforms, voting-rights legislation and other priorities. Hundreds of Trump supporter had stormed the Capitol building on January 6 as US Congress was in session. The rioters fought with police, urging violence against lawmakers and delaying the formal certification of President Joe Biden's election victory. The violence left five people dead including a Capitol Police officer. (With inputs from agencies)

Senate Republicans block bill on probe of deadly Capitol riot

Nigerian authorities have recovered the bodies of more than 70 people after an overloaded boat capsized in the northwestern state of Kebbi on Wednesday, a state spokesman said.

"Seventy-six corpses have so far been recovered, while 22 (people) were rescued, divers are still looking for more bodies," Abubakar Dakingari, spokesman for the Kebbi state governor, said on Friday.

The wooden boat was ferrying between 100 and 200 people, according to wide-ranging estimates from authorities and locals.

(With inputs from agencies)

Nigerian authorities have recovered the bodies of more than 70 people after an overloaded boat capsized in the northwestern state of Kebbi on Wednesday, a state spokesman said.

Nigerian authorities have recovered the bodies of more than 70 people after an overloaded boat capsized in the northwestern state of Kebbi on Wednesday, a state spokesman said. "Seventy-six corpses have so far been recovered, while 22 (people) were rescued, divers are still looking for more bodies," Abubakar Dakingari, spokesman for the Kebbi state governor, said on Friday. The wooden boat was ferrying between 100 and 200 people, according to wide-ranging estimates from authorities and locals. (With inputs from agencies)

Nigeria: 70 dead after boat capsizes

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.