The first-ever India-EU summit comprising of India and 27 EU member states began on Saturday. World leaders showered praise on India. These included French President Emmanuel Macron who said India did not need to "listen to lectures from anyone" and Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa who himself is an Overseas Citizen of India. He spoke about his OCI card with pride.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed EU leadership to support waiver on Trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights (TRIPS waiver) at WTO (World Trade Organisation). This wavier is being sought for Covid-related treatments and vaccines to be widely available across the world.

Last week US extended support for the wavier, which came in the backdrop of PM Modi-US President Joe Biden's talks. The wavier will help in the production of more covid vaccines helping ease the situation globally.

During the summit on Saturday, several EU leaders individually thanked India for medical supplies it provided last year while Europe battled the pandemic. &nbsp;All the EU leaders extended solidarity and support to the people of India and the government amid the covid crisis.&nbsp;

French President Macron pointed out that India did not need to "listen to lectures from anyone" about vaccine supplies. He highlighted that India has "exported a lot for vaccines for humanity" while mentioning the situation in the country due to covid. Spain PM Pedro Sánchez warmly recalled Indian assistance last year when Spain faced terrible times due to COVID.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/anti-covid-drug-by-indias-defence-research-and-development-organisation-gets-regulator-nod-383728">Anti-Covid drug by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation gets regulator nod</a>

Portuguese PM Antonio Costa proudly mentioned his status as an OCI.

Portugal is the President of the Council of the European Union and the virtual India-EU Leaders meet is being hosted by Portugal PM António Costa.

'Kem Chho'

Belgian PM Alexander De Croo greeted PM Narendra Modi with 'Kem Chho'. It means 'how are you?' in Gujarati, PM Modi's mother tongue.

7,000 people of Indian origin people live in Belgium. Large number of Gujaratis stay in Antwerp, the diamond capital of the world.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez warmly recalled Indian assistance last year during the worst time for Spain. India has been exported vaccines and medicines to many countries in the world during the pandemic.

It is for the second time the EU is holding such a summit with any country. In March, US President Joe Biden meet with EU member states in such a format.

The first-ever India-EU summit comprising of India and 27 EU member states began on Saturday. World leaders showered praise on India. These included French President Emmanuel Macron who said India did not need to "listen to lectures from anyone" and Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa who himself is an Overseas Citizen of India.

The first-ever India-EU summit comprising of India and 27 EU member states began on Saturday. World leaders showered praise on India. These included French President Emmanuel Macron who said India did not need to "listen to lectures from anyone" and Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa who himself is an Overseas Citizen of India. He spoke about his OCI card with pride. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed EU leadership to support waiver on Trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights (TRIPS waiver) at WTO (World Trade Organisation). This wavier is being sought for Covid-related treatments and vaccines to be widely available across the world. Last week US extended support for the wavier, which came in the backdrop of PM Modi-US President Joe Biden's talks. The wavier will help in the production of more covid vaccines helping ease the situation globally. During the summit on Saturday, several EU leaders individually thanked India for medical supplies it provided last year while Europe battled the pandemic. All the EU leaders extended solidarity and support to the people of India and the government amid the covid crisis. French President Macron pointed out that India did not need to "listen to lectures from anyone" about vaccine supplies. He highlighted that India has "exported a lot for vaccines for humanity" while mentioning the situation in the country due to covid. Spain PM Pedro Sánchez warmly recalled Indian assistance last year when Spain faced terrible times due to COVID. Also Read | Anti-Covid drug by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation gets regulator nod Portuguese PM Antonio Costa proudly mentioned his status as an OCI. Portugal is the President of the Council of the European Union and the virtual India-EU Leaders meet is being hosted by Portugal PM António Costa. 'Kem Chho' Belgian PM Alexander De Croo greeted PM Narendra Modi with 'Kem Chho'. It means 'how are you?' in Gujarati, PM Modi's mother tongue. 7,000 people of Indian origin people live in Belgium. Large number of Gujaratis stay in Antwerp, the diamond capital of the world. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez warmly recalled Indian assistance last year during the worst time for Spain. India has been exported vaccines and medicines to many countries in the world during the pandemic. It is for the second time the EU is holding such a summit with any country. In March, US President Joe Biden meet with EU member states in such a format.

India-EU Summit: EU leaders extend solidarity to India, PM Modi presses for vaccine patent waivers

After hundreds of Palestinians were injured due to Israeli Police's firing rubber bullets and stun grenades at protestors,&nbsp;during the clashes at Islam's third holiest site,&nbsp;Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque and around East Jerusalem, Turkey has now accused Israel of terror against its Palestinian population. Meanwhile, Nepal Prime Minister KP Oli, summoned an emergency meeting at his residence amidst Nepal's COVID-19 crisis. In other news, Joanne Anderson becomes the first black woman to be directly-elected Mayor in the UK, and the first female Mayor of Liverpool.&nbsp;Read this and more in today's Top 10 World News:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-seals-deal-for-more-18-billion-pfizerbiontech-covid-vaccine-doses-383700">EU seals deal for more 1.8 billion Pfizer/BioNTech Covid vaccine doses</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2019/05/24/95727-untitled-design-88.jpg?itok=uG0jko-v" />The European Union has concluded deal for upto 1.8 billion extra doses of Pfizer/BioNTech Covid vaccine. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen made the announcement on Twitter as she attended an EU summit in Portugal.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-saudi-arabia-to-reset-strained-ties-383720">Pakistan, Saudi Arabia to reset strained ties</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/05/08/194288-pakistan-saudi-arabia.jpg?itok=aLAaEXIM" />Saudi Arabia and its long-standing ally Pakistan on Saturday signed several agreements on Saturday. Both countries have vowed to reser ties which have been strained over policy disagreements on Kashmir issue.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-accuses-israel-of-terror-over-palestinian-clashes-at-al-aqsa-383725">Turkey accuses Israel of 'terror' over Palestinian clashes at Al-Aqsa</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/05/08/194291-untitled-design-68.jpg?itok=oVHfyoxz" />The clashes at Islam's third holiest site and around East Jerusalem, which injured 205 Palestinians and 17 police officers, came amid mounting anger over the potential eviction of Palestinians from homes on land claimed by Jewish settlers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pandemic-political-instability-economic-crisis-rattles-nepal-383631">Pandemic, political instability, economic crisis rattles Nepal &nbsp;</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2018/09/12/43513-nepal-20180313053931.jpg?itok=I-0DVxvN" />Coronavirus cases in Nepal are skyrocketing and hospitals in the country are overwhelmed with the huge influx of COVID-19 patients. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is seeking help from other nations and also is under pressure because of the political crisis that is looming over his government.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-surge-in-india-heartbreaking-us-determined-to-help-the-country-vp-kamala-harris-383627">COVID-19 surge in India heartbreaking; US determined to help the country: VP Kamala Harris</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/04/27/192886-untitled-design-6.jpg?itok=MulicdEv" />Pledging that the Biden administration is determined to help India in its hour of need, Harris said that the entire government machinery has been galvanised to help the country in this hour of crisis.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-eu-leadership-summit-world-leaders-shower-praise-on-india-383736">India-EU Leadership Summit: World leaders shower praise on India</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/12/04/172505-modi-meeting.JPG?itok=waISus3r" />

The first-ever India-EU summit comprising of India and 27 EU member states began on Saturday. World leaders showered praise on India. These included French President Emmanuel Macron who said India did not need to "listen to lectures from anyone" and Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa who himself is an Overseas Citizen of India. He spoke about his OCI card with pride.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-pm-summons-emergency-cabinet-meeting-383709">Nepal PM summons emergency cabinet meeting</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2018/09/12/35317-kp%25252520oli-20171210033412.JPG?itok=KnNnnNET" />Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli called an emergency cabinet meeting at his official residence in Baluwatar on Saturday evening which was likely to discuss the COVID-19 crisis.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/anti-covid-drug-by-indias-defence-research-and-development-organisation-gets-regulator-nod-383728">Anti-Covid drug by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation gets regulator nod</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/06/02/142894-untitled-design.jpg?itok=kjfhC8ZS" />Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has given its approval to an anti-Covid drug developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The drug has been approved for emergency use as an adjunct therapy in moderate to severe coronavirus cases.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-rocket-to-tumble-back-to-earth-in-uncontrolled-re-entry-383608">Chinese rocket to tumble back to Earth in uncontrolled re-entry</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/05/07/194194-untitled-design-50.jpg?itok=P_IGA7RF" />A Long March-5B&nbsp;rocket&nbsp;launched the first module of China's new space station into Eart orbit on April 29. Its 18-tonne main segment is now in freefall and experts have said it is difficult to say precisely where and when it will re-enter the atmosphere.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/city-of-firsts-liverpool-elects-first-ever-black-female-mayor-383649">'City of firsts': Liverpool elects first ever black female mayor</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/05/08/194264-joanne-anderson.jpg?itok=Da1sDKOg" />These are times when a positive change is taking over the world and one such example is of Liverpool which has collectively elected its first-ever Black female mayor.

After hundreds of Palestinians were injured due to Israeli Police's firing rubber bullets and stun grenades at protestors, during the clashes at Islam's third holiest site, Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque and around East Jerusalem, Turkey has now accused Israel of terror against its Palestinian population.

After hundreds of Palestinians were injured due to Israeli Police's firing rubber bullets and stun grenades at protestors, during the clashes at Islam's third holiest site, Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque and around East Jerusalem, Turkey has now accused Israel of terror against its Palestinian population. Meanwhile, Nepal Prime Minister KP Oli, summoned an emergency meeting at his residence amidst Nepal's COVID-19 crisis. In other news, Joanne Anderson becomes the first black woman to be directly-elected Mayor in the UK, and the first female Mayor of Liverpool. Read this and more in today's Top 10 World News: EU seals deal for more 1.8 billion Pfizer/BioNTech Covid vaccine doses The European Union has concluded deal for upto 1.8 billion extra doses of Pfizer/BioNTech Covid vaccine. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen made the announcement on Twitter as she attended an EU summit in Portugal. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia to reset strained ties Saudi Arabia and its long-standing ally Pakistan on Saturday signed several agreements on Saturday. Both countries have vowed to reser ties which have been strained over policy disagreements on Kashmir issue. Turkey accuses Israel of 'terror' over Palestinian clashes at Al-Aqsa The clashes at Islam's third holiest site and around East Jerusalem, which injured 205 Palestinians and 17 police officers, came amid mounting anger over the potential eviction of Palestinians from homes on land claimed by Jewish settlers. Pandemic, political instability, economic crisis rattles Nepal Coronavirus cases in Nepal are skyrocketing and hospitals in the country are overwhelmed with the huge influx of COVID-19 patients. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is seeking help from other nations and also is under pressure because of the political crisis that is looming over his government. COVID-19 surge in India heartbreaking; US determined to help the country: VP Kamala Harris Pledging that the Biden administration is determined to help India in its hour of need, Harris said that the entire government machinery has been galvanised to help the country in this hour of crisis. India-EU Leadership Summit: World leaders shower praise on India The first-ever India-EU summit comprising of India and 27 EU member states began on Saturday. World leaders showered praise on India. These included French President Emmanuel Macron who said India did not need to "listen to lectures from anyone" and Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa who himself is an Overseas Citizen of India. He spoke about his OCI card with pride. Nepal PM summons emergency cabinet meeting Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli called an emergency cabinet meeting at his official residence in Baluwatar on Saturday evening which was likely to discuss the COVID-19 crisis. Anti-Covid drug by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation gets regulator nod Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has given its approval to an anti-Covid drug developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The drug has been approved for emergency use as an adjunct therapy in moderate to severe coronavirus cases. Chinese rocket to tumble back to Earth in uncontrolled re-entry A Long March-5B rocket launched the first module of China's new space station into Eart orbit on April 29. Its 18-tonne main segment is now in freefall and experts have said it is difficult to say precisely where and when it will re-enter the atmosphere. 'City of firsts': Liverpool elects first ever black female mayor These are times when a positive change is taking over the world and one such example is of Liverpool which has collectively elected its first-ever Black female mayor.

Top 10 World News: Nepal stands rattled, Turkey's accuses Israel and more

Madagascar on Saturday received its first batch of coronavirus vaccines through the Covax global sharing scheme, one of the last countries in Africa to obtain the prised jabs following months of resistance by the president.

While countries across the globe scrambled to secure doses of the precious shots, Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina showed little interest in inoculation and instead continued to promote a locally brewed herbal drink as the only required coronavirus "cure".

But an unprecedented infection resurge last month forced Rajoelina to bow to growing criticism of his handling of the pandemic and agree to a vaccine rollout.

The first shipment of 250,000 Oxford/AstraZeneca jabs landed on the Indian Ocean island nation on Saturday.

The plane was met by a delegation of government officials and United Nations representatives, although Rajoelina himself did not attend the ceremony.

Health Minister Jean Louis Hanitrala Rakotovao said vaccines would be distributed across the country in two phases, without providing further detail.

"The inoculation is among several efficient preventative measures that will be added to strategies already implemented by the state," he added.

Madagascar's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> response has so far revolved around an infusion based on the anti-malarial plant artemisia and distributed freely across the island.

Dubbed Covid-Organics (CVO), the drink's effects have not been scientifically tested and the World Health Organization issued several warnings against its use.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/african-countries-importing-madagascars-anti-coronavirus-drink-disputed-by-who-297606">African countries importing Madagascar's anti-coronavirus drink disputed by WHO&nbsp;</a>

Rajoelina, however, has touted the tea as a "miracle" coronavirus remedy and snubbed all vaccines.

The president asserted in March that he had no intention of getting the jab and was in no hurry to launch mass inoculation for his citizens.

Madagascar has meanwhile been grappling to contain a spiralling second wave of coronavirus infections.

'Magic potion'

Over the past month, health facilities in the capital Antananarivo have been overwhelmed by a rising number COVID-19 patients compounded by oxygen shortages.

A weekend curfew was implemented three weeks ago in an attempt to curb the spread of infection in the city, forcing everyone off the streets from Friday evening to Monday.

Antananarivo resident Heritiana Rasoamiaramanana told AFP via telephone the government's delay in securing vaccines had been a "grave mistake".

"Since the beginning, the majority of Malagasy have doubted the effectiveness of CVO," said the 39-year-old business owner.

"But the president has continued to insist... that we can trust this magic potion and do not need to get vaccinated," he exclaimed. "Shame on him!"

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/madagascar-president-launches-herbal-cure-for-covid-19-296509">Madagascar President launches 'herbal cure' for COVID-19</a>

More than a third of Madagascar's coronavirus cases have been recorded in the past month alone.

Till&nbsp;date, the country of 27 million inhabitants has registered 38,874 infections, including at least 716 deaths.

Covax seeks to ensure poor countries have equitable access to vaccines to combat the pandemic.

The facility is co-led by the World Health Organization, the Gavi vaccine alliance and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations.

Madagascar on Saturday received its first batch of coronavirus vaccines through the Covax global sharing scheme, one of the last countries in Africa to obtain the prised jabs following months of resistance by the president.

Madagascar on Saturday received its first batch of coronavirus vaccines through the Covax global sharing scheme, one of the last countries in Africa to obtain the prised jabs following months of resistance by the president. While countries across the globe scrambled to secure doses of the precious shots, Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina showed little interest in inoculation and instead continued to promote a locally brewed herbal drink as the only required coronavirus "cure". But an unprecedented infection resurge last month forced Rajoelina to bow to growing criticism of his handling of the pandemic and agree to a vaccine rollout. The first shipment of 250,000 Oxford/AstraZeneca jabs landed on the Indian Ocean island nation on Saturday. The plane was met by a delegation of government officials and United Nations representatives, although Rajoelina himself did not attend the ceremony. Health Minister Jean Louis Hanitrala Rakotovao said vaccines would be distributed across the country in two phases, without providing further detail. "The inoculation is among several efficient preventative measures that will be added to strategies already implemented by the state," he added. Madagascar's coronavirus response has so far revolved around an infusion based on the anti-malarial plant artemisia and distributed freely across the island. Dubbed Covid-Organics (CVO), the drink's effects have not been scientifically tested and the World Health Organization issued several warnings against its use. Also read | African countries importing Madagascar's anti-coronavirus drink disputed by WHO Rajoelina, however, has touted the tea as a "miracle" coronavirus remedy and snubbed all vaccines. The president asserted in March that he had no intention of getting the jab and was in no hurry to launch mass inoculation for his citizens. Madagascar has meanwhile been grappling to contain a spiralling second wave of coronavirus infections. 'Magic potion' Over the past month, health facilities in the capital Antananarivo have been overwhelmed by a rising number COVID-19 patients compounded by oxygen shortages. A weekend curfew was implemented three weeks ago in an attempt to curb the spread of infection in the city, forcing everyone off the streets from Friday evening to Monday. Antananarivo resident Heritiana Rasoamiaramanana told AFP via telephone the government's delay in securing vaccines had been a "grave mistake". "Since the beginning, the majority of Malagasy have doubted the effectiveness of CVO," said the 39-year-old business owner. "But the president has continued to insist... that we can trust this magic potion and do not need to get vaccinated," he exclaimed. "Shame on him!" Also read | Madagascar President launches 'herbal cure' for COVID-19 More than a third of Madagascar's coronavirus cases have been recorded in the past month alone. Till date, the country of 27 million inhabitants has registered 38,874 infections, including at least 716 deaths. Covax seeks to ensure poor countries have equitable access to vaccines to combat the pandemic. The facility is co-led by the World Health Organization, the Gavi vaccine alliance and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations.

Madagascar receives first coronavirus vaccines

Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has given its approval to an anti-Covid drug developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The drug has been approved for emergency use as an adjunct therapy in moderate to severe coronavirus cases. The drug is to be administered orally.

Clinical trials of the drug 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) showed that it helps in faster recovery of hospitalised patients and reduces supplemental oxygen dependence.

The approval to the drug has come at a time when India has been grappling with a record-breaking wave of coronavirus pandemic that has stretched the country's healthcare infrastructure to its limit.

The announcement of the approval was made by India's health ministry

"In the ongoing second COVID-19 wave, a large number of patients are facing severe oxygen dependency and need hospitalisation.

"The drug is expected to save precious lives due to the mechanism of operation of the drug in infected cells. This also reduces the hospital stay of COVID-19 patients," the ministry said.

It said the anti-COVID-19 therapeutic application of 2-DG drug has been developed by the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS), a leading laboratory of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with Dr Reddy's Laboratories (DRL) in Hyderabad.

"On May 01, DCGI granted permission for emergency use of this drug as adjunct therapy in moderate to severe COVID-19 patients. Being a generic molecule and analogue of glucose, it can be easily produced and made available in plenty in the country," the ministry said in a statement.

Adjunctive therapy is a treatment used together with the primary treatment to assist it.

The drug comes in powder form in a sachet and is taken orally by dissolving it in water.

"It accumulates in the virus-infected cells and prevents virus growth by stopping viral synthesis and energy production. Its selective accumulation in virally infected cells makes this drug unique," the ministry said.

In terms of efficacy trends, the ministry said, patients treated with 2-DG showed faster symptomatic cure than the standard of care (SoC) on various endpoints.

"A significantly favourable trend (2.5 days difference) was seen in terms of the median time to achieving normalisation of specific vital signs parameters when compared to SoC," it said.

"Clinical trial results of the drug have shown that it helps in faster recovery of hospitalised patients and reduces supplemental oxygen dependence. A higher proportion of patients treated with 2-DG showed RT-PCR negative conversion in COVID patients," it added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has given its approval to an anti-Covid drug developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The drug has been approved for emergency use as an adjunct therapy in moderate to severe coronavirus cases.

Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has given its approval to an anti-Covid drug developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The drug has been approved for emergency use as an adjunct therapy in moderate to severe coronavirus cases. The drug is to be administered orally. Clinical trials of the drug 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) showed that it helps in faster recovery of hospitalised patients and reduces supplemental oxygen dependence. The approval to the drug has come at a time when India has been grappling with a record-breaking wave of coronavirus pandemic that has stretched the country's healthcare infrastructure to its limit. The announcement of the approval was made by India's health ministry "In the ongoing second COVID-19 wave, a large number of patients are facing severe oxygen dependency and need hospitalisation. "The drug is expected to save precious lives due to the mechanism of operation of the drug in infected cells. This also reduces the hospital stay of COVID-19 patients," the ministry said. It said the anti-COVID-19 therapeutic application of 2-DG drug has been developed by the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS), a leading laboratory of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with Dr Reddy's Laboratories (DRL) in Hyderabad. "On May 01, DCGI granted permission for emergency use of this drug as adjunct therapy in moderate to severe COVID-19 patients. Being a generic molecule and analogue of glucose, it can be easily produced and made available in plenty in the country," the ministry said in a statement. Adjunctive therapy is a treatment used together with the primary treatment to assist it. The drug comes in powder form in a sachet and is taken orally by dissolving it in water. "It accumulates in the virus-infected cells and prevents virus growth by stopping viral synthesis and energy production. Its selective accumulation in virally infected cells makes this drug unique," the ministry said. In terms of efficacy trends, the ministry said, patients treated with 2-DG showed faster symptomatic cure than the standard of care (SoC) on various endpoints. "A significantly favourable trend (2.5 days difference) was seen in terms of the median time to achieving normalisation of specific vital signs parameters when compared to SoC," it said. "Clinical trial results of the drug have shown that it helps in faster recovery of hospitalised patients and reduces supplemental oxygen dependence. A higher proportion of patients treated with 2-DG showed RT-PCR negative conversion in COVID patients," it added. (With inputs from agencies)

Anti-Covid drug by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation gets regulator nod

Turkey criticised Israel and accused it of unleashing "terror" on Palestinians after Israeli police fired rubber bullets and stun grenades towards rock-hurling Palestinian youth at Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque late on Friday.

The clashes at Islam's third holiest site and around East Jerusalem, which injured 205 Palestinians and 17 police officers, came amid mounting anger over the potential eviction of Palestinians from homes on land claimed by Jewish settlers.

As the clashes flared, several Turkish officials criticised Israel and called for other countries to voice condemnation, while a Foreign Ministry statement urged Israel to "immediately end its provocative and hostile stance and act with reason".

"Shame on Israel and those who keep silent in the face of disgraceful attacks," Turkish Presidential Spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said on Twitter late on Friday.

"We call on everyone to stand up against the policies of occupation and aggression of this apartheid state," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jerusalem-nightly-violent-encounter-injures-178-palestinians-and-6-police-officers-383586">Jerusalem: Nightly violent encounter injures 178 Palestinians and 6 police officers</a>

Turkey's communications director Fahrettin Altun told state television Israel was violating human rights and would "pay the price", as opposition parties echoed the government condemnation in a rare sign of unity.

"Attacking innocent people praying is clearly terror," Altun said. "We see that these attacks on Palestinians are against the most fundamental human rights."

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/jerusalem-clashes-palestinians-clash-with-israeli-police-at-al-aqsa-mosque-383605/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Former allies Turkey and Israel have had a bitter falling-out in recent years despite strong commercial ties, mutually expelling ambassadors in 2018.

Ankara has repeatedly condemned Israel's occupation of the West Bank and its treatment of Palestinians, calling the issue a "red line".

Last month, Turkey also condemned what it said was Israel's "systematic attempt at evicting Palestinians", referring to the long-running legal case that Israel's Supreme Court will hold a hearing over on Monday.

Turkey criticised Israel and accused it of unleashing "terror" on Palestinians after Israeli police fired rubber bullets and stun grenades towards rock-hurling Palestinian youth at Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque late on Friday.

Turkey criticised Israel and accused it of unleashing "terror" on Palestinians after Israeli police fired rubber bullets and stun grenades towards rock-hurling Palestinian youth at Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque late on Friday. The clashes at Islam's third holiest site and around East Jerusalem, which injured 205 Palestinians and 17 police officers, came amid mounting anger over the potential eviction of Palestinians from homes on land claimed by Jewish settlers. As the clashes flared, several Turkish officials criticised Israel and called for other countries to voice condemnation, while a Foreign Ministry statement urged Israel to "immediately end its provocative and hostile stance and act with reason". "Shame on Israel and those who keep silent in the face of disgraceful attacks," Turkish Presidential Spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said on Twitter late on Friday. "We call on everyone to stand up against the policies of occupation and aggression of this apartheid state," he said. Also read | Jerusalem: Nightly violent encounter injures 178 Palestinians and 6 police officers Turkey's communications director Fahrettin Altun told state television Israel was violating human rights and would "pay the price", as opposition parties echoed the government condemnation in a rare sign of unity. "Attacking innocent people praying is clearly terror," Altun said. "We see that these attacks on Palestinians are against the most fundamental human rights." Former allies Turkey and Israel have had a bitter falling-out in recent years despite strong commercial ties, mutually expelling ambassadors in 2018. Ankara has repeatedly condemned Israel's occupation of the West Bank and its treatment of Palestinians, calling the issue a "red line". Last month, Turkey also condemned what it said was Israel's "systematic attempt at evicting Palestinians", referring to the long-running legal case that Israel's Supreme Court will hold a hearing over on Monday.

Turkey accuses Israel of 'terror' over Palestinian clashes at Al-Aqsa

US military on Saturday said that a new drone attack&nbsp;targetted American forces in Iraq.&nbsp;The military said that the drone was packed with explosives and hit an Iraqi base that housed US troops early on Saturday.

There have been no casualties.

The attack on the Ain Al-Asad air base was the fourth in Iraq in less than week.

"Each attack... undermines the authority of Iraqi institutions, the rule of law and Iraqi national sovereignty," said US-led coalition spokesman Colonel Wayne Marotto.

"No injuries reported. A hangar was damaged," he said in a tweet.

It was only the second time authorities publicly confirmed a drone had been used in an attack on a target inside Iraq.

In April, a drone packed with explosives hit the coalition's Iraq headquarters in the military part of the airport in the Kurdish regional capital Arbil.

The attack sent shock waves around Iraq -- the tactic poses a headache for the coalition, as drones can evade the C-RAM air defences it has installed to protect its bases.

But an Iraqi government official told AFP that the Arbil strike was not the first use of a drone against a target inside Iraq.

"Drones were used by pro-Iran groups more than once before the attack in Arbil," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

In the meantime, there has been no let-up in rocket and other attacks carried out by the coalition's foes over the past 18 months.

(With inputs from agencies)

US military on Saturday said that a new drone attack targetted American forces in Iraq. The military said that the drone was packed with explosives and hit an Iraqi base that housed US troops early on Saturday.

US military on Saturday said that a new drone attack targetted American forces in Iraq. The military said that the drone was packed with explosives and hit an Iraqi base that housed US troops early on Saturday. There have been no casualties. The attack on the Ain Al-Asad air base was the fourth in Iraq in less than week. "Each attack... undermines the authority of Iraqi institutions, the rule of law and Iraqi national sovereignty," said US-led coalition spokesman Colonel Wayne Marotto. "No injuries reported. A hangar was damaged," he said in a tweet. It was only the second time authorities publicly confirmed a drone had been used in an attack on a target inside Iraq. In April, a drone packed with explosives hit the coalition's Iraq headquarters in the military part of the airport in the Kurdish regional capital Arbil. The attack sent shock waves around Iraq -- the tactic poses a headache for the coalition, as drones can evade the C-RAM air defences it has installed to protect its bases. But an Iraqi government official told AFP that the Arbil strike was not the first use of a drone against a target inside Iraq. "Drones were used by pro-Iran groups more than once before the attack in Arbil," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. In the meantime, there has been no let-up in rocket and other attacks carried out by the coalition's foes over the past 18 months. (With inputs from agencies)

Iraq: Fresh drone attack targets military base housing US soldiers

The European Union has concluded deal for upto 1.8 billion extra doses of Pfizer/BioNTech Covid vaccine. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen made the announcement on Twitter as she attended an EU summit in Portugal.

"Happy to announce that the EU Commission has just approved a contract for guaranteed 900 million doses (+900 million options) with BioNTech/Pfizer for 2021-2023," she tweeted from an EU summit in Portugal.

"Other contracts and other vaccine technologies will follow," she promised.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Happy to announce that <a href="https://twitter.com/EU_Commission?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EU_Commission</a> has just approved a contract for guaranteed 900 million doses (+900 million options) with <a href="https://twitter.com/BioNTech_Group?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BioNTech_Group</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/pfizer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Pfizer</a> for 2021-2023. 
 
Other contracts and other vaccine technologies will follow.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1390967173460463619?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The EU said that the contract on top of the 600 million BioNTech/Pfizer doses the commission has already secured, aims to supply the bloc -- population 450 million -- with enough jabs for booster shots.

They could also expand vaccination to minors and for exports to lower-income countries outside the EU, it added.

Ursula von der Leyen said that the mRNA technology used by BioNTech/Pfizer and other vaccine-makers has proven safe and effective.

BioNTech of Germany and Pfizer of the United States have stepped up supply Europe with their jointly produced doses, and their vaccine is currently the main one being used in the EU.

EU rollout accelerating

Others in the EU vaccine portfolio include those from AstraZeneca -- which delivered far below the quantities it had promised, and whose jab has been tarnished by a link to very rare blood clots -- as well as from Moderna and Johnson &amp; Johnson.

After a slow start, the EU's vaccination rollout has greatly picked up speed, with more than a quarter of its population having received at least one jab.&nbsp;

The 27-nation bloc is on track to have 70 percent of adults fully vaccinated by late July, and is already cautiously reopening ahead of its vital summer vacation period.

Von der Leyen has stood by the EU strategy of her Commission being responsible for negotiating vaccine contracts for all member countries, despite early criticism that rollout was too slow.

Europe is now <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-calls-on-us-others-to-export-vaccines-rather-than-talk-about-ip-waiver-383578">debating with the United States</a> over whether lifting patents on Covid vaccines could boost supplies to poorer countries.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-calls-on-us-others-to-export-vaccines-rather-than-talk-about-ip-waiver-383578">EU calls on US, others to export vaccines, rather than talk about IP waiver</a>

The EU has so far sent more than 200 million doses to non-EU countries, while the United States has dispatched just 2.7 million to Mexico in what it describes as a "loan".

The head of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, tweeted that "Europe’s role in the world is more critical today than ever as we fight Covid-19," adding that it "shows when we collaborate on common causes we are stronger together".

The European Union is major contributor to Covax, a WHO-backed facility designed to get doses to mainly lower-income countries.

(With&nbsp;inputs from agencies)

The European Union has concluded deal for upto 1.8 billion extra doses of Pfizer/BioNTech Covid vaccine. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen made the announcement on Twitter as she attended an EU summit in Portugal.

The European Union has concluded deal for upto 1.8 billion extra doses of Pfizer/BioNTech Covid vaccine. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen made the announcement on Twitter as she attended an EU summit in Portugal. "Happy to announce that the EU Commission has just approved a contract for guaranteed 900 million doses (+900 million options) with BioNTech/Pfizer for 2021-2023," she tweeted from an EU summit in Portugal. "Other contracts and other vaccine technologies will follow," she promised. Happy to announce that @EU_Commission has just approved a contract for guaranteed 900 million doses (+900 million options) with @BioNTech_Group @Pfizer for 2021-2023. Other contracts and other vaccine technologies will follow. — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) May 8, 2021 × The EU said that the contract on top of the 600 million BioNTech/Pfizer doses the commission has already secured, aims to supply the bloc -- population 450 million -- with enough jabs for booster shots. They could also expand vaccination to minors and for exports to lower-income countries outside the EU, it added. Ursula von der Leyen said that the mRNA technology used by BioNTech/Pfizer and other vaccine-makers has proven safe and effective. BioNTech of Germany and Pfizer of the United States have stepped up supply Europe with their jointly produced doses, and their vaccine is currently the main one being used in the EU. EU rollout accelerating Others in the EU vaccine portfolio include those from AstraZeneca -- which delivered far below the quantities it had promised, and whose jab has been tarnished by a link to very rare blood clots -- as well as from Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. After a slow start, the EU's vaccination rollout has greatly picked up speed, with more than a quarter of its population having received at least one jab. The 27-nation bloc is on track to have 70 percent of adults fully vaccinated by late July, and is already cautiously reopening ahead of its vital summer vacation period. Von der Leyen has stood by the EU strategy of her Commission being responsible for negotiating vaccine contracts for all member countries, despite early criticism that rollout was too slow. Europe is now debating with the United States over whether lifting patents on Covid vaccines could boost supplies to poorer countries. Also Read | EU calls on US, others to export vaccines, rather than talk about IP waiver The EU has so far sent more than 200 million doses to non-EU countries, while the United States has dispatched just 2.7 million to Mexico in what it describes as a "loan". The head of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, tweeted that "Europe’s role in the world is more critical today than ever as we fight Covid-19," adding that it "shows when we collaborate on common causes we are stronger together". The European Union is major contributor to Covax, a WHO-backed facility designed to get doses to mainly lower-income countries. (With inputs from agencies)

EU seals deal for more 1.8 billion Pfizer/BioNTech Covid vaccine doses

The&nbsp;Scottish&nbsp;National&nbsp;Party&nbsp;hoped the second day of vote-counting Saturday would bring it a slim&nbsp;majority&nbsp;in the devolved parliament while Prime Minister Boris Johnson decried its plan for an&nbsp;independence&nbsp;referendum.

The UK voted in a series of local and regional polls on "Super Thursday" in its first major vote since Brexit and the pandemic.

Johnson's Conservative&nbsp;Party&nbsp;performed strongly and claimed a traditional Labour seat in a parliamentary by-election.

But the focus remained on Scotland, where a vote for the devolved parliament in Edinburgh tested public support for the SNP's plan to hold a fresh referendum on&nbsp;independence&nbsp;that could reshape the UK.

The SNP on Friday won 39 of the 48 seats declared but lost two key targets. It needs 65 seats to claim a&nbsp;majority&nbsp;at Holyrood for the first time since 2011.

'Hopes fading'&nbsp;

"Hopes of SNP&nbsp;majority&nbsp;fading", the Herald daily headlined its election story, while The Scotsman wrote: "SNP hopes on a&nbsp;knife-edge&nbsp;amid gains for Nicola Sturgeon's&nbsp;party."

Deputy First Minister John Sweeney told BBC Radio 4 on Saturday morning that the SNP "is going to be the largest&nbsp;party&nbsp;in the&nbsp;Scottish&nbsp;Parliament" but said an overall&nbsp;majority&nbsp;"was always a very, very challenging mountain for us to climb".

He predicted that the&nbsp;Scottish&nbsp;parliament would however have a&nbsp;majority&nbsp;"of people who are committed to the holding of an&nbsp;independence&nbsp;referendum." The other pro-independence&nbsp;party&nbsp;with Holyrood seats is, the&nbsp;Scottish&nbsp;Greens.&nbsp;

Johnson in an interview with The Daily Telegraph indicated that he would not agree to a referendum even if the SNP wins a&nbsp;majority.

"I think a referendum in the current context is irresponsible and reckless," Johnson told the right-wing broadsheet.

Asked what he would do if Sturgeon pushed for a referendum without Westminster's consent, he said "there's no case now for such a thing... I don't think it's what the times call for at all."

Sturgeon has stressed that she will only hold a legal referendum and that it will be held when the virus crisis is over and not before the end of 2023.&nbsp;

"I pledge today to get back to work immediately, to lead this country in recovery from Covid, and then, when the time is right, to offer this country the choice of a better future," she said Friday.

The SNP also pledges that independent Scotland would seek to rejoin the European Union after most Scots voted against Brexit.

Johnson told The Telegraph he had the impression that the SNP had "moved away from the idea of a referendum, and I think very wisely."

The last referendum in 2014 saw 55 per cent vote "no". Recent polls suggest "no" would win again in an immediate referendum, as many fear ongoing upheaval post-Brexit.

'Very encouraging'&nbsp;

On Friday Johnson's Tories won a landslide in the northeast parliamentary seat of Hartlepool, in a bitter blow for Labour and its leader Keir Starmer.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-johnsons-party-sweeps-aside-labour-in-northern-english-town-383549">PM Johnson's party sweeps aside Labour in northern English town</a>

The Tory mayor for Tees Valley, also in northeast England, won re-election, also by a landslide, increasing his share of the vote compared to 2017.

Johnson described the results as "very encouraging" for his government.

The results continue the trend from the last general election in December 2019, when Brexit was the dominant issue and&nbsp;Conservatives grabbed a string of seats across Labour's so-called "Red Wall" heartlands in northern England.

This time, Johnson may have benefited from Britain's successful vaccine rollout, despite the country also suffering one of the world's worst Covid-19 death tolls.

Dogged by scandals in recent weeks, Johnson campaigned on his record of finally having "got Brexit done".&nbsp;

He also touted government economic support during the pandemic and the vaccine drive.

The Scottish National Party hoped the second day of vote-counting Saturday would bring it a slim majority in the devolved parliament while Prime Minister Boris Johnson decried its plan for an independence referendum.

The Scottish National Party hoped the second day of vote-counting Saturday would bring it a slim majority in the devolved parliament while Prime Minister Boris Johnson decried its plan for an independence referendum. The UK voted in a series of local and regional polls on "Super Thursday" in its first major vote since Brexit and the pandemic. Johnson's Conservative Party performed strongly and claimed a traditional Labour seat in a parliamentary by-election. But the focus remained on Scotland, where a vote for the devolved parliament in Edinburgh tested public support for the SNP's plan to hold a fresh referendum on independence that could reshape the UK. The SNP on Friday won 39 of the 48 seats declared but lost two key targets. It needs 65 seats to claim a majority at Holyrood for the first time since 2011. 'Hopes fading' "Hopes of SNP majority fading", the Herald daily headlined its election story, while The Scotsman wrote: "SNP hopes on a knife-edge amid gains for Nicola Sturgeon's party." Deputy First Minister John Sweeney told BBC Radio 4 on Saturday morning that the SNP "is going to be the largest party in the Scottish Parliament" but said an overall majority "was always a very, very challenging mountain for us to climb". He predicted that the Scottish parliament would however have a majority "of people who are committed to the holding of an independence referendum." The other pro-independence party with Holyrood seats is, the Scottish Greens. Johnson in an interview with The Daily Telegraph indicated that he would not agree to a referendum even if the SNP wins a majority. "I think a referendum in the current context is irresponsible and reckless," Johnson told the right-wing broadsheet. Asked what he would do if Sturgeon pushed for a referendum without Westminster's consent, he said "there's no case now for such a thing... I don't think it's what the times call for at all." Sturgeon has stressed that she will only hold a legal referendum and that it will be held when the virus crisis is over and not before the end of 2023. "I pledge today to get back to work immediately, to lead this country in recovery from Covid, and then, when the time is right, to offer this country the choice of a better future," she said Friday. The SNP also pledges that independent Scotland would seek to rejoin the European Union after most Scots voted against Brexit. Johnson told The Telegraph he had the impression that the SNP had "moved away from the idea of a referendum, and I think very wisely." The last referendum in 2014 saw 55 per cent vote "no". Recent polls suggest "no" would win again in an immediate referendum, as many fear ongoing upheaval post-Brexit. 'Very encouraging' On Friday Johnson's Tories won a landslide in the northeast parliamentary seat of Hartlepool, in a bitter blow for Labour and its leader Keir Starmer. Also read | PM Johnson's party sweeps aside Labour in northern English town The Tory mayor for Tees Valley, also in northeast England, won re-election, also by a landslide, increasing his share of the vote compared to 2017. Johnson described the results as "very encouraging" for his government. The results continue the trend from the last general election in December 2019, when Brexit was the dominant issue and Conservatives grabbed a string of seats across Labour's so-called "Red Wall" heartlands in northern England. This time, Johnson may have benefited from Britain's successful vaccine rollout, despite the country also suffering one of the world's worst Covid-19 death tolls. Dogged by scandals in recent weeks, Johnson campaigned on his record of finally having "got Brexit done". He also touted government economic support during the pandemic and the vaccine drive.

Scottish independence party seeks majority in 'knife-edge' count

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli called an emergency cabinet meeting at his official residence in Baluwatar on Saturday evening which was likely to discuss the COVID-19 crisis.

According to the Himalayan Times, the agenda behind gathering the Council of Ministers has not been disclosed yet but the meeting is expected to discuss the COVID-19 crisis that has engulfed the nation.

The meeting comes after the KP Sharma Oli government lost its majority in the parliament ahead of a vote of confidence as the CPN-Maoist Center withdrew its support formally on Wednesday. CPN-Maoist Center on Wednesday submitted a letter informing the Parliament Secretariat that it no more part of the government led by Prime Minister Oli.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pandemic-political-instability-economic-crisis-rattles-nepal-383631">Pandemic, political instability, economic crisis rattles Nepal</a>

On Thursday, Nepal reported 9,070 new COVID-19 cases, taking the cumulative caseload to 368,580. According to the country`s health ministry, the positivity rate stood at 42.90 per cent.

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli called an emergency cabinet meeting at his official residence in Baluwatar on Saturday evening which was likely to discuss the COVID-19 crisis.

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli called an emergency cabinet meeting at his official residence in Baluwatar on Saturday evening which was likely to discuss the COVID-19 crisis. According to the Himalayan Times, the agenda behind gathering the Council of Ministers has not been disclosed yet but the meeting is expected to discuss the COVID-19 crisis that has engulfed the nation. The meeting comes after the KP Sharma Oli government lost its majority in the parliament ahead of a vote of confidence as the CPN-Maoist Center withdrew its support formally on Wednesday. CPN-Maoist Center on Wednesday submitted a letter informing the Parliament Secretariat that it no more part of the government led by Prime Minister Oli. Also read | Pandemic, political instability, economic crisis rattles Nepal On Thursday, Nepal reported 9,070 new COVID-19 cases, taking the cumulative caseload to 368,580. According to the country`s health ministry, the positivity rate stood at 42.90 per cent.

Nepal PM summons emergency cabinet meeting

Saudi Arabia and its long-standing ally Pakistan on Saturday signed several agreements on Saturday. Both countries have vowed to reser ties which have been strained over policy disagreements on Kashmir issue.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was given a warm welcome by&nbsp;Saudi official in Jeddah. This is Khan's seventh Saudi visit after he took over as prime minister of the country.

Imran Khan was greeted by Saudi Arabia's de-facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the airport, before holding talks with Saudi officials at Jeddah's Al-Salam Palace.

"They affirmed the depth of relations between the two brotherly countries and underscored the importance of expanding and intensifying aspects of bilateral cooperation and coordination," a Saudi statement said.

Although the kingdom was the first foreign country Khan visited after taking office, Riyadh appeared frustrated with Islamabad last year.&nbsp;

Last year, Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations were strained.

In a sharply worded statement in August, Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi called on the Saudi-based Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to convene a high-level meeting on Kashmir.&nbsp;

The call raised eyebrows in Riyadh, where it was widely seen as a warning that Pakistan was preparing to call for a session outside OIC auspices.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia prides itself on its role as guardian of Islam's holiest sites and is particularly sensitive about any move that might undermine its leadership of the 57-member pan-Islamic body.&nbsp;

And while the wealthy nation has supported Pakistan with billions of dollars in aid and loans in recent years, observers say the kingdom is also keen not to upset India, a key business partner and importer of Saudi oil.

The kingdom recalled $1 billion of a $3 billion loan to cash-strapped Pakistan, and an expired multi-billion-dollar oil credit facility to Islamabad has not been renewed, a diplomatic source told AFP in September.&nbsp;

Prior to that, Pakistan rebuffed calls to send ground troops to support the troubled Saudi-led military campaign against Yemen's Huthi rebels.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Saudi Arabia and its long-standing ally Pakistan on Saturday signed several agreements on Saturday. Both countries have vowed to reser ties which have been strained over policy disagreements on Kashmir issue.

Saudi Arabia and its long-standing ally Pakistan on Saturday signed several agreements on Saturday. Both countries have vowed to reser ties which have been strained over policy disagreements on Kashmir issue. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was given a warm welcome by Saudi official in Jeddah. This is Khan's seventh Saudi visit after he took over as prime minister of the country. Imran Khan was greeted by Saudi Arabia's de-facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the airport, before holding talks with Saudi officials at Jeddah's Al-Salam Palace. "They affirmed the depth of relations between the two brotherly countries and underscored the importance of expanding and intensifying aspects of bilateral cooperation and coordination," a Saudi statement said. Although the kingdom was the first foreign country Khan visited after taking office, Riyadh appeared frustrated with Islamabad last year. Last year, Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations were strained. In a sharply worded statement in August, Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi called on the Saudi-based Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to convene a high-level meeting on Kashmir. The call raised eyebrows in Riyadh, where it was widely seen as a warning that Pakistan was preparing to call for a session outside OIC auspices. Saudi Arabia prides itself on its role as guardian of Islam's holiest sites and is particularly sensitive about any move that might undermine its leadership of the 57-member pan-Islamic body. And while the wealthy nation has supported Pakistan with billions of dollars in aid and loans in recent years, observers say the kingdom is also keen not to upset India, a key business partner and importer of Saudi oil. The kingdom recalled $1 billion of a $3 billion loan to cash-strapped Pakistan, and an expired multi-billion-dollar oil credit facility to Islamabad has not been renewed, a diplomatic source told AFP in September. Prior to that, Pakistan rebuffed calls to send ground troops to support the troubled Saudi-led military campaign against Yemen's Huthi rebels. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia to reset strained ties

The&nbsp;EU&nbsp;and&nbsp;India&nbsp;were set to bolster warming ties at a virtual summit Saturday by relaunching long-stalled trade talks and agreeing to work together against the coronavirus pandemic battering the south Asian giant.

The devastating wave of infections sweeping&nbsp;India&nbsp;has already impacted the meeting by forcing Prime Minister Narendra Modi to scrap plans to fly to Portugal to see his European counterparts. &nbsp;

But the 27-nation bloc and the world's largest democracy remain determined to capitalise on growing momentum for tighter relations fuelled by shared concerns over the rising might of China.

"I am positive that we will be able to do a major step forward because between the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;and&nbsp;India&nbsp;there is a close relationship, but also a lot of untapped potential," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said as&nbsp;EU&nbsp;leaders gathered in Porto.

"The most untapped potential is in trade and investment."

EU&nbsp;countries have sent medical equipment and drugs worth an estimated 100 million euros ($120 million) to&nbsp;India&nbsp;as part of international efforts to help it fight against the flood of COVID-19 cases.

The focus on the virus at the summit will be on making sure the two vaccine-producing powerhouses can maintain global supplies and monitoring the spread of variants, as well as on trying to plan together to tackle future pandemics.

"We obviously need to work together to continue our efforts to ramp up production, secure the necessary raw materials, and keep supply chains open," a senior&nbsp;EU&nbsp;official said.&nbsp;

"Leaders are going to commit to working together, to better prepare for and respond to global health emergencies, and this clearly includes strengthening and reforming the World Health Organization."

Von der Leyen said the two sides would agree on a "common platform" on sequencing the Covid-19 virus to help keep track of any new variants that may emerge.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/push-on-social-issues-as-eu-faces-covid-fallout-383556">Push on social issues as EU faces Covid fallout</a>

Waiving patents&nbsp;

Modi could also push the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;on waiving patents for COVID-19 jabs after the US threw its weight behind the proposal.

European Council chief Charles Michel said the bloc was willing to discuss the initiative once a concrete proposal was "on the table", but leaders have expressed scepticism about lifting patents.&nbsp;

While the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">pandemic</a> casts a long shadow over the summit, the key announcement is the restarting of talks on a free trade agreement that have been suspended since 2013.

Von der Leyen said talks would restart on a trade pact and begin on separate deals to protect investments and regionally-specific&nbsp;products.&nbsp;

She said that the two sides would also look to cooperate on developing cutting edge technologies including Artificial Intelligence and supercomputers.&nbsp;

Negotiations on the trade deal were halted eight years ago after getting stuck on issues including cutting tariffs and access for Indian workers to Europe.&nbsp;

'Elephant in the room'&nbsp;

It remains to be seen if&nbsp;India&nbsp;is now willing to drop an approach viewed as deeply protectionist by the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;to seal a deal this time around.

"It won't be easy or quick to reach," an official from the bloc told AFP.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/crucial-india-eu-summit-india-european-union-to-hold-key-virtual-trade-talks-383655/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

But growing tensions with China could create a new impetus for talks, with one diplomat calling Beijing "the elephant in the room".

For the&nbsp;EU, the push to restart negotiations comes as efforts to ratify an investment deal agreed with China that hit the buffers after relations soured over tit-for-tat sanctions.

"India&nbsp;for its part has also decided to invest more in its relations with the&nbsp;EU, driven in part by China's growing assertiveness and Brexit, requiring New Delhi to no longer see London as its sole entry point into&nbsp;'Europe',"&nbsp;EU&nbsp;foreign policy chief Josep Borrell wrote in a blog post.

Britain's departure from the bloc has also created another rival for Brussels as London makes its own play to bolster trade ties with&nbsp;India.

The British government said Tuesday it would start formal free talks with&nbsp;India&nbsp;later this year after the two sides agreed on an initial package to boost trade and investment.

The EU and India were set to bolster warming ties at a virtual summit Saturday by relaunching long-stalled trade talks and agreeing to work together against the coronavirus pandemic battering the south Asian giant.

The EU and India were set to bolster warming ties at a virtual summit Saturday by relaunching long-stalled trade talks and agreeing to work together against the coronavirus pandemic battering the south Asian giant. The devastating wave of infections sweeping India has already impacted the meeting by forcing Prime Minister Narendra Modi to scrap plans to fly to Portugal to see his European counterparts. But the 27-nation bloc and the world's largest democracy remain determined to capitalise on growing momentum for tighter relations fuelled by shared concerns over the rising might of China. "I am positive that we will be able to do a major step forward because between the EU and India there is a close relationship, but also a lot of untapped potential," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said as EU leaders gathered in Porto. "The most untapped potential is in trade and investment." EU countries have sent medical equipment and drugs worth an estimated 100 million euros ($120 million) to India as part of international efforts to help it fight against the flood of COVID-19 cases. The focus on the virus at the summit will be on making sure the two vaccine-producing powerhouses can maintain global supplies and monitoring the spread of variants, as well as on trying to plan together to tackle future pandemics. "We obviously need to work together to continue our efforts to ramp up production, secure the necessary raw materials, and keep supply chains open," a senior EU official said. "Leaders are going to commit to working together, to better prepare for and respond to global health emergencies, and this clearly includes strengthening and reforming the World Health Organization." Von der Leyen said the two sides would agree on a "common platform" on sequencing the Covid-19 virus to help keep track of any new variants that may emerge. Also read | Push on social issues as EU faces Covid fallout Waiving patents Modi could also push the EU on waiving patents for COVID-19 jabs after the US threw its weight behind the proposal. European Council chief Charles Michel said the bloc was willing to discuss the initiative once a concrete proposal was "on the table", but leaders have expressed scepticism about lifting patents. While the pandemic casts a long shadow over the summit, the key announcement is the restarting of talks on a free trade agreement that have been suspended since 2013. Von der Leyen said talks would restart on a trade pact and begin on separate deals to protect investments and regionally-specific products. She said that the two sides would also look to cooperate on developing cutting edge technologies including Artificial Intelligence and supercomputers. Negotiations on the trade deal were halted eight years ago after getting stuck on issues including cutting tariffs and access for Indian workers to Europe. 'Elephant in the room' It remains to be seen if India is now willing to drop an approach viewed as deeply protectionist by the EU to seal a deal this time around. "It won't be easy or quick to reach," an official from the bloc told AFP. But growing tensions with China could create a new impetus for talks, with one diplomat calling Beijing "the elephant in the room". For the EU, the push to restart negotiations comes as efforts to ratify an investment deal agreed with China that hit the buffers after relations soured over tit-for-tat sanctions. "India for its part has also decided to invest more in its relations with the EU, driven in part by China's growing assertiveness and Brexit, requiring New Delhi to no longer see London as its sole entry point into 'Europe'," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell wrote in a blog post. Britain's departure from the bloc has also created another rival for Brussels as London makes its own play to bolster trade ties with India. The British government said Tuesday it would start formal free talks with India later this year after the two sides agreed on an initial package to boost trade and investment.

EU and India relaunch trade quest at COVID-hit summit

2020 was not just the year of pandemic, it was also an infodemic, which mainstreamed conspiracy theories.

It amplified hard-to-digest narratives. With the new year, we thought we had left all this behind. But, just like the virus, the conspiracy theories are back too.

The person to set the conspiracy ball rolling this year is the Brazil&nbsp;President&nbsp;Jair Bolsonaro. Throughout 2020, downplaying the severity of the COVID-19 virus, he refused to wear a mask in public, rejected calls for a lockdown, questioned the efficacy of vaccines and advised his supporters to do the same.

The result of this today&nbsp;is that Brazil, a country with just a quarter of India’s population, is the third-worst Covid-hit country in the world. Brazil now has more than 14 million cases and more than 400,000 deaths to date.

Over Brazil’s current state of affairs, Bolsonaro faces a criminal investigation and a possible impeachment. With this, the Brazilian president has suddenly come to the realisation that this virus, i.e.&nbsp;coronavirus, is in fact quite lethal, and according to him can very well be part of a biological war.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-brazils-president-calls-covid-19-biological-warfare-383340/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“It's a new virus, nobody knows if it was born in a lab or because a human ate some animal they shouldn't have. But it is there. And the military knows all about this chemical, biological and radiological warfare. Could we be fighting a new war? I guess. Which country's GDP has grown the most? I am not going to tell you,” said Bolsonaro.

There have been similar conspiracy theories earlier as well. Theories that this virus is not natural and was made in a lab, or that it is a bio-weapon or that 5G can be used to spread this virus.

While entertaining, these theories remain to be merely theories. According to scientists, there is no evidence to back these claims. While trying to counter scientists, some theories claim that thanks to China’s control on the flow of information, maybe these scientists just haven’t come across the evidence yet. 
 
Scientists addressing the lab and biowarfare theory say that if the virus was indeed engineered, there would have been the evidence of any additions or deletions in the virus’s original genetic code or DNA.

Last year, at the onset of this pandemic, there were numerous reports on supposedly how the virus escaped from The Wuhan Institute of Virology. To address these rumours and to probe the origins of COVID-19, a team from WHO travelled to China but were unable to find any proof backing these claims.

Was this because they didn’t get there in time? &nbsp;The team went to China in January this year, more than 13 months after the first case of coronavirus was reported. Instead of answering some of the long-standing questions, this team by WHO came back with more questions. According to them, while the institute at Wuhan had many strains of coronavirus, SARS-COV-2, which has at times been referred to as “Wuhan Virus,” is not among them.

However on March 31, calling for a deeper probe into the lab theory, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus said that he does not believe his team's assessment of the lab leak possibility was extensive enough.

It’s been a month since Dr Tedros’s statement, and WHO is still evaluating how to move forward with its probe.

Now, President Bolsonaro can do two things; either ask his military to show the world whatever proof they have to support his claims, or wait for WHO to once again travel to China, and conduct another probe.

But whether this would solve the mystery or not, remains doubtful.

2020 was not just the year of pandemic, it was also an infodemic, which mainstreamed conspiracy theories. It amplified hard-to-digest narratives. With the new year, we thought we had left all this behind.

2020 was not just the year of pandemic, it was also an infodemic, which mainstreamed conspiracy theories. It amplified hard-to-digest narratives. With the new year, we thought we had left all this behind. But, just like the virus, the conspiracy theories are back too. The person to set the conspiracy ball rolling this year is the Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro. Throughout 2020, downplaying the severity of the COVID-19 virus, he refused to wear a mask in public, rejected calls for a lockdown, questioned the efficacy of vaccines and advised his supporters to do the same. The result of this today is that Brazil, a country with just a quarter of India’s population, is the third-worst Covid-hit country in the world. Brazil now has more than 14 million cases and more than 400,000 deaths to date. Over Brazil’s current state of affairs, Bolsonaro faces a criminal investigation and a possible impeachment. With this, the Brazilian president has suddenly come to the realisation that this virus, i.e. coronavirus, is in fact quite lethal, and according to him can very well be part of a biological war. “It's a new virus, nobody knows if it was born in a lab or because a human ate some animal they shouldn't have. But it is there. And the military knows all about this chemical, biological and radiological warfare. Could we be fighting a new war? I guess. Which country's GDP has grown the most? I am not going to tell you,” said Bolsonaro. There have been similar conspiracy theories earlier as well. Theories that this virus is not natural and was made in a lab, or that it is a bio-weapon or that 5G can be used to spread this virus. While entertaining, these theories remain to be merely theories. According to scientists, there is no evidence to back these claims. While trying to counter scientists, some theories claim that thanks to China’s control on the flow of information, maybe these scientists just haven’t come across the evidence yet. Scientists addressing the lab and biowarfare theory say that if the virus was indeed engineered, there would have been the evidence of any additions or deletions in the virus’s original genetic code or DNA. Last year, at the onset of this pandemic, there were numerous reports on supposedly how the virus escaped from The Wuhan Institute of Virology. To address these rumours and to probe the origins of COVID-19, a team from WHO travelled to China but were unable to find any proof backing these claims. Was this because they didn’t get there in time? The team went to China in January this year, more than 13 months after the first case of coronavirus was reported. Instead of answering some of the long-standing questions, this team by WHO came back with more questions. According to them, while the institute at Wuhan had many strains of coronavirus, SARS-COV-2, which has at times been referred to as “Wuhan Virus,” is not among them. However on March 31, calling for a deeper probe into the lab theory, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus said that he does not believe his team's assessment of the lab leak possibility was extensive enough. It’s been a month since Dr Tedros’s statement, and WHO is still evaluating how to move forward with its probe. Now, President Bolsonaro can do two things; either ask his military to show the world whatever proof they have to support his claims, or wait for WHO to once again travel to China, and conduct another probe. But whether this would solve the mystery or not, remains doubtful.

Faced with the possibility of impeachment, Brazil President calls COVID-19 a bio-weapon

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Manas Joshi

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