Almost 20 years after the 9/11 attacks on US Twin towers in New York, US has started withdrawing its forces from Afghanistan. Meanwhile Dr Anthony Fauci, the&nbsp;top US infectious disease expert has advised the Indian government to impose a nationwide lockdown in response to the rapidly rising COVID numbers in India.&nbsp;Given the rise in Coronavirus&nbsp;cases, Indian national capital, New Delhi has decided to extend lockdown by a week. Read this and much more in our Top 10 World News.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-us-begins-withdrawing-troops-from-the-forever-war-381935">Afghanistan: US begins withdrawing troops from the 'forever war'</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/05/01/193423-afghanistan.jpg?itok=DnkoRhTx" />

The US has begun its pullout from Afghanistan, the 'forever war' that started after the 9/11 attacks on twin towers in New York 20 years ago. The development has elicited mixed reactions as there are widespread fears among the Afghans about possible Taliban takeover of the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/top-us-disease-expert-fauci-urges-india-to-impose-nationwide-lockdown-for-few-weeks-381988">Top US disease expert Fauci urges India to impose nationwide lockdown for 'few weeks'</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/05/01/193445-oof-1.jpg?itok=snIXJ-TE" />

Fauci also said that “no one likes likes to lock down the country”, while urging Indian authorities to lock down the country for a “few weeks”, which in his opinion would have a considerable impact on the degree of the outbreak.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-mutations-that-could-evade-immune-response-flagged-by-indian-scientists-report-381970">Coronavirus mutations that could 'evade immune response' flagged by Indian scientists: Report</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/05/01/193442-oof.jpg?itok=jkHS777P" />

A group of scientific advisers working for the Indian government reportedly told authorities that minor mutations have been reported in many samples of coronavirus. A leader of the group told Reuters that these mutations could “possible evade immune response” and would require further enquiry.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-capital-new-delhi-extends-lockdown-by-a-week-as-covid-cases-rise-381971">Indian capital New Delhi extends lockdown by a week as Covid cases rise</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/02/25/184329-vv11.jpg?itok=Gzo6o4hl" />

"Lockdown in&nbsp;Delhi&nbsp;is being extended by one week," Arvind Kejriwal said on Twitter. The current lockdown was set to expire in the city on Monday but the cases are currently rising in the city which is home to over 20 million residents.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-wants-to-pursue-practical-diplomacy-with-north-korea-over-grand-bargains-381918">Biden wants to pursue 'practical diplomacy' with North Korea over 'grand bargains'</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/03/25/188816-pjimage-1.jpg?itok=gpcjplrh" />

President Joe Biden’s approach primarily involves “diplomacy” as opposed to looking to make “grand bargains” with the North Korean administration, the White House said on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-first-lot-of-russian-vaccine-sputnik-v-arrives-in-hyderabad-381953">COVID-19: First lot of Russian vaccine Sputnik V arrives in Hyderabad</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/02/07/181688-russias-sputnik-v-vaccine.jpg?itok=_EBV8lDk" />

The rollout of the Russian vaccine is expected to augment India`s third phase of the vaccination drive which commenced today amid a record rise in COVID-19 cases. India for the first time has reported more than 4 lakh new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boeing-announces-usd10000000-aid-for-indias-fight-against-covid-19-381850">Boeing announces USD10,000,000 aid for India's fight against COVID-19</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/04/23/192487-untitled-design-4.jpg?itok=ynGgQ9z2" />

The assistance from Boeing will be directed to organisations providing relief, including medical supplies and emergency healthcare for communities and families battling COVID-19, the company said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/third-phase-of-coronavirus-vaccination-begins-in-jammu-and-kashmir-381950">Third phase of coronavirus vaccination begins in Jammu and Kashmir</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/03/23/188553-untitled-design-15.jpg?itok=MhxlH8LN" />

The administration urged people to register themselves for the vaccine and also said that people who are not registered will not be vaccinated. There are around 10 designated centres in Srinagar where the third phase of vaccination has been started by the government.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/residents-in-rebel-held-northern-syria-receive-covid-vaccine-381958">Residents in rebel-held northern Syria receive Covid vaccine</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/05/01/193435-syria.jpg?itok=yslASutE" />

Vaccine rollout began in the rebel-held part of northern Syria and residents received Covid vaccines on Saturday. Authorities in Idlib and northern Aleppo received an initial batch of 53,800 AstraZeneca Covid-19 jabs on April 21, under the Covax programme for poorer nations.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/the-happiest-place-on-earth-reopens-with-covid-19-restrictions-381931#the-happiest-place-on-earth-381916">'The happiest place on Earth' reopens with COVID-19 restrictions</a>

<img alt="disney" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="581c8a29-fa30-4f1e-930b-b01f7ab9b8f2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2860%29_7.jpg" />

&nbsp;

Almost 20 years after the 9/11 attacks on US Twin towers in New York, US has started withdrawing its forces from Afghanistan. Meanwhile Dr Anthony Fauci, the top US infectious disease expert has advised the Indian government to impose a nationwide lockdown in response to the rapidly rising COVID numbers in India.

Almost 20 years after the 9/11 attacks on US Twin towers in New York, US has started withdrawing its forces from Afghanistan. Meanwhile Dr Anthony Fauci, the top US infectious disease expert has advised the Indian government to impose a nationwide lockdown in response to the rapidly rising COVID numbers in India. Given the rise in Coronavirus cases, Indian national capital, New Delhi has decided to extend lockdown by a week. Read this and much more in our Top 10 World News. Afghanistan: US begins withdrawing troops from the 'forever war' The US has begun its pullout from Afghanistan, the 'forever war' that started after the 9/11 attacks on twin towers in New York 20 years ago. The development has elicited mixed reactions as there are widespread fears among the Afghans about possible Taliban takeover of the country. Top US disease expert Fauci urges India to impose nationwide lockdown for 'few weeks' Fauci also said that “no one likes likes to lock down the country”, while urging Indian authorities to lock down the country for a “few weeks”, which in his opinion would have a considerable impact on the degree of the outbreak. Coronavirus mutations that could 'evade immune response' flagged by Indian scientists: Report A group of scientific advisers working for the Indian government reportedly told authorities that minor mutations have been reported in many samples of coronavirus. A leader of the group told Reuters that these mutations could “possible evade immune response” and would require further enquiry. Indian capital New Delhi extends lockdown by a week as Covid cases rise "Lockdown in Delhi is being extended by one week," Arvind Kejriwal said on Twitter. The current lockdown was set to expire in the city on Monday but the cases are currently rising in the city which is home to over 20 million residents. Biden wants to pursue 'practical diplomacy' with North Korea over 'grand bargains' President Joe Biden’s approach primarily involves “diplomacy” as opposed to looking to make “grand bargains” with the North Korean administration, the White House said on Friday. COVID-19: First lot of Russian vaccine Sputnik V arrives in Hyderabad The rollout of the Russian vaccine is expected to augment India`s third phase of the vaccination drive which commenced today amid a record rise in COVID-19 cases. India for the first time has reported more than 4 lakh new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours. Boeing announces USD10,000,000 aid for India's fight against COVID-19 The assistance from Boeing will be directed to organisations providing relief, including medical supplies and emergency healthcare for communities and families battling COVID-19, the company said in a statement. Third phase of coronavirus vaccination begins in Jammu and Kashmir The administration urged people to register themselves for the vaccine and also said that people who are not registered will not be vaccinated. There are around 10 designated centres in Srinagar where the third phase of vaccination has been started by the government. Residents in rebel-held northern Syria receive Covid vaccine Vaccine rollout began in the rebel-held part of northern Syria and residents received Covid vaccines on Saturday. Authorities in Idlib and northern Aleppo received an initial batch of 53,800 AstraZeneca Covid-19 jabs on April 21, under the Covax programme for poorer nations. 'The happiest place on Earth' reopens with COVID-19 restrictions

Top 10 world news: US begins withdrawing troops from Afghanistan, Delhi lockdown extended and more

The US has begun its pullout from Afghanistan, the 'forever war' that started after the 9/11 attacks on twin towers in New York 20 years ago. The development has elicited mixed reactions as there are widespread fears among the Afghans about possible Taliban takeover of the country.

US officials on the ground say the withdrawal is already a work in progress -- and May 1 is just a continuation -- but Washington has made an issue of the date because it is a deadline agreed with the Taliban in 2020 to complete the pullout.

The skies above Kabul and nearby Bagram airbase have been buzzing with more US helicopter activity than usual as the pullout gears up, following the start Thursday of a concurrent NATO withdrawal.

On Saturday, Afghan security forces were on high alert&nbsp;for any possible attack on retreating US soldiers.

An emboldened Taliban has stepped up violence in Afghanistan in months leading to US troop pullout. Even if the Taliban has avoided direct clash with the US troops, they have carried out attacks, assassinations and blasts in various parts of the country.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/goons-or-protectors-pakistan-armys-truth-revealed-in-land-grabbing-case-381780">Goons or protectors? Pakistan army's truth revealed in land grabbing case</a>

A stark reminder of what remains came late Friday with a car bomb in Pul-e-Alam, south of the capital, killing at least 24 people and wounding 110 more.

The exit of US forces has only exacerbated the fear felt by ordinary Afghans.

"Everyone is scared that we might go back to the dark days of the Taliban era," said Mena Nowrozi, who works at a private radio station in Kabul.

"The Taliban are still the same; they have not changed. The US should have extended their presence by at least a year or two," she told AFP.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US has begun its pullout from Afghanistan, the 'forever war' that started after the 9/11 attacks on twin towers in New York 20 years ago. The development has elicited mixed reactions as there are widespread fears among the Afghans about possible Taliban takeover of the country.

The US has begun its pullout from Afghanistan, the 'forever war' that started after the 9/11 attacks on twin towers in New York 20 years ago. The development has elicited mixed reactions as there are widespread fears among the Afghans about possible Taliban takeover of the country. US officials on the ground say the withdrawal is already a work in progress -- and May 1 is just a continuation -- but Washington has made an issue of the date because it is a deadline agreed with the Taliban in 2020 to complete the pullout. The skies above Kabul and nearby Bagram airbase have been buzzing with more US helicopter activity than usual as the pullout gears up, following the start Thursday of a concurrent NATO withdrawal. On Saturday, Afghan security forces were on high alert for any possible attack on retreating US soldiers. An emboldened Taliban has stepped up violence in Afghanistan in months leading to US troop pullout. Even if the Taliban has avoided direct clash with the US troops, they have carried out attacks, assassinations and blasts in various parts of the country. Also Read | Goons or protectors? Pakistan army's truth revealed in land grabbing case A stark reminder of what remains came late Friday with a car bomb in Pul-e-Alam, south of the capital, killing at least 24 people and wounding 110 more. The exit of US forces has only exacerbated the fear felt by ordinary Afghans. "Everyone is scared that we might go back to the dark days of the Taliban era," said Mena Nowrozi, who works at a private radio station in Kabul. "The Taliban are still the same; they have not changed. The US should have extended their presence by at least a year or two," she told AFP. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan: US begins withdrawing troops from the 'forever war'

Eighteen Iraqis were killed in separate jihadist attacks overnight Friday to Saturday. Majority of the dead were military personnel. The attacks took place in greater Baghdad area.

No terrorist group immediately claimed the responsibility for the attacks. However, the modus operandi behind the attacks indicates that it is the handiwork of Islamic State group. The IS still has sleeper cells in Iraq in spite of the group's defeat in 2017.

One attack targeted troops in Tarmiya, an agricultural suburb 20 kilometres (12 miles) north of the Iraqi capital.

"IS fighters attacked an Iraqi army convoy at night and killed two officers and two soldiers," a security official said, on condition of anonymity.&nbsp;

Reinforcements were dispatched to the area but also came under fire, with "an officer and two soldiers" killed, the source said.

A member of tribal fighters integrated into the regular forces that were then deployed to the scene was also killed, "along with a civilian caught in the crossfire", the source added.

Further north, in the central Alton Kubre region, "six peshmerga (Kurdish fighters) were killed when Islamic State group jihadists attacked their military position with light arms", another security official told AFP.

Alton Kubre is a disputed area claimed by both the federal government in Baghdad and the autonomous Kurdistan authorities.&nbsp;

Another attack took place in the western desert bordering Syria, a third security source said.&nbsp;

"An officer and a soldier were killed in a bomb explosion while an army convoy was en route to Akashat," he said.

A soldier was also killed in a bomb blast in Diyala province, which borders Baghdad to the east, according to another official, who added that two other fighters were also wounded in a separate attack.

(With inputs from agencies)

Eighteen Iraqis were killed in separate jihadist attacks overnight Friday to Saturday. Majority of the dead were military personnel. The attacks took place in greater Baghdad area.

Eighteen Iraqis were killed in separate jihadist attacks overnight Friday to Saturday. Majority of the dead were military personnel. The attacks took place in greater Baghdad area. No terrorist group immediately claimed the responsibility for the attacks. However, the modus operandi behind the attacks indicates that it is the handiwork of Islamic State group. The IS still has sleeper cells in Iraq in spite of the group's defeat in 2017. One attack targeted troops in Tarmiya, an agricultural suburb 20 kilometres (12 miles) north of the Iraqi capital. "IS fighters attacked an Iraqi army convoy at night and killed two officers and two soldiers," a security official said, on condition of anonymity. Reinforcements were dispatched to the area but also came under fire, with "an officer and two soldiers" killed, the source said. A member of tribal fighters integrated into the regular forces that were then deployed to the scene was also killed, "along with a civilian caught in the crossfire", the source added. Further north, in the central Alton Kubre region, "six peshmerga (Kurdish fighters) were killed when Islamic State group jihadists attacked their military position with light arms", another security official told AFP. Alton Kubre is a disputed area claimed by both the federal government in Baghdad and the autonomous Kurdistan authorities. Another attack took place in the western desert bordering Syria, a third security source said. "An officer and a soldier were killed in a bomb explosion while an army convoy was en route to Akashat," he said. A soldier was also killed in a bomb blast in Diyala province, which borders Baghdad to the east, according to another official, who added that two other fighters were also wounded in a separate attack. (With inputs from agencies)

Iraq: Jihadist attacks claim 18 lives

The US&nbsp;embassy&nbsp;in&nbsp;Moscow&nbsp;said on Friday (April 30) it was reducing consular services after Russia restricted the hiring of local staff at foreign missions, the latest setback to strained US-Russia relations.

"We regret that the actions of the Russian government have forced&nbsp;us&nbsp;to reduce our consular work force by 75 per cent," the US&nbsp;embassy&nbsp;said in a statement published on its website.

"Effective May 12, US&nbsp;Embassy&nbsp;Moscow&nbsp;will reduce consular services offered to include only emergency US&nbsp;citizen services and a very limited number of age-out and life or death emergency immigrant visas," it said.

President Vladimir Putin signed a law last week limiting the number of local staff working at foreign diplomatic missions and ordered the government to draw up a list of "unfriendly" states that will be subject to the restrictions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-unfriendly-embassies-may-face-russian-hiring-bans-379912">Putin: 'Unfriendly' embassies may face Russian hiring bans</a>&nbsp;

Moscow's ties with Washington have sunk to a post-Cold War low after President Joe Biden said he believed Putin was "a killer."

The United States imposed new sanctions on Russia this month for an alleged malign activity, including interfering in last year's US&nbsp;election, cyber hacking and "bullying" neighbouring Ukraine.

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It also warned Russia of unspecified consequences if Alexei Navalny, an opposition politician who was on hunger strike in prison for more than three weeks, were to die.

Moscow&nbsp;retaliated with sanctions against the United States and has rejected what it sees as foreign interference in the Navalny case.

The US embassy in Moscow said on Friday (April 30) it was reducing consular services after Russia restricted the hiring of local staff at foreign missions, the latest setback to strained US-Russia relations.

The US embassy in Moscow said on Friday (April 30) it was reducing consular services after Russia restricted the hiring of local staff at foreign missions, the latest setback to strained US-Russia relations. "We regret that the actions of the Russian government have forced us to reduce our consular work force by 75 per cent," the US embassy said in a statement published on its website. "Effective May 12, US Embassy Moscow will reduce consular services offered to include only emergency US citizen services and a very limited number of age-out and life or death emergency immigrant visas," it said. President Vladimir Putin signed a law last week limiting the number of local staff working at foreign diplomatic missions and ordered the government to draw up a list of "unfriendly" states that will be subject to the restrictions. Also read | Putin: 'Unfriendly' embassies may face Russian hiring bans Moscow's ties with Washington have sunk to a post-Cold War low after President Joe Biden said he believed Putin was "a killer." The United States imposed new sanctions on Russia this month for an alleged malign activity, including interfering in last year's US election, cyber hacking and "bullying" neighbouring Ukraine. × It also warned Russia of unspecified consequences if Alexei Navalny, an opposition politician who was on hunger strike in prison for more than three weeks, were to die. Moscow retaliated with sanctions against the United States and has rejected what it sees as foreign interference in the Navalny case.

US embassy says it is forced to reduce consular services in Moscow

The United States on Friday placed India and eight other countries on the Priority Watch List for IP protection and enforcement.

The other countries that have been put on the list are Argentina, Chile, China, Indonesia, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine and Venezuela.

In its "Special 301 Report" on the adequacy and effectiveness of US trading partners' protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights, US Trade Representative Katherine Tai said these countries will be the subject of intense bilateral engagement during the coming year.

"Over the past year, India has remained inconsistent in its progress on intellectual property (IP) protection and enforcement. While India's enforcement of IP in the online sphere has gradually improved, a lack of concrete benefits for innovators and creators persists, which continues to undermine their efforts. India remains one of the world's most challenging major economies with respect to protection and enforcement of IP," she said.

The office of the USTR reviewed more than 100 trading partners for this year's "Special 301 Report", and eight on Priority Watch List and 23 on the Watch List.

The 23 trading partners on the Watch List are Algeria, Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Guatemala, Kuwait, Lebanon, Mexico, Pakistan, Paraguay, Peru, Romania, Thailand, Trinidad &amp; Tobago, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.

"Intellectual property rights incentivize our creators, manufacturers, and innovators to invent new products and technologies,"&nbsp;said Katherine Tai.

"The laws, policies and practices that protect those rights must appropriately balance the interests of creators with those seeking to use their creations. Failing to adequately and effectively protect those rights in foreign markets hurts the US economy, the dynamism of American innovators and the livelihoods of our workers,"&nbsp;she said.

Observing that the 2021 Special 301 review period has taken place during the COVID-19 pandemic, the largest global health crisis in more than a century, the USTR office said its top priority is saving lives and ending the pandemic in the United States and around the world.

As affirmed in the Doha Declaration on the TRIPS Agreement and Public Health, the United States, while recognising the role of intellectual property protection in the development of new medicines, respects a trading partner's right to protect public health and, in particular, to promote access to medicines for all, it said.

The United States has been closely monitoring China's progress in implementing its commitments under the United States-China Economic and Trade Agreement.

In 2020, China published several draft IP-related legal and regulatory measures and finalised over a dozen measures.

China amended the patent Law, copyright and criminal laws in the past year. However, these steps toward reform require effective implementation and fall short of the full range of fundamental changes needed to improve the IP landscape in China, the USTR office said.

In India, the USTR said patent issues continue to be of particular concern as long-standing issues remain for innovative industries.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-reportedly-considering-intellectual-property-waiver-for-coronavirus-vaccines-380959">US reportedly considering intellectual property waiver for coronavirus vaccines</a>

The potential threat of patent revocations, lack of presumption of patent validity and the narrow patentability criteria under the India Patents Act burden companies across different sectors.

"Moreover, patent applicants continue to confront costly and time-consuming pre and post-grant oppositions, long waiting periods to receive patent approval and excessive reporting requirements. Stakeholders continue to express concerns over vagueness in the interpretation of the India Patents Act,"&nbsp;she added.

She said the US intends to continue to engage with India on IP matters, including through the United States-India Trade Policy Forum's Intellectual Property Working Group.&nbsp;

The United States on Friday placed India and eight other countries on the Priority Watch List for IP protection and enforcement. The other countries that have been put on the list are Argentina, Chile, China, Indonesia, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine and Venezuela.

The United States on Friday placed India and eight other countries on the Priority Watch List for IP protection and enforcement. The other countries that have been put on the list are Argentina, Chile, China, Indonesia, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine and Venezuela. In its "Special 301 Report" on the adequacy and effectiveness of US trading partners' protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights, US Trade Representative Katherine Tai said these countries will be the subject of intense bilateral engagement during the coming year. "Over the past year, India has remained inconsistent in its progress on intellectual property (IP) protection and enforcement. While India's enforcement of IP in the online sphere has gradually improved, a lack of concrete benefits for innovators and creators persists, which continues to undermine their efforts. India remains one of the world's most challenging major economies with respect to protection and enforcement of IP," she said. The office of the USTR reviewed more than 100 trading partners for this year's "Special 301 Report", and eight on Priority Watch List and 23 on the Watch List. The 23 trading partners on the Watch List are Algeria, Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Guatemala, Kuwait, Lebanon, Mexico, Pakistan, Paraguay, Peru, Romania, Thailand, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam. "Intellectual property rights incentivize our creators, manufacturers, and innovators to invent new products and technologies," said Katherine Tai. "The laws, policies and practices that protect those rights must appropriately balance the interests of creators with those seeking to use their creations. Failing to adequately and effectively protect those rights in foreign markets hurts the US economy, the dynamism of American innovators and the livelihoods of our workers," she said. Observing that the 2021 Special 301 review period has taken place during the COVID-19 pandemic, the largest global health crisis in more than a century, the USTR office said its top priority is saving lives and ending the pandemic in the United States and around the world. As affirmed in the Doha Declaration on the TRIPS Agreement and Public Health, the United States, while recognising the role of intellectual property protection in the development of new medicines, respects a trading partner's right to protect public health and, in particular, to promote access to medicines for all, it said. The United States has been closely monitoring China's progress in implementing its commitments under the United States-China Economic and Trade Agreement. In 2020, China published several draft IP-related legal and regulatory measures and finalised over a dozen measures. China amended the patent Law, copyright and criminal laws in the past year. However, these steps toward reform require effective implementation and fall short of the full range of fundamental changes needed to improve the IP landscape in China, the USTR office said. In India, the USTR said patent issues continue to be of particular concern as long-standing issues remain for innovative industries. Also read | US reportedly considering intellectual property waiver for coronavirus vaccines The potential threat of patent revocations, lack of presumption of patent validity and the narrow patentability criteria under the India Patents Act burden companies across different sectors. "Moreover, patent applicants continue to confront costly and time-consuming pre and post-grant oppositions, long waiting periods to receive patent approval and excessive reporting requirements. Stakeholders continue to express concerns over vagueness in the interpretation of the India Patents Act," she added. She said the US intends to continue to engage with India on IP matters, including through the United States-India Trade Policy Forum's Intellectual Property Working Group.

IP protection: US puts India on Priority Watch List

Several thousand music fans on Friday became the first people in Britain in more than a year to legally dance, drink and listen to music in a nightclub, as part of a test to see whether social distancing measures can be eased without triggering new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> outbreaks.

The afternoon admission gig at a warehouse in Liverpool, northwest England, is one of a series of pilot events sponsored by the UK government and closely monitored by public health officials. The 3,000 attendees, all local residents, were to be tested before and after the event, while researchers will study air quality and movement in the venue.&nbsp;

Once inside, clubbers could dance to DJs including Lewis Boardman and Jayda G. With no restrictions on mixing with others.

"Today is going to be monumental,"&nbsp;said DJ Yousef, co-founder of Liverpool's Circus nightclub, which organized the event.

"Once you go over the threshold, the whole point of today is to go back to pre-COVID conditions, which of course is no social distancing, no masks. You can interact with people you don't know,"&nbsp;he told the BBC. He said the reaction of ticket-buyers to that news had been 'disbelief'&nbsp;as well as excitement.

"We are very excited," Leah Lawless, 18, said as she waited with her friends to get into the warehouse. She said the past year had been "Hard,&nbsp;It's been boring, a bit sad, depressing and not the best.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-to-reopen-bars-nightclubs-from-april-29-for-vaccinated-customers-380804">Hong Kong to reopen bars, nightclubs from April 29 for vaccinated customers</a>

A second clubbing event will be held in the same venue on Saturday, and 5,000 fans will attend a concert headlined by the band Blossoms at Liverpool's Sefton Park on Sunday. The test events will culminate at Wembley Stadium on May 15, where a one-quarter capacity crowd of 21,000 will watch the FA Cup soccer final.

Britain has recorded more than 127,000 coronavirus deaths, Europe's highest toll. But a fast-moving vaccination campaign has given almost two-thirds of adults at least one shot, and the government is gradually lifting the restrictions on social and economic life that were in place over much of the last 14 months.&nbsp;

Most shops and services are open, but indoor drinking, dining and entertainment will not resume before May 17 at the earliest. Some social distancing rules will be in place until at least June 21.&nbsp;

Experiences elsewhere in Europe are encouraging. Organizers of a Barcelona concert last month attended by 4,500 mask-wearing fans who had been screened for the virus say the event produced no significant outbreaks.

Several thousand music fans on Friday became the first people in Britain in more than a year to legally dance, drink and listen to music in a nightclub, as part of a test to see whether social distancing measures can be eased without triggering new coronavirus outbreaks.

Several thousand music fans on Friday became the first people in Britain in more than a year to legally dance, drink and listen to music in a nightclub, as part of a test to see whether social distancing measures can be eased without triggering new coronavirus outbreaks. The afternoon admission gig at a warehouse in Liverpool, northwest England, is one of a series of pilot events sponsored by the UK government and closely monitored by public health officials. The 3,000 attendees, all local residents, were to be tested before and after the event, while researchers will study air quality and movement in the venue. Once inside, clubbers could dance to DJs including Lewis Boardman and Jayda G. With no restrictions on mixing with others. "Today is going to be monumental," said DJ Yousef, co-founder of Liverpool's Circus nightclub, which organized the event. "Once you go over the threshold, the whole point of today is to go back to pre-COVID conditions, which of course is no social distancing, no masks. You can interact with people you don't know," he told the BBC. He said the reaction of ticket-buyers to that news had been 'disbelief' as well as excitement. "We are very excited," Leah Lawless, 18, said as she waited with her friends to get into the warehouse. She said the past year had been "Hard, It's been boring, a bit sad, depressing and not the best. Also read | Hong Kong to reopen bars, nightclubs from April 29 for vaccinated customers A second clubbing event will be held in the same venue on Saturday, and 5,000 fans will attend a concert headlined by the band Blossoms at Liverpool's Sefton Park on Sunday. The test events will culminate at Wembley Stadium on May 15, where a one-quarter capacity crowd of 21,000 will watch the FA Cup soccer final. Britain has recorded more than 127,000 coronavirus deaths, Europe's highest toll. But a fast-moving vaccination campaign has given almost two-thirds of adults at least one shot, and the government is gradually lifting the restrictions on social and economic life that were in place over much of the last 14 months. Most shops and services are open, but indoor drinking, dining and entertainment will not resume before May 17 at the earliest. Some social distancing rules will be in place until at least June 21. Experiences elsewhere in Europe are encouraging. Organizers of a Barcelona concert last month attended by 4,500 mask-wearing fans who had been screened for the virus say the event produced no significant outbreaks.

UK allows dancing without distancing at nightclub test event

Both houses of legislature in Florida passed a bill that would possibly stop tech companies from de-platforming politicians. As per the bill, tech platforms will allowed to suspend accounts of the politicians for 14 days, said BBC. The legislation is awaiting nod from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis who is considered to be an ally of former US President Donald Trump.&nbsp;

As per the media report, tech companies may be fined USD 250,000 per day under this legislation if they continued the de-platforming beyond the 14-days window.

Former US President Donald Trump was an avid user of the social media. His tweets were often criticised. He was also dubbed a 'Twitter president' during his tenure.

Trump was given the boot by major tech platforms like Twitter, Facebook and others after the deadly Capitol Hill riots in January this year. Trump supporters attacked the Capitol building as US Congress was certifying current President Joe Biden's victory in US Presidential Election 2020.

Trump was accused of being too late to make an appeal for calm through social media.

After his defeat in the elections, Trump has spent most of his time at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. He is believed to have been close with Governor DeSantis and other high-ranking Republicans in the state.

Both houses of legislature in Florida passed a bill that would possibly stop tech companies from de-platforming politicians. As per the bill, tech platforms will allowed to suspend accounts of the politicians for 14 days, said BBC.

Both houses of legislature in Florida passed a bill that would possibly stop tech companies from de-platforming politicians. As per the bill, tech platforms will allowed to suspend accounts of the politicians for 14 days, said BBC. The legislation is awaiting nod from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis who is considered to be an ally of former US President Donald Trump. As per the media report, tech companies may be fined USD 250,000 per day under this legislation if they continued the de-platforming beyond the 14-days window. Former US President Donald Trump was an avid user of the social media. His tweets were often criticised. He was also dubbed a 'Twitter president' during his tenure. Trump was given the boot by major tech platforms like Twitter, Facebook and others after the deadly Capitol Hill riots in January this year. Trump supporters attacked the Capitol building as US Congress was certifying current President Joe Biden's victory in US Presidential Election 2020. Trump was accused of being too late to make an appeal for calm through social media. After his defeat in the elections, Trump has spent most of his time at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. He is believed to have been close with Governor DeSantis and other high-ranking Republicans in the state.

Florida approves bill stopping tech companies from de-platforming politicians

Vaccine rollout began in the rebel-held part of northern Syria and residents received Covid vaccines on Saturday, said AFP. Authorities in Idlib and northern Aleppo received an initial batch of 53,800 AstraZeneca Covid-19 jabs on April 21, under the Covax programme for poorer nations.

In Idlib, a doctor was the first to receive the vaccine at Ibn Sina children's hospital, one of the city's biggest medical facilities.

Yasser Najib, the head of a committee running the vaccine drive, said the first doses would go to medical staff at Ibn Sina and the national hospital in Azaz, in northern Aleppo.

He said that by Monday the campaign would reach "all medical facilities, including those in the camps" on the border with Turkey, which shelter hundreds of thousands of displaced people.

Humanitarian workers are also among the first to be inoculated. This will be followed by the elderly and people with chronic diseases.

The committee said it had set up more than 90 mobile teams to administer the vaccines.

The campaign covers both areas of northwestern Syria controlled by former Al-Qaeda affiliate Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, and border regions of northern Aleppo province held by Turkish and pro-Turkish forces.

The area, which hosts some four million people, has recorded over 21,000 cases of Covid-19 including 641 deaths.

"The aim... is to vaccinate 20 percent of the population of northwestern Syria, so around 855,000 people," said Najib.

Last month, Damascus received an initial batch of 203,000 AstraZeneca vaccine doses, out of 912,000 it is set to receive for distribution in government and Kurdish-dominated parts of Syria.&nbsp;

The World Health Organization is hoping a fifth of Syria's population will be vaccinated by the end of the year.

Syria's civil war has killed more than 388,000 people and displaced millions at home and abroad since starting in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.

(With inputs from agencies)

Vaccine rollout began in the rebel-held part of northern Syria and residents received Covid vaccines on Saturday, said AFP. Authorities in Idlib and northern Aleppo received an initial batch of 53,800 AstraZeneca Covid-19 jabs on April 21, under the Covax programme for poorer nations.

Vaccine rollout began in the rebel-held part of northern Syria and residents received Covid vaccines on Saturday, said AFP. Authorities in Idlib and northern Aleppo received an initial batch of 53,800 AstraZeneca Covid-19 jabs on April 21, under the Covax programme for poorer nations. In Idlib, a doctor was the first to receive the vaccine at Ibn Sina children's hospital, one of the city's biggest medical facilities. Yasser Najib, the head of a committee running the vaccine drive, said the first doses would go to medical staff at Ibn Sina and the national hospital in Azaz, in northern Aleppo. He said that by Monday the campaign would reach "all medical facilities, including those in the camps" on the border with Turkey, which shelter hundreds of thousands of displaced people. Humanitarian workers are also among the first to be inoculated. This will be followed by the elderly and people with chronic diseases. The committee said it had set up more than 90 mobile teams to administer the vaccines. The campaign covers both areas of northwestern Syria controlled by former Al-Qaeda affiliate Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, and border regions of northern Aleppo province held by Turkish and pro-Turkish forces. The area, which hosts some four million people, has recorded over 21,000 cases of Covid-19 including 641 deaths. "The aim... is to vaccinate 20 percent of the population of northwestern Syria, so around 855,000 people," said Najib. Last month, Damascus received an initial batch of 203,000 AstraZeneca vaccine doses, out of 912,000 it is set to receive for distribution in government and Kurdish-dominated parts of Syria. The World Health Organization is hoping a fifth of Syria's population will be vaccinated by the end of the year. Syria's civil war has killed more than 388,000 people and displaced millions at home and abroad since starting in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests. (With inputs from agencies)

Residents in rebel-held northern Syria receive Covid vaccine

The European Union's envoy to Delhi Ugo Astuto, in an exclusive interaction with WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibbal said that "team Europe" was giving a robust response to India's needs amid coronavirus pandemic.

"Team Europe is coming together to offer its support to India in its difficult moment, just like India supported the rest of the world for the past few months exporting vaccines worldwide," said Astuto.

He lauded India's outreach on vaccines earlier this year, saying, "India has actually led the way in donating vaccines in the region and beyond and setting examples of what global solidarity means".

Here is the full interview.

WION: How is EU assisting India in dealing with the crisis?

Ambassador Ugo Astuto: The European Union as a team Europe is coming together to offer its support to India in its difficult moment, just like India supported the rest of the world for the past few months exporting vaccines worldwide.&nbsp;

There has been a conversation with Indian authorities about how best we can help and as a result of this conversation, we have activated the civil protection mechanism. Its a mechanism, which ensures the rapid deployment of emergency support, a direct link for the national civil protection authorities of the 27 member states.

Through this mechanism we can coordinate the response and we can also help in logistics and transport. The response has been very substantial, indeed. Last night we had deliveries from Romania and Ireland landing in Delhi. From Dublin, we had 700 Oxygen concentrators being brought in, one Oxygen generator, 365 ventilators.&nbsp; 
From Bucharest, 80 Oxygen concentrators and 75 Oxygen cylinders.&nbsp;

We expect on Sunday, another plane to land from Belgium and bring in 9000 doses of antiviral medicine Remdesivir.&nbsp;

As we speak, other member states are joining in.&nbsp;

Just to give you an idea,&nbsp;

68 ventilators from Luxembourg, 5500 vials of Remdesivir from Portugal, 120 ventilators from Sweden, 8 Oxygen generators, liquid Oxygen, and 28 ventilators from France, one Oxygen generating plant, 20 ventilators from Italy, 318 Oxygen cylinders from Finland, 5500 vials of Remdesivir, 238 Oxygen cylinders from Austria, &nbsp;Oxygen concentrators from Germany have already arrived in Delhi. Waiting for more from Germany. More support is expected from other member states like Netherlands, Estonia, Poland, and more. As you can see a very robust response from team Europe. The whole of the European Union trying to extend some help.

WION: India needs tankers for Oxygen and other related stuff, how is the EU helping? Also, any support for vaccines? India is trying to get vaccines from other countries?

Ambassador Ugo Astuto: At this stage focus of our support is on Oxygen. We had an exchange with the Indian authorities, who suggest we should focus on Oxygen and some antiviral medicines, that is what we are doing now. That is what we are focusing on. From the list earlier, most of the supplies being delivered now are Oxygen and Oxygen-related material and antiviral medicines. That is what we are doing now.&nbsp;

From the list, I read earlier, you will read most of the supplies being delivered now are about Oxygen and Oxygen related material, ventilators and antiviral medicines, following the contacts with the Indian authorities. &nbsp;

WION: How has the EU in the past assisted the world community in dealing with such a crisis--with a focus on Covid?&nbsp;

Ambassador Ugo Astuto: Yes, this mechanism, the European Civil Protection Mechanism, is made precisely for that, to face and address the emergency situation in Europe and beyond and it has been activated a number of times, since its inception.&nbsp;

When it comes specifically to Covid infection, from the outset European Union just like India has been on the path of global cooperation in the fight against the Pandemic, and Covid 19 has shown this sort of crisis knows no border.&nbsp;

An effective response requires global co-operation and mutual support. We are facing this epidemic together and we will only get out of it together. That is why we have launched a team Europe approach when it comes to Covid.&nbsp;

We have provided medical equipment and medicines to a number of partners around the world, particularly low-income countries in Africa for a total of almost 38.5 billion Euros. On vaccines, specifically, European Union is committed that everyone who needs vaccines gets it, irrespective of where he or she lives. That is why European Union and its member states are leading voices in the establishment of this COVAX facility, I am sure you are familiar with it.&nbsp;

COVAX is a facility in order to supply vaccines to those who need them. Team Europe, European Union's member states, European Investment Bank together are among the largest donors to this facility. I don't have to remind, that India is playing a key role in the COVAX facility in the manufacturing of vaccines which has then been exported.&nbsp;

India has actually led the way in donating vaccines in the region and beyond and setting examples of what global solidarity means. Clearly, this is also contingent on domestic needs. It is true for India, it's true for the EU as well. The initial assumption is we want to be open to the needs of the global community. For the European Union, for instance, almost as many vaccines which has been injected into EU citizens have been exported so far. Between January and April, more than 110 million doses of vaccines have been exported from the European Union to more than 40 countries. This is another area where the EU and India have been working based on the same human-centric values.

WION: The India, EU leaders virtual summit will take place on 8th May. What will be the key focus at the summit?&nbsp;

Ambassador Ugo Astuto: The latest meeting is happening in the backdrop of the global health crisis, so the reaction to the Covid crisis will obviously be paramount. But, besides that, the strategic partnership between European Union and India has been growing vigorously in the last couple of years.&nbsp;

At the last summit, in July 2020 we decided to further broaden the scope and areas of cooperation. We want to defend multilateralism, combat climate change, to foster the greening of our economic models. We want to undertake digital transition in a manner that is consistent with our democratic values.&nbsp;

We want to foster connectivity to cooperate on political and security issues. So we set up what we call a road up to 2025, guiding us. The next summit, I am sure will inject further momentum into all these topics of interest.&nbsp;

For instance, we are working now on preparing a new India connectivity partnership because we share the same principles that underpin--we want connectivity to be environmentally, socially, and physically sustainable. We both recognize the role of the private sector. We want to give the right incentive to come in and build infrastructure in a sustainable manner, in a transparent, inclusive, and rules-based manner.&nbsp;

So I think, on these things EU and India are natural partners, for bringing forward the development of a shared vision of connectivity. Another major priority I have to mention is the fight against climate change, in the run-up to COP26 which will take place in Glasgow, India has achieved a very significant result to the greening of its economic model, particularly on renewables--investment in solar has been very impressive with significant result.&nbsp;

I believe India is a trendsetter. So much scope for exchanging experiences. Science tells us, as an international community we all need to work together and be ambitious, we want to address the existential issue of climate change, temperatures are still rising, we need to act now for the sake of future generations and we need to make Glasgow a success. Here I think the EU and India have much scope to work together to make Glasgow a success and other priorities I would like to highlight the digital transition. As open societies and democracies, the EU and India can work together to make sure that the digital transition takes place in a secure place, fostering innovation and competition but also full respect to individual rights and freedom.&nbsp;

Issues such as data protection, experience with GDPR, or security of networks, all these are relevant issues. Naming a few, there are many other topics like trade and investment, research innovation, there are so many. Lots of cooperation between India and the EU.

WION: EU is pushing India on net neutrality. What has the EU offering for achieving it? Technology? Finance? How can a country like India develop a roadmap without clarity on technology and finance?

Ambassador Ugo Astuto: What we trying to do in Europe is to develop a model for digital transition which is underpinned by democratic values and which meets the need of the citizen. It must be human-centric, it's not the platforms, it's not about the needs of the state, it's mostly about citizens and its needs.&nbsp;

That is why we are undertaking the digital transition because we want to make the lives of citizens easier. We want to protect freedom of expression, offline and online. I think, in this respect the challenge we face as the European Union is very similar to the challenges which India faces. We both are democracies and open societies and I believe that we are facing the same issues and in all likelihood, we can work together to foster convergences when it comes to the regulatory framework.

WION: European Council approves conclusions on EU’s Indo-Pacific strategy. What do your Indo-Pacific guidelines mean for India?

Ambassador Ugo Astuto: I am sure your have read the approval of the council conclusion on the Indo-Pacific. The council conclusion sets the ground for the approval of a new strategy for the Indo-Pacific which will be issued in the coming months.&nbsp;

Now the basic starting point is the European Union is a stakeholder when it comes to the prosperity and stability of the Indo-Pacific.

Indo-Pacific is a region that has tremendous importance for the world, its a center of economic development, its a center of innovation, in a large part, the very future of the world will be decided in the Indo-Pacific.&nbsp; 
European Union has an important stake, and we want to offer a contribution. A contribution which is underpinned by our strong belief in multilateralism, in a cooperative approach to international relations, respect for International Law, including The Law of the Seas.&nbsp;

These principles, bring us naturally close to India and its own endeavor to make the Indo pacific region of peace and prosperity. I think the council conclusion and the strategy will help us in identifying additional common converging interest in the region against the risk of instability and in order to foster our common view of a prosperous future for the region.

WION: How do you see the situation in Afghanistan? How EU and India can play a vital role?

Ambassador Ugo Astuto: You see, India and the EU have a natural convergence of view when it comes to Afghanistan because our major point is gains of the last 20 years, are not lost, in terms of democratic rights, human rights, women's rights.&nbsp;

We want a peace process that is Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, this is our priority and we have no other interest-- the prosperity, and welfare of Afghanistan.&nbsp;

We are following developments with this in mind that the framework, the democratic rights, the gains of in terms of rights of women and girls which have been gained in past few years are preserved and are not lost and that road to peace, its a road which is also consolidating the present democratic rights.

The European Union's envoy to Delhi Ugo Astuto, in an exclusive interaction with WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibbal said that "team Europe" was giving a robust response to India's needs amid coronavirus pandemic.

The European Union's envoy to Delhi Ugo Astuto, in an exclusive interaction with WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibbal said that "team Europe" was giving a robust response to India's needs amid coronavirus pandemic. "Team Europe is coming together to offer its support to India in its difficult moment, just like India supported the rest of the world for the past few months exporting vaccines worldwide," said Astuto. He lauded India's outreach on vaccines earlier this year, saying, "India has actually led the way in donating vaccines in the region and beyond and setting examples of what global solidarity means". Here is the full interview. WION: How is EU assisting India in dealing with the crisis? Ambassador Ugo Astuto: The European Union as a team Europe is coming together to offer its support to India in its difficult moment, just like India supported the rest of the world for the past few months exporting vaccines worldwide. There has been a conversation with Indian authorities about how best we can help and as a result of this conversation, we have activated the civil protection mechanism. Its a mechanism, which ensures the rapid deployment of emergency support, a direct link for the national civil protection authorities of the 27 member states. Through this mechanism we can coordinate the response and we can also help in logistics and transport. The response has been very substantial, indeed. Last night we had deliveries from Romania and Ireland landing in Delhi. From Dublin, we had 700 Oxygen concentrators being brought in, one Oxygen generator, 365 ventilators. From Bucharest, 80 Oxygen concentrators and 75 Oxygen cylinders. We expect on Sunday, another plane to land from Belgium and bring in 9000 doses of antiviral medicine Remdesivir. As we speak, other member states are joining in. Just to give you an idea, 68 ventilators from Luxembourg, 5500 vials of Remdesivir from Portugal, 120 ventilators from Sweden, 8 Oxygen generators, liquid Oxygen, and 28 ventilators from France, one Oxygen generating plant, 20 ventilators from Italy, 318 Oxygen cylinders from Finland, 5500 vials of Remdesivir, 238 Oxygen cylinders from Austria, Oxygen concentrators from Germany have already arrived in Delhi. Waiting for more from Germany. More support is expected from other member states like Netherlands, Estonia, Poland, and more. As you can see a very robust response from team Europe. The whole of the European Union trying to extend some help. WION: India needs tankers for Oxygen and other related stuff, how is the EU helping? Also, any support for vaccines? India is trying to get vaccines from other countries? Ambassador Ugo Astuto: At this stage focus of our support is on Oxygen. We had an exchange with the Indian authorities, who suggest we should focus on Oxygen and some antiviral medicines, that is what we are doing now. That is what we are focusing on. From the list earlier, most of the supplies being delivered now are Oxygen and Oxygen-related material and antiviral medicines. That is what we are doing now. From the list, I read earlier, you will read most of the supplies being delivered now are about Oxygen and Oxygen related material, ventilators and antiviral medicines, following the contacts with the Indian authorities. WION: How has the EU in the past assisted the world community in dealing with such a crisis--with a focus on Covid? Ambassador Ugo Astuto: Yes, this mechanism, the European Civil Protection Mechanism, is made precisely for that, to face and address the emergency situation in Europe and beyond and it has been activated a number of times, since its inception. When it comes specifically to Covid infection, from the outset European Union just like India has been on the path of global cooperation in the fight against the Pandemic, and Covid 19 has shown this sort of crisis knows no border. An effective response requires global co-operation and mutual support. We are facing this epidemic together and we will only get out of it together. That is why we have launched a team Europe approach when it comes to Covid. We have provided medical equipment and medicines to a number of partners around the world, particularly low-income countries in Africa for a total of almost 38.5 billion Euros. On vaccines, specifically, European Union is committed that everyone who needs vaccines gets it, irrespective of where he or she lives. That is why European Union and its member states are leading voices in the establishment of this COVAX facility, I am sure you are familiar with it. COVAX is a facility in order to supply vaccines to those who need them. Team Europe, European Union's member states, European Investment Bank together are among the largest donors to this facility. I don't have to remind, that India is playing a key role in the COVAX facility in the manufacturing of vaccines which has then been exported. India has actually led the way in donating vaccines in the region and beyond and setting examples of what global solidarity means. Clearly, this is also contingent on domestic needs. It is true for India, it's true for the EU as well. The initial assumption is we want to be open to the needs of the global community. For the European Union, for instance, almost as many vaccines which has been injected into EU citizens have been exported so far. Between January and April, more than 110 million doses of vaccines have been exported from the European Union to more than 40 countries. This is another area where the EU and India have been working based on the same human-centric values. WION: The India, EU leaders virtual summit will take place on 8th May. What will be the key focus at the summit? Ambassador Ugo Astuto: The latest meeting is happening in the backdrop of the global health crisis, so the reaction to the Covid crisis will obviously be paramount. But, besides that, the strategic partnership between European Union and India has been growing vigorously in the last couple of years. At the last summit, in July 2020 we decided to further broaden the scope and areas of cooperation. We want to defend multilateralism, combat climate change, to foster the greening of our economic models. We want to undertake digital transition in a manner that is consistent with our democratic values. We want to foster connectivity to cooperate on political and security issues. So we set up what we call a road up to 2025, guiding us. The next summit, I am sure will inject further momentum into all these topics of interest. For instance, we are working now on preparing a new India connectivity partnership because we share the same principles that underpin--we want connectivity to be environmentally, socially, and physically sustainable. We both recognize the role of the private sector. We want to give the right incentive to come in and build infrastructure in a sustainable manner, in a transparent, inclusive, and rules-based manner. So I think, on these things EU and India are natural partners, for bringing forward the development of a shared vision of connectivity. Another major priority I have to mention is the fight against climate change, in the run-up to COP26 which will take place in Glasgow, India has achieved a very significant result to the greening of its economic model, particularly on renewables--investment in solar has been very impressive with significant result. I believe India is a trendsetter. So much scope for exchanging experiences. Science tells us, as an international community we all need to work together and be ambitious, we want to address the existential issue of climate change, temperatures are still rising, we need to act now for the sake of future generations and we need to make Glasgow a success. Here I think the EU and India have much scope to work together to make Glasgow a success and other priorities I would like to highlight the digital transition. As open societies and democracies, the EU and India can work together to make sure that the digital transition takes place in a secure place, fostering innovation and competition but also full respect to individual rights and freedom. Issues such as data protection, experience with GDPR, or security of networks, all these are relevant issues. Naming a few, there are many other topics like trade and investment, research innovation, there are so many. Lots of cooperation between India and the EU. WION: EU is pushing India on net neutrality. What has the EU offering for achieving it? Technology? Finance? How can a country like India develop a roadmap without clarity on technology and finance? Ambassador Ugo Astuto: What we trying to do in Europe is to develop a model for digital transition which is underpinned by democratic values and which meets the need of the citizen. It must be human-centric, it's not the platforms, it's not about the needs of the state, it's mostly about citizens and its needs. That is why we are undertaking the digital transition because we want to make the lives of citizens easier. We want to protect freedom of expression, offline and online. I think, in this respect the challenge we face as the European Union is very similar to the challenges which India faces. We both are democracies and open societies and I believe that we are facing the same issues and in all likelihood, we can work together to foster convergences when it comes to the regulatory framework. WION: European Council approves conclusions on EU’s Indo-Pacific strategy. What do your Indo-Pacific guidelines mean for India? Ambassador Ugo Astuto: I am sure your have read the approval of the council conclusion on the Indo-Pacific. The council conclusion sets the ground for the approval of a new strategy for the Indo-Pacific which will be issued in the coming months. Now the basic starting point is the European Union is a stakeholder when it comes to the prosperity and stability of the Indo-Pacific. Indo-Pacific is a region that has tremendous importance for the world, its a center of economic development, its a center of innovation, in a large part, the very future of the world will be decided in the Indo-Pacific. European Union has an important stake, and we want to offer a contribution. A contribution which is underpinned by our strong belief in multilateralism, in a cooperative approach to international relations, respect for International Law, including The Law of the Seas. These principles, bring us naturally close to India and its own endeavor to make the Indo pacific region of peace and prosperity. I think the council conclusion and the strategy will help us in identifying additional common converging interest in the region against the risk of instability and in order to foster our common view of a prosperous future for the region. WION: How do you see the situation in Afghanistan? How EU and India can play a vital role? Ambassador Ugo Astuto: You see, India and the EU have a natural convergence of view when it comes to Afghanistan because our major point is gains of the last 20 years, are not lost, in terms of democratic rights, human rights, women's rights. We want a peace process that is Afghan-led, Afghan-owned, this is our priority and we have no other interest-- the prosperity, and welfare of Afghanistan. We are following developments with this in mind that the framework, the democratic rights, the gains of in terms of rights of women and girls which have been gained in past few years are preserved and are not lost and that road to peace, its a road which is also consolidating the present democratic rights.

India Covid crisis: EU Envoy Ugo Astuto says 'robust response' by Team Europe

National Health Service (NHS) England has included those aged 40 above in the demographic eligible to receive coronavirus vaccine. Text messages will soon be sent to people in this age group to allow them to make arrangements to get themselves vaccinated.

Only those aged 42 and above were eligible for vaccination before this.

Earlier this week, Britain announced that it had ordered 60 million more doses of Pfizer coronavirus vaccine. The vaccines have been ordered for a booster programme to be carried out in coming months.

"We have been working on a programme of booster shots... for over a year now, and we've backed some of the only clinical trials in the world looking specifically at booster shots," UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock said earlier this week.

Britain has been the European country worst-hit by the virus, recording more than 127,000 deaths, although it rolled out a successful mass-vaccination campaign in early December, using AstraZeneca, Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines.&nbsp;

National Health Service (NHS) England has included those aged 40 above in the demographic eligible to receive coronavirus vaccine. Text messages will soon be sent to people in this age group to allow them to make arrangements to get themselves vaccinated.

National Health Service (NHS) England has included those aged 40 above in the demographic eligible to receive coronavirus vaccine. Text messages will soon be sent to people in this age group to allow them to make arrangements to get themselves vaccinated. Only those aged 42 and above were eligible for vaccination before this. Earlier this week, Britain announced that it had ordered 60 million more doses of Pfizer coronavirus vaccine. The vaccines have been ordered for a booster programme to be carried out in coming months. "We have been working on a programme of booster shots... for over a year now, and we've backed some of the only clinical trials in the world looking specifically at booster shots," UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock said earlier this week. Britain has been the European country worst-hit by the virus, recording more than 127,000 deaths, although it rolled out a successful mass-vaccination campaign in early December, using AstraZeneca, Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines.

England expands vaccination drive to include ages 40 and above

A Russian court has jailed Kremlin-critic Alexei Navalny's ally to two and a half years in prison on pornography charges. Russia is inching closer to shutting down Alexei Navalny's political network. Regional offices of the network have announced that they would disband ahead of a ruling over whether the network be designated as extremists.

The court in Arkhangelsk, northern Russia, ruled that Andrei Borovikov, a former coordinator for Navalny's offices, had spread pornography by reposting a music video by the German metal band Rammstein.

Borovikov, 32, had pleaded not guilty to the charge, and his defence team will appeal the decision, lawyer Andrei Kychin added.

Opposition news site MBKh Media reported that in 2014, Borovikov had reposted the music video to Rammstein's song "Pussy" on VKontakte, a popular Russian social network similar to Facebook.

The news site said a former volunteer for Navalny's Arkhangelsk offices informed the police about the post in 2019, and charges were brought against Borovikov in September 2020.

One version of the music video depicts Rammstein playing its song interspersed with shots of scantily clad women dancing at a strip bar.&nbsp;

In a second edition, a couple performs sexual intercourse near the end of the clip.

It was not immediately clear which Borovikov had reposted because he has deleted the post.

Amnesty International on Wednesday called the case against Borovikov "utterly absurd.

"It is blatantly obvious that he is being punished solely for his activism, not his musical taste," the group cited its Moscow director Natalia Zvyagina as saying.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Russian court has jailed Kremlin-critic Alexei Navalny's ally to two and a half years in prison on pornography charges. Russia is inching closer to shutting down Alexei Navalny's political network.

A Russian court has jailed Kremlin-critic Alexei Navalny's ally to two and a half years in prison on pornography charges. Russia is inching closer to shutting down Alexei Navalny's political network. Regional offices of the network have announced that they would disband ahead of a ruling over whether the network be designated as extremists. The court in Arkhangelsk, northern Russia, ruled that Andrei Borovikov, a former coordinator for Navalny's offices, had spread pornography by reposting a music video by the German metal band Rammstein. Borovikov, 32, had pleaded not guilty to the charge, and his defence team will appeal the decision, lawyer Andrei Kychin added. Opposition news site MBKh Media reported that in 2014, Borovikov had reposted the music video to Rammstein's song "Pussy" on VKontakte, a popular Russian social network similar to Facebook. The news site said a former volunteer for Navalny's Arkhangelsk offices informed the police about the post in 2019, and charges were brought against Borovikov in September 2020. One version of the music video depicts Rammstein playing its song interspersed with shots of scantily clad women dancing at a strip bar. In a second edition, a couple performs sexual intercourse near the end of the clip. It was not immediately clear which Borovikov had reposted because he has deleted the post. Amnesty International on Wednesday called the case against Borovikov "utterly absurd. "It is blatantly obvious that he is being punished solely for his activism, not his musical taste," the group cited its Moscow director Natalia Zvyagina as saying. (With inputs from agencies)

Alexei Navalny's ally jailed for video post

Several Indian states have said that they can not start the nationwide coronavirus inoculation drive within their territories due to shortage of vaccines. The nationwide drive is due to start on May 1. New infections in India surged to another daily record.

India reported 386,452 news cases in the past 24 hours, while deaths from COVID-19 jumped by 3,498 over the last 24 hours, according to health ministry data.

However, medical experts believe actual COVID-19 numbers may be five to 10 times greater than the official tally.

Only about 9% of India's 1.4 billion people have received a vaccine dose since January.

Innoculation centres in Mumbai, the capital of the western state of Maharashtra will be shut for three days starting Friday because of vaccine shortage.

In the southern state of Karnataka, home to the tech hub of Bengaluru, state health minister said Karnataka's vaccination drive for adults will not begin on May 1.

Punjab and Madhya Pradesh state also said they will not be able to commence the vaccination drive due to the unavailability of doses.

In Gujarat, officials said vaccination for the 18-45 age group is expected to start in a fortnight, as the state expects to receive vaccines by then.

Officials in the eastern state of Odisha said they hoped to start vaccinations on Monday if vaccine stocks arrive.

World aid has started arriving in India as it struggles to combat what has been described as a humanitarian disaster.

(With inputs from agencies)

Several Indian states have said that they can not start the nationwide coronavirus inoculation drive within their territories due to shortage of vaccines. The nationwide drive is due to start on May 1.

Several Indian states have said that they can not start the nationwide coronavirus inoculation drive within their territories due to shortage of vaccines. The nationwide drive is due to start on May 1. New infections in India surged to another daily record. India reported 386,452 news cases in the past 24 hours, while deaths from COVID-19 jumped by 3,498 over the last 24 hours, according to health ministry data. However, medical experts believe actual COVID-19 numbers may be five to 10 times greater than the official tally. Only about 9% of India's 1.4 billion people have received a vaccine dose since January. Innoculation centres in Mumbai, the capital of the western state of Maharashtra will be shut for three days starting Friday because of vaccine shortage. In the southern state of Karnataka, home to the tech hub of Bengaluru, state health minister said Karnataka's vaccination drive for adults will not begin on May 1. Punjab and Madhya Pradesh state also said they will not be able to commence the vaccination drive due to the unavailability of doses. In Gujarat, officials said vaccination for the 18-45 age group is expected to start in a fortnight, as the state expects to receive vaccines by then. Officials in the eastern state of Odisha said they hoped to start vaccinations on Monday if vaccine stocks arrive. World aid has started arriving in India as it struggles to combat what has been described as a humanitarian disaster. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian states delay vaccination drive due to vaccine shortage

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Manas Joshi

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