US Defense Secretary Lloyd J Austin arrived in India for a three-day visit on Thursday. He called on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the very first day of his visit.

As he landed in India, Lloyd tweeted that he was "thrilled" to be in the country.

"Thrilled to be here in India. The breadth of cooperation between our two nations reflects the significance of our major defense partnership, as we work together to address the most pressing challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region," he tweeted.

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Thrilled to be here in India. The breadth of cooperation between our two nations reflects the significance of our major defense partnership, as we work together to address the most pressing challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region. <a href="https://t.co/0wA88ERrDn">pic.twitter.com/0wA88ERrDn</a>
— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecDef/status/1372906579637510154?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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PM Modi after his meet with Austin tweeted that Indo-US partnership was a force for global good.

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Pleasure to meet U.S. <a href="https://twitter.com/SecDef?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecDef</a> Lloyd Austin today. Conveyed my best wishes to <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeBiden</a>. India and US are committed to our strategic partnership that is a force for global good. <a href="https://t.co/Z1AoGJlzFX">pic.twitter.com/Z1AoGJlzFX</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1372926001559273472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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On Friday, Austin also met India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval

"Secretary Austin commended India's leadership role in the Indo-Pacific and growing engagement with like-minded partners across the region to promote shared goals," according to a readout by the US department of defence.

"The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to promote a free and open regional order. Both sides exchanged perspectives on shared challenges confronting the region and committed to further strengthen their broad ranging and robust defence cooperation," the readout added.

Welcoming Austin, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said his visit to India is definitely going to further deepen the cooperation and partnership between two countries. Austin and Singh are scheduled to hold bilateral talks on Saturday.

Austin's visit to India came days after the top leadership of the Quad grouping of the US, India, Japan and Australia vowed to expand their cooperation in the Indo-Pacific amidst China's aggressive actions in the region.

(With PTI inputs)

US Defense Secretary Lloyd J Austin arrived in India for a three-day visit on Thursday. He called on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the very first day of his visit.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd J Austin arrived in India for a three-day visit on Thursday. He called on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the very first day of his visit. As he landed in India, Lloyd tweeted that he was "thrilled" to be in the country. "Thrilled to be here in India. The breadth of cooperation between our two nations reflects the significance of our major defense partnership, as we work together to address the most pressing challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region," he tweeted. Thrilled to be here in India. The breadth of cooperation between our two nations reflects the significance of our major defense partnership, as we work together to address the most pressing challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region. pic.twitter.com/0wA88ERrDn — Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) March 19, 2021 × PM Modi after his meet with Austin tweeted that Indo-US partnership was a force for global good. Pleasure to meet U.S. @SecDef Lloyd Austin today. Conveyed my best wishes to @POTUS @JoeBiden. India and US are committed to our strategic partnership that is a force for global good. pic.twitter.com/Z1AoGJlzFX — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 19, 2021 × On Friday, Austin also met India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval "Secretary Austin commended India's leadership role in the Indo-Pacific and growing engagement with like-minded partners across the region to promote shared goals," according to a readout by the US department of defence. "The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to promote a free and open regional order. Both sides exchanged perspectives on shared challenges confronting the region and committed to further strengthen their broad ranging and robust defence cooperation," the readout added. Welcoming Austin, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said his visit to India is definitely going to further deepen the cooperation and partnership between two countries. Austin and Singh are scheduled to hold bilateral talks on Saturday. Austin's visit to India came days after the top leadership of the Quad grouping of the US, India, Japan and Australia vowed to expand their cooperation in the Indo-Pacific amidst China's aggressive actions in the region. (With PTI inputs)

US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin arrives in India, meets PM Modi

With coronavirus cases rising in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Friday said that if guidelines against the spread of COVID-19 are not followed, strict measures will be taken in near future.

The Chief Minister also called upon people to get vaccinated against the virus.&nbsp;

"Number of COVID-19 patients had increased in September 2020 as well. But today we have vaccine as a shield. Citizens should get vaccinated. Rules should be followed so that there`s no infection. But if rules aren`t followed, strict measures will be taken in near future," Thackeray told media persons here.&nbsp;

Maharashtra reported 25,833 new COVID-19 cases, 58 deaths and 12,764 recoveries on Thursday.

With coronavirus cases rising in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Friday said that if guidelines against the spread of COVID-19 are not followed, strict measures will be taken in near future.

With coronavirus cases rising in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Friday said that if guidelines against the spread of COVID-19 are not followed, strict measures will be taken in near future. The Chief Minister also called upon people to get vaccinated against the virus. "Number of COVID-19 patients had increased in September 2020 as well. But today we have vaccine as a shield. Citizens should get vaccinated. Rules should be followed so that there`s no infection. But if rules aren`t followed, strict measures will be taken in near future," Thackeray told media persons here. Maharashtra reported 25,833 new COVID-19 cases, 58 deaths and 12,764 recoveries on Thursday.

Strict measures will be taken if COVID-19 rules not followed: Maharashtra CM

Finland has bagged the top spot for being world's happiest country for a fourth year running, as per an annual report sponsored by the United Nations. In World Happiness Report Researchers used Gallup data and asked people in 149 countries to rate their own happiness. It also took into account measures such as GDP, social support, personal freedom and levels of corruption to give each nation a happiness score, which is an average of the past three years.&nbsp;

Top spots were dominated by European countries. Denmark was in second place followed by Switzerland, Iceland and the Netherlands.

New Zealand, falling one place to ninth, was again the only non-European nation in the top ten.&nbsp;

Other climbers included Germany, up from 17th to 13th, and France, rising two to 21st.&nbsp;

The UK, meanwhile, fell from 13th to 17th place, while the US fell one spot to 19th.&nbsp;

African nations Lesotho, Botswana, Rwanda and Zimbabwe came at the bottom of the table, but ahead of&nbsp; 
Afghanistan which was classed as the world's unhappiest nation this year.

The authors also compared this year's data to previous years' averages to gauge the impact of the pandemic, and found "significantly higher frequency of negative emotions" in just over a third of the countries.

But positive emotions increased in 22 countries, and "surprisingly there was not, on average, a decline in well-being when measured by people's own evaluation of their lives," John Helliwell, one of the report's compilers, said in a statement.

"One possible explanation is that people see Covid-19 as a common, outside threat affecting everybody and that this has generated a greater sense of solidarity and fellow-feeling."&nbsp;

Author Jeffrey Sachs meanwhile warned that "we need urgently to learn from Covid-19," adding that "we must aim for wellbeing rather than mere wealth."&nbsp;

Finland, which throughout the health crisis has reported some of Europe's lowest incidences of the coronavirus, "ranked very high on the measures of mutual trust that have helped to protect lives and livelihoods during the pandemic," the authors said.&nbsp;

Finland's top spot in the happiness list has previously been met with raised eyebrows in the country whose population of 5.5 million is said to shy away from spontaneous demonstrations of joy, valuing instead the quiet and solitude of the country's vast forests and thousands of lakes.

Finland has bagged the top spot for being world's happiest country for a fourth year running, as per an annual report sponsored by the United Nations. In World Happiness Report Researchers used Gallup data and asked people in 149 countries to rate their own happiness.

Finland has bagged the top spot for being world's happiest country for a fourth year running, as per an annual report sponsored by the United Nations. In World Happiness Report Researchers used Gallup data and asked people in 149 countries to rate their own happiness. It also took into account measures such as GDP, social support, personal freedom and levels of corruption to give each nation a happiness score, which is an average of the past three years. Top spots were dominated by European countries. Denmark was in second place followed by Switzerland, Iceland and the Netherlands. New Zealand, falling one place to ninth, was again the only non-European nation in the top ten. Other climbers included Germany, up from 17th to 13th, and France, rising two to 21st. The UK, meanwhile, fell from 13th to 17th place, while the US fell one spot to 19th. African nations Lesotho, Botswana, Rwanda and Zimbabwe came at the bottom of the table, but ahead of Afghanistan which was classed as the world's unhappiest nation this year. The authors also compared this year's data to previous years' averages to gauge the impact of the pandemic, and found "significantly higher frequency of negative emotions" in just over a third of the countries. But positive emotions increased in 22 countries, and "surprisingly there was not, on average, a decline in well-being when measured by people's own evaluation of their lives," John Helliwell, one of the report's compilers, said in a statement. "One possible explanation is that people see Covid-19 as a common, outside threat affecting everybody and that this has generated a greater sense of solidarity and fellow-feeling." Author Jeffrey Sachs meanwhile warned that "we need urgently to learn from Covid-19," adding that "we must aim for wellbeing rather than mere wealth." Finland, which throughout the health crisis has reported some of Europe's lowest incidences of the coronavirus, "ranked very high on the measures of mutual trust that have helped to protect lives and livelihoods during the pandemic," the authors said. Finland's top spot in the happiness list has previously been met with raised eyebrows in the country whose population of 5.5 million is said to shy away from spontaneous demonstrations of joy, valuing instead the quiet and solitude of the country's vast forests and thousands of lakes.

Finland is world's happiest country despite COVID, says report

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin arrived in India on Friday. He is expected to meet PM Modi. This is the first visit by a top Biden administration official. Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has praised Vladimir Putin. Tanzania has sworn in its first female president. Read this and more in Top 10 World News at this time.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-secretary-of-defence-lloyd-austin-arrives-in-india-371698">US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin arrives in India</a>

<img alt="Austin" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="da23fc24-b4da-4ce2-b1c7-32b336f17f87" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Austin.JPG" />

US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin has arrived in India.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-slams-biden-for-killer-remarks-says-putins-response-elegant-371736">Erdogan slams Biden for 'killer' remarks, says Putin's response 'elegant'</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-slams-biden-for-killer-remarks-says-putins-response-elegant-371736"><img alt="Erdogan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a96c4a80-f6b8-4bd4-aeb0-12c523598a73" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Erdogan_0.JPG" /></a> 
 
Erdogan also praised Putin for his response to the US president, calling his answer 'very smart' and 'elegant'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bbcs-myanmar-journalist-goes-missing-as-crackdown-on-dissent-continues-371730">BBC's Myanmar journalist goes missing as crackdown on dissent continues</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bbcs-myanmar-journalist-goes-missing-as-crackdown-on-dissent-continues-371730"><img alt="BBC" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8ae11068-751b-40db-9cb9-d1e16bfdb3d7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/bbc.JPG" /></a> 
 
More than 30 journalists have been arrested since the coup in Myanmar on February 1, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners monitoring group

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-takes-legal-action-against-uk-over-gibraltar-tax-371692">EU takes legal action against UK over Gibraltar tax</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-takes-legal-action-against-uk-over-gibraltar-tax-371692"><img alt="EU UK" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9b9268d7-b845-4213-8541-b8e472bed108" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Gibraltar.JPG" /></a> 
 
This can potentially be a start of big legal fight

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-military-bans-tesla-cars-in-its-complexes-over-security-concerns-371727">Chinese military bans Tesla cars in its complexes over security concerns</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-military-bans-tesla-cars-in-its-complexes-over-security-concerns-371727"><img alt="Tesla" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="38d29356-f858-4eec-bc3b-2e1f66bd9eed" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Tesla.JPG" /></a> 
 
Tesla, like several other automobile manufacturers, uses internal cameras to provide assistance in parking and self-parking functions

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabian-oil-refinery-on-fire-due-to-drone-attack-says-ministry-371734">Saudi Arabian oil refinery on fire due to drone attack, says ministry</a>

<img alt="Saudi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="88e44c6e-0598-48b1-b0fd-fab19fc171e3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/aramco.JPG" />

No casualties have been reported

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prepared-for-worst-kremlin-on-possible-new-cold-war-with-us-371691">'Prepared for worst': Kremlin on possible new Cold War with US</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prepared-for-worst-kremlin-on-possible-new-cold-war-with-us-371691"><img alt="Putin" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e4b67f5b-8ef4-4082-9c87-5a5e331a6a6d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Putin_3.JPG" /></a> 
 
It comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin mocked Joe Biden for calling him a 'killer', saying 'it takes one to know one', as ties between Moscow and Washington sank to new lows

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tanzania-swears-in-samia-suluhu-hassan-as-first-female-president-371610">Tanzania swears in Samia Suluhu Hassan as first female president</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tanzania-swears-in-samia-suluhu-hassan-as-first-female-president-371610"><img alt="Tanzania" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4a73ead2-84e2-429c-8917-9ae1d50d87e0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Tanzania.JPG" /></a> 
 
Samia Suluhu Hassan, 61, was sworn in at State House in the country’s commercial capital Dar es Salaam.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sensed-strong-smell-of-gunpowder-in-us-talks-says-china-371685">Sensed strong smell of gunpowder in US talks, says China</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sensed-strong-smell-of-gunpowder-in-us-talks-says-china-371685"><img alt="China US" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d93bd35f-eaff-4cfd-932f-f12bd33ba57f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/China%20US_0.JPG" /></a> 
 
The first high-level US-China meeting of the Biden administration got off to a fiery start on Thursday in Achorage with both sides levelling sharp rebukes of the others' policies in a rare public display that underscored the level of bilateral tension

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/australian-bushfires-spewed-as-much-smoke-into-stratosphere-as-a-large-volcano-371678">Australian bushfires spewed as much smoke into stratosphere as a large volcano</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/australian-bushfires-spewed-as-much-smoke-into-stratosphere-as-a-large-volcano-371678"><img alt="Australia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b43b7811-be96-4868-a683-9a55099a3783" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/aUSTRALIA.JPG" /></a> 
 
The amount of smoke released into the atmosphere by the fires is comparable to that put out by the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines in 1991, which was the second-largest of the 20th century.

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin arrived in India on Friday. He is expected to meet PM Modi. This is the first visit by a top Biden administration official. Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has praised Vladimir Putin.

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin arrived in India on Friday. He is expected to meet PM Modi. This is the first visit by a top Biden administration official. Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has praised Vladimir Putin. Tanzania has sworn in its first female president. Read this and more in Top 10 World News at this time. US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin arrives in India US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin has arrived in India. Erdogan slams Biden for 'killer' remarks, says Putin's response 'elegant' Erdogan also praised Putin for his response to the US president, calling his answer 'very smart' and 'elegant' BBC's Myanmar journalist goes missing as crackdown on dissent continues More than 30 journalists have been arrested since the coup in Myanmar on February 1, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners monitoring group EU takes legal action against UK over Gibraltar tax This can potentially be a start of big legal fight Chinese military bans Tesla cars in its complexes over security concerns Tesla, like several other automobile manufacturers, uses internal cameras to provide assistance in parking and self-parking functions Saudi Arabian oil refinery on fire due to drone attack, says ministry No casualties have been reported 'Prepared for worst': Kremlin on possible new Cold War with US It comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin mocked Joe Biden for calling him a 'killer', saying 'it takes one to know one', as ties between Moscow and Washington sank to new lows Tanzania swears in Samia Suluhu Hassan as first female president Samia Suluhu Hassan, 61, was sworn in at State House in the country’s commercial capital Dar es Salaam. Sensed strong smell of gunpowder in US talks, says China The first high-level US-China meeting of the Biden administration got off to a fiery start on Thursday in Achorage with both sides levelling sharp rebukes of the others' policies in a rare public display that underscored the level of bilateral tension Australian bushfires spewed as much smoke into stratosphere as a large volcano The amount of smoke released into the atmosphere by the fires is comparable to that put out by the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines in 1991, which was the second-largest of the 20th century.

Top 10 world news: Lloyd Austin in India, Tanzania's first female president, and more

Saudi Arabian energy ministry on Friday said that a drone attack in capital Riyadh sparked a fire at an oil refinery. The attack has been claimed by Yemen's Houthi rebels.

"The Riyadh oil refinery was attacked by drones, resulting in a fire that has been brought under control," the ministry said in a statement.

It added that no casualties were reported and oil supplies were not disrupted..

Houthi rebels on Friday claimed that they targetted energy giant Aramco with six drones.

Houthi rebels are fighting Saudi Arabian-led military coalition in Yemen. The Houthis are backed by Iran.

Saudi Arabian energy ministry on Friday said that a drone attack in capital Riyadh sparked a fire at an oil refinery. The attack has been claimed by Yemen's Houthi rebels.

Saudi Arabian energy ministry on Friday said that a drone attack in capital Riyadh sparked a fire at an oil refinery. The attack has been claimed by Yemen's Houthi rebels. "The Riyadh oil refinery was attacked by drones, resulting in a fire that has been brought under control," the ministry said in a statement. It added that no casualties were reported and oil supplies were not disrupted.. Houthi rebels on Friday claimed that they targetted energy giant Aramco with six drones. Houthi rebels are fighting Saudi Arabian-led military coalition in Yemen. The Houthis are backed by Iran.

Saudi Arabian oil refinery on fire due to drone attack, says ministry

In what can potentially be a major start of a post-Brexit legal battle between the European Union and UK, the EU has announced that it will take legal action against UK over Gibraltar tax.&nbsp;The legal action has been launched to force Britain to recover 100 million euros ($120 million) in tax exemptions for multinational firms operating in Gibraltar.

European Commission vice-president Margrethe Vestager said the UK had failed to claw back the sum despite the EU deeming the tax breaks "illegal state aid".

The sum, equivalent to $119 million, is small relative to many EU state subsidy cases, but the case is the latest in a string of spats between the EU and post-Brexit Britain.

"The aid granted by Gibraltar in the form of corporate tax exemption for passive interest and royalties gave an unfair advantage to some multinational companies," Vestager said.

"More than two years after the Commission adopted this decision, the aid has still not been recovered in full and sufficient progress has not been made in restoring competition," she said.&nbsp;

"That is why we have decided to refer the United Kingdom to the Court of Justice for failing to implement this decision."

The United Kingdom left the European Union last year, but the case dates back to a period before Brexit over which Brussels says the European Court of Justice still has jurisdiction.

(With AFP inputs)

In what can potentially be a major start of a post-Brexit legal battle between the European Union and UK, the EU has announced that it will take legal action against UK over Gibraltar tax.

In what can potentially be a major start of a post-Brexit legal battle between the European Union and UK, the EU has announced that it will take legal action against UK over Gibraltar tax. The legal action has been launched to force Britain to recover 100 million euros ($120 million) in tax exemptions for multinational firms operating in Gibraltar. European Commission vice-president Margrethe Vestager said the UK had failed to claw back the sum despite the EU deeming the tax breaks "illegal state aid". The sum, equivalent to $119 million, is small relative to many EU state subsidy cases, but the case is the latest in a string of spats between the EU and post-Brexit Britain. "The aid granted by Gibraltar in the form of corporate tax exemption for passive interest and royalties gave an unfair advantage to some multinational companies," Vestager said. "More than two years after the Commission adopted this decision, the aid has still not been recovered in full and sufficient progress has not been made in restoring competition," she said. "That is why we have decided to refer the United Kingdom to the Court of Justice for failing to implement this decision." The United Kingdom left the European Union last year, but the case dates back to a period before Brexit over which Brussels says the European Court of Justice still has jurisdiction. (With AFP inputs)

EU takes legal action against UK over Gibraltar tax

Here's what you need to know about the coronavirus right now:

Nearly a dozen countries resume AstraZeneca shots

Almost a dozen countries resumed use of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 shots on Friday as EU and British regulators said the benefits outweighed any risks after reports of rare instances of blood clotting that temporarily halted inoculations.

The end of suspensions will kick off a test of public confidence, both in the shot and in drug regulators whose conclusions are under unprecedented scrutiny, as virus variants spread and the global death toll, now at nearly 2.7 million, rises.

Indonesia joined Germany, France and others in re-administering the shots after they suspended vaccinations on reports of around 30 cases of rare brain blood clots, after millions of injections, that sent scientists and governments scrambling to determine if there was a link.

Paris goes into lockdown

France imposed a month-long lockdown on Paris and parts of the north after a faltering vaccine rollout and spread of highly contagious coronavirus variants forced President Emmanuel Macron to shift course.

Since late January, when he defied the calls of scientists and some in his government to lock the country down, Macron has said he would do whatever it takes to keep the euro zone's second-largest economy as open as possible.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-government-imposes-limited-lockdown-in-paris-amid-covid-19-variant-surge-371536">French government imposes limited lockdown in Paris amid COVID-19 variant surge</a>

However, this week he ran out of options just as France and other European countries briefly suspended use of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Lockdown extension looms in Germany

German Health Minister Jens Spahn on Friday dampened hopes that further restrictions will be lifted soon, saying rising infections could mean that curbs to slow the spread of the virus may have to be re-imposed.

"The rising case numbers may mean that we cannot take further opening steps in the weeks to come. On the contrary, we may even have to take steps backwards," Spahn told a weekly news conference.

Chancellor Angela Merkel is due to meet with leaders of Germany's 16 federal states on Monday to discuss whether to extend a lockdown that has been in place since mid-December.

Philippines posts record daily cases

The Philippines recorded 7,103 new cases on Friday, a record daily increase in infections, as authorities tightened curbs in the capital and approved Russia's Sputnik V vaccine for emergency use.

A new wave of cases in the Philippines, which has the second highest number of infections and deaths in Southeast Asia, is threatening hopes of a strong economic rebound after a record contraction last year and the loss of millions of jobs.

The health ministry said there were now 648,066 confirmed cases and 12,900 deaths.

US&nbsp;to share vaccine with Mexico and Canada

The United States plans to send roughly 4 million doses of AstraZeneca's vaccine to Mexico and Canada in loan deals with the two countries, yielding to requests to share shots with allies.

Mexico will receive 2.5 million doses of the vaccine and Canada is to receive 1.5 million doses, White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said.

"It is not fully finalised yet but it is our aim," Psaki told a daily briefing. "Ensuring our neighbours can contain the virus is ... mission critical to ending the pandemic."

Brazil struggles with lack of ICU doctors

As Brazil's coronavirus outbreak spirals out of control, the country is facing a dangerous new shortage, threatening to drive fatalities even higher: a lack of staff in intensive care units.

Some medical professionals are burned out after months of gruelling work. Others are simply unable to keep up with the endless flow of critical patients pushing the country's healthcare system to the brink.

"Intensive care doctors are a commodity in short supply," César Eduardo Fernandes, the president of the Brazilian Medical Association, told Reuters. "There's no way to meet this brutal, catastrophic demand."

Here's what you need to know about the coronavirus right now: Nearly a dozen countries resume AstraZeneca shots Almost a dozen countries resumed use of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 shots on Friday as EU and British regulators said the benefits outweighed any risks after reports of rare instances of blood clotting that temporarily halted inoculations.

Here's what you need to know about the coronavirus right now: Nearly a dozen countries resume AstraZeneca shots Almost a dozen countries resumed use of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 shots on Friday as EU and British regulators said the benefits outweighed any risks after reports of rare instances of blood clotting that temporarily halted inoculations. The end of suspensions will kick off a test of public confidence, both in the shot and in drug regulators whose conclusions are under unprecedented scrutiny, as virus variants spread and the global death toll, now at nearly 2.7 million, rises. Indonesia joined Germany, France and others in re-administering the shots after they suspended vaccinations on reports of around 30 cases of rare brain blood clots, after millions of injections, that sent scientists and governments scrambling to determine if there was a link. Paris goes into lockdown France imposed a month-long lockdown on Paris and parts of the north after a faltering vaccine rollout and spread of highly contagious coronavirus variants forced President Emmanuel Macron to shift course. Since late January, when he defied the calls of scientists and some in his government to lock the country down, Macron has said he would do whatever it takes to keep the euro zone's second-largest economy as open as possible. Also Read | French government imposes limited lockdown in Paris amid COVID-19 variant surge However, this week he ran out of options just as France and other European countries briefly suspended use of the AstraZeneca vaccine. Lockdown extension looms in Germany German Health Minister Jens Spahn on Friday dampened hopes that further restrictions will be lifted soon, saying rising infections could mean that curbs to slow the spread of the virus may have to be re-imposed. "The rising case numbers may mean that we cannot take further opening steps in the weeks to come. On the contrary, we may even have to take steps backwards," Spahn told a weekly news conference. Chancellor Angela Merkel is due to meet with leaders of Germany's 16 federal states on Monday to discuss whether to extend a lockdown that has been in place since mid-December. Philippines posts record daily cases The Philippines recorded 7,103 new cases on Friday, a record daily increase in infections, as authorities tightened curbs in the capital and approved Russia's Sputnik V vaccine for emergency use. A new wave of cases in the Philippines, which has the second highest number of infections and deaths in Southeast Asia, is threatening hopes of a strong economic rebound after a record contraction last year and the loss of millions of jobs. The health ministry said there were now 648,066 confirmed cases and 12,900 deaths. US to share vaccine with Mexico and Canada The United States plans to send roughly 4 million doses of AstraZeneca's vaccine to Mexico and Canada in loan deals with the two countries, yielding to requests to share shots with allies. Mexico will receive 2.5 million doses of the vaccine and Canada is to receive 1.5 million doses, White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said. "It is not fully finalised yet but it is our aim," Psaki told a daily briefing. "Ensuring our neighbours can contain the virus is ... mission critical to ending the pandemic." Brazil struggles with lack of ICU doctors As Brazil's coronavirus outbreak spirals out of control, the country is facing a dangerous new shortage, threatening to drive fatalities even higher: a lack of staff in intensive care units. Some medical professionals are burned out after months of gruelling work. Others are simply unable to keep up with the endless flow of critical patients pushing the country's healthcare system to the brink. "Intensive care doctors are a commodity in short supply," César Eduardo Fernandes, the president of the Brazilian Medical Association, told Reuters. "There's no way to meet this brutal, catastrophic demand."

What you need to know about the coronavirus right now

Indian Navy ships INS Kulish and INS Sumedha arrived on Monday in Bangladesh on March 8 to mark the 50th year of 1971 Bangladesh liberation war. The ships arrived in port town of Mongla for a three-day visit between March 8 and March 10

"Celebrating Mujib Borsho and Joint Commemoration of 1971. In a historic first, two warships INS Kulish and INS Sumedha, with Cmde MV Raju, NM, Naval Officer-in-Charge Andhra Pradesh onboard, arrived at Mongla today and were accorded a ceremonial welcome by Bangladesh Navy," Indian High Commission in Bangladesh tweeted.

"This is the first time that any Indian Naval Ship is visiting the port of Mongla in Bangladesh and the visit is aimed at paying homage to the Bangladeshi and Indian combatants and citizens who laid down their lives during the Liberation War of 1971, and reiterate India`s firm resolve and commitment to maintain peace, stability and good order in the region, in line with SAGAR - Security and Growth for all in the Region, as articulated by the Prime Minister of India," an official release stated

Bangladesh, formerly known as East Pakistan was liberated in 1971 war between Indian and Pakistani forces. Atrocities committed by Pakistan security forces in Bangladesh prior to the war had led to a huge humanitarian crisis as hundreds of thousands of refugees crossed border to seek shelter in India.

Indian Navy ships INS Kulish and INS Sumedha arrived on Monday in Bangladesh on March 8 to mark the 50th year of 1971 Bangladesh liberation war. The ships arrived in port town of Mongla for a three-day visit between March 8 and March 10 "Celebrating Mujib Borsho and Joint Commemoration of 1971.

Indian Navy ships INS Kulish and INS Sumedha arrived on Monday in Bangladesh on March 8 to mark the 50th year of 1971 Bangladesh liberation war. The ships arrived in port town of Mongla for a three-day visit between March 8 and March 10 "Celebrating Mujib Borsho and Joint Commemoration of 1971. In a historic first, two warships INS Kulish and INS Sumedha, with Cmde MV Raju, NM, Naval Officer-in-Charge Andhra Pradesh onboard, arrived at Mongla today and were accorded a ceremonial welcome by Bangladesh Navy," Indian High Commission in Bangladesh tweeted. "This is the first time that any Indian Naval Ship is visiting the port of Mongla in Bangladesh and the visit is aimed at paying homage to the Bangladeshi and Indian combatants and citizens who laid down their lives during the Liberation War of 1971, and reiterate India`s firm resolve and commitment to maintain peace, stability and good order in the region, in line with SAGAR - Security and Growth for all in the Region, as articulated by the Prime Minister of India," an official release stated Bangladesh, formerly known as East Pakistan was liberated in 1971 war between Indian and Pakistani forces. Atrocities committed by Pakistan security forces in Bangladesh prior to the war had led to a huge humanitarian crisis as hundreds of thousands of refugees crossed border to seek shelter in India.

Indian Navy ships arrive in Bangladesh to mark 50th anniversary of 1971 war

Priests oppose Vatican decree against same-sex unions

United Nations on Tuesday called for an independent probe of Yemen capital fire that killed dozens of migrants in a holding facility. The fire had raged on March 7 in Yemen's capital Sanaa.

"There must be an independent investigation into the cause of the fire," the UN envoy for Yemen, Martin Griffiths, told the Security Council.

Human Rights Watch earlier Tuesday blamed the March 7 fire on "unidentified projectiles" fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels.

Iran-backed Houthi rebels control northern Yemen, including Sanaa.

Griffiths said, "the world was reminded of the plight of the migrant community last week when an extraordinary, horrific fire broke out at a detention facility in Sanaa holding predominantly Ethiopian migrants."

He said that 170 were seriously injured in the fire while dozens were killed.

HRW said detainees had been protesting against overcrowding when camp guards rounded up hundreds of them into a hangar and fired two projectiles into the building.

"The migrants said the first projectile produced a lot of smoke and made their eyes water and sting. The second, which the migrants called a 'bomb,' exploded loudly and started a fire," HRW said.&nbsp;

"Huthi authorities should urgently engage with Ethiopian authorities whose nationals are languishing in Yemeni detention centres under their control," HRW said.

(With AFP inputs)

United Nations on Tuesday called for an independent probe of Yemen capital fire that killed dozens of migrants in a holding facility. The fire had raged on March 7 in Yemen's capital Sanaa.

United Nations on Tuesday called for an independent probe of Yemen capital fire that killed dozens of migrants in a holding facility. The fire had raged on March 7 in Yemen's capital Sanaa. "There must be an independent investigation into the cause of the fire," the UN envoy for Yemen, Martin Griffiths, told the Security Council. Human Rights Watch earlier Tuesday blamed the March 7 fire on "unidentified projectiles" fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels. Iran-backed Houthi rebels control northern Yemen, including Sanaa. Griffiths said, "the world was reminded of the plight of the migrant community last week when an extraordinary, horrific fire broke out at a detention facility in Sanaa holding predominantly Ethiopian migrants." He said that 170 were seriously injured in the fire while dozens were killed. HRW said detainees had been protesting against overcrowding when camp guards rounded up hundreds of them into a hangar and fired two projectiles into the building. "The migrants said the first projectile produced a lot of smoke and made their eyes water and sting. The second, which the migrants called a 'bomb,' exploded loudly and started a fire," HRW said. "Huthi authorities should urgently engage with Ethiopian authorities whose nationals are languishing in Yemeni detention centres under their control," HRW said. (With AFP inputs)

Independent investigation needed into Yemen fire: UN

Volkswagen is going all in on electric cars, with plans to build battery factories in Europe, install a network of charging stations and slash the cost of emission-free travel.

That was the message Monday as the German carmaker staged a so-called Power Day to showcase its latest electric car technology. The event was Volkswagen’s answer to Tesla’s Battery Day presentations, which draw intense attention from investors and electric car buffs.

The session included a number of attention-getting announcements, including a promise that Volkswagen would cut the cost of batteries by up to 50% by the end of the decade, while slashing charging time to 12 minutes.&nbsp;

That would make electric cars cheaper than gasoline vehicles and just as convenient.

Volkswagen also unveiled plans to build six battery factories in Europe in joint ventures with suppliers. And by 2025, the company said, it would have 18,000 charging stations on the continent operating in conjunction with energy companies including BP. The British oil producer said it would offer charging at its filling stations.

“Our transformation will be bigger than anything the industry has seen in the past century,” Herbert Diess, CEO of Volkswagen, said during the two-hour presentation.

The event coincided with the rollout in the United States of the ID.4, an electric SUV that is part of the first generation of Volkswagens designed from the ground up to run on batteries and seen as serious challengers to Tesla’s dominance in electric cars.

At least some analysts are starting to believe Volkswagen’s hype. Swiss bank UBS issued a report this month that ranked Volkswagen just behind Tesla in electric vehicle technology.

Tesla leads in battery technology and software, the UBS report said, but the bank’s analysts gave Volkswagen high marks for its electric car platform — the chassis, motor and other components that drive the vehicle forward and carry the car body. The Volkswagen platform can be produced very efficiently and is flexible enough to accommodate a range of body types, UBS said.

Volkswagen is “a blueprint for what legacy carmakers need to achieve in the years to come,” Patrick Hummel, a UBS analyst, said last week.

Volkswagen is going all in on electric cars, with plans to build battery factories in Europe, install a network of charging stations and slash the cost of emission-free travel.

Volkswagen is going all in on electric cars, with plans to build battery factories in Europe, install a network of charging stations and slash the cost of emission-free travel. That was the message Monday as the German carmaker staged a so-called Power Day to showcase its latest electric car technology. The event was Volkswagen’s answer to Tesla’s Battery Day presentations, which draw intense attention from investors and electric car buffs. The session included a number of attention-getting announcements, including a promise that Volkswagen would cut the cost of batteries by up to 50% by the end of the decade, while slashing charging time to 12 minutes. That would make electric cars cheaper than gasoline vehicles and just as convenient. Volkswagen also unveiled plans to build six battery factories in Europe in joint ventures with suppliers. And by 2025, the company said, it would have 18,000 charging stations on the continent operating in conjunction with energy companies including BP. The British oil producer said it would offer charging at its filling stations. “Our transformation will be bigger than anything the industry has seen in the past century,” Herbert Diess, CEO of Volkswagen, said during the two-hour presentation. The event coincided with the rollout in the United States of the ID.4, an electric SUV that is part of the first generation of Volkswagens designed from the ground up to run on batteries and seen as serious challengers to Tesla’s dominance in electric cars. At least some analysts are starting to believe Volkswagen’s hype. Swiss bank UBS issued a report this month that ranked Volkswagen just behind Tesla in electric vehicle technology. Tesla leads in battery technology and software, the UBS report said, but the bank’s analysts gave Volkswagen high marks for its electric car platform — the chassis, motor and other components that drive the vehicle forward and carry the car body. The Volkswagen platform can be produced very efficiently and is flexible enough to accommodate a range of body types, UBS said. Volkswagen is “a blueprint for what legacy carmakers need to achieve in the years to come,” Patrick Hummel, a UBS analyst, said last week.

Volkswagen aims to use its size to head off Tesla

Reversing a trend of disarmament, Britain on Tuesday announced plans to increase its stockpile of nuclear weapons.

"The UK will move to an overall nuclear weapon stockpile of no more than 260 warheads," said a government review of defence, security and foreign policy. The review said that emerging threats no longer made it possible to stick to commitment to reduce warheads.&nbsp;

It is being viewed that UK is taking the step with Russia and China in mind.

In recent years, the UK has had its share of disagreements with both Russia and China on an array of issues ranging from cyber-attacks to human rights to espionage. Many people within the UK have called for the country’s “Trident nuclear programme” to be scrapped, as the global calls for denuclearisation increase.

International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), Beatrice Fihn accused the UK of being “irresponsible and dangerous”, while adding how this move violates international law.

Meanwhile, the review of&nbsp;country's post-Brexit 'Global Britain' vision concluded that the UK must shift its foreign policy focus to Indo-Pacific region. The review suggests that countries such as India, Australia and Japan should be at the heart of the move.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who will formally release the review in the House of Commons later on Tuesday, is to activate the so-called Indo-Pacific tilt with a visit to India at the end of next month, an application for partner status of the Association of South East Asian nations (ASEAN) economic union and the Royal Navy warship Queen Elizabeth Carrier deployment to the region.

(With agency inputs)

Reversing a trend of disarmament, Britain on Tuesday announced plans to increase its stockpile of nuclear weapons. "The UK will move to an overall nuclear weapon stockpile of no more than 260 warheads," said a government review of defence, security and foreign policy.

Reversing a trend of disarmament, Britain on Tuesday announced plans to increase its stockpile of nuclear weapons. "The UK will move to an overall nuclear weapon stockpile of no more than 260 warheads," said a government review of defence, security and foreign policy. The review said that emerging threats no longer made it possible to stick to commitment to reduce warheads. It is being viewed that UK is taking the step with Russia and China in mind. In recent years, the UK has had its share of disagreements with both Russia and China on an array of issues ranging from cyber-attacks to human rights to espionage. Many people within the UK have called for the country’s “Trident nuclear programme” to be scrapped, as the global calls for denuclearisation increase. International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), Beatrice Fihn accused the UK of being “irresponsible and dangerous”, while adding how this move violates international law. Meanwhile, the review of country's post-Brexit 'Global Britain' vision concluded that the UK must shift its foreign policy focus to Indo-Pacific region. The review suggests that countries such as India, Australia and Japan should be at the heart of the move. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who will formally release the review in the House of Commons later on Tuesday, is to activate the so-called Indo-Pacific tilt with a visit to India at the end of next month, an application for partner status of the Association of South East Asian nations (ASEAN) economic union and the Royal Navy warship Queen Elizabeth Carrier deployment to the region. (With agency inputs)

UK planning to increase nuclear weapons stockpile: govt review

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