Pfizer Inc's shipment of COVID-19 vaccine to Mexico this week includes doses made in its US&nbsp;plant, the first of what are expected to be ongoing exports of its shots from the United States, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters on Thursday.

The vaccine shipment, produced at Pfizer's Kalamazoo, Michigan plant, marks the first time the drugmaker has delivered abroad from U.S facilities after a Trump-era restriction on dose exports expired at the end of March, the source said.

The US&nbsp;government has been under mounting pressure in recent weeks to provide surplus vaccines to other nations desperately in need as it makes swift progress vaccinating its own residents. Many countries where the virus is still rampant are struggling to acquire vaccine supplies to help tame the pandemic.

Wealthy governments have been trying to stock up on COVID-19 shots from Pfizer and Moderna Inc because of their extremely high efficacy and after safety concerns and production problems temporarily sidelined vaccines from AstraZeneca Plc and Johnson &amp; Johnson.

Pfizer has shipped more than 10 million doses to Mexico so far, becoming its largest supplier of COVID-19 vaccine.

Pfizer and German partner BioNTech SE have been supplying other countries with doses from its main European production plant in Belgium.

Mexico’s health ministry said it is receiving 2 million doses from Pfizer this week. It has received more than a million doses from Belgium since Wednesday and expects around another million this week. Reuters could not confirm if all the remaining Pfizer doses would come from Michigan.

Pfizer will use extra capacity in its US&nbsp;facilities to deliver shots abroad while continuing to meet its commitment to supply the United States, the source said, adding that the drugmaker will also make shipments from Belgium.

Pfizer has said it will be making up to 25 million shots each week in the United States by mid-year, which is more than it needs to meet its commitment to deliver 300 million doses to the United States by the end of July.

The company expects to produce as many as 2.5 billion vaccine doses in 2021 and already has agreements to supply more than a billion to governments around the world.

A deal Pfizer signed with the White House last year had barred it from shipping doses made in the United States to other countries until after March 31, according to the source and a US&nbsp;official, who declined to be named because he was not authorized to speak to the press.

The US&nbsp;vaccination campaign has been among the quickest and most successful in the world, with nearly 240 million shots administered to more than 140 million residents so far, according to federal data updated on Thursday.

The White House on Monday said it would export up to 60 million doses of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine that have been made in a U.S. facility to countries in need.

Officials said on Monday the United States no longer anticipates needing the AstraZeneca vaccine to meet its goal of having enough shots for all Americans by summer.

The US&nbsp;government on Sunday said it will immediately ship raw materials for COVID-19 vaccines, medical equipment and protective gear to India, which has become the latest epicenter of the pandemic with its health system on the brink of collapse. It has not yet promised finished vaccine shipments to India.

Pfizer Inc's shipment of COVID-19 vaccine to Mexico this week includes doses made in its US plant, the first of what are expected to be ongoing exports of its shots from the United States, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters on Thursday.

Pfizer Inc's shipment of COVID-19 vaccine to Mexico this week includes doses made in its US plant, the first of what are expected to be ongoing exports of its shots from the United States, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters on Thursday. The vaccine shipment, produced at Pfizer's Kalamazoo, Michigan plant, marks the first time the drugmaker has delivered abroad from U.S facilities after a Trump-era restriction on dose exports expired at the end of March, the source said. The US government has been under mounting pressure in recent weeks to provide surplus vaccines to other nations desperately in need as it makes swift progress vaccinating its own residents. Many countries where the virus is still rampant are struggling to acquire vaccine supplies to help tame the pandemic. Wealthy governments have been trying to stock up on COVID-19 shots from Pfizer and Moderna Inc because of their extremely high efficacy and after safety concerns and production problems temporarily sidelined vaccines from AstraZeneca Plc and Johnson & Johnson. Pfizer has shipped more than 10 million doses to Mexico so far, becoming its largest supplier of COVID-19 vaccine. Pfizer and German partner BioNTech SE have been supplying other countries with doses from its main European production plant in Belgium. Mexico’s health ministry said it is receiving 2 million doses from Pfizer this week. It has received more than a million doses from Belgium since Wednesday and expects around another million this week. Reuters could not confirm if all the remaining Pfizer doses would come from Michigan. Pfizer will use extra capacity in its US facilities to deliver shots abroad while continuing to meet its commitment to supply the United States, the source said, adding that the drugmaker will also make shipments from Belgium. Pfizer has said it will be making up to 25 million shots each week in the United States by mid-year, which is more than it needs to meet its commitment to deliver 300 million doses to the United States by the end of July. The company expects to produce as many as 2.5 billion vaccine doses in 2021 and already has agreements to supply more than a billion to governments around the world. A deal Pfizer signed with the White House last year had barred it from shipping doses made in the United States to other countries until after March 31, according to the source and a US official, who declined to be named because he was not authorized to speak to the press. The US vaccination campaign has been among the quickest and most successful in the world, with nearly 240 million shots administered to more than 140 million residents so far, according to federal data updated on Thursday. The White House on Monday said it would export up to 60 million doses of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine that have been made in a U.S. facility to countries in need. Officials said on Monday the United States no longer anticipates needing the AstraZeneca vaccine to meet its goal of having enough shots for all Americans by summer. The US government on Sunday said it will immediately ship raw materials for COVID-19 vaccines, medical equipment and protective gear to India, which has become the latest epicenter of the pandemic with its health system on the brink of collapse. It has not yet promised finished vaccine shipments to India.

Pfizer begins to export US-made COVID-19 shots, first doses sent to Mexico

Senior Indian TV journalist Rohit Sardana passed away on Friday, days after testing positive for COVID-19. Meanwhile, with a continuous spike in India's COVID numbers, airlines doubled flights to take citizens home. In other news, situation in Afghanistan is taking serious turn day-by day as foreign troops begin pull out. Al-Qaeda has threatened the US troops saying that the war was not over. A US government report said that insider attacks within Afghan army were on the rise. These were carried out by Taliban agents who had infiltrated the army.

Read this and more in our Top 10 World News.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-tv-journalist-rohit-sardana-dies-days-after-testing-positive-for-covid-19-381628">Indian TV journalist Rohit Sardana dies days after testing positive for COVID-19</a>&nbsp;

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/04/30/193286-rohit-sardana.JPG?itok=jgBfRMpu" />

On April 24, Sardana had tweeted that he had contracted the coronavirus. According to reports&nbsp;he passed away this morning after suffering a heart attack.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eurozone-enters-double-dip-recession-in-first-quarter-381725">Eurozone enters double-dip recession in first quarter</a>&nbsp;

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/04/30/193329-untitled-design-14.jpg?itok=uPEQAaQI" />

Europe has been hit hard by a second and third wave of the coronavirus pandemic, with multiple attempts to reopen the economy cut short by new outbreaks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/war-is-not-over-al-qaeda-warns-us-as-american-troops-prepare-to-withdraw-from-afghanistan-381750">'War is not over': Al Qaeda warns US as American troops prepare to withdraw from Afghanistan</a>

<img alt="Afghanistan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bfd10a41-e95f-4118-b536-33597ec631ff" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/terrorist_0.JPG" />

The comment from the al Qaeda operatives has come as a warning that the group might be looking to re-enter Afghanistan as the US troops prepare to move out 
&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/defector-group-launches-anti-north-korea-leaflets-despite-ban-381740">Defector group launches anti-North Korea leaflets despite ban</a>&nbsp;

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/04/30/193337-north-korea-leaflets.jpg?itok=42sM2ynU" />

Challenging the North Korean dictator, an activist group in South Korea has released balloons into North Korea denouncing the government led by Kim Jong Un.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/eu-expresses-concern-over-rising-blasphemy-cases-in-pakistan-381733">EU expresses concern over rising blasphemy cases in Pakistan</a>&nbsp;

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2018/09/12/21227-pakistan-20170415100920.jpg?itok=tECMCzn5" />

The European Union has raised concerns over Pakistan`s harsh blasphemy laws as they are "often misused to silence opponents and their defenders and to discriminate against religious minorities" and pointed Ahmadi Muslims are probably the most at risk.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belgium-races-to-get-beer-to-bars-for-great-reopening-381715">Belgium races to get beer to bars for great reopening</a>&nbsp;

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/03/15/133009-untitled-design40.jpg?itok=-RzwqSg7" />

Belgium's cafe terraces will not re-open to thirsty&nbsp;beer&nbsp;drinkers for another week but the country's renowned brewers are already all hands to the pump. Six months after the country went into a second coronavirus lockdown, proud bar owners and&nbsp;beer&nbsp;makers alike are keen to&nbsp;get&nbsp;back to business.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-indias-covid-crisis-worsens-airlines-double-flights-to-bring-citizens-home-381728">As India's Covid crisis worsens, airlines double flights to bring citizens home</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/12/26/175968-delhi1.jpg?itok=Fcf0Ylhm" />

As India’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;cases surge and the crisis is taking over the country, international and domestic airlines are adding the frequency of flights out of India to bring citizens and residents home.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/high-courts-should-avoid-off-the-cuff-remarks-says-supreme-court-during-covid-hearing-381747">High courts should avoid 'off-the-cuff' remarks, says Supreme Court during Covid hearing</a>&nbsp;

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2018/09/12/34633-supreme%25252520court-20171204080213.jpg?itok=0-rikCXh" />

Supreme Court's advice came during hearings on COVID-19 related pleas. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and senior advocate Ranjit Kumar, appearing for the Centre and the Bihar government respectively said during the hearing that such remarks (from the high courts) gave impression as if authorities were doing nothing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indo-us-ties-intensified-in-biden-administrations-first-100-days-state-department-381748">Indo-US ties intensified in Biden administration's first 100 days: State Department</a>&nbsp;

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/04/27/192884-modi-biden.JPG?itok=ZKnOas7P" />

"There's been a concerted focus on India over the past 100 days. President Biden, of course, did make mention of India in his (State of the Union) address last night, and I think you can look at that deep partnership and commitment to partnership through any number of lenses," said State Department spokesperson, Ned Price.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/the-royal-mint-uk-unveils-a-10kg-gold-coin-as-part-of-the-queens-beasts-series-381666">The Royal Mint UK, unveils a 10Kg gold coin as part of The Queen's Beasts series</a>&nbsp;

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/2021/04/30/193300-untitled-design-41.jpg" />

A part of a commemorative series of coins, this 10Kg coin, reportedly took around 400 hours in the making. According to The Royal Mint, the coin has already been snapped up.&nbsp;While this awe-inspiring coin's price hasn't been announced, it is believed to be somewhere in the six figures.

Senior Indian TV journalist Rohit Sardana passed away on Friday, days after testing positive for COVID-19. Meanwhile, with a continuous spike in India's COVID numbers, airlines doubled flights to take citizens home.

Senior Indian TV journalist Rohit Sardana passed away on Friday, days after testing positive for COVID-19. Meanwhile, with a continuous spike in India's COVID numbers, airlines doubled flights to take citizens home. In other news, situation in Afghanistan is taking serious turn day-by day as foreign troops begin pull out. Al-Qaeda has threatened the US troops saying that the war was not over. A US government report said that insider attacks within Afghan army were on the rise. These were carried out by Taliban agents who had infiltrated the army. Read this and more in our Top 10 World News. Indian TV journalist Rohit Sardana dies days after testing positive for COVID-19 On April 24, Sardana had tweeted that he had contracted the coronavirus. According to reports he passed away this morning after suffering a heart attack. Eurozone enters double-dip recession in first quarter Europe has been hit hard by a second and third wave of the coronavirus pandemic, with multiple attempts to reopen the economy cut short by new outbreaks. 'War is not over': Al Qaeda warns US as American troops prepare to withdraw from Afghanistan The comment from the al Qaeda operatives has come as a warning that the group might be looking to re-enter Afghanistan as the US troops prepare to move out Defector group launches anti-North Korea leaflets despite ban Challenging the North Korean dictator, an activist group in South Korea has released balloons into North Korea denouncing the government led by Kim Jong Un. EU expresses concern over rising blasphemy cases in Pakistan The European Union has raised concerns over Pakistan`s harsh blasphemy laws as they are "often misused to silence opponents and their defenders and to discriminate against religious minorities" and pointed Ahmadi Muslims are probably the most at risk. Belgium races to get beer to bars for great reopening Belgium's cafe terraces will not re-open to thirsty beer drinkers for another week but the country's renowned brewers are already all hands to the pump. Six months after the country went into a second coronavirus lockdown, proud bar owners and beer makers alike are keen to get back to business. As India's Covid crisis worsens, airlines double flights to bring citizens home As India’s coronavirus cases surge and the crisis is taking over the country, international and domestic airlines are adding the frequency of flights out of India to bring citizens and residents home. High courts should avoid 'off-the-cuff' remarks, says Supreme Court during Covid hearing Supreme Court's advice came during hearings on COVID-19 related pleas. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and senior advocate Ranjit Kumar, appearing for the Centre and the Bihar government respectively said during the hearing that such remarks (from the high courts) gave impression as if authorities were doing nothing. Indo-US ties intensified in Biden administration's first 100 days: State Department "There's been a concerted focus on India over the past 100 days. President Biden, of course, did make mention of India in his (State of the Union) address last night, and I think you can look at that deep partnership and commitment to partnership through any number of lenses," said State Department spokesperson, Ned Price. The Royal Mint UK, unveils a 10Kg gold coin as part of The Queen's Beasts series A part of a commemorative series of coins, this 10Kg coin, reportedly took around 400 hours in the making. According to The Royal Mint, the coin has already been snapped up. While this awe-inspiring coin's price hasn't been announced, it is believed to be somewhere in the six figures.

Top 10 world news: Journalist Rohit Sardana's passing, Eurozone recession and more

Sri Lanka announced on Friday that its economy shrank by 3.6 per cent last year. This marks the worst economic downturn for the country since independence from Britain since 1948.

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka said in its annual report that it hoped that the economy would rebound in 2021 and record an optimistic six per cent growth on the back of improved local manufacturing and services.

"The pandemic has also offered an opportunity to reset the economy's focus and to address longstanding structural weaknesses and establish a production-based, productivity-driven economy," the bank said.

Coronavirus pandemic hit Sri Lanka's tourism sector. Sharp contractions were seen in construction, manufacturing and in services, said the bank.

The bank also said that central government's debt also rose to 101 per cent of GDP last year. It was 86.8 per cent in the year before that.

International rating agencies have expressed fears for Sri Lanka's ability to service its huge foreign debt as the country's foreign reserves fell sharply in the past year.

The island's economy was trying to recover from the effects of the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings that killed 279 people when the pandemic hit in early 2020.

Two weeks ago, Sri Lanka secured a $500 million loan from China to shore up its foreign exchange reserves as the local currency came under intense pressure and fell to a record low.

Chinese influence in the South Asian nation has been growing in recent years through loans and projects under its vast Belt and Road infrastructure initiative, raising concerns among regional powers and Western nations.

(With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka announced on Friday that its economy shrank by 3.6 per cent last year. This marks the worst economic downturn for the country since independence from Britain since 1948.

Sri Lanka announced on Friday that its economy shrank by 3.6 per cent last year. This marks the worst economic downturn for the country since independence from Britain since 1948. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka said in its annual report that it hoped that the economy would rebound in 2021 and record an optimistic six per cent growth on the back of improved local manufacturing and services. "The pandemic has also offered an opportunity to reset the economy's focus and to address longstanding structural weaknesses and establish a production-based, productivity-driven economy," the bank said. Coronavirus pandemic hit Sri Lanka's tourism sector. Sharp contractions were seen in construction, manufacturing and in services, said the bank. The bank also said that central government's debt also rose to 101 per cent of GDP last year. It was 86.8 per cent in the year before that. International rating agencies have expressed fears for Sri Lanka's ability to service its huge foreign debt as the country's foreign reserves fell sharply in the past year. The island's economy was trying to recover from the effects of the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings that killed 279 people when the pandemic hit in early 2020. Two weeks ago, Sri Lanka secured a $500 million loan from China to shore up its foreign exchange reserves as the local currency came under intense pressure and fell to a record low. Chinese influence in the South Asian nation has been growing in recent years through loans and projects under its vast Belt and Road infrastructure initiative, raising concerns among regional powers and Western nations. (With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka: Country facing worst economic downturn in 73 years, says central bank

Supreme Court of India said on Friday that high courts in India should avoid "off-the-cuff" remarks during hearings as they may have serious ramifications.

Supreme Court's advice came during hearings on COVID-19 related pleas. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and senior advocate Ranjit Kumar, appearing for the Centre and the Bihar government respectively said during the hearing that such remarks (from the high courts) gave impression as if authorities were doing nothing.

High courts of Madras and Delhi have been critical of Central government and various authorities for the way they have been handling Covid pandemic in India.

A bench headed by Justice D Y Chandrachud, hearing the suo motu case on COVID-19 management in the country, took note of the submissions of the Centre and Bihar government and cautioned restraint to High Courts.

"Even when we are criticising a judgement of a High Court, we do not say exactly what is in our heart and we exercise a degree of restraint. We would only expect that as freedom has been given to the High Courts to deal with these issues, certain of-the-cuff remarks, which are not necessary may be avoided," said the bench which also comprised Justices L Nageswara Rao and S Ravindra Bhat.

Government officials, including those who are COVID-19 infected, are working tirelessly to deal with the pandemic situation, the lawyers said.

Castigating officers on duty is "very demoralising", Kumar said.

The bench said judges also know that this is a new time where, every word said by them become part of social media.

"All we can say that we expect a degree of respect and restraint", the bench said.

The top court said particularly, in sensitive matters, it tended to exercise some caution and restraint.

"It is not because we are fearful of our remarks. Of course, we are independent. It is only because of the serious ramifications which off-the-cuff remarks about private citizens may have," Justice Chandrachud said.

"Sometimes judges make some observations to elicit proper response from lawyers, which should not be considered as those remarks against anyone," it said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Supreme Court of India said on Friday that high courts in India should avoid "off-the-cuff" remarks during hearings as they may have serious ramifications. Supreme Court's advice came during hearings on COVID-19 related pleas.

Supreme Court of India said on Friday that high courts in India should avoid "off-the-cuff" remarks during hearings as they may have serious ramifications. Supreme Court's advice came during hearings on COVID-19 related pleas. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and senior advocate Ranjit Kumar, appearing for the Centre and the Bihar government respectively said during the hearing that such remarks (from the high courts) gave impression as if authorities were doing nothing. High courts of Madras and Delhi have been critical of Central government and various authorities for the way they have been handling Covid pandemic in India. A bench headed by Justice D Y Chandrachud, hearing the suo motu case on COVID-19 management in the country, took note of the submissions of the Centre and Bihar government and cautioned restraint to High Courts. "Even when we are criticising a judgement of a High Court, we do not say exactly what is in our heart and we exercise a degree of restraint. We would only expect that as freedom has been given to the High Courts to deal with these issues, certain of-the-cuff remarks, which are not necessary may be avoided," said the bench which also comprised Justices L Nageswara Rao and S Ravindra Bhat. Government officials, including those who are COVID-19 infected, are working tirelessly to deal with the pandemic situation, the lawyers said. Castigating officers on duty is "very demoralising", Kumar said. The bench said judges also know that this is a new time where, every word said by them become part of social media. "All we can say that we expect a degree of respect and restraint", the bench said. The top court said particularly, in sensitive matters, it tended to exercise some caution and restraint. "It is not because we are fearful of our remarks. Of course, we are independent. It is only because of the serious ramifications which off-the-cuff remarks about private citizens may have," Justice Chandrachud said. "Sometimes judges make some observations to elicit proper response from lawyers, which should not be considered as those remarks against anyone," it said. (With inputs from agencies)

High courts should avoid 'off-the-cuff' remarks, says Supreme Court during Covid hearing

In another indication of the resurgent Taliban in Afghanistan, a US government report on Friday said that deadly insider attacks by Taliban agent inside Afghanistan army have been on the rise. The report said that a jump was seen in such attacks in the first quarter of this years.&nbsp;

The quarterly report of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) said attacks on the Afghan security forces, mainly by the Taliban rebel group, surged 37 percent over the January-March period from a year earlier.

Insider attacks carried out by Taliban agents who had infiltrated the army ranks jumped 82 per cent, said the report.

The report did not specify the overall number of casualties, saying the data is classified.

But as per figures obtained by the coalition 115 Afghan military personnel were killed and 39 were wounded in 31 insider attacks in first three months of this year.

The report made it clear that such attacks threatened stability of the Afghan government after withdrawal of US troops by September.

It noted that the Afghan government and particularly Afghan security forces remain highly dependent on US support, both financial aid and manpower.

"The complete withdrawal of US troops and US defense contractors from Afghanistan will test whether the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces can sustain themselves and defend the Afghan government without direct US and Coalition military support," the report said.

"The basic risk facing the current and any potential post-peace Afghan government is whether future foreign assistance levels during this uncertain period will be sufficient to prevent its collapse," said John Sopko, the SIGAR head.

The pullout will involve around 2,500 US service members, 7,092 other forces in the US-led coalition, and 16,832 civilian contractors for the Pentagon who were in the country at the beginning of April.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

In another indication of the resurgent Taliban in Afghanistan, a US government report on Friday said that deadly insider attacks by Taliban agent inside Afghanistan army have been on the rise.

In another indication of the resurgent Taliban in Afghanistan, a US government report on Friday said that deadly insider attacks by Taliban agent inside Afghanistan army have been on the rise. The report said that a jump was seen in such attacks in the first quarter of this years. The quarterly report of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) said attacks on the Afghan security forces, mainly by the Taliban rebel group, surged 37 percent over the January-March period from a year earlier. Insider attacks carried out by Taliban agents who had infiltrated the army ranks jumped 82 per cent, said the report. The report did not specify the overall number of casualties, saying the data is classified. But as per figures obtained by the coalition 115 Afghan military personnel were killed and 39 were wounded in 31 insider attacks in first three months of this year. The report made it clear that such attacks threatened stability of the Afghan government after withdrawal of US troops by September. It noted that the Afghan government and particularly Afghan security forces remain highly dependent on US support, both financial aid and manpower. "The complete withdrawal of US troops and US defense contractors from Afghanistan will test whether the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces can sustain themselves and defend the Afghan government without direct US and Coalition military support," the report said. "The basic risk facing the current and any potential post-peace Afghan government is whether future foreign assistance levels during this uncertain period will be sufficient to prevent its collapse," said John Sopko, the SIGAR head. The pullout will involve around 2,500 US service members, 7,092 other forces in the US-led coalition, and 16,832 civilian contractors for the Pentagon who were in the country at the beginning of April. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan pullout: Surge in insider attacks in Afghan army, says US government report

Coronavirus crisis in India calls for introspection. There have been lapses And failures. Though it's true that nobody could have predicted such a big surge, India could have been better prepared.

It's also true that mass religious and political events could have been called off. A blame game in the middle of a crisis may not help. But that doesn't mean we don't hold governments to account.

Indian courts have now stepped in. They're making sure that those leading us do not become complacent. At least 11 high courts have pulled up various state governments and the Centre.

The Supreme Court of India has made it absolutely clear that the judiciary won't be a silent spectator in the current crisis.

Indian courts are making sure that the political class is held to account.

The high courts in Delhi, Allahabad, Patna, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Nagpur, Aurangabad, Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai are hearing petitions about the covid-19 situation in the respective states.

Their interventions and criticism of the govts responsible is both sharp and reassuring.

On April 27th, the Delhi High Court pulled up the Aam Aadmi Party government. saying its confidence was shaken over the handling of the crisis in the national capital.

"Set your house in order. Enough is enough. If you cannot manage it, tell us, then we will ask the central government to send their officers in and do it. We will ask them to take over. We cannot let people die like this,' said the court.

The high court has directed the Delhi government to address the alleged mismanagement in the distribution of medical Oxygen and ensure oxygen supply 'by all means necessary'

On April 19, The Allahabad High Court pulled up the Uttar Pradesh government for its approach in dealing with the rising cases.

"Those in power must shun the attitude of my way or no way. They should welcome suggestions from all quarters. We would be laughed at that we have enough money to spend on elections and very little to spend on public health,' the court said.

The court also ordered a lockdown in five major cities in the state but the order was stayed by a Supreme Court directive after the UP govt protested.

In West Bengal, which held a month-long election in the middle of the second wave, and will count votes on may 2nd, the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court has pulled up the Election Commission.

"The ECI is empowered to act, but what is it doing? Just passing circulars and leaving it to the people? Issuance of circulars and holding of meetings by themselves do not discharge the onerous responsibility of the ECI," said the court.

On April 16, the Gujarat High Court also took the state government for downplaying the severity of the crisis.

"Hiding the real picture, suppressing accurate data would generate more serious problems including fear, loss of trust and panic among the public,' said the court.

The court has directed the state govt to ensure its affidavits reflect the ground realities.

In Maharashtra, the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court has pulled up both the state and the centre for failing to comply with its order to supply 10,000 units of Remdesivir in the Vidarbha region.

"If you don't feel ashamed of yourself, we are feeling ashamed of being part of such a nasty society. You are neglecting and ignoring patients. We give you a solution, you do not follow it. You do not give us a solution. What absolute nonsense is going on here,' the court said.

'Absolute nonsense', were the exact words of Justices SB Shukre and SM Modak.

High courts in other states have also been unsparing in their remarks. High courts in Patna, Karnataka, Telangana and Chennai have all pulled up respective governments for their handling of the current crisis.

As for the Supreme Court of India, it first directed the Centre to submit a national Covid plan. Now it has pulled up the govt over disparity in vaccine prices, demanding that the rationale behind different prices for Centre &amp; states be explained. The apex court has also said it won't stop high courts from hearing petitions in their respective states adding that the judiciary wants to play a complementary role. And it can't be a silent spectator to what it called a 'national calamity'.

Coronavirus crisis in India calls for introspection. There have been lapses And failures. Though it's true that nobody could have predicted such a big surge, India could have been better prepared.

Coronavirus crisis in India calls for introspection. There have been lapses And failures. Though it's true that nobody could have predicted such a big surge, India could have been better prepared. It's also true that mass religious and political events could have been called off. A blame game in the middle of a crisis may not help. But that doesn't mean we don't hold governments to account. Indian courts have now stepped in. They're making sure that those leading us do not become complacent. At least 11 high courts have pulled up various state governments and the Centre. The Supreme Court of India has made it absolutely clear that the judiciary won't be a silent spectator in the current crisis. Indian courts are making sure that the political class is held to account. The high courts in Delhi, Allahabad, Patna, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Nagpur, Aurangabad, Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai are hearing petitions about the covid-19 situation in the respective states. Their interventions and criticism of the govts responsible is both sharp and reassuring. On April 27th, the Delhi High Court pulled up the Aam Aadmi Party government. saying its confidence was shaken over the handling of the crisis in the national capital. "Set your house in order. Enough is enough. If you cannot manage it, tell us, then we will ask the central government to send their officers in and do it. We will ask them to take over. We cannot let people die like this,' said the court. The high court has directed the Delhi government to address the alleged mismanagement in the distribution of medical Oxygen and ensure oxygen supply 'by all means necessary' On April 19, The Allahabad High Court pulled up the Uttar Pradesh government for its approach in dealing with the rising cases. "Those in power must shun the attitude of my way or no way. They should welcome suggestions from all quarters. We would be laughed at that we have enough money to spend on elections and very little to spend on public health,' the court said. The court also ordered a lockdown in five major cities in the state but the order was stayed by a Supreme Court directive after the UP govt protested. In West Bengal, which held a month-long election in the middle of the second wave, and will count votes on may 2nd, the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court has pulled up the Election Commission. "The ECI is empowered to act, but what is it doing? Just passing circulars and leaving it to the people? Issuance of circulars and holding of meetings by themselves do not discharge the onerous responsibility of the ECI," said the court. On April 16, the Gujarat High Court also took the state government for downplaying the severity of the crisis. "Hiding the real picture, suppressing accurate data would generate more serious problems including fear, loss of trust and panic among the public,' said the court. The court has directed the state govt to ensure its affidavits reflect the ground realities. In Maharashtra, the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court has pulled up both the state and the centre for failing to comply with its order to supply 10,000 units of Remdesivir in the Vidarbha region. "If you don't feel ashamed of yourself, we are feeling ashamed of being part of such a nasty society. You are neglecting and ignoring patients. We give you a solution, you do not follow it. You do not give us a solution. What absolute nonsense is going on here,' the court said. 'Absolute nonsense', were the exact words of Justices SB Shukre and SM Modak. High courts in other states have also been unsparing in their remarks. High courts in Patna, Karnataka, Telangana and Chennai have all pulled up respective governments for their handling of the current crisis. As for the Supreme Court of India, it first directed the Centre to submit a national Covid plan. Now it has pulled up the govt over disparity in vaccine prices, demanding that the rationale behind different prices for Centre & states be explained. The apex court has also said it won't stop high courts from hearing petitions in their respective states adding that the judiciary wants to play a complementary role. And it can't be a silent spectator to what it called a 'national calamity'.

Indian courts pull up governments over Covid crisis

A roof over Mexico City's most important Aztec temple Templo Mayor has partially collapsed in a hailstorm, officials said on Thursday.

The metal and acrylic roof over part of the site came crashing down on Wednesday night, just a day after the city's archaeological zone reopened from pandemic closures.

"Despite the spectacular nature of the accident, the damage to the archaeological heritage is not great," said Leonardo Lopez Lujan, director of the Templo Mayor Project.

In addition to the roof structure, the perimeter fence was damaged, said the culture ministry.

"The impact on pre-Hispanic structures is minor, recoverable and restorable and specialists will take care of this," the ministry said in a statement.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador told reporters that experts were assessing the damage.

A security guard suffered minor injuries in the collapse, authorities said.

Built and rebuilt throughout the 14th and 15th centuries, Templo Mayor was the sacred heart of the Aztec capital and believed to be the site of many human sacrifices.

The vast religious building was destroyed when the Spanish conquistadors razed Tenochtitlan in 1521 and built a colonial city on top of it.

Archaeologists first uncovered the temple ruins in 1914, but they were not excavated in earnest until the 1970s.

The historic center of Mexico City was named a UNESCO heritage site in 1987.

(With inputs from agencies)

A roof over Mexico City's most important Aztec temple Templo Mayor has partially collapsed in a hailstorm, officials said on Thursday. The metal and acrylic roof over part of the site came crashing down on Wednesday night, just a day after the city's archaeological zone reopened from pandemic closures.

A roof over Mexico City's most important Aztec temple Templo Mayor has partially collapsed in a hailstorm, officials said on Thursday. The metal and acrylic roof over part of the site came crashing down on Wednesday night, just a day after the city's archaeological zone reopened from pandemic closures. "Despite the spectacular nature of the accident, the damage to the archaeological heritage is not great," said Leonardo Lopez Lujan, director of the Templo Mayor Project. In addition to the roof structure, the perimeter fence was damaged, said the culture ministry. "The impact on pre-Hispanic structures is minor, recoverable and restorable and specialists will take care of this," the ministry said in a statement. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador told reporters that experts were assessing the damage. A security guard suffered minor injuries in the collapse, authorities said. Built and rebuilt throughout the 14th and 15th centuries, Templo Mayor was the sacred heart of the Aztec capital and believed to be the site of many human sacrifices. The vast religious building was destroyed when the Spanish conquistadors razed Tenochtitlan in 1521 and built a colonial city on top of it. Archaeologists first uncovered the temple ruins in 1914, but they were not excavated in earnest until the 1970s. The historic center of Mexico City was named a UNESCO heritage site in 1987. (With inputs from agencies)

Mexico: Roof over famous Aztec temple collapses in hailstorm

The US on Thursday expressed its deep concern over a new Hong Kong immigration law which includes powers to stop people leaving the city. The law has raised fears that Chinese mainland-style exit bans could be deployed in Hong Kong.

The new law was passed on Wednesday by city legislature that is now devoid of opposition. The law grants immigration chief powers to bar people from boarding planes to and from the city.

"We are aware of this legislation and share widespread concerns in Hong Kong about its content, potential uses, and lack of oversight or accountability," a State Department spokesperson said in a statement on Thursday.

"We have long-standing concerns about the PRC's arbitrary use of exit bans without due process of law, including against American citizens. We are deeply concerned by the prospect of Hong Kong authorities adopting similar arbitrary measures," the spokesperson added.&nbsp;

Hong Kong government claims that the law won't be applied to those leaving the city but it is aimed at illegal immigrants travelling to the business hub.

But the wording of the bill does not limit the power to arriving flights or immigrants and legal experts say it could also be deployed against anyone leaving Hong Kong.

In a potential recognition of those concerns, Hong Kong's government late Wednesday said it would draft subsidiary legislation specifying that the law would only be applied to inbound flights.&nbsp;

The US statement urged the Hong Kong government to honour this "public commitment" to not use the law "as a pretext to deny boarding for outbound passengers".&nbsp;

Britain's Foreign Office also issued a brief statement.&nbsp;

"The right of people to leave Hong Kong is guaranteed under the Basic Law and should be upheld," a spokesperson said, referring to the city's post-handover mini-constitution.

So-called "exit bans" are often used by mainland China against activists who challenge authorities. They have also ensnared business figures involved in commercial disputes.

Local activists and lawyers from Hong Kong's influential Bar Association warn the bill gives "apparently unfettered power" to the immigration director to do the same, should they wish to.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US on Thursday expressed its deep concern over a new Hong Kong immigration law which includes powers to stop people leaving the city. The law has raised fears that Chinese mainland-style exit bans could be deployed in Hong Kong.

The US on Thursday expressed its deep concern over a new Hong Kong immigration law which includes powers to stop people leaving the city. The law has raised fears that Chinese mainland-style exit bans could be deployed in Hong Kong. The new law was passed on Wednesday by city legislature that is now devoid of opposition. The law grants immigration chief powers to bar people from boarding planes to and from the city. "We are aware of this legislation and share widespread concerns in Hong Kong about its content, potential uses, and lack of oversight or accountability," a State Department spokesperson said in a statement on Thursday. "We have long-standing concerns about the PRC's arbitrary use of exit bans without due process of law, including against American citizens. We are deeply concerned by the prospect of Hong Kong authorities adopting similar arbitrary measures," the spokesperson added. Hong Kong government claims that the law won't be applied to those leaving the city but it is aimed at illegal immigrants travelling to the business hub. But the wording of the bill does not limit the power to arriving flights or immigrants and legal experts say it could also be deployed against anyone leaving Hong Kong. In a potential recognition of those concerns, Hong Kong's government late Wednesday said it would draft subsidiary legislation specifying that the law would only be applied to inbound flights. The US statement urged the Hong Kong government to honour this "public commitment" to not use the law "as a pretext to deny boarding for outbound passengers". Britain's Foreign Office also issued a brief statement. "The right of people to leave Hong Kong is guaranteed under the Basic Law and should be upheld," a spokesperson said, referring to the city's post-handover mini-constitution. So-called "exit bans" are often used by mainland China against activists who challenge authorities. They have also ensnared business figures involved in commercial disputes. Local activists and lawyers from Hong Kong's influential Bar Association warn the bill gives "apparently unfettered power" to the immigration director to do the same, should they wish to. (With inputs from agencies)

US expresses deep concern over Hong Kong's 'exit ban' law

NATO has begun withdrawing its troops from Afghanistan, reported AFP quoting a senior official of the alliance.

"NATO Allies decided in mid-April to start the withdrawal of Resolute Support Mission forces by May 1 and this withdrawal has begun. This will be an orderly, coordinated, and deliberate process," a NATO official told AFP.&nbsp;

The United States and the allied forces are in the process of withdrawing their forces from Afghanistan. Though the US had said initially that troop withdrawal will take place on May 1, US President Joe Biden has previously said that keeping the date would be difficult.

The US had been engaged with Taliban, widely perceived to gain control of the country in peace talks. However, Taliban attacks and the assassination of prominent Afghan figures have raised alarm everywhere.

Members of the US-backed alliance NATO agreed this month to wrap up their 9,600-strong mission in Afghanistan after Biden made the call to end Washington's longest war.

The decision -- which delayed by several months a deadline agreed by former US leader Donald Trump -- came despite fears it could allow the Taliban to regain power in the country.

The NATO official said the safety of the alliance's troops "will be a top priority every step of the way, and we are taking all necessary measures to keep our personnel from harm". &nbsp;

"Any Taliban attacks during the withdrawal will be met with a forceful response. We plan to have our withdrawal completed within a few months," the official said, refusing to give any f

Biden said the US withdrawal would be completed by September 11, the twentieth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on America that sparked its military involvement in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Germany's defence ministry has said it plans to get its 1,300 troops out of the country by early July.&nbsp; 
NATO's training and support mission, which includes some 2,500 US troops and relies heavily on Washington's military assets, has personnel from 36 alliance member nations and partner countries.

The US has said it is temporarily deploying extra troops to protect international forces as they withdraw and has prolonged the presence of an aircraft carrier in the region to support the pull-out.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

NATO has begun withdrawing its troops from Afghanistan, reported AFP quoting a senior official of the alliance. "NATO Allies decided in mid-April to start the withdrawal of Resolute Support Mission forces by May 1 and this withdrawal has begun.

NATO has begun withdrawing its troops from Afghanistan, reported AFP quoting a senior official of the alliance. "NATO Allies decided in mid-April to start the withdrawal of Resolute Support Mission forces by May 1 and this withdrawal has begun. This will be an orderly, coordinated, and deliberate process," a NATO official told AFP. The United States and the allied forces are in the process of withdrawing their forces from Afghanistan. Though the US had said initially that troop withdrawal will take place on May 1, US President Joe Biden has previously said that keeping the date would be difficult. The US had been engaged with Taliban, widely perceived to gain control of the country in peace talks. However, Taliban attacks and the assassination of prominent Afghan figures have raised alarm everywhere. Members of the US-backed alliance NATO agreed this month to wrap up their 9,600-strong mission in Afghanistan after Biden made the call to end Washington's longest war. The decision -- which delayed by several months a deadline agreed by former US leader Donald Trump -- came despite fears it could allow the Taliban to regain power in the country. The NATO official said the safety of the alliance's troops "will be a top priority every step of the way, and we are taking all necessary measures to keep our personnel from harm". "Any Taliban attacks during the withdrawal will be met with a forceful response. We plan to have our withdrawal completed within a few months," the official said, refusing to give any f Biden said the US withdrawal would be completed by September 11, the twentieth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on America that sparked its military involvement in Afghanistan. Germany's defence ministry has said it plans to get its 1,300 troops out of the country by early July. NATO's training and support mission, which includes some 2,500 US troops and relies heavily on Washington's military assets, has personnel from 36 alliance member nations and partner countries. The US has said it is temporarily deploying extra troops to protect international forces as they withdraw and has prolonged the presence of an aircraft carrier in the region to support the pull-out. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan troop withdrawal has begun, says senior NATO official

Corals are essential for the health of Oceans and our planet. Widespread pollution and climate change has caused great damage to corals in oceans around the world. This is especially true in case of the Great Barrier Reef. The huge wall of corals is in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Australia. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The reef faces "precipitous declines" in coral cover over the next five decades due to "intense pressure" from climate change, a study published in the peer-reviewed journal Royal Society Open Science said.

But a new, experimental "cloud brightening" technology and introduction of heat-tolerant corals can help slow down the damage to the reef

Climate change is causing marine heatwaves, more intense cyclones and flooding -- all of which are damaging the health of the reef.

"Coral reefs are some of the most climate-vulnerable ecosystems on Earth," lead author Scott Condie told AFP.

"The model projections suggest that coral cover on the Great Barrier Reef could fall below 10 per cent within 20 years."

Condie and his co-authors modelled the potential impact of interventions such as "cloud brightening", which was first trialled by scientists on the reef last year.

The technology sends salt crystals into the air, making clouds reflect more sunlight to cool waters around the reef.

They also modelled expanded measures to control the predatory crown-of-thorns starfish, which consume the corals and proliferate when bleaching forces bigger fish to leave an area.

"The results suggest that combinations of interventions may delay decline of the Great Barrier Reef by two decades or more," Condie said.

He said there was "clear urgency" to act but acknowledged that the scale of the work required was "much larger than anything that has previously been deployed on coral reefs".

"Any large-scale interventions would require a major financial investment and need to be acceptable to local communities," he added.

The modelling assumes global temperatures will not rise beyond 1.8 degrees Celsius by 2100, which would require governments to follow through on their Paris climate agreement pledges.

(With inouts from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Corals are essential for the health of Oceans and our planet. Widespread pollution and climate change has caused great damage to corals in oceans around the world.

Corals are essential for the health of Oceans and our planet. Widespread pollution and climate change has caused great damage to corals in oceans around the world. This is especially true in case of the Great Barrier Reef. The huge wall of corals is in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Australia. The reef faces "precipitous declines" in coral cover over the next five decades due to "intense pressure" from climate change, a study published in the peer-reviewed journal Royal Society Open Science said. But a new, experimental "cloud brightening" technology and introduction of heat-tolerant corals can help slow down the damage to the reef Climate change is causing marine heatwaves, more intense cyclones and flooding -- all of which are damaging the health of the reef. "Coral reefs are some of the most climate-vulnerable ecosystems on Earth," lead author Scott Condie told AFP. "The model projections suggest that coral cover on the Great Barrier Reef could fall below 10 per cent within 20 years." Condie and his co-authors modelled the potential impact of interventions such as "cloud brightening", which was first trialled by scientists on the reef last year. The technology sends salt crystals into the air, making clouds reflect more sunlight to cool waters around the reef. They also modelled expanded measures to control the predatory crown-of-thorns starfish, which consume the corals and proliferate when bleaching forces bigger fish to leave an area. "The results suggest that combinations of interventions may delay decline of the Great Barrier Reef by two decades or more," Condie said. He said there was "clear urgency" to act but acknowledged that the scale of the work required was "much larger than anything that has previously been deployed on coral reefs". "Any large-scale interventions would require a major financial investment and need to be acceptable to local communities," he added. The modelling assumes global temperatures will not rise beyond 1.8 degrees Celsius by 2100, which would require governments to follow through on their Paris climate agreement pledges. (With inouts from agencies)

'Cloud brightening' technology can save Great Barrier Reef

In a stark warning to European nations, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Thursday that relaxing Covid measures can create a "perfect storm" similar to the pandemic situation in India.

New infections and deaths are soaring in India. Experts have indicated that the massive wave can in part be blamed on mass gatherings.

Head of WHO Europe said countries should not make the mistake of relaxing restrictions too soon.

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"When personal protective measures are being relaxed, when there are mass gatherings, when there are more contagious variants and the vaccination coverage is still low this can create a perfect storm in any country," Hans Kluge, head of WHO Europe told reporters Thursday.

"It is very important to realise that the situation in India can happen anywhere."

The coronavirus variant first detected in India is sweeping the country. There hasn't been any confirmation from the WHO whether the variant is more transmissible or more deadly than other coronavirus strains.

Kluge asked European nations to keep in mind that "individual and collective public health and social measures remain dominant factors in shaping the pandemic's course".

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/medical-oxygen-why-it-is-lacking-and-how-it-is-made-381323">Medical oxygen: Why it is lacking and how it is made</a>

He further said that though number of new cases in the region fell "significantly" last week for the first time in two months, "infection rates across the region remain extremely high".

He said vaccines were on the rise in the European region, with seven percent of the population now fully inoculated.&nbsp;

The WHO said this means that more people in Europe have now received the vaccine than the number of people who have been infected with the disease.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a stark warning to European nations, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Thursday that relaxing Covid measures can create a "perfect storm" similar to the pandemic situation in India.

In a stark warning to European nations, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Thursday that relaxing Covid measures can create a "perfect storm" similar to the pandemic situation in India. New infections and deaths are soaring in India. Experts have indicated that the massive wave can in part be blamed on mass gatherings. Head of WHO Europe said countries should not make the mistake of relaxing restrictions too soon. × "When personal protective measures are being relaxed, when there are mass gatherings, when there are more contagious variants and the vaccination coverage is still low this can create a perfect storm in any country," Hans Kluge, head of WHO Europe told reporters Thursday. "It is very important to realise that the situation in India can happen anywhere." The coronavirus variant first detected in India is sweeping the country. There hasn't been any confirmation from the WHO whether the variant is more transmissible or more deadly than other coronavirus strains. Kluge asked European nations to keep in mind that "individual and collective public health and social measures remain dominant factors in shaping the pandemic's course". Also Read | Medical oxygen: Why it is lacking and how it is made He further said that though number of new cases in the region fell "significantly" last week for the first time in two months, "infection rates across the region remain extremely high". He said vaccines were on the rise in the European region, with seven percent of the population now fully inoculated. The WHO said this means that more people in Europe have now received the vaccine than the number of people who have been infected with the disease. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid crisis like in India could 'happen anywhere', warns WHO

As the world reels under waves of pandemic caused to to variants of COVID-19 virus, a vaccine being developed by a French firm may well offer a solution for the long-term fight against the deadly ailment.

The vaccine is being developed by a company named Valneva SE and it can be more 'variant-proof'.

The vaccine is undergoing clinical trials. It uses a 'tried-and-true' vaccine technology that involves inactivated version of the virus. The company announced last week that it had launched a Phase 3 trial of its candidate vaccine. &nbsp;

If the results of the trial are positive, "Valneva aims to make regulatory submissions for initial approval in the autumn of 2021."

Unlike most high-profile coronavirus shots, which use various methods to prime the immune system to fight the coronavirus, Valneva's version is based on an "inactivated" version of the coronavirus itself.

Valneva is a USD 100 million firm listed on Nasdaq. It has already struck a deal with the UK for 190 million doses. The UK contract alone is worth 1.4 billion Euros. This is more than 10 times the company's annual revenue last year.

(With inputs from agencies)

As the world reels under waves of pandemic caused to to variants of COVID-19 virus, a vaccine being developed by a French firm may well offer a solution for the long-term fight against the deadly ailment.

As the world reels under waves of pandemic caused to to variants of COVID-19 virus, a vaccine being developed by a French firm may well offer a solution for the long-term fight against the deadly ailment. The vaccine is being developed by a company named Valneva SE and it can be more 'variant-proof'. The vaccine is undergoing clinical trials. It uses a 'tried-and-true' vaccine technology that involves inactivated version of the virus. The company announced last week that it had launched a Phase 3 trial of its candidate vaccine. If the results of the trial are positive, "Valneva aims to make regulatory submissions for initial approval in the autumn of 2021." Unlike most high-profile coronavirus shots, which use various methods to prime the immune system to fight the coronavirus, Valneva's version is based on an "inactivated" version of the coronavirus itself. Valneva is a USD 100 million firm listed on Nasdaq. It has already struck a deal with the UK for 190 million doses. The UK contract alone is worth 1.4 billion Euros. This is more than 10 times the company's annual revenue last year. (With inputs from agencies)

A 'variant-proof' French vaccine may be key to fight against Covid

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