Queen Elizabeth II's husband Prince Philip on Tuesday left central London after four weeks of treatment.

The 99-year-old Duke of Edinburgh was seen leaving King Edward VII's Hospital in&nbsp;a BMW car.

Confirming the discharge from the hospital Buckingham Palace said Prince Philip had returned to Windsor Castle in west of London.

Royal aides said he had been treated for an unspecified infection and had "a successful procedure for a pre-existing condition".

"His Royal Highness wishes to thank all the medical staff who looked after him at both King Edward VII's Hospital and St Bartholomew’s Hospital, and everyone who has sent their good wishes," a statement from the palace read.

The prince is understood to be in good spirits.

Prince Philip's month-long stay at King Edward VII's Hospital and the state-run St Bartholomew's, also in London, is his longest stint in hospital.

He was transferred to St Bartholomew's for a heart procedure before returning to private hospital. He was first admitted to hospital on February 16 after advice from his doctor.

Buckingham Palace said initially that he was expected to stay there for a "few days" but stressed his illness was not related to Covid-19.

Later, the palace said he was being treated for an infection, without specifying further.

IN 2011, Prince Philip was treated for blocked coronary artery and had a stent fitted.

Concerns for Philip's health had been high because of his age -- he turns 100 in June -- and came amid the build-up to an explosive interview given by Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle, in which she accused the royal family of racism.

(With AFP inputs) 
&nbsp;

Queen Elizabeth II's husband Prince Philip on Tuesday left central London after four weeks of treatment. The 99-year-old Duke of Edinburgh was seen leaving King Edward VII's Hospital in a BMW car.

Queen Elizabeth II's husband Prince Philip on Tuesday left central London after four weeks of treatment. The 99-year-old Duke of Edinburgh was seen leaving King Edward VII's Hospital in a BMW car. Confirming the discharge from the hospital Buckingham Palace said Prince Philip had returned to Windsor Castle in west of London. Royal aides said he had been treated for an unspecified infection and had "a successful procedure for a pre-existing condition". "His Royal Highness wishes to thank all the medical staff who looked after him at both King Edward VII's Hospital and St Bartholomew’s Hospital, and everyone who has sent their good wishes," a statement from the palace read. The prince is understood to be in good spirits. Prince Philip's month-long stay at King Edward VII's Hospital and the state-run St Bartholomew's, also in London, is his longest stint in hospital. He was transferred to St Bartholomew's for a heart procedure before returning to private hospital. He was first admitted to hospital on February 16 after advice from his doctor. Buckingham Palace said initially that he was expected to stay there for a "few days" but stressed his illness was not related to Covid-19. Later, the palace said he was being treated for an infection, without specifying further. IN 2011, Prince Philip was treated for blocked coronary artery and had a stent fitted. Concerns for Philip's health had been high because of his age -- he turns 100 in June -- and came amid the build-up to an explosive interview given by Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle, in which she accused the royal family of racism. (With AFP inputs)

Prince Philip leaves hospital after four weeks of treatment

We've all wasted countless precious minutes of our lives tinkering with Google Earth. From trying to find our homes to checking how famous tourist destinations looked from space, we've done it all. But now Google Earth is bringing a function that is being touted to be a 'time machine'. As per reports, the feature will be added to Google Earth's Android app.

Google Earth shows how an area looks now. But with the new feature, you would be able to check how the same area looked in past. The feature is also reported to have a timelapse function that will give us a cool view of how changes took place.

By the looks of it, this function may come in handy for purposes more than just plain time kill. Urban planners and students alike will be able to look at a particular area to get better idea of cities. Citizens will freely be able to check how their cities are evolving and will be able to keep a check on authorities if they choose to.

News reports have mentioned that the feature has been rolled out for San Francisco. But if you are a tech junkie, you can try this:&nbsp;

Geek speak&nbsp;

If you have a rooted phone, toggling with experimental preference menu by either modifying preference file of the app with a root explorer or preference-editing app may help you gain access to this function. Tinkering with Termux commands may help too.

But after all, it is highly recommended that you should wait for this function to be officially and legally available.

We've all wasted countless precious minutes of our lives tinkering with Google Earth. From trying to find our homes to checking how famous tourist destinations looked from space, we've done it all.

We've all wasted countless precious minutes of our lives tinkering with Google Earth. From trying to find our homes to checking how famous tourist destinations looked from space, we've done it all. But now Google Earth is bringing a function that is being touted to be a 'time machine'. As per reports, the feature will be added to Google Earth's Android app. Google Earth shows how an area looks now. But with the new feature, you would be able to check how the same area looked in past. The feature is also reported to have a timelapse function that will give us a cool view of how changes took place. By the looks of it, this function may come in handy for purposes more than just plain time kill. Urban planners and students alike will be able to look at a particular area to get better idea of cities. Citizens will freely be able to check how their cities are evolving and will be able to keep a check on authorities if they choose to. News reports have mentioned that the feature has been rolled out for San Francisco. But if you are a tech junkie, you can try this: Geek speak If you have a rooted phone, toggling with experimental preference menu by either modifying preference file of the app with a root explorer or preference-editing app may help you gain access to this function. Tinkering with Termux commands may help too. But after all, it is highly recommended that you should wait for this function to be officially and legally available.

Google Earth to bring a 'time machine' to look into the past

Using water cannon and horses, Dutch police on Sunday cleared anti-government protes in The Hague. The protest took place on the day before voting starts in national elections. Hundreds gathered in a park to demonstrate against Prime Minister Mark Rutte. Some of the protesters also criticised the coronavirus restrictions his government put in place.

Police arrested several people, Dutch media reported. Riot officers with a dog pinned one man to the ground before detaining him, an AFP photographer saw.

"Today it's mainly because we have elections next week and we don't want the same government again," Elsvis Vanheenst, 32, who is unemployed, told AFP.

"Because they are lying about everything and they are only working for themselves, and not for the people. So that's mainly why I'm here today."

Riot police with shields, batons and dogs moved in after some of the protesters refused to leave at the scheduled end of the protest, detaining a number of them.&nbsp;

Police on horseback then charged at the demonstrators, few of whom wore masks.

Police finally fired water cannon but many of the demonstrators sheltered underneath yellow umbrellas from the spray. The yellow umbrellas have been a feature at several anti-lockdown protests.

The Hague police later also confirmed a "warning shot" was fired and said the cause was being investigated.&nbsp;

Using water cannon and horses, Dutch police on Sunday cleared anti-government protes in The Hague. The protest took place on the day before voting starts in national elections.

Using water cannon and horses, Dutch police on Sunday cleared anti-government protes in The Hague. The protest took place on the day before voting starts in national elections. Hundreds gathered in a park to demonstrate against Prime Minister Mark Rutte. Some of the protesters also criticised the coronavirus restrictions his government put in place. Police arrested several people, Dutch media reported. Riot officers with a dog pinned one man to the ground before detaining him, an AFP photographer saw. "Today it's mainly because we have elections next week and we don't want the same government again," Elsvis Vanheenst, 32, who is unemployed, told AFP. "Because they are lying about everything and they are only working for themselves, and not for the people. So that's mainly why I'm here today." Riot police with shields, batons and dogs moved in after some of the protesters refused to leave at the scheduled end of the protest, detaining a number of them. Police on horseback then charged at the demonstrators, few of whom wore masks. Police finally fired water cannon but many of the demonstrators sheltered underneath yellow umbrellas from the spray. The yellow umbrellas have been a feature at several anti-lockdown protests. The Hague police later also confirmed a "warning shot" was fired and said the cause was being investigated.

Dutch police clear anti-government protest on election eve

Piedmont region in northern region said on Sunday that it was stopping the use of a batch of AstrazZeneca COVID vaccine. This step has been taken after a teacher died following receiving vaccine on Saturday.

The region, around the northern city of Turin, had initially suspended all AstraZeneca vaccines in order to identify and isolate the batch from which the jab administered to the teacher, from the town of Biella, came.

The regional government said that the decision to suspend use was a precautionary measure. Piedmont is awaiting the results of checks which will verify whether there is a connection between the death and the vaccination

The statement did not specify what batch it had banned nor did it say how the teacher died. Italian newspapers reported it was batch ABV5811. A source close to the regional government confirmed it was batch ABV5811.

The regional government's statement said that the Piedmont region was also awaiting decisions from Italy's medicine's agency Aifa and a regional health commission on the issue.

"It is an act of extreme prudence, while we verify whether there is a connection. There have been no critical issues with the administration of vaccines to date," Luigi Genesio Icardi, head of regional health services, said in the statement.

Italy's medicine authority Aifa on Thursday banned the use of doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine belonging to the ABV2856 batch. Sources told Reuters the decision had been taken after the deaths of two men in Sicily.

Aifa had said that the ban was precautionary, adding that no link had been established between the vaccine and subsequent "serious adverse events".

(With AFP inputs)

Piedmont region in northern region said on Sunday that it was stopping the use of a batch of AstrazZeneca COVID vaccine. This step has been taken after a teacher died following receiving vaccine on Saturday.

Piedmont region in northern region said on Sunday that it was stopping the use of a batch of AstrazZeneca COVID vaccine. This step has been taken after a teacher died following receiving vaccine on Saturday. The region, around the northern city of Turin, had initially suspended all AstraZeneca vaccines in order to identify and isolate the batch from which the jab administered to the teacher, from the town of Biella, came. The regional government said that the decision to suspend use was a precautionary measure. Piedmont is awaiting the results of checks which will verify whether there is a connection between the death and the vaccination The statement did not specify what batch it had banned nor did it say how the teacher died. Italian newspapers reported it was batch ABV5811. A source close to the regional government confirmed it was batch ABV5811. The regional government's statement said that the Piedmont region was also awaiting decisions from Italy's medicine's agency Aifa and a regional health commission on the issue. "It is an act of extreme prudence, while we verify whether there is a connection. There have been no critical issues with the administration of vaccines to date," Luigi Genesio Icardi, head of regional health services, said in the statement. Italy's medicine authority Aifa on Thursday banned the use of doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine belonging to the ABV2856 batch. Sources told Reuters the decision had been taken after the deaths of two men in Sicily. Aifa had said that the ban was precautionary, adding that no link had been established between the vaccine and subsequent "serious adverse events". (With AFP inputs)

Piedmont region in Italy stops use of AstraZeneca vaccine batch

For the most part, our knowledge of the word 'planet' revolves around the idea is that its a huge space rock, cooler than the stars, deriving energy from the one it revolves around. We can't be blamed because Earth is one such space rock. It is (much) cooler than the Sun and derives all the life forming energy from it.

But universe, as infinite it is, has ways to surprise our minds and set ideas we tend to have about it.&nbsp;

Can you imagine a space body almost hot as our Sun all the while being a 'planet'? Well, there are such planets.

Meet Kelt-9 b! It's a planet 670 lightyears away from Earth. It was found in 2016.

It has been found that this planet has a temperature of 5000 K (4726 degree Celsius). This makes this planet hotter than 80 per cent of all individual&nbsp;stars in the universe.

Kelt-9 b is a gaseous planet and it is 1.8 times bigger than Jupiter, the biggest planet in our solar system. It revolves around its star that is twice as hot as the Sun. In addition, Kelt-9 b has a very very short radius of revolution. It means that it revolves around its star in a very close orbit that is smaller even than that of Mercury in our Solar System.

Kelt-9 b is tidally locked with its star. That means that one side of the planet always faces the star when it makes its revolution.

Why studying Kelt-9 b is important

Planets like Kelt-9 b are called 'hot Jupiters' because of their gaseous nature, gigantic size and extremely hot temperature. This means that behaviour of such planets gives us a brilliant opportunity to study Physics in conditions that are nearly impossible to reproduce on Earth.

In other words, these planets can roughly be called giant labs in space!

The universe truly has amazing secrets!

For the most part, our knowledge of the word 'planet' revolves around the idea is that its a huge space rock, cooler than the stars, deriving energy from the one it revolves around.

For the most part, our knowledge of the word 'planet' revolves around the idea is that its a huge space rock, cooler than the stars, deriving energy from the one it revolves around. We can't be blamed because Earth is one such space rock. It is (much) cooler than the Sun and derives all the life forming energy from it. But universe, as infinite it is, has ways to surprise our minds and set ideas we tend to have about it. Can you imagine a space body almost hot as our Sun all the while being a 'planet'? Well, there are such planets. Meet Kelt-9 b! It's a planet 670 lightyears away from Earth. It was found in 2016. It has been found that this planet has a temperature of 5000 K (4726 degree Celsius). This makes this planet hotter than 80 per cent of all individual stars in the universe. Kelt-9 b is a gaseous planet and it is 1.8 times bigger than Jupiter, the biggest planet in our solar system. It revolves around its star that is twice as hot as the Sun. In addition, Kelt-9 b has a very very short radius of revolution. It means that it revolves around its star in a very close orbit that is smaller even than that of Mercury in our Solar System. Kelt-9 b is tidally locked with its star. That means that one side of the planet always faces the star when it makes its revolution. Why studying Kelt-9 b is important Planets like Kelt-9 b are called 'hot Jupiters' because of their gaseous nature, gigantic size and extremely hot temperature. This means that behaviour of such planets gives us a brilliant opportunity to study Physics in conditions that are nearly impossible to reproduce on Earth. In other words, these planets can roughly be called giant labs in space! The universe truly has amazing secrets!

This planet is hotter than 80 per cent of stars in the universe

Bolivian prosecutors on Sunday, sought six-month pre-trial detention of country's ex-President Jeanine Anez. AFP reported that in the indictment, prosecutors have asked for provisional imprisonment of Anez, 53, and two ministers in her year-long caretaker government as a "precautionary" measure.

Three of them were apprehended on Saturday on terrorism, sedition and conspiracy charges. The charges are linked to the ousting of Anez's predecessor Evo Morales who claims that it was a coup d'etat

As the most senior parliamentarian left after Morales and his allies fled the country in November 2019 following weeks of demonstrations over disputed elections, rightist conservative Anez took over as caretaker president.

Her arrest came months after Morales returned to Bolivia from exile on the back of a fresh election victory in October 2020 for the leftist Movement for Socialism (MAS) party he founded.

The presidency and congress are now back under the control of MAS.

Anez claimed political persecution as the UN, European Union and United States called for due process to be respected.

'Arbitrary, illegal'

Opposition leaders in Bolivia, too, decried the arrests, and civic and human rights groups called for protests in several cities and towns for Monday.

Carlos Mesa, a centrist former Bolivian president, took to Twitter to describe Anez's detention as "arbitrary, illegal, and a violation of her human rights."

It also demonstrates, he said, a willingness on the part of the MAS to "violate the laws and the rule of law to persecute and violently subdue Bolivians who believe in democracy and freedoms."

(With AFP inputs)

Bolivian prosecutors on Sunday, sought six-month pre-trial detention of country's ex-President Jeanine Anez. AFP reported that in the indictment, prosecutors have asked for provisional imprisonment of Anez, 53, and two ministers in her year-long caretaker government as a "precautionary" measure.

Bolivian prosecutors on Sunday, sought six-month pre-trial detention of country's ex-President Jeanine Anez. AFP reported that in the indictment, prosecutors have asked for provisional imprisonment of Anez, 53, and two ministers in her year-long caretaker government as a "precautionary" measure. Three of them were apprehended on Saturday on terrorism, sedition and conspiracy charges. The charges are linked to the ousting of Anez's predecessor Evo Morales who claims that it was a coup d'etat As the most senior parliamentarian left after Morales and his allies fled the country in November 2019 following weeks of demonstrations over disputed elections, rightist conservative Anez took over as caretaker president. Her arrest came months after Morales returned to Bolivia from exile on the back of a fresh election victory in October 2020 for the leftist Movement for Socialism (MAS) party he founded. The presidency and congress are now back under the control of MAS. Anez claimed political persecution as the UN, European Union and United States called for due process to be respected. 'Arbitrary, illegal' Opposition leaders in Bolivia, too, decried the arrests, and civic and human rights groups called for protests in several cities and towns for Monday. Carlos Mesa, a centrist former Bolivian president, took to Twitter to describe Anez's detention as "arbitrary, illegal, and a violation of her human rights." It also demonstrates, he said, a willingness on the part of the MAS to "violate the laws and the rule of law to persecute and violently subdue Bolivians who believe in democracy and freedoms." (With AFP inputs)

Bolivia: Prosecutors want six-month pre-trial detention for ex-President Anez

At least 18 anti-coup protesters were killed on Sunday that proved to be one of the deadliest days since the protests began. More than 80 have been killed after Myanmar military's crackdown so far. But the number is expected to increase dramatically after Sunday's tally.

Myanmar military grabbed power in the country on February 1 by toppling government headed by Aung San Suu Kyi. In response, a group of elected MPs, many of whom are in hiding, have formed a shadow "parliament" called the Committee for Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) -- the Burmese word for the country's governing bloc -- to denounce the military regime.

They issued a statement Sunday saying protesters had the "full right to defend themselves" under the country's penal code against security forces who are "harming and causing violence".&nbsp;

Soldiers and police have in recent weeks been staging near-daily crackdowns against demonstrators calling for a return to democracy -- deploying tear gas, rubber bullets and live rounds to quell anti-coup protests.

In Yangon's massive Hlaing Tharyar township, police and soldiers faced off against protesters wielding sticks and knives as they hid behind makeshift barricades, fleeing after the security forces opened fire.&nbsp;

Protesters -- using cut-out trash cans as shields -- managed to retrieve the injured, but a doctor said not all could be reached.&nbsp;

"I can confirm 15 have died," the doctor told AFP, adding that she had treated about 50 people with injuries and expects the death toll to climb.&nbsp;

"I cannot talk much -- injured people keep coming," she said before hanging up.&nbsp;

The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners monitoring group -- which verifies arrests and fatalities since the coup -- confirmed a higher death toll.&nbsp;

Throughout the day, gunshots were heard continuously by residents hiding in their homes as smoke rose above the streets, while military trucks were sighted driving through Hlaing Tharyar's streets.

(With AFP inputs)

At least 18 anti-coup protesters were killed on Sunday that proved to be one of the deadliest days since the protests began. More than 80 have been killed after Myanmar military's crackdown so far.

At least 18 anti-coup protesters were killed on Sunday that proved to be one of the deadliest days since the protests began. More than 80 have been killed after Myanmar military's crackdown so far. But the number is expected to increase dramatically after Sunday's tally. Myanmar military grabbed power in the country on February 1 by toppling government headed by Aung San Suu Kyi. In response, a group of elected MPs, many of whom are in hiding, have formed a shadow "parliament" called the Committee for Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) -- the Burmese word for the country's governing bloc -- to denounce the military regime. They issued a statement Sunday saying protesters had the "full right to defend themselves" under the country's penal code against security forces who are "harming and causing violence". Soldiers and police have in recent weeks been staging near-daily crackdowns against demonstrators calling for a return to democracy -- deploying tear gas, rubber bullets and live rounds to quell anti-coup protests. In Yangon's massive Hlaing Tharyar township, police and soldiers faced off against protesters wielding sticks and knives as they hid behind makeshift barricades, fleeing after the security forces opened fire. Protesters -- using cut-out trash cans as shields -- managed to retrieve the injured, but a doctor said not all could be reached. "I can confirm 15 have died," the doctor told AFP, adding that she had treated about 50 people with injuries and expects the death toll to climb. "I cannot talk much -- injured people keep coming," she said before hanging up. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners monitoring group -- which verifies arrests and fatalities since the coup -- confirmed a higher death toll. Throughout the day, gunshots were heard continuously by residents hiding in their homes as smoke rose above the streets, while military trucks were sighted driving through Hlaing Tharyar's streets. (With AFP inputs)

Myanmar protest: Death toll on Sunday climbs to 18

AstraZeneca COVID vaccine: These countries have suspended its use so far

The 21st-century economy has been a two-decade series of punches in the gut. The century began in economic triumphalism in the United States, with a sense that business cycles had been vanquished and prosperity secured for a blindingly bright future.

17 Reasons to Let the Economic Optimism Begin

It is easy to overlook amid the hundreds of pages of the $1.9 trillion stimulus plan President Joe Biden signed into law Thursday, but a short section aims to combat America’s maternal mortality crisis by expanding health coverage for new mothers.

The United States has the highest rate of maternal deaths in the industrialized world. One-third of those deaths happen after delivery, when a significant share of American women experience a gap in coverage.

Under current law, all states provide Medicaid coverage to low-income women who are pregnant. More than 40% of babies born each year in the United States are to mothers enrolled in the public health program.

But coverage runs out 60 days after delivery, causing many women to become uninsured shortly after giving birth.

The American Rescue Plan will let states extend Medicaid coverage for a full year and provides federal funding to do so. As with the enhanced child tax credit, expanding postpartum Medicaid is another stimulus policy that bolsters the safety net supporting low-income parents in the United States

“Illinois has one of the highest maternal death rates for Black mothers, which is very concerning to me,” said Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., who has written legislation calling for this policy change. “These are also communities that have been especially hard-hit by the pandemic.”

Legislators have become increasingly concerned about the nation’s maternal mortality rate, which declined through most of the 20th century but has increased in the last few decades. Black mothers have a significantly higher mortality rate than white mothers, and women giving birth in the United States overall are twice as likely to die as those in Canada and five times as likely as those in Germany.

A recent study found that 20% of uninsured new mothers skipped care because of cost, and half worried about not being able to afford their medical bills.

“These aren’t people who are uninsured because they don’t think it’s valuable or don’t have health concerns,” said Stacey McMorrow, a principal research associate at the Urban Institute and author of the study. “They are people who have medical needs.”

Her research found that, between 2015 and 2018, 11.5% of new mothers lacked health insurance coverage. That rate is slightly higher than the general population’s. About half of those uninsured women were Hispanic, and two-thirds lived in the South. The uninsured rate for new mothers is especially high in states that do not participate in the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion, which provides public coverage to all citizens who earn less than 133% of the federal poverty line.

Recent studies have found that increased Medicaid access for the general population, which will cover some new mothers, is associated with lower maternal mortality and more use of medical care in the postpartum year.

Extending Medicaid coverage longer would also help women comply with new postpartum guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. In 2018, it began recommending that postpartum care be delivered as a series of visits from three to 12 weeks after delivery. Before that, the association recommended only one visit at six weeks after birth.

“This is an evidence-based, well-supported proposal,” said Katy Kozhimannil, a professor of health policy at the University of Minnesota. “It would be extremely helpful for women to have financial access to health insurance and health care after they deliver.”

She said the extension of postpartum Medicaid should be seen in the context of the larger set of benefits the stimulus will provide parents. There are the $1,400 checks for each family member, including children, that will go out to most Americans. The new child tax credit will also provide big financial boosts for many families with children.

Taken together, the changes in the stimulus should lessen the financial strain that comes with becoming a parent, both for medical bills and other expenses. Still, experts say major stressors and gaps in the safety net will remain. The United States does not guarantee paid leave for new parents. States will have to sign up to add this benefit to Medicaid and pay a share of the costs. Even in states that do make that decision, new mothers could still find themselves uninsured after the year of coverage ends.

“It’s an important steppingstone, but it kicks the can down the road a bit,” said McMorrow of the Urban Institute. “Twelve months later, this coverage will still run out.”

The blanket permission for all states to expand this coverage is also a reversal of a stance by the Trump administration. In recent years, five states requested waivers to lengthen Medicaid coverage for new mothers. Federal officials never responded.

States will no longer have to go through a lengthy waiver application to extend postpartum Medicaid coverage. Instead, they can notify the federal government they plan to provide the benefit and move forward without waiting for any additional approval.

States did continue to cover new mothers last year because of federal rules requiring them to keep all beneficiaries enrolled until the end of the public health emergency. The new stimulus policy will begin April 2022, and it requires states to opt in. The Congressional Budget Office estimates coverage will cost a total of $1,500 per person; states will have to pay a share of that. The policy is set to phase out in five years, but drafters like Duckworth hope to see it made permanent eventually.

“We know, in the long run, it costs us more if we don’t take care of this problem,” she said.

States across the political spectrum have already shown interest in extending postpartum coverage for new mothers. California and Texas have used state funds to provide this type of coverage. Mississippi and Maryland legislators recently introduced a bill that would create a similar program in their states.

“What we’ve seen is that red states, blue states and purple states are taking up the issue,” said Skye Perryman, chief legal officer for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

It is easy to overlook amid the hundreds of pages of the $1.9 trillion stimulus plan President Joe Biden signed into law Thursday, but a short section aims to combat America’s maternal mortality crisis by expanding health coverage for new mothers.

It is easy to overlook amid the hundreds of pages of the $1.9 trillion stimulus plan President Joe Biden signed into law Thursday, but a short section aims to combat America’s maternal mortality crisis by expanding health coverage for new mothers. The United States has the highest rate of maternal deaths in the industrialized world. One-third of those deaths happen after delivery, when a significant share of American women experience a gap in coverage. Under current law, all states provide Medicaid coverage to low-income women who are pregnant. More than 40% of babies born each year in the United States are to mothers enrolled in the public health program. But coverage runs out 60 days after delivery, causing many women to become uninsured shortly after giving birth. The American Rescue Plan will let states extend Medicaid coverage for a full year and provides federal funding to do so. As with the enhanced child tax credit, expanding postpartum Medicaid is another stimulus policy that bolsters the safety net supporting low-income parents in the United States “Illinois has one of the highest maternal death rates for Black mothers, which is very concerning to me,” said Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., who has written legislation calling for this policy change. “These are also communities that have been especially hard-hit by the pandemic.” Legislators have become increasingly concerned about the nation’s maternal mortality rate, which declined through most of the 20th century but has increased in the last few decades. Black mothers have a significantly higher mortality rate than white mothers, and women giving birth in the United States overall are twice as likely to die as those in Canada and five times as likely as those in Germany. A recent study found that 20% of uninsured new mothers skipped care because of cost, and half worried about not being able to afford their medical bills. “These aren’t people who are uninsured because they don’t think it’s valuable or don’t have health concerns,” said Stacey McMorrow, a principal research associate at the Urban Institute and author of the study. “They are people who have medical needs.” Her research found that, between 2015 and 2018, 11.5% of new mothers lacked health insurance coverage. That rate is slightly higher than the general population’s. About half of those uninsured women were Hispanic, and two-thirds lived in the South. The uninsured rate for new mothers is especially high in states that do not participate in the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion, which provides public coverage to all citizens who earn less than 133% of the federal poverty line. Recent studies have found that increased Medicaid access for the general population, which will cover some new mothers, is associated with lower maternal mortality and more use of medical care in the postpartum year. Extending Medicaid coverage longer would also help women comply with new postpartum guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. In 2018, it began recommending that postpartum care be delivered as a series of visits from three to 12 weeks after delivery. Before that, the association recommended only one visit at six weeks after birth. “This is an evidence-based, well-supported proposal,” said Katy Kozhimannil, a professor of health policy at the University of Minnesota. “It would be extremely helpful for women to have financial access to health insurance and health care after they deliver.” She said the extension of postpartum Medicaid should be seen in the context of the larger set of benefits the stimulus will provide parents. There are the $1,400 checks for each family member, including children, that will go out to most Americans. The new child tax credit will also provide big financial boosts for many families with children. Taken together, the changes in the stimulus should lessen the financial strain that comes with becoming a parent, both for medical bills and other expenses. Still, experts say major stressors and gaps in the safety net will remain. The United States does not guarantee paid leave for new parents. States will have to sign up to add this benefit to Medicaid and pay a share of the costs. Even in states that do make that decision, new mothers could still find themselves uninsured after the year of coverage ends. “It’s an important steppingstone, but it kicks the can down the road a bit,” said McMorrow of the Urban Institute. “Twelve months later, this coverage will still run out.” The blanket permission for all states to expand this coverage is also a reversal of a stance by the Trump administration. In recent years, five states requested waivers to lengthen Medicaid coverage for new mothers. Federal officials never responded. States will no longer have to go through a lengthy waiver application to extend postpartum Medicaid coverage. Instead, they can notify the federal government they plan to provide the benefit and move forward without waiting for any additional approval. States did continue to cover new mothers last year because of federal rules requiring them to keep all beneficiaries enrolled until the end of the public health emergency. The new stimulus policy will begin April 2022, and it requires states to opt in. The Congressional Budget Office estimates coverage will cost a total of $1,500 per person; states will have to pay a share of that. The policy is set to phase out in five years, but drafters like Duckworth hope to see it made permanent eventually. “We know, in the long run, it costs us more if we don’t take care of this problem,” she said. States across the political spectrum have already shown interest in extending postpartum coverage for new mothers. California and Texas have used state funds to provide this type of coverage. Mississippi and Maryland legislators recently introduced a bill that would create a similar program in their states. “What we’ve seen is that red states, blue states and purple states are taking up the issue,” said Skye Perryman, chief legal officer for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Small piece of the stimulus has ambitious aim of saving mothers’ lives

Calling Syrian war one of the worst humanitarian crises of current times, Pope Francis on Sunday said that 10th anniversary of the civil war should speed up peace efforts. Pope Francis offered prayers in his traditional Sunday blessing at St Peter's Square in Vatican City.

"I renew my heartfelt appeal so that all sides in the conflict show a sign of goodwill so that a sliver of hope can open up for the worn-out population," Francis told several hundred people in St. Peter's Square.

Syria had seen "every type of violence and enormous suffering by the population, particularly the most vulnerable, such as children, women and the elderly," said the pope, who last Monday returned from a trip to bordering Iraq.

In mid-March, 2011, peaceful pro-democracy protests snowballed into a bloody conflict that sucked in major world powers. The civil war has killed hundreds of thousands of people and displaced millions more.

In his Sunday message, the Pope called for "decisive" commitment from the international community to end fighting.

He then led the crowd in prayer for the "beloved and martyred Syria."

(With AFP inputs)

Calling Syrian war one of the worst humanitarian crises of current times, Pope Francis on Sunday said that 10th anniversary of the civil war should speed up peace efforts.

Calling Syrian war one of the worst humanitarian crises of current times, Pope Francis on Sunday said that 10th anniversary of the civil war should speed up peace efforts. Pope Francis offered prayers in his traditional Sunday blessing at St Peter's Square in Vatican City. "I renew my heartfelt appeal so that all sides in the conflict show a sign of goodwill so that a sliver of hope can open up for the worn-out population," Francis told several hundred people in St. Peter's Square. Syria had seen "every type of violence and enormous suffering by the population, particularly the most vulnerable, such as children, women and the elderly," said the pope, who last Monday returned from a trip to bordering Iraq. In mid-March, 2011, peaceful pro-democracy protests snowballed into a bloody conflict that sucked in major world powers. The civil war has killed hundreds of thousands of people and displaced millions more. In his Sunday message, the Pope called for "decisive" commitment from the international community to end fighting. He then led the crowd in prayer for the "beloved and martyred Syria." (With AFP inputs)

Pope says 10th anniversary of Syrian war must speed up peace efforts

Several Iranian coastguard personnel were wounded after protesters attacked the coastguard base, said local media. As per the reports, the clash erupted after a young man was killed in a confrontation between the coastguard and fuel smugglers.

The incident occurred Friday after smugglers in boats in the Sirik area of the Hormuz Strait ignored coastguard warning shots, ultra-conservative Kayhan newspaper quoted their provincial commander Hossein Dehaki as saying.

Dehaki was quoted as saying that the guards opened fire after they came under attack from the smugglers with fire bombs and other projectiles.

Iranian media said a 31-year-old Sirik resident was killed. 
Hours later, villagers gathered outside the base to demonstrate against the killing, according to state television's Iribnews website, citing a local official.

Dehaki said the protesters, spurred on by "opponents" of the Islamic republic, launched an assault on the coastguard building, seriously injuring several members of the force and causing heavy damage.

This violence has come less than three weeks after deadly clashes with fuel smugglers in Iran's Sistan-Baluchistan province that borders Pakistan.

The UN Human Rights Office said at least 12 people were reportedly killed, two of them minors, and accused Iranian security forces of using excessive force.

(With AFP inputs)

Several Iranian coastguard personnel were wounded after protesters attacked the coastguard base, said local media. As per the reports, the clash erupted after a young man was killed in a confrontation between the coastguard and fuel smugglers.

Several Iranian coastguard personnel were wounded after protesters attacked the coastguard base, said local media. As per the reports, the clash erupted after a young man was killed in a confrontation between the coastguard and fuel smugglers. The incident occurred Friday after smugglers in boats in the Sirik area of the Hormuz Strait ignored coastguard warning shots, ultra-conservative Kayhan newspaper quoted their provincial commander Hossein Dehaki as saying. Dehaki was quoted as saying that the guards opened fire after they came under attack from the smugglers with fire bombs and other projectiles. Iranian media said a 31-year-old Sirik resident was killed. Hours later, villagers gathered outside the base to demonstrate against the killing, according to state television's Iribnews website, citing a local official. Dehaki said the protesters, spurred on by "opponents" of the Islamic republic, launched an assault on the coastguard building, seriously injuring several members of the force and causing heavy damage. This violence has come less than three weeks after deadly clashes with fuel smugglers in Iran's Sistan-Baluchistan province that borders Pakistan. The UN Human Rights Office said at least 12 people were reportedly killed, two of them minors, and accused Iranian security forces of using excessive force. (With AFP inputs)

Protesters attack Iran coastguard base, several persons wounded

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Manas Joshi

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