Japan&nbsp;Airlines&nbsp;posted an annual net loss of $2.6 billion Friday but did not release a forecast for the current financial year, citing uncertainty around the coronavirus pandemic.

The carrier,&nbsp;Japan's second-largest by market share, suffered a net loss of 286.7 billion yen for the year through March, its first full-year result in the red since it relisted on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 2012.

"There has been no indication of passenger demand recovery yet" due to restrictions on international travel and tougher immigration measures,&nbsp;JAL&nbsp;said.

"Our situation has been severe throughout this fiscal year."

The company last week revised its projection for 2020-21 net loss to 287 billion yen from a 300 billion yen forecast in February.

JAL&nbsp;said it had decided not to release an outlook for the year ending March 2022, warning "it is difficult to foresee the recovery of demand while the global spread of Covid-19 shows no sign of slowdown".

Sales plunged 65.3 per cent compared to the previous year to 481.2 billion yen.

Last month,&nbsp;Japan's top airline ANA reported its worst-ever annual loss of 404.6 billion yen, which was smaller than the firm's earlier projection.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-extends-virus-emergency-as-india-posts-record-infections-383528">Japan extends virus emergency as India posts record infections</a>

But ANA Holdings said it expects to see a rebound to 3.5 billion yen net profit in 2021-22, as the coronavirus disruption that has battered the aviation industry worldwide begins to ease.

Japan's&nbsp;airlines&nbsp;had expected a bumper year in 2020 when the Tokyo Olympics were originally due to be held and tourist numbers were expected to break records.

The postponed games are now set to open in July, but overseas spectators have already been barred from the event, with a decision on domestic fans delayed until June.

Japan Airlines posted an annual net loss of $2.6 billion Friday but did not release a forecast for the current financial year, citing uncertainty around the coronavirus pandemic.

Japan Airlines posted an annual net loss of $2.6 billion Friday but did not release a forecast for the current financial year, citing uncertainty around the coronavirus pandemic. The carrier, Japan's second-largest by market share, suffered a net loss of 286.7 billion yen for the year through March, its first full-year result in the red since it relisted on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 2012. "There has been no indication of passenger demand recovery yet" due to restrictions on international travel and tougher immigration measures, JAL said. "Our situation has been severe throughout this fiscal year." The company last week revised its projection for 2020-21 net loss to 287 billion yen from a 300 billion yen forecast in February. JAL said it had decided not to release an outlook for the year ending March 2022, warning "it is difficult to foresee the recovery of demand while the global spread of Covid-19 shows no sign of slowdown". Sales plunged 65.3 per cent compared to the previous year to 481.2 billion yen. Last month, Japan's top airline ANA reported its worst-ever annual loss of 404.6 billion yen, which was smaller than the firm's earlier projection. Also read | Japan extends virus emergency as India posts record infections But ANA Holdings said it expects to see a rebound to 3.5 billion yen net profit in 2021-22, as the coronavirus disruption that has battered the aviation industry worldwide begins to ease. Japan's airlines had expected a bumper year in 2020 when the Tokyo Olympics were originally due to be held and tourist numbers were expected to break records. The postponed games are now set to open in July, but overseas spectators have already been barred from the event, with a decision on domestic fans delayed until June.

Japan Airlines logs $2.6 billion loss over pandemic

In a bid to win back power in the upcoming October elections, South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa is cracking down on corruption in his own party and in the process, he is also tightening his grip over the ANC.

The African National Congress (ANC), has suspended Ace Magashule, secretary-general of the ruling party of South Africa.

An influential member of ANC, Magashule is a key opponent of President Cyril Ramaphosa and a loyalist of the former president Jacob Zuma, who lost power after the Gupta corruption scandal exploded four years ago. 
 
Magashule faces serious charges of money laundering and fraud. According to reports, he was part of a "premier league" of provincial leaders who backed Zuma through his many scandals. Even after Zuma’s exit from power in 2018, Magashule managed to survive politically.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-years-after-gupta-corruption-scandal-ramaphosa-cleans-up-his-party-383334/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

President Ramasposa himself went before investigators and testified against his own party members. He said that over the past decade, a systematic looting of South Africa was allowed by the ANC under Zuma's reign. This was the most direct acknowledgement ever of state capture by the Gupta brothers. 
 
According to the South African government's estimates, more than 35 billion dollars were stolen from its coffers. Most of this&nbsp;due to the alleged corruption by Zuma and the Guptas. 
 
After Zuma's unceremonious exit, the ANC faced widespread public anger and suffered a major electoral defeat in the 2016 municipal polls. losing power in key cities like Johannesburg and Tshwane.

"State capture took place under our watch as the governing party. It involved some members and leaders of our organisation and it found fertile ground in the divisions, in the weaknesses and the tendencies that have developed in our organisation since 1994.", said Ramaphosa, who is also president of ANC. &nbsp;

"But we all acknowledge that the organisation could and should have done more to prevent the abuse of power”, he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In a bid to win back power in the upcoming October elections, South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa is cracking down on corruption in his own party and in the process, he is also tightening his grip over the ANC.

In a bid to win back power in the upcoming October elections, South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa is cracking down on corruption in his own party and in the process, he is also tightening his grip over the ANC. The African National Congress (ANC), has suspended Ace Magashule, secretary-general of the ruling party of South Africa. An influential member of ANC, Magashule is a key opponent of President Cyril Ramaphosa and a loyalist of the former president Jacob Zuma, who lost power after the Gupta corruption scandal exploded four years ago. Magashule faces serious charges of money laundering and fraud. According to reports, he was part of a "premier league" of provincial leaders who backed Zuma through his many scandals. Even after Zuma’s exit from power in 2018, Magashule managed to survive politically. President Ramasposa himself went before investigators and testified against his own party members. He said that over the past decade, a systematic looting of South Africa was allowed by the ANC under Zuma's reign. This was the most direct acknowledgement ever of state capture by the Gupta brothers. According to the South African government's estimates, more than 35 billion dollars were stolen from its coffers. Most of this due to the alleged corruption by Zuma and the Guptas. After Zuma's unceremonious exit, the ANC faced widespread public anger and suffered a major electoral defeat in the 2016 municipal polls. losing power in key cities like Johannesburg and Tshwane. "State capture took place under our watch as the governing party. It involved some members and leaders of our organisation and it found fertile ground in the divisions, in the weaknesses and the tendencies that have developed in our organisation since 1994.", said Ramaphosa, who is also president of ANC. "But we all acknowledge that the organisation could and should have done more to prevent the abuse of power”, he added.

South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa targets corruption within own party

The oldest sparring partners of Europe are at it again. They've fought over colonies, they have fought over the seas. And now they are fighting over fish.

It does sound trivial but there's big money in fishing. And right now the stakes could not be higher.

So how did Europe's iron brothers come to a standoff? And where do things go from here? Why are Britain and France sparring?

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Because of the most shoddy bit of deal-making in modern history: Brexit.

Last week, Britain and the EU ratified a post-Brexit agreement. It talks about a new fishing regime in the English channel. This is the waterway that separates Britain from France.

Before Brexit, fishing rights weren't an issue. All EU states shared one common fishing area. But the whole point of Brexit was to change this system. So Britain took back control of its waters. The new agreement allows french fishermen to keep using the channel.

But there is a condition. They can't be first timers. The fishermen must have a history of fishing in British waters.

Now the French say&nbsp;their rights are still being restricted. Not in mainland Britain, But in a crown dependency to the south, the island of Jersey.

Jersey is very close to France, just 22 kilometres away from it. Its distance from mainland Britain is almost 140 kilometres.

A little over 100,000 people live here. And they have their own parliament under the Queen of England. The UK government is responsible for Jersey's defence.

Last Friday, Jersey granted 41 fishing permits. But the fishermen say the permits violated the Brexit agreement. They say additional requirements were added at the last minute. So what did they do?

They gathered their boats and swarmed Jersey. By Thursday morning, 25 French trawlers had arrived. They were threatening to block Jersey's Saint Hellier port.

"We're not happy with the licensing restrictions they handed out to us, we should have had licences to fish as we wished without any restrictions, restrictions on the species. But they impose a restriction on days, some boats will only be able to fish one type of fish when they used to fish three or four," said French fisherman, Laurent Blondel.

But they were not alone in these waters. Britain has deployed two Royal Navy ships to Jersey. HMS Seven and HMS Taymer. They are both armed with two large guns and a short-range anti-aircraft weapon.

What exactly is their mission? Right now, nothing. Downing Street says the ships are there to observe.

Boris Johnson has pledged his unwavering support to Jersey. He says any blockade would be unjustified, but so are naval deployments.

That too over fish.

These are men with fishing nets and harpoons. Hardly a mission for the Royal Navy.

And what about the French? How have they reacted, or over-reacted?

"As you know, the agreement provides for retaliatory measures and these measures of retaliation we are ready to use. Europe, France, has means – they are inscribed in the agreement. In so far as jersey is concerned, I'll remind you, for example, of electricity transportation via undersea cable. So we have the means and even if I regret that we could get to this point, we'll get there if we must," said Annick Girardin, French maritime minister.

The minister is talking about cutting off electricity to Jersey. Most of the island's power comes from France. Almost 95 per cent. It is delivered through three underwater cables.

France is threatening to turn off this tap. They have also deployed a naval patrol of their own.

If this was the Red Sea or the Gulf, we would be having a different discussion.

But this is the English channel. The chances of France and England having a skirmish are practically nil.

But it does reveal the lack of political maturity in Europe. Thursday was election day in Britain. Local body elections.

Some critics say Boris Johnson wanted to flex his muscles ahead of voting. In France, Macron is up for reelection next year. He wants the fishermen on his side. But above all, this standoff is a direct outcome of shoddy dealmaking. The UK just wanted Brexit to be over.

The result was this a lot of contentious issues were ignored. You see, striking a deal and implementing it, are two different things.

And this is just the start of Britain's worries. Because to the north, an even bigger standoff awaits. That of Northern Ireland.

But that's a discussion for another time.

The oldest sparring partners of Europe are at it again. They've fought over colonies, they have fought over the seas. And now they are fighting over fish. It does sound trivial but there's big money in fishing.

The oldest sparring partners of Europe are at it again. They've fought over colonies, they have fought over the seas. And now they are fighting over fish. It does sound trivial but there's big money in fishing. And right now the stakes could not be higher. So how did Europe's iron brothers come to a standoff? And where do things go from here? Why are Britain and France sparring? × Because of the most shoddy bit of deal-making in modern history: Brexit. Last week, Britain and the EU ratified a post-Brexit agreement. It talks about a new fishing regime in the English channel. This is the waterway that separates Britain from France. Before Brexit, fishing rights weren't an issue. All EU states shared one common fishing area. But the whole point of Brexit was to change this system. So Britain took back control of its waters. The new agreement allows french fishermen to keep using the channel. But there is a condition. They can't be first timers. The fishermen must have a history of fishing in British waters. Now the French say their rights are still being restricted. Not in mainland Britain, But in a crown dependency to the south, the island of Jersey. Jersey is very close to France, just 22 kilometres away from it. Its distance from mainland Britain is almost 140 kilometres. A little over 100,000 people live here. And they have their own parliament under the Queen of England. The UK government is responsible for Jersey's defence. Last Friday, Jersey granted 41 fishing permits. But the fishermen say the permits violated the Brexit agreement. They say additional requirements were added at the last minute. So what did they do? They gathered their boats and swarmed Jersey. By Thursday morning, 25 French trawlers had arrived. They were threatening to block Jersey's Saint Hellier port. "We're not happy with the licensing restrictions they handed out to us, we should have had licences to fish as we wished without any restrictions, restrictions on the species. But they impose a restriction on days, some boats will only be able to fish one type of fish when they used to fish three or four," said French fisherman, Laurent Blondel. But they were not alone in these waters. Britain has deployed two Royal Navy ships to Jersey. HMS Seven and HMS Taymer. They are both armed with two large guns and a short-range anti-aircraft weapon. What exactly is their mission? Right now, nothing. Downing Street says the ships are there to observe. Boris Johnson has pledged his unwavering support to Jersey. He says any blockade would be unjustified, but so are naval deployments. That too over fish. These are men with fishing nets and harpoons. Hardly a mission for the Royal Navy. And what about the French? How have they reacted, or over-reacted? "As you know, the agreement provides for retaliatory measures and these measures of retaliation we are ready to use. Europe, France, has means – they are inscribed in the agreement. In so far as jersey is concerned, I'll remind you, for example, of electricity transportation via undersea cable. So we have the means and even if I regret that we could get to this point, we'll get there if we must," said Annick Girardin, French maritime minister. The minister is talking about cutting off electricity to Jersey. Most of the island's power comes from France. Almost 95 per cent. It is delivered through three underwater cables. France is threatening to turn off this tap. They have also deployed a naval patrol of their own. If this was the Red Sea or the Gulf, we would be having a different discussion. But this is the English channel. The chances of France and England having a skirmish are practically nil. But it does reveal the lack of political maturity in Europe. Thursday was election day in Britain. Local body elections. Some critics say Boris Johnson wanted to flex his muscles ahead of voting. In France, Macron is up for reelection next year. He wants the fishermen on his side. But above all, this standoff is a direct outcome of shoddy dealmaking. The UK just wanted Brexit to be over. The result was this a lot of contentious issues were ignored. You see, striking a deal and implementing it, are two different things. And this is just the start of Britain's worries. Because to the north, an even bigger standoff awaits. That of Northern Ireland. But that's a discussion for another time.

Britain and France fight over fish

The United States sent&nbsp;reinforcements&nbsp;after the Taliban captured&nbsp;Dahla dam in Afghanistan's Arghandab on Friday. Meanwhile, Red Cross has warned&nbsp;Nepal of the possibility of a severe crisis, calling the current scenario in India a horrifying preview of&nbsp;Nepal's future. In a blow to the Nepal&nbsp;tourism,&nbsp;30 sick climbers infected with coronavirus-like symptoms had to be&nbsp;evacuated from the foot of Mount&nbsp;Everest. In other news, in spite of the&nbsp;840,000 recorded cases,&nbsp;Pakistan continues to witness waves of faithful at its mosques.&nbsp;Read this and much more in our Top 10 World News.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-us-sends-reinforcements-to-exiting-troops-as-taliban-captures-second-biggest-dam-383430">Afghanistan: US sends reinforcements to exiting troops as Taliban captures second-biggest dam</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/05/07/194153-dahla-dam.jpg?itok=VGO4XHfZ" />

Dahla Dam, which provides irrigation to farmers via a network of canals as well as drinking water for the provincial capital of Kandahar, has been taken over by the group.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-after-backlash-australia-to-send-repatriation-flights-for-stranded-citizens-in-india-383399">COVID-19: After backlash, Australia to send repatriation flights for stranded citizens in India</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/06/03/142968-india-australia.jpg?itok=JLImuK5W" />

Australia’s recent decision on border closure has attracted a lot of criticism, especially on humanitarian grounds. After facing backlash about the strict punishment for the people returning from India, the Australian government has decided to lift the ban and start repatriation flights for citizens stuck in India from May 15.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/as-covid-cases-in-nepal-rise-red-cross-warns-of-looming-threat-of-severe-crisis-383448">As Covid cases in Nepal rise, Red Cross warns of looming threat of severe crisis</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/03/12/132529-untitled-design-34.jpg?itok=6RjeBH_M" />As many as 44 per cent of Nepal's Covid tests came back positive last weekend, as per government data quoted by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), warning of a severe crisis.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/covid-threatens-everest-climbing-comeback-plans-as-infections-rise-383416">Covid threatens Everest climbing comeback plans as infections rise</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/05/10/139972-mt-everest-reuters.jpg?itok=0_QMOXp2" />More than 30 sick climbers have been evacuated from the foot of Mount&nbsp;Everest, raising fears that coronavirus may scupper a hoped-for bumper season on the world's highest mountain.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/mosques-full-despite-pakistans-covid-third-wave-383374">Mosques full despite Pakistan's Covid third wave</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/31/152389-eid-celebrations-2.jpg?itok=kPVMk79V" />Schools and restaurants have closed, shops pull down their shutters early every evening, and the military has been mobilised to combat the spread of coronavirus -- but night after night the faithful flock to&nbsp;mosques&nbsp;across&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;for prayers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-regulators-advise-under-40s-to-get-alternative-to-astrazeneca-vaccine-383489">UK regulators advise under-40s to get alternative to AstraZeneca vaccine</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/03/12/186850-astrazeneca.jpg?itok=KJqdQd91" />According to the&nbsp;UK&nbsp;government regulators, under-40s in the country are being offered&nbsp;an alternative to&nbsp;AstraZeneca&nbsp;jabs amid concern over rare blood clots.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/version-of-covid-variant-first-detected-in-india-spreading-rapidly-in-uk-report-383422">Version of Covid variant first detected in India spreading rapidly in UK: Report</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/07/24/151251-corona-uk-reu.jpg?itok=HLzKEQPj" />The report said over 500 cases of B.1.617.2 are believed to be found in England with the highest levels detected in London and the northwest of England.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-logs-414000-new-covid-19-cases-in-new-grim-record-death-toll-at-234083-383383">India logs 414,000 new COVID-19 cases in new grim record; death toll at 234,083</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/04/29/193124-untitled-design-11.jpg?itok=32NobVtd" />With a record 4,14,188 new coronavirus infections being reported in a day, India's total tally of COVID-19 cases climbed to 2,14,91,598, while the active cases crossed the 36-lakh mark, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-suspends-several-accounts-that-tried-promoting-donald-trumps-content-383358">Twitter suspends several accounts that tried promoting Donald Trump's content</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/05/07/194124-untitled-design-1.jpg?itok=xn7XqDgO" />

Twitter&nbsp;on Thursday announced that it has suspended several accounts that are trying to evade its ban on former president&nbsp;Donald Trump by promoting his content.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/i-felt-really-heavy-astronauts-describe-returning-to-earth-on-spacex-capsule-383388">'I felt really heavy': Astronauts describe returning to Earth on SpaceX capsule</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/11/17/170102-spacex-crew-dragon.jpg?itok=cfuJCzeT" />

A&nbsp;SpaceX&nbsp;Crew Dragon&nbsp;capsule&nbsp;carrying the crew back to&nbsp;Earth&nbsp;splashed down off Florida early Sunday in NASA's first nighttime ocean landing in more than 50 years.

The United States sent reinforcements after the Taliban captured Dahla dam in Afghanistan's Arghandab on Friday. Meanwhile, Red Cross has warned Nepal of the possibility of a severe crisis, calling the current scenario in India a horrifying preview of Nepal's future.

The United States sent reinforcements after the Taliban captured Dahla dam in Afghanistan's Arghandab on Friday. Meanwhile, Red Cross has warned Nepal of the possibility of a severe crisis, calling the current scenario in India a horrifying preview of Nepal's future. In a blow to the Nepal tourism, 30 sick climbers infected with coronavirus-like symptoms had to be evacuated from the foot of Mount Everest. In other news, in spite of the 840,000 recorded cases, Pakistan continues to witness waves of faithful at its mosques. Read this and much more in our Top 10 World News. Afghanistan: US sends reinforcements to exiting troops as Taliban captures second-biggest dam Dahla Dam, which provides irrigation to farmers via a network of canals as well as drinking water for the provincial capital of Kandahar, has been taken over by the group. COVID-19: After backlash, Australia to send repatriation flights for stranded citizens in India Australia’s recent decision on border closure has attracted a lot of criticism, especially on humanitarian grounds. After facing backlash about the strict punishment for the people returning from India, the Australian government has decided to lift the ban and start repatriation flights for citizens stuck in India from May 15. As Covid cases in Nepal rise, Red Cross warns of looming threat of severe crisis As many as 44 per cent of Nepal's Covid tests came back positive last weekend, as per government data quoted by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), warning of a severe crisis. Covid threatens Everest climbing comeback plans as infections rise More than 30 sick climbers have been evacuated from the foot of Mount Everest, raising fears that coronavirus may scupper a hoped-for bumper season on the world's highest mountain. Mosques full despite Pakistan's Covid third wave Schools and restaurants have closed, shops pull down their shutters early every evening, and the military has been mobilised to combat the spread of coronavirus -- but night after night the faithful flock to mosques across Pakistan for prayers. UK regulators advise under-40s to get alternative to AstraZeneca vaccine According to the UK government regulators, under-40s in the country are being offered an alternative to AstraZeneca jabs amid concern over rare blood clots. Version of Covid variant first detected in India spreading rapidly in UK: Report The report said over 500 cases of B.1.617.2 are believed to be found in England with the highest levels detected in London and the northwest of England. India logs 414,000 new COVID-19 cases in new grim record; death toll at 234,083 With a record 4,14,188 new coronavirus infections being reported in a day, India's total tally of COVID-19 cases climbed to 2,14,91,598, while the active cases crossed the 36-lakh mark, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday. Twitter suspends several accounts that tried promoting Donald Trump's content Twitter on Thursday announced that it has suspended several accounts that are trying to evade its ban on former president Donald Trump by promoting his content. 'I felt really heavy': Astronauts describe returning to Earth on SpaceX capsule A SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule carrying the crew back to Earth splashed down off Florida early Sunday in NASA's first nighttime ocean landing in more than 50 years.

Top 10 world news: Taliban captures Afghanistan dam, Red cross warns Nepal, and more

Pharma giants Pfizer and BioNTech said on Friday that they were seeking approval for use of their vaccines for individuals aged 16 and above. The companies are planning to submi data to support application "on a rolling basis over the coming weeks" to US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), they said in a press release.

USFDA approved the vaccines in December for emergency use.

The companies are now seeking a "Biologics License Application" for permanent regulatory approval, which "requires longer-term follow-up data for acceptance and approval," the companies said.

The information will include data on the vaccine efficacy and safety profile up to six months after the second dose in a phase-three clinical trial.

"We are proud of the tremendous progress we've made since December in delivering vaccines to millions of Americans, in collaboration with the US government," said Pfizer Chief Executive Albert Bourla.

"We look forward to working with the FDA to complete this rolling submission and support their review, with the goal of securing full regulatory approval of the vaccine in the coming months."

Both the companies have also submitted data in order to obtain emergency use approval for the vaccine to be used for individuals 12 to 15 years. Pfizer said earlier in the week that it expects imminent US approval for this application.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pharma giants Pfizer and BioNTech said on Friday that they were seeking approval for use of their vaccines for individuals aged 16 and above. The companies are planning to submi data to support application "on a rolling basis over the coming weeks" to US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), they said in a press release.

Pharma giants Pfizer and BioNTech said on Friday that they were seeking approval for use of their vaccines for individuals aged 16 and above. The companies are planning to submi data to support application "on a rolling basis over the coming weeks" to US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), they said in a press release. USFDA approved the vaccines in December for emergency use. The companies are now seeking a "Biologics License Application" for permanent regulatory approval, which "requires longer-term follow-up data for acceptance and approval," the companies said. The information will include data on the vaccine efficacy and safety profile up to six months after the second dose in a phase-three clinical trial. "We are proud of the tremendous progress we've made since December in delivering vaccines to millions of Americans, in collaboration with the US government," said Pfizer Chief Executive Albert Bourla. "We look forward to working with the FDA to complete this rolling submission and support their review, with the goal of securing full regulatory approval of the vaccine in the coming months." Both the companies have also submitted data in order to obtain emergency use approval for the vaccine to be used for individuals 12 to 15 years. Pfizer said earlier in the week that it expects imminent US approval for this application. (With inputs from agencies)

Pfizer, BioNTech seek approval for Covid vaccine for teens

China&nbsp;said Friday the&nbsp;risk&nbsp;of&nbsp;damage&nbsp;from&nbsp;a&nbsp;rocket&nbsp;falling back to&nbsp;Earth&nbsp;was "extremely&nbsp;low" after the United States warned it could crash down&nbsp;on&nbsp;to an inhabited area.

Military experts in the US expect the body of the Long March 5B&nbsp;rocket, which separated&nbsp;from&nbsp;Beijing's space station, to come down sometime around Saturday or Sunday, but warned it was difficult to predict where it will land and when.

But Beijing downplayed the&nbsp;risk&nbsp;of danger.

"The probability of causing harm to aviation activities or (on&nbsp;people and activities)&nbsp;on&nbsp;the ground is&nbsp;extremely&nbsp;low," foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said.

Most of the&nbsp;rocket&nbsp;components would likely be destroyed upon&nbsp;re-entry&nbsp;into the atmosphere, he added, saying authorities "will inform the public of the situation in a timely manner".

China&nbsp;has poured billions of dollars into space exploration in efforts to reflect its rising global stature and growing technological might, following in the extra-terrestrial footsteps of the United States, Russia and Europe.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-closely-tracking-uncontrolled-chinese-rocket-re-entering-atmosphere-pentagon-383094">US closely tracking uncontrolled Chinese rocket re-entering atmosphere: Pentagon</a>

As fevered speculation over the&nbsp;rocket's trajectory back to&nbsp;Earth&nbsp;pinballed across social media, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin&nbsp;on&nbsp;Thursday said the US military had no plans to shoot it down.

"We have the capability to do a lot of things, but we don't have a plan to shoot it down," Austin told journalists.

Hopefully, he said, the&nbsp;rocket&nbsp;will land "in a place where it won't harm anyone... the ocean, or someplace like that".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/concerns-mount-as-giant-chunk-of-chinese-rocket-is-falling-to-earth-382914">Concerns mount as giant chunk of Chinese rocket is falling to Earth</a>

Even if the&nbsp;rocket&nbsp;or parts of it do fall&nbsp;from&nbsp;the sky, without breaking up&nbsp;on&nbsp;re-entry, there is a good chance it will just splash down into the ocean&nbsp;on&nbsp;a planet made up of 70 per cent water.&nbsp;

But Austin suggested that the Chinese were negligent in letting the&nbsp;rocket&nbsp;body fall out of orbit, saying those who were in the "space domain" should "operate in a safe and thoughtful mode".

'Nation of science'

Space has become the latest theatre for the big power play between&nbsp;China&nbsp;and the United States.

The launch of&nbsp;China's first module of its "Heavenly Palace" space station in April,&nbsp;housing life support equipment and living space for astronauts,&nbsp;was a milestone in Beijing's ambitious plan to establish a permanent human presence in space.

President Xi Jinping called it a key step in "building a great nation of science and technology".

With the retirement of the International Space Station after 2024,&nbsp;China's could become the only space station in&nbsp;Earth's orbit.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/china-launches-first-module-for-new-space-station-381270">China launches first module for new space station</a>

Although Chinese space authorities have said they are open to foreign collaboration, the scope of that cooperation is as yet unclear.

The European Space Agency has sent astronauts to&nbsp;China&nbsp;to receive training in order to be ready to work inside the Chinese space station once it is launched.

China&nbsp;also said in March it was planning to build a separate lunar space station with Russia.

The facility, planned for either the surface or in the orbit of the Moon, would house experimental research facilities and would be Beijing's biggest international space cooperation project to date.

The Long March&nbsp;rocket&nbsp;is not the first time&nbsp;China&nbsp;has lost control of a spacecraft as it returns to&nbsp;Earth.&nbsp;

The space laboratory Tiangong-1 disintegrated upon&nbsp;re-entry&nbsp;into the atmosphere in 2018, two years after it had stopped working, though Chinese authorities denied they had lost control of the ship.&nbsp;

China said Friday the risk of damage from a rocket falling back to Earth was "extremely low" after the United States warned it could crash down on to an inhabited area.

China said Friday the risk of damage from a rocket falling back to Earth was "extremely low" after the United States warned it could crash down on to an inhabited area. Military experts in the US expect the body of the Long March 5B rocket, which separated from Beijing's space station, to come down sometime around Saturday or Sunday, but warned it was difficult to predict where it will land and when. But Beijing downplayed the risk of danger. "The probability of causing harm to aviation activities or (on people and activities) on the ground is extremely low," foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said. Most of the rocket components would likely be destroyed upon re-entry into the atmosphere, he added, saying authorities "will inform the public of the situation in a timely manner". China has poured billions of dollars into space exploration in efforts to reflect its rising global stature and growing technological might, following in the extra-terrestrial footsteps of the United States, Russia and Europe. Also read | US closely tracking uncontrolled Chinese rocket re-entering atmosphere: Pentagon As fevered speculation over the rocket's trajectory back to Earth pinballed across social media, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Thursday said the US military had no plans to shoot it down. "We have the capability to do a lot of things, but we don't have a plan to shoot it down," Austin told journalists. Hopefully, he said, the rocket will land "in a place where it won't harm anyone... the ocean, or someplace like that". Also read | Concerns mount as giant chunk of Chinese rocket is falling to Earth Even if the rocket or parts of it do fall from the sky, without breaking up on re-entry, there is a good chance it will just splash down into the ocean on a planet made up of 70 per cent water. But Austin suggested that the Chinese were negligent in letting the rocket body fall out of orbit, saying those who were in the "space domain" should "operate in a safe and thoughtful mode". 'Nation of science' Space has become the latest theatre for the big power play between China and the United States. The launch of China's first module of its "Heavenly Palace" space station in April, housing life support equipment and living space for astronauts, was a milestone in Beijing's ambitious plan to establish a permanent human presence in space. President Xi Jinping called it a key step in "building a great nation of science and technology". With the retirement of the International Space Station after 2024, China's could become the only space station in Earth's orbit. Also read | China launches first module for new space station Although Chinese space authorities have said they are open to foreign collaboration, the scope of that cooperation is as yet unclear. The European Space Agency has sent astronauts to China to receive training in order to be ready to work inside the Chinese space station once it is launched. China also said in March it was planning to build a separate lunar space station with Russia. The facility, planned for either the surface or in the orbit of the Moon, would house experimental research facilities and would be Beijing's biggest international space cooperation project to date. The Long March rocket is not the first time China has lost control of a spacecraft as it returns to Earth. The space laboratory Tiangong-1 disintegrated upon re-entry into the atmosphere in 2018, two years after it had stopped working, though Chinese authorities denied they had lost control of the ship.

China says 'extremely low' risk of damage from rocket debris

Facebook said on Thursday that it had taken down network of hundreds of fake accounts and pages that targetted people in Ukraine. These accounts and pages were linked to indviduals who were previously sanctioned by the US for interfering in US elections.

Facebook said that this network was managing a deceptive campaign across multiple social media platforms posing as independent news outlets. Facebook said it started its own probe after FBI tipped them off.

Facebook attributed the activity to individuals and entities sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department including politician Andriy Derkach, a pro-Russian lawmaker who was blacklisted by the U.S. government in September over accusations he tried to interfere in the 2020 U.S. election won by President Joe Biden. Facebook said it removed Derkach's accounts in October 2020.

Reacting to the investigation, Derkach said big firms were building a "dictatorship in the name of liberal values" and that he was preparing to submit draft legislation to Ukraine's parliament to regulate global social media companies.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-suspends-several-accounts-that-tried-promoting-donald-trumps-content-383358">Twitter suspends several accounts that tried promoting Donald Trump's content</a>

"I proceed from the fact that no one has the right to restrict basic human rights and freedoms. Neither Facebook nor the state," he said in a statement sent to Reuters on Friday.

Facebook also attributed the network to political consultants associated with Ukrainian politicians Oleh Kulinich and Volodymyr Groysman, Ukraine's former prime minister. Kulinich did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Groysman could not immediately be reached for comment.

Facebook said that as well as promoting these politicians, the network also pushed positive material about actors across the political spectrum. This was likely as a paid service.&nbsp;

"You can really think of these operators as would-be influence mercenaries, renting out inauthentic online support in Ukrainian political circles," Ben Nimmo, Facebook's global influence operations threat intelligence lead, said on a call with reporters.

Facebook's investigation team said Ukraine, which has been among the top sources of "coordinated inauthentic behavior" that it removes from the site, is home to an increasing number of influence operations selling services.

Facebook said it removed 363 pages. These pages were followed by 2.37 million accounts. In addition to these pages, 477 accounts have been removed.

The network also spent about $496,000 in Facebook and Instagram ads, Facebook said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Facebook said on Thursday that it had taken down network of hundreds of fake accounts and pages that targetted people in Ukraine. These accounts and pages were linked to indviduals who were previously sanctioned by the US for interfering in US elections.

Facebook said on Thursday that it had taken down network of hundreds of fake accounts and pages that targetted people in Ukraine. These accounts and pages were linked to indviduals who were previously sanctioned by the US for interfering in US elections. Facebook said that this network was managing a deceptive campaign across multiple social media platforms posing as independent news outlets. Facebook said it started its own probe after FBI tipped them off. Facebook attributed the activity to individuals and entities sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department including politician Andriy Derkach, a pro-Russian lawmaker who was blacklisted by the U.S. government in September over accusations he tried to interfere in the 2020 U.S. election won by President Joe Biden. Facebook said it removed Derkach's accounts in October 2020. Reacting to the investigation, Derkach said big firms were building a "dictatorship in the name of liberal values" and that he was preparing to submit draft legislation to Ukraine's parliament to regulate global social media companies. Also Read | Twitter suspends several accounts that tried promoting Donald Trump's content "I proceed from the fact that no one has the right to restrict basic human rights and freedoms. Neither Facebook nor the state," he said in a statement sent to Reuters on Friday. Facebook also attributed the network to political consultants associated with Ukrainian politicians Oleh Kulinich and Volodymyr Groysman, Ukraine's former prime minister. Kulinich did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Groysman could not immediately be reached for comment. Facebook said that as well as promoting these politicians, the network also pushed positive material about actors across the political spectrum. This was likely as a paid service. "You can really think of these operators as would-be influence mercenaries, renting out inauthentic online support in Ukrainian political circles," Ben Nimmo, Facebook's global influence operations threat intelligence lead, said on a call with reporters. Facebook's investigation team said Ukraine, which has been among the top sources of "coordinated inauthentic behavior" that it removes from the site, is home to an increasing number of influence operations selling services. Facebook said it removed 363 pages. These pages were followed by 2.37 million accounts. In addition to these pages, 477 accounts have been removed. The network also spent about $496,000 in Facebook and Instagram ads, Facebook said. (With inputs from agencies)

Facebook removes 'influence-for hire' network that targetted Ukrainian people

London firefighters were tackling flames at 19-storey block of flats in the eastern part of the city on Friday. Smoke emerged from 8th, 9th and 10th floors. Ambulances were treating people in the areas.&nbsp;

Around 100 firefighters had been working on the building while paramedics and police attended the scence.

The London Ambulance Service said it had dispatched ambulance crews, clinical team managers and support vehicles to the area.

"They've treated a number of people, and remain at the scene, working with other emergency services," they said.

As per witness report, the fire was out by 1000 GMT

The fire in the east of the city near the Canary Wharf financial district comes almost four years after 72 people died when their Grenfell Tower home in West London turned into an inferno, aided by dangerous combustible cladding.

The cladding used on the block was identified as central to the rapid spread of the fire, and has since been found on buildings across the country, necessitating expensive removal or round-the-clock fire watches.

Just this year the government set out how it would help fund the removal of the cladding from high-rise residential buildings.

(With inputs from agencies)

London firefighters were tackling flames at 19-storey block of flats in the eastern part of the city on Friday. Smoke emerged from 8th, 9th and 10th floors. Ambulances were treating people in the areas.

London firefighters were tackling flames at 19-storey block of flats in the eastern part of the city on Friday. Smoke emerged from 8th, 9th and 10th floors. Ambulances were treating people in the areas. Around 100 firefighters had been working on the building while paramedics and police attended the scence. The London Ambulance Service said it had dispatched ambulance crews, clinical team managers and support vehicles to the area. "They've treated a number of people, and remain at the scene, working with other emergency services," they said. As per witness report, the fire was out by 1000 GMT The fire in the east of the city near the Canary Wharf financial district comes almost four years after 72 people died when their Grenfell Tower home in West London turned into an inferno, aided by dangerous combustible cladding. The cladding used on the block was identified as central to the rapid spread of the fire, and has since been found on buildings across the country, necessitating expensive removal or round-the-clock fire watches. Just this year the government set out how it would help fund the removal of the cladding from high-rise residential buildings. (With inputs from agencies)

London firefighters tackle flames at 19-storey tower block

The United States of America has marketted itself as the guardian of democracy. But as it has turned out, much of the world sees them as threat to democracy, even a bigger one than China and Russia.

This assessment is based on a worldwide poll on democracy. It is done every year by the Alliance of Democracies Foundation. This time they polled around 50,000 people from 53 countries.

They were asked a range of questions like how they rank freedom of speech or the influence of big tech and social media.

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But the most striking question was about threats to democracy. 44 per cent of the respondents said USA was the biggest threat to democracy. 38 per cent name China, and 28 per cent named Russia.

This doesn't make sense at first glance. But things fall into place when it becomes clear that the poll was not about internal democracy but global democracy.

Let's consider America's chequered past with Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, Vietnam. These are the countries the US invaded and destabilised.

US is the larger power in comparison to China and Russia. They have limited spheres of influence as compared to the US.

So in a global survey it is natural for more people to fear the US. But that doesn't mean the US is off the hook.

This survey is a reality check for Washington. They want to be the chief guardian of democracy. But with a negative rating of 44 per cent that's a difficult claim.

So is there any silver lining for America? There is.

A large chunk of the negative ratings came from Russia and China. Two of America's biggest rivals. And compared to last year,&nbsp;USA's ratings have improved.&nbsp;

So this survey should serve as a lesson. Democracy is not anyone's monopoly. The US is a democracy. But so are Germany, India, Japan and dozens of other countries. Each of them follows their own system.

This is what America finds hard to accept. It believes that democracy is what happens in Washington.

What does the survey have to say about this?

81 per cent of respondents endorsed democracy. They say it's the best form of government, despite everything. But 44 per cent of them also trashed the US.&nbsp;

So the bottom line is this. The world wants democracy. But not the democracy dictated by the US

What's more interesting about the findings is that some businesses have also featured in them: the big tech.

48 per cent people view tech companies as a threat to democracy. In the US that figure is almost 62 per cent.

People fear tech giants, more than curbs on free speech.

This is ironic as tech firms always use the argument of free speech to block regulation. Turns out, they are the bigger villain. And everyone knows that.

So the US, tech giants and China appear to be the big threat to democracy. But one indicator ranked higher than these three. And it's not something anyone would guess easily. It's economic inequality.

64 per cent of people called it the biggest threat to democracy. This is linked to the ongoing Wuhan virus pandemic.

It has put millions of people out of jobs. In 2020 70 per cent of people were happy with their government's pandemic response.

This was in both&nbsp;democracies and non-democracies. But one year later,&nbsp;democracies have fallen to 51 per cent. Looking at China would make this clearer.

China ignored human rights, consulted no one on lockdowns. And punished people who dissented. Decision-making appears easier in autocracies.

So what are the big takeaways from this survey?

Number one, America is not judge and jury. The star-spangled banner is not the chorus for democracy.

Number two, this is not an endorsement of either China or Russia. Their human rights records speak for themselves.

Number three, don't trust everything you see in a poll.

In this one, 71 per cent Chinese said they had the right amount of democracy.

If the right amount is none, then yes, they are right.

But the biggest takeaway is thisL:&nbsp;Democracy works. And we don't need superpowers or big corporations to defend it.

The United States of America has marketted itself as the guardian of democracy. But as it has turned out, much of the world sees them as threat to democracy, even a bigger one than China and Russia.

The United States of America has marketted itself as the guardian of democracy. But as it has turned out, much of the world sees them as threat to democracy, even a bigger one than China and Russia. This assessment is based on a worldwide poll on democracy. It is done every year by the Alliance of Democracies Foundation. This time they polled around 50,000 people from 53 countries. They were asked a range of questions like how they rank freedom of speech or the influence of big tech and social media. × But the most striking question was about threats to democracy. 44 per cent of the respondents said USA was the biggest threat to democracy. 38 per cent name China, and 28 per cent named Russia. This doesn't make sense at first glance. But things fall into place when it becomes clear that the poll was not about internal democracy but global democracy. Let's consider America's chequered past with Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, Vietnam. These are the countries the US invaded and destabilised. US is the larger power in comparison to China and Russia. They have limited spheres of influence as compared to the US. So in a global survey it is natural for more people to fear the US. But that doesn't mean the US is off the hook. This survey is a reality check for Washington. They want to be the chief guardian of democracy. But with a negative rating of 44 per cent that's a difficult claim. So is there any silver lining for America? There is. A large chunk of the negative ratings came from Russia and China. Two of America's biggest rivals. And compared to last year, USA's ratings have improved. So this survey should serve as a lesson. Democracy is not anyone's monopoly. The US is a democracy. But so are Germany, India, Japan and dozens of other countries. Each of them follows their own system. This is what America finds hard to accept. It believes that democracy is what happens in Washington. What does the survey have to say about this? 81 per cent of respondents endorsed democracy. They say it's the best form of government, despite everything. But 44 per cent of them also trashed the US. So the bottom line is this. The world wants democracy. But not the democracy dictated by the US What's more interesting about the findings is that some businesses have also featured in them: the big tech. 48 per cent people view tech companies as a threat to democracy. In the US that figure is almost 62 per cent. People fear tech giants, more than curbs on free speech. This is ironic as tech firms always use the argument of free speech to block regulation. Turns out, they are the bigger villain. And everyone knows that. So the US, tech giants and China appear to be the big threat to democracy. But one indicator ranked higher than these three. And it's not something anyone would guess easily. It's economic inequality. 64 per cent of people called it the biggest threat to democracy. This is linked to the ongoing Wuhan virus pandemic. It has put millions of people out of jobs. In 2020 70 per cent of people were happy with their government's pandemic response. This was in both democracies and non-democracies. But one year later, democracies have fallen to 51 per cent. Looking at China would make this clearer. China ignored human rights, consulted no one on lockdowns. And punished people who dissented. Decision-making appears easier in autocracies. So what are the big takeaways from this survey? Number one, America is not judge and jury. The star-spangled banner is not the chorus for democracy. Number two, this is not an endorsement of either China or Russia. Their human rights records speak for themselves. Number three, don't trust everything you see in a poll. In this one, 71 per cent Chinese said they had the right amount of democracy. If the right amount is none, then yes, they are right. But the biggest takeaway is thisL: Democracy works. And we don't need superpowers or big corporations to defend it.

Worldwide poll shows most respondents think US is threat to democracy

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamanei on Friday called on Muslim nations and asked them to keep fighting against Israel. Khamanei termed Israel a "terrorist garrison" against the Palestinians.&nbsp;

"The fight against this despotic regime is the fight against oppression and the fight against terrorism. And this is a public duty to fight against this regime," Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a televised speech.

He was speaking on Iran's annual Quds Day that is celebrated on the last Friday of Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.

Iran is a staunch supporter of Palestinian and Islamic militant groups opposed to peace with Israel. Iran does not recognise Israel.

"Muslim nations' cooperation on Quds (Jerusalem) is a nightmare for the Zionists," Khamenei said.

Iranian officials have called for an end to Israel, including by a referendum that would exclude most of its Jews while including Palestinians in the region and abroad.

The coronavirus pandemic forced the government to cancel its annual Quds Day parade. But Iranian state media showed footage of motorcyclists and vehicles flying Palestinian and Lebanese Hezbollah flags driving through Tehran streets.

They also published pictures of people burning Israeli and American flags.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamanei on Friday called on Muslim nations and asked them to keep fighting against Israel. Khamanei termed Israel a "terrorist garrison" against the Palestinians.

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamanei on Friday called on Muslim nations and asked them to keep fighting against Israel. Khamanei termed Israel a "terrorist garrison" against the Palestinians. "The fight against this despotic regime is the fight against oppression and the fight against terrorism. And this is a public duty to fight against this regime," Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a televised speech. He was speaking on Iran's annual Quds Day that is celebrated on the last Friday of Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. Iran is a staunch supporter of Palestinian and Islamic militant groups opposed to peace with Israel. Iran does not recognise Israel. "Muslim nations' cooperation on Quds (Jerusalem) is a nightmare for the Zionists," Khamenei said. Iranian officials have called for an end to Israel, including by a referendum that would exclude most of its Jews while including Palestinians in the region and abroad. The coronavirus pandemic forced the government to cancel its annual Quds Day parade. But Iranian state media showed footage of motorcyclists and vehicles flying Palestinian and Lebanese Hezbollah flags driving through Tehran streets. They also published pictures of people burning Israeli and American flags. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran's Khamenei calls fight against Israel a public duty

Oil prices slipped on Thursday, reversing early gains under pressure from rising COVID-19 infections in India and elsewhere although prices retained some support from a report the previous session that showed US crude inventories fell much more sharply than expected.

Brent crude oil futures fell by 43 cents, or 0.6 per cent, to $68.54 a barrel by 11:47 a.m. ET (1547 GMT). West Texas Intermediate (WTI) US crude futures slipped 54 cents, or 0.8 per cent, to $65.09.

"When Saudi Arabia cut their crude selling price, it was a stark reminder that there are still pockets of danger of COVID that could impact demand," said Phil Flynn, a senior analyst at Price Futures Group in Chicago.

On Wednesday, both benchmarks hit their highest since mid-March before retreating to close little changed after two days of gains.

India posted record daily COVID-19 infections and deaths, with the virus spreading from cities to villages across the world's second-most populous nation, dashing hopes that the country's deadly second wave was about to peak.

"The record numbers of new infections in India have been making the headlines and fueling fears that demand may recover more slowly," Commerzbank said.

Yet easing restrictions in Europe and falling US crude inventories supported prices.

"As the rollout of vaccines continues and a pent-up summer driving season continues to manifest, this trend should accelerate, keeping demand for motor fuels robust and boosting market confidence in the recovery story," Citi analysts said in a note.

US crude stocks fell more than expected last week as refining output rose and exports surged, the Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Crude inventories fell by 8 million barrels to 485.1 million barrels in the week to April 30, compared with expectations in a Reuters poll for a drop of 2.3 million barrels.

Commerzbank analysts cited "a massive fall in net crude oil imports to around 1.3 million barrels per day, their lowest level in at least 40 years".&nbsp;

They added that gasoline demand in the world's largest oil importer has proved disappointing, with stocks rising slightly last week.

Oil prices slipped on Thursday, reversing early gains under pressure from rising COVID-19 infections in India and elsewhere although prices retained some support from a report the previous session that showed US crude inventories fell much more sharply than expected.

Oil prices slipped on Thursday, reversing early gains under pressure from rising COVID-19 infections in India and elsewhere although prices retained some support from a report the previous session that showed US crude inventories fell much more sharply than expected. Brent crude oil futures fell by 43 cents, or 0.6 per cent, to $68.54 a barrel by 11:47 a.m. ET (1547 GMT). West Texas Intermediate (WTI) US crude futures slipped 54 cents, or 0.8 per cent, to $65.09. "When Saudi Arabia cut their crude selling price, it was a stark reminder that there are still pockets of danger of COVID that could impact demand," said Phil Flynn, a senior analyst at Price Futures Group in Chicago. On Wednesday, both benchmarks hit their highest since mid-March before retreating to close little changed after two days of gains. India posted record daily COVID-19 infections and deaths, with the virus spreading from cities to villages across the world's second-most populous nation, dashing hopes that the country's deadly second wave was about to peak. "The record numbers of new infections in India have been making the headlines and fueling fears that demand may recover more slowly," Commerzbank said. Yet easing restrictions in Europe and falling US crude inventories supported prices. "As the rollout of vaccines continues and a pent-up summer driving season continues to manifest, this trend should accelerate, keeping demand for motor fuels robust and boosting market confidence in the recovery story," Citi analysts said in a note. US crude stocks fell more than expected last week as refining output rose and exports surged, the Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday. Crude inventories fell by 8 million barrels to 485.1 million barrels in the week to April 30, compared with expectations in a Reuters poll for a drop of 2.3 million barrels. Commerzbank analysts cited "a massive fall in net crude oil imports to around 1.3 million barrels per day, their lowest level in at least 40 years". They added that gasoline demand in the world's largest oil importer has proved disappointing, with stocks rising slightly last week.

Oil prices slip on worries of pandemic surge in India

Drugmakers&nbsp;on Thursday said US President Joe&nbsp;Biden's support for waiving&nbsp;patents of COVID-19&nbsp;vaccines could disrupt a fragile supply chain, and that, rich countries should instead share more generously with the developing world.

Biden&nbsp;on Wednesday threw his support behind waiving intellectual property rights for COVID-19&nbsp;vaccines, angering research-based pharmaceutical companies.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-backs-india-led-fight-to-waive-covid-vaccines-patents-383092">US backs India-led fight to waive Covid vaccines patents</a>

If adopted by the World Trade Organisation, the proposal would invite new manufacturers that lack essential know-how and&nbsp;oversight from the inventors to crowd out established contractors, the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) said.

"I have heard many (vaccine&nbsp;makers) talking about 'our resources are stretched, our technicians are stretched'," IFPMA Director General Thomas Cueni told Reuters. He warned of a possible free for all if "sort of rogue companies" were allowed to become involved.

Vaccine&nbsp;developers echoed his comments that waiving intellectual property rights was not a solution.

"Patents are not the limiting factor for the production or supply of our&nbsp;vaccine. They would not increase the global production and supply of&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;doses in the short and middle term," said Germany's BioNTech, which aims to supply up to three&nbsp;billion doses together with Pfizer this year.

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BioNTech said it took more than a decade to develop its&nbsp;vaccines manufacturing process and replicating it required experienced personnel and a meticulous technology transfer, among several other factors beyond&nbsp;patents.

Another German company CureVac, which hopes to release trial results on its messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA)&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;as early as this month, said&nbsp;patents were not to blame for supply bottlenecks.

"Since mRNA technology has emerged as the key technology in the fight against COVID-19, the world now needs the same raw materials in unfathomable amounts. The biggest problem is how to coordinate this," a spokeswoman said.

IFPMA's Cueni said the real bottlenecks were trade barriers, in particular the US Defense Production Act (DPA).

The DPA is a decades-old US law that prioritised procurement orders related to US national defence, but it has been widely used in non-military crises, such as natural disasters.

Cueni said the way to kickstart low-income countries' vaccination campaigns, was for rich countries to donate&nbsp;vaccine, rather than widen eligibility to young and healthy people at home.

Moderna, which on Thursday reported quarterly results, said waiving intellectual property rights would not help to increase the supply of its&nbsp;vaccines in 2021 and 2022.

The US drugmaker said last year it would not enforce its&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;patents. CureVac said on Thursday it would also not enforce its&nbsp;patents during the pandemic and that it knew of no other developer that would.

Italy's ReiThera which is in late-stage tests on an experimental COVID-19&nbsp;vaccine was also critical of&nbsp;patent&nbsp;waivers.

"There is proprietary know-how that has to be transferred by the owner. And then there is the problem with process materials, which at the moment have delivery times of almost a year," ReiThera's chief of technology Stefano Colloca said.

In contrast to the industry reaction, the GAVI&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;alliance, which co-leads the COVAX dose-sharing programme with the WHO and faces major supply constraints, welcomed&nbsp;Biden's support for waiving intellectual property rights.

Drugmakers on Thursday said US President Joe Biden's support for waiving patents of COVID-19 vaccines could disrupt a fragile supply chain, and that, rich countries should instead share more generously with the developing world.

Drugmakers on Thursday said US President Joe Biden's support for waiving patents of COVID-19 vaccines could disrupt a fragile supply chain, and that, rich countries should instead share more generously with the developing world. Biden on Wednesday threw his support behind waiving intellectual property rights for COVID-19 vaccines, angering research-based pharmaceutical companies. Also read | US backs India-led fight to waive Covid vaccines patents If adopted by the World Trade Organisation, the proposal would invite new manufacturers that lack essential know-how and oversight from the inventors to crowd out established contractors, the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) said. "I have heard many (vaccine makers) talking about 'our resources are stretched, our technicians are stretched'," IFPMA Director General Thomas Cueni told Reuters. He warned of a possible free for all if "sort of rogue companies" were allowed to become involved. Vaccine developers echoed his comments that waiving intellectual property rights was not a solution. "Patents are not the limiting factor for the production or supply of our vaccine. They would not increase the global production and supply of vaccine doses in the short and middle term," said Germany's BioNTech, which aims to supply up to three billion doses together with Pfizer this year. BioNTech said it took more than a decade to develop its vaccines manufacturing process and replicating it required experienced personnel and a meticulous technology transfer, among several other factors beyond patents. Another German company CureVac, which hopes to release trial results on its messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccine as early as this month, said patents were not to blame for supply bottlenecks. "Since mRNA technology has emerged as the key technology in the fight against COVID-19, the world now needs the same raw materials in unfathomable amounts. The biggest problem is how to coordinate this," a spokeswoman said. IFPMA's Cueni said the real bottlenecks were trade barriers, in particular the US Defense Production Act (DPA). The DPA is a decades-old US law that prioritised procurement orders related to US national defence, but it has been widely used in non-military crises, such as natural disasters. Cueni said the way to kickstart low-income countries' vaccination campaigns, was for rich countries to donate vaccine, rather than widen eligibility to young and healthy people at home. Moderna, which on Thursday reported quarterly results, said waiving intellectual property rights would not help to increase the supply of its vaccines in 2021 and 2022. The US drugmaker said last year it would not enforce its vaccine patents. CureVac said on Thursday it would also not enforce its patents during the pandemic and that it knew of no other developer that would. Italy's ReiThera which is in late-stage tests on an experimental COVID-19 vaccine was also critical of patent waivers. "There is proprietary know-how that has to be transferred by the owner. And then there is the problem with process materials, which at the moment have delivery times of almost a year," ReiThera's chief of technology Stefano Colloca said. In contrast to the industry reaction, the GAVI vaccine alliance, which co-leads the COVAX dose-sharing programme with the WHO and faces major supply constraints, welcomed Biden's support for waiving intellectual property rights.

Drugmakers say Biden misguided over vaccine patent waiver

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