Three Maharashtra government agencies launched a probe into Serum Institute of India fire on Friday. The fire at the world's largest vaccine manufacturer killed five workers. SII is manufacturing coronavirus vaccine developed by Oxford University and Astrazeneca. The probe into SII fire will be carried out by top officials in the probe agencies.

The fire at SII on Thursday damaged top two floor of the building that is located in SEZ 3 area.

Devendra Potphode, Chief Fire Officer, PMRDA, said officials from the planning and development authority, PMC, and MIDC have come together to ascertain the cause of the fire in the building.

Meanwhile, police have registered an accidental death and burning incident case with the Hadapsar police station, said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 5) Namrata Patil.

"As we are seeing today, the entire floor (4th and 5th) has been damaged. We are trying to ascertain the cause of the fire as well as how the fire spread," said Potphode.

Several types of equipment were damaged in the blaze, he said.

The PMRDA officer refuses to comment on the cause of the fire.

Santosh Warrick, Chief Fire Officer, MIDC, also said it is difficult to comment on the cause right now.

"We have started the probe. Our scope of investigation is to check how the fire broke out," said Prashant Ranpise, PMC's fire department head.

A team of forensic experts reached the spot and conducting their probe, said another official.

The Manjari facility is where Covishield, the SII vaccine against COVID-19, which is being used in the nationwide inoculation drive against the infection, is made.

The building where fire broke out is one km from the Covishield vaccine manufacturing unit.

(With agency inputs)

Three Maharashtra government agencies launched a probe into Serum Institute of India fire on Friday. The fire at the world's largest vaccine manufacturer killed five workers.

Three Maharashtra government agencies launched a probe into Serum Institute of India fire on Friday. The fire at the world's largest vaccine manufacturer killed five workers. SII is manufacturing coronavirus vaccine developed by Oxford University and Astrazeneca. The probe into SII fire will be carried out by top officials in the probe agencies. The fire at SII on Thursday damaged top two floor of the building that is located in SEZ 3 area. Devendra Potphode, Chief Fire Officer, PMRDA, said officials from the planning and development authority, PMC, and MIDC have come together to ascertain the cause of the fire in the building. Meanwhile, police have registered an accidental death and burning incident case with the Hadapsar police station, said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 5) Namrata Patil. "As we are seeing today, the entire floor (4th and 5th) has been damaged. We are trying to ascertain the cause of the fire as well as how the fire spread," said Potphode. Several types of equipment were damaged in the blaze, he said. The PMRDA officer refuses to comment on the cause of the fire. Santosh Warrick, Chief Fire Officer, MIDC, also said it is difficult to comment on the cause right now. "We have started the probe. Our scope of investigation is to check how the fire broke out," said Prashant Ranpise, PMC's fire department head. A team of forensic experts reached the spot and conducting their probe, said another official. The Manjari facility is where Covishield, the SII vaccine against COVID-19, which is being used in the nationwide inoculation drive against the infection, is made. The building where fire broke out is one km from the Covishield vaccine manufacturing unit. (With agency inputs)

Serum Institute fire: Three Maharashtra government agencies launch probe

The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Wednesday sought to assure everyone by saying that everyone who wants a COVID vaccine will get one. It advised against panic. WHO's Assistant Director-General Mariangela Simao said that the agency was busy ensuring that everyone around the globe had an access to coronavirus vaccine.

"No one needs to panic, because you're going to get a vaccine," said Simao, the assistant DG for access to medicines, vaccines and pharmaceuticals.

"We've been working very hard to ensure that all countries, all populations, do have the opportunity to access these vaccines," she told a WHO social media live event.

Simao said that around 50 countries have started vaccination campaigns, with more than 40 of them being high-income states.

WHO-led Covax facility had struck agreements with five vaccine manufacturers for two billion vaccine doses. Covax is a globally pooled vaccine procurement and distribution effort. It aims to secure vaccines for 20 per cent of the population around the world.

"We are expecting to have the first doses reaching countries end of February," Simao said.

Nasal vaccine?

According to the WHO's overview of candidate vaccines, 64 have been tested on humans, 22 of which have reached final-stage mass testing.

A further 173 candidate vaccines are being developed in laboratories with a view to eventual human trials.

WHO chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan welcomed the "really incredible" range, saying it was important to have a variety of vaccines with different properties.

So far, the WHO has only approved emergency use validation for the two-dose Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which requires ultra-cold storage.

"That's a problem in many countries," said Swaminathan.

She said there were vaccines in development that only require a single injection; a nasally-inhaled vaccine; and versions which will be much more affordable than those already in use.

&nbsp;"There may be many vaccines that have advantages over the first generation," Swaminathan said.

"What we want to see is prevention of disease. Prevention of infection is another question. But that is secondary," she added.

(With AFP inputs)

The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Wednesday sought to assure everyone by saying that everyone who wants a COVID vaccine will get one. It advised against panic.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Wednesday sought to assure everyone by saying that everyone who wants a COVID vaccine will get one. It advised against panic. WHO's Assistant Director-General Mariangela Simao said that the agency was busy ensuring that everyone around the globe had an access to coronavirus vaccine. "No one needs to panic, because you're going to get a vaccine," said Simao, the assistant DG for access to medicines, vaccines and pharmaceuticals. "We've been working very hard to ensure that all countries, all populations, do have the opportunity to access these vaccines," she told a WHO social media live event. Simao said that around 50 countries have started vaccination campaigns, with more than 40 of them being high-income states. WHO-led Covax facility had struck agreements with five vaccine manufacturers for two billion vaccine doses. Covax is a globally pooled vaccine procurement and distribution effort. It aims to secure vaccines for 20 per cent of the population around the world. "We are expecting to have the first doses reaching countries end of February," Simao said. Nasal vaccine? According to the WHO's overview of candidate vaccines, 64 have been tested on humans, 22 of which have reached final-stage mass testing. A further 173 candidate vaccines are being developed in laboratories with a view to eventual human trials. WHO chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan welcomed the "really incredible" range, saying it was important to have a variety of vaccines with different properties. So far, the WHO has only approved emergency use validation for the two-dose Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which requires ultra-cold storage. "That's a problem in many countries," said Swaminathan. She said there were vaccines in development that only require a single injection; a nasally-inhaled vaccine; and versions which will be much more affordable than those already in use. "There may be many vaccines that have advantages over the first generation," Swaminathan said. "What we want to see is prevention of disease. Prevention of infection is another question. But that is secondary," she added. (With AFP inputs)

WHO: Do not panic, you will get COVID vaccine

Iran President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday welcomed what he called was end to 'tyrant' Donald Trump's rule. Rouhani said that the ball was "in America's court" in order to return to landmark nuclear deal. On Wednesday, Joe Biden took oath to become 46th President of the United States of America. Biden has showed a willingness to engage with Iran again. Donald Trump had taken America out of the landmark nuclear deal struck with Iran by USA and other global powers.&nbsp;

Rouhani labelled Trump "someone for whom all of his four years bore no fruit other than injustice and corruption and causing problems for his own people and the world". Former US President Donald Trump had adopted the strategy of "maximum pressure" against Iran. 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
The sanctions targeted Iran's vital oil sales and international banking ties, plunging its economy into a deep recession.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-joe-biden-oath-today-kamala-harris-news-us-inauguration-day-2021-live-updates-joe-biden-oath-ceremony-today-donald-trump-leave-white-house-vice-president-elect-kamala-harris-us-president-joe-biden-swearing-in-ceremony-oath-day-357872">Click here for LIVE updates</a>

Biden was vice-president under Barack Obama when nuclear deal with Iran was struck. The deal imposed clear limits on Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for relief from international sanctions. Since 2019, Tehran has suspended its compliance with most of the limits set by the agreement in response to Washington's abandonment of the deal under Obama.

Rouhani said Trump's political career had "died ... but the JCPOA is alive," referring to the agreement's official name, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.&nbsp;

"He did all he could to destroy the JCPOA but could not.

"We expect (the Biden administration) to return to law and to commitments, and try in the next four years, if they can, to remove the stains of the past four years," he added.

Biden's pick for secretary of state, Anthony Blinken, said at a Senate confirmation hearing Tuesday that Trump's policies had made Iran "more dangerous".

Blinken confirmed Biden's desire for Washington to return to the nuclear agreement, but said that was conditional on Tehran's return to strict compliance with its commitments.

(With AFP inputs)

Iran President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday welcomed what he called was end to 'tyrant' Donald Trump's rule. Rouhani said that the ball was "in America's court" in order to return to landmark nuclear deal.

Iran President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday welcomed what he called was end to 'tyrant' Donald Trump's rule. Rouhani said that the ball was "in America's court" in order to return to landmark nuclear deal. On Wednesday, Joe Biden took oath to become 46th President of the United States of America. Biden has showed a willingness to engage with Iran again. Donald Trump had taken America out of the landmark nuclear deal struck with Iran by USA and other global powers. Rouhani labelled Trump "someone for whom all of his four years bore no fruit other than injustice and corruption and causing problems for his own people and the world". Former US President Donald Trump had adopted the strategy of "maximum pressure" against Iran. The sanctions targeted Iran's vital oil sales and international banking ties, plunging its economy into a deep recession. Click here for LIVE updates Biden was vice-president under Barack Obama when nuclear deal with Iran was struck. The deal imposed clear limits on Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for relief from international sanctions. Since 2019, Tehran has suspended its compliance with most of the limits set by the agreement in response to Washington's abandonment of the deal under Obama. Rouhani said Trump's political career had "died ... but the JCPOA is alive," referring to the agreement's official name, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. "He did all he could to destroy the JCPOA but could not. "We expect (the Biden administration) to return to law and to commitments, and try in the next four years, if they can, to remove the stains of the past four years," he added. Biden's pick for secretary of state, Anthony Blinken, said at a Senate confirmation hearing Tuesday that Trump's policies had made Iran "more dangerous". Blinken confirmed Biden's desire for Washington to return to the nuclear agreement, but said that was conditional on Tehran's return to strict compliance with its commitments. (With AFP inputs)

Iran hails end of 'tyrant' Trump's regime

After a rocket attack from Palestinian enclave towards Israel on Tuesday night, Israeli tanks battered Hamas positions in Gaza.

"Late in the evening a rocket was launched from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory," Israeli Army said. It was quoted by AFP.

"In response Israeli tanks struck Hamas positions" in the south of the Gaza strip, it said. &nbsp;

An earlier statement from Israeli military indicated that the rockets had fallen on open ground. There was no immediate report of casualties.

Early Monday, militants in the Gaza Strip fired two rockets towards the Israeli coastal city of Ashdod with Israeli military sources indicating they had dropped into the Mediterranean Sea.

Israel responded a few hours later with fighter planes striking Hamas facilities in southern Gaza.

Palestinians in Gaza and the Israeli-occupied West Bank are heading for legislative and presidential elections in May and July, the first in 15 years.

The polls are part of a warming of ties between Hamas and Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas's West Bank-based Fatah party.

The dates were announced on Friday in a presidential decree by Abbas.

In late December, Hamas and Islamic Jihad staged joint military exercises in the coastal territory, during which they fired rockets out to sea, in the first exercise of its kind.

The Palestinian forces also simulated various combat scenarios with Israeli troops, an AFP reporter said.

The events marked the anniversary of the first Hamas war with Israel in 2008, a year after the Islamists took power in Gaza. Since then they have fought two more wars, in 2012 and 2014.

(With AFP inputs)

After a rocket attack from Palestinian enclave towards Israel on Tuesday night, Israeli tanks battered Hamas positions in Gaza. "Late in the evening a rocket was launched from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory," Israeli Army said.

After a rocket attack from Palestinian enclave towards Israel on Tuesday night, Israeli tanks battered Hamas positions in Gaza. "Late in the evening a rocket was launched from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory," Israeli Army said. It was quoted by AFP. "In response Israeli tanks struck Hamas positions" in the south of the Gaza strip, it said. An earlier statement from Israeli military indicated that the rockets had fallen on open ground. There was no immediate report of casualties. Early Monday, militants in the Gaza Strip fired two rockets towards the Israeli coastal city of Ashdod with Israeli military sources indicating they had dropped into the Mediterranean Sea. Israel responded a few hours later with fighter planes striking Hamas facilities in southern Gaza. Palestinians in Gaza and the Israeli-occupied West Bank are heading for legislative and presidential elections in May and July, the first in 15 years. The polls are part of a warming of ties between Hamas and Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas's West Bank-based Fatah party. The dates were announced on Friday in a presidential decree by Abbas. In late December, Hamas and Islamic Jihad staged joint military exercises in the coastal territory, during which they fired rockets out to sea, in the first exercise of its kind. The Palestinian forces also simulated various combat scenarios with Israeli troops, an AFP reporter said. The events marked the anniversary of the first Hamas war with Israel in 2008, a year after the Islamists took power in Gaza. Since then they have fought two more wars, in 2012 and 2014. (With AFP inputs)

Israeli tanks strike Hamas after rocket attack: Military

Bitcoin slumped 10% on Thursday to the lowest point in last 10 day. The cryptocurrency has retreated further from record highs as traders increasingly cite fears of tighter US regulation. The world's most popular cryptocurrency Bitcoin was last down 7.5% at $32,779 after falling as low as $31,977. It has lost nearly a quarter since touching a record $42,000 on Jan. 8.

The fall has come amid growing concerns that bitcoin was one of financial market price bubbles. In addition to this, there have been fears that US President Joe Biden's administration could try to regulate cryptocurrency.

During a Senate hearing on Tuesday Janet Yellen, Biden's pick to head the U.S. Treasury, expressed concerns that cryptocurrencies could be used to finance illegal activities.

"I think many are used, at least in a transactions sense, mainly for illicit financing, and I think we really need to examine ways in which we can curtail their use and make sure that money laundering does not occur through these channels," said the former chair of the U.S. Federal Reserve.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sensex-crosses-historic-50000-mark-358239">Sensex crosses historic 50,000-mark</a>

Joseph Edwards of cryptocurrency broker Enigma Securities said these comments had a substantial impact.

"The action over the last 36 hours or so has largely been rippling outwards from the Janet Yellen comments on crypto," he said, adding that it was still unclear exactly what, if any, moves the Biden administration would take.

"We do think it's probably still just a lapse in momentum rather than a sea change, though," he said.

(With Reuters inputs)

Bitcoin slumped 10% on Thursday to the lowest point in last 10 day. The cryptocurrency has retreated further from record highs as traders increasingly cite fears of tighter US regulation.

Bitcoin slumped 10% on Thursday to the lowest point in last 10 day. The cryptocurrency has retreated further from record highs as traders increasingly cite fears of tighter US regulation. The world's most popular cryptocurrency Bitcoin was last down 7.5% at $32,779 after falling as low as $31,977. It has lost nearly a quarter since touching a record $42,000 on Jan. 8. The fall has come amid growing concerns that bitcoin was one of financial market price bubbles. In addition to this, there have been fears that US President Joe Biden's administration could try to regulate cryptocurrency. During a Senate hearing on Tuesday Janet Yellen, Biden's pick to head the U.S. Treasury, expressed concerns that cryptocurrencies could be used to finance illegal activities. "I think many are used, at least in a transactions sense, mainly for illicit financing, and I think we really need to examine ways in which we can curtail their use and make sure that money laundering does not occur through these channels," said the former chair of the U.S. Federal Reserve. Also Read | Sensex crosses historic 50,000-mark Joseph Edwards of cryptocurrency broker Enigma Securities said these comments had a substantial impact. "The action over the last 36 hours or so has largely been rippling outwards from the Janet Yellen comments on crypto," he said, adding that it was still unclear exactly what, if any, moves the Biden administration would take. "We do think it's probably still just a lapse in momentum rather than a sea change, though," he said. (With Reuters inputs)

Bitcoin falls 10 per cent to a 10-day low

People protesting against US President Joe Biden's inauguration vandalised a Democratic Party office and other buildings in Oregon on Thursday. The vandalism and violence was seen in Seattle as well. Protesters dressed in black with their faces covered broke windows and a glass door of a Democratic Party of Oregon office in Portland. Video posted on social media showed that the protesters even spray-painted an anarchist symbol over Democratic Party sign.

"We don't want Biden. We want revenge for police murders, imperialist wars, and fascist massacres," read a banner they marched under.

Joe Biden was sworn in on Wednesday. In his inaugural speech, Biden urged unity and restoration.

Portland has been the scene of unrest for months, with civil rights, anarchist and anti-fascist protesters scuffling with police and occasionally with right-wing militias and Trump supporters.

The protests began in last summer after George Floyd's death, the Black man who died in Minneapolis in May after police pinned his neck to the ground for nearly nine minutes.

Eight people were arrested in Portland on suspicion of offences including rioting and reckless burning, while two people were arrested in Seattle, one for assault and another for property damage, police said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-visibly-relieved-china-warms-up-to-joe-biden-congratulates-him-358356">A visibly relieved China warms up to Joe Biden, congratulates him</a>

In their statement, the police said that about 150 protesters scuffled with police on bicycles before heading to Democratic Party office.

In Seattle, police said multiple sites had been vandalized and posted pictures of the damage, including what appeared to be of an Amazon Go store.

(With Reuters inputs)

People protesting against US President Joe Biden's inauguration vandalised a Democratic Party office and other buildings in Oregon on Thursday. The vandalism and violence was seen in Seattle as well.

People protesting against US President Joe Biden's inauguration vandalised a Democratic Party office and other buildings in Oregon on Thursday. The vandalism and violence was seen in Seattle as well. Protesters dressed in black with their faces covered broke windows and a glass door of a Democratic Party of Oregon office in Portland. Video posted on social media showed that the protesters even spray-painted an anarchist symbol over Democratic Party sign. "We don't want Biden. We want revenge for police murders, imperialist wars, and fascist massacres," read a banner they marched under. Joe Biden was sworn in on Wednesday. In his inaugural speech, Biden urged unity and restoration. Portland has been the scene of unrest for months, with civil rights, anarchist and anti-fascist protesters scuffling with police and occasionally with right-wing militias and Trump supporters. The protests began in last summer after George Floyd's death, the Black man who died in Minneapolis in May after police pinned his neck to the ground for nearly nine minutes. Eight people were arrested in Portland on suspicion of offences including rioting and reckless burning, while two people were arrested in Seattle, one for assault and another for property damage, police said. Also Read | A visibly relieved China warms up to Joe Biden, congratulates him In their statement, the police said that about 150 protesters scuffled with police on bicycles before heading to Democratic Party office. In Seattle, police said multiple sites had been vandalized and posted pictures of the damage, including what appeared to be of an Amazon Go store. (With Reuters inputs)

Portland: Protesters opposing Biden's inauguration vandalise Democratic Party office

Bird flu outbreak in southwest France "seems under control for now" said top government officials in the region on Thursday. The bird flu outbreak had required culling of hundreds of thousands of ducks in the region.&nbsp;

"If the situation stays the same, we should be able to fully control this outbreak -- though that doesn't mean that we won't have several more weeks of work in front of us," Fabienne Buccio, prefect for the Nouvelle-Aquitaine department, told a briefing in Bordeaux.

As of January 14, more than one million birds, mainly ducks had been culled to stop spread of devastating strain of bird flu.

Officials ordered the massive culls as well as strict travel restrictions and buffer zones around infected sites in the area, a bastion of France's lucrative foie gras industry.

Buccio said the "drastic" measures had proved "appropriate and effective", though she warned that a new surge could not be excluded.

The H5N8 bird flu was first detected on Corsica island &nbsp;in November&nbsp;

Overall 348 infected flocks have been detected -- in the Landes department alone, outbreaks have been discovered at 272 sites out of around 850 in total.

The government has promised compensation for poultry farmers who have already been hit by massive bird flu outbreaks in the winters of 2015-16 and 2016-17.

Besides France and Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, Britain and Ireland have also reported bird flu outbreaks since the winter began.

Bird flu outbreak in southwest France "seems under control for now" said top government officials in the region on Thursday. The bird flu outbreak had required culling of hundreds of thousands of ducks in the region.

Bird flu outbreak in southwest France "seems under control for now" said top government officials in the region on Thursday. The bird flu outbreak had required culling of hundreds of thousands of ducks in the region. "If the situation stays the same, we should be able to fully control this outbreak -- though that doesn't mean that we won't have several more weeks of work in front of us," Fabienne Buccio, prefect for the Nouvelle-Aquitaine department, told a briefing in Bordeaux. As of January 14, more than one million birds, mainly ducks had been culled to stop spread of devastating strain of bird flu. Officials ordered the massive culls as well as strict travel restrictions and buffer zones around infected sites in the area, a bastion of France's lucrative foie gras industry. Buccio said the "drastic" measures had proved "appropriate and effective", though she warned that a new surge could not be excluded. The H5N8 bird flu was first detected on Corsica island in November Overall 348 infected flocks have been detected -- in the Landes department alone, outbreaks have been discovered at 272 sites out of around 850 in total. The government has promised compensation for poultry farmers who have already been hit by massive bird flu outbreaks in the winters of 2015-16 and 2016-17. Besides France and Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, Britain and Ireland have also reported bird flu outbreaks since the winter began.

Bird flu outbreak in southwest France 'under control', say authorities

A major&nbsp;earthquake was detected at sea near the Philippines on Thursday evening. United States Geological Survey (USGS) pegged the intensity of the earthquake at 7. There are no reports of damage or casualties as of now.

Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said that there was no threat of a Tsunami.

The quake hit about 310 kilometres (193 miles) southeast of Davao city on the main southern island of Mindanao at a depth of 95 kilometres (59 miles) at 8:23 pm local time (1223 GMT), according to USGS.

Residents in the town of Jose Abad Santos, near the southern tip of the island, lost electricity for about 15 minutes after the quake shook the region but there was no damage, police chief Captain Glabynarry Murillo told AFP.

"From our vantage point at the police station we saw many residents rushing outside," said Murillo.

"We also rushed outside because the police station is a three-storey building."

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology warned of aftershocks but said damage was not expected.

"It was felt extensively because it's a major earthquake but it's deep so it won't be damaging to the infrastructure because it's considerably far (from the island)," Renato Solidum, director of the institute, told DZBB radio station.

The quake was felt on the northern Indonesian island of Sangihe, but similarly there were no injuries or damage reported.

"Here in Sangihe capital, Tahuna people were panicking for a while and they fled home because the quake was quite long and strong," Rivolius Pudihang, head of the disaster mitigation agency in Sangihe, North Sulawesi, told AFP.

(With AFP inputs)

A major earthquake was detected at sea near the Philippines on Thursday evening. United States Geological Survey (USGS) pegged the intensity of the earthquake at 7.

A major earthquake was detected at sea near the Philippines on Thursday evening. United States Geological Survey (USGS) pegged the intensity of the earthquake at 7. There are no reports of damage or casualties as of now. Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said that there was no threat of a Tsunami. The quake hit about 310 kilometres (193 miles) southeast of Davao city on the main southern island of Mindanao at a depth of 95 kilometres (59 miles) at 8:23 pm local time (1223 GMT), according to USGS. Residents in the town of Jose Abad Santos, near the southern tip of the island, lost electricity for about 15 minutes after the quake shook the region but there was no damage, police chief Captain Glabynarry Murillo told AFP. "From our vantage point at the police station we saw many residents rushing outside," said Murillo. "We also rushed outside because the police station is a three-storey building." The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology warned of aftershocks but said damage was not expected. "It was felt extensively because it's a major earthquake but it's deep so it won't be damaging to the infrastructure because it's considerably far (from the island)," Renato Solidum, director of the institute, told DZBB radio station. The quake was felt on the northern Indonesian island of Sangihe, but similarly there were no injuries or damage reported. "Here in Sangihe capital, Tahuna people were panicking for a while and they fled home because the quake was quite long and strong," Rivolius Pudihang, head of the disaster mitigation agency in Sangihe, North Sulawesi, told AFP. (With AFP inputs)

Philippines: Magnitude 7 earthquake detected at sea

World has had enough of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the new strain and fresh waves of infection across the globe have caused concern. Now it appears that more we study the coronavirus in order to understand it, scarier details are emerging. A study has revealed that coronavirus may cause neurological damage, this means that coronavirus can affect your brain. Outwardly, this can show symptoms such as stuttering among other things.

The early study carried out by researchers from universities and institutes across the UK found that about third of 153 COVID-19 patients had developed neurological symptoms of some kind.

A report in Scientific American said the symptoms of COVID-19 persisted even when coronavirus was eliminated from the patient's body. The neurological symptoms ranged from fatigue to brain fog to loss of smell, stuttering.&nbsp;

&nbsp;“There’s a really wide spectrum of [neurological] manifestations of COVID,” says Thomas Pollak, a neuropsychiatrist at King’s College London and a co-author of the U.K. study. “Some are totally devastating, like stroke or encephalitis, and some are much more subtle.”

Thomas Pollak was quoted by Scientific American.

Speech is an important and quite remarkable feat for human body and mind because about 100 muscles need to co-ordinate on a millisecond scale in order to talk. Researchers have been quoted to say that it was possible that coronavirus inflammation affected the neural circuitry required to perform this co-ordination.

World has had enough of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the new strain and fresh waves of infection across the globe have caused concern. Now it appears that more we study the coronavirus in order to understand it, scarier details are emerging.

World has had enough of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the new strain and fresh waves of infection across the globe have caused concern. Now it appears that more we study the coronavirus in order to understand it, scarier details are emerging. A study has revealed that coronavirus may cause neurological damage, this means that coronavirus can affect your brain. Outwardly, this can show symptoms such as stuttering among other things. The early study carried out by researchers from universities and institutes across the UK found that about third of 153 COVID-19 patients had developed neurological symptoms of some kind. A report in Scientific American said the symptoms of COVID-19 persisted even when coronavirus was eliminated from the patient's body. The neurological symptoms ranged from fatigue to brain fog to loss of smell, stuttering. “There’s a really wide spectrum of [neurological] manifestations of COVID,” says Thomas Pollak, a neuropsychiatrist at King’s College London and a co-author of the U.K. study. “Some are totally devastating, like stroke or encephalitis, and some are much more subtle.” Thomas Pollak was quoted by Scientific American. Speech is an important and quite remarkable feat for human body and mind because about 100 muscles need to co-ordinate on a millisecond scale in order to talk. Researchers have been quoted to say that it was possible that coronavirus inflammation affected the neural circuitry required to perform this co-ordination.

COVID-19  can cause neurological damage, stuttering: Study

Print media in Arab states of the Gulf gave a cautious welcome to US President Joe Biden who was sworn in as 46th President of the USA on Wednesday. The caution appeared to be due to USA's yet uncertain stance towards Iran. Biden aides have indicated that the administration would be keen to re-enter 2015 nuclear deal with Iran. However, they have also cautioned Iran in recent past to not become complacent.

"Goodbye Trump, hello Biden," Saudi columnist Abdulrahman Al-Rashed wrote in the pan-Arab daily Asharq Al-Awsat.

Like other Gulf commentators, he pointed to concerns over whether the new US administration's policies will mirror those of Barack Obama, for whom Biden served as vice president.

Biden is expected to re-adopt a less confrontational stance towards the Islamic republic, unlike Trump's policy of "maximum pressure" and high tensions.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lady-gaga-nails-us-national-anthem-at-biden-inauguration-358301/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

The nuclear deal with Iran was struck by USA under Barack Obama along with other world powers. The development was considered to be a landmark achievement and much political capital was spent in securing the deal.

However, Trump unilaterally took the USA out of the deal and applied "maximum pressure" on Iran. Under Trump, America also assassinated Iran's once-untouchable military commander Qasem Soleimani. Trump also cultivated close relations with Gulf monarchies

Saudi Arabia's pro-government Okaz asked whether the Biden administration would stand by Washington's Arab allies or "renew with their enemies".

In Bahrain, the paper Akhbar Al-Khaleej said Trump deserved "thanks and appreciation".

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/widely-praised-joe-bidens-speech-written-by-indian-american-358312">Widely praised Joe Biden's speech written by Indian American</a>

His "policies and positions against Iran have established a new reality in American dealings with Iran, and it will be difficult for the Biden administration to completely bypass them," its columnist Al-Sayed Zahra wrote.

Just across the Gulf from Iran, Bahrain is a longstanding Western ally and home to the US Fifth Fleet.

Print media in Arab states of the Gulf gave a cautious welcome to US President Joe Biden who was sworn in as 46th President of the USA on Wednesday. The caution appeared to be due to USA's yet uncertain stance towards Iran.

Print media in Arab states of the Gulf gave a cautious welcome to US President Joe Biden who was sworn in as 46th President of the USA on Wednesday. The caution appeared to be due to USA's yet uncertain stance towards Iran. Biden aides have indicated that the administration would be keen to re-enter 2015 nuclear deal with Iran. However, they have also cautioned Iran in recent past to not become complacent. "Goodbye Trump, hello Biden," Saudi columnist Abdulrahman Al-Rashed wrote in the pan-Arab daily Asharq Al-Awsat. Like other Gulf commentators, he pointed to concerns over whether the new US administration's policies will mirror those of Barack Obama, for whom Biden served as vice president. Biden is expected to re-adopt a less confrontational stance towards the Islamic republic, unlike Trump's policy of "maximum pressure" and high tensions. × The nuclear deal with Iran was struck by USA under Barack Obama along with other world powers. The development was considered to be a landmark achievement and much political capital was spent in securing the deal. However, Trump unilaterally took the USA out of the deal and applied "maximum pressure" on Iran. Under Trump, America also assassinated Iran's once-untouchable military commander Qasem Soleimani. Trump also cultivated close relations with Gulf monarchies Saudi Arabia's pro-government Okaz asked whether the Biden administration would stand by Washington's Arab allies or "renew with their enemies". In Bahrain, the paper Akhbar Al-Khaleej said Trump deserved "thanks and appreciation". Also Read | Widely praised Joe Biden's speech written by Indian American His "policies and positions against Iran have established a new reality in American dealings with Iran, and it will be difficult for the Biden administration to completely bypass them," its columnist Al-Sayed Zahra wrote. Just across the Gulf from Iran, Bahrain is a longstanding Western ally and home to the US Fifth Fleet.

Cautious welcome for Biden in Gulf amid yet uncertain Iran policy

US President Joe Biden in his first speech as head of the state appealed all Americans to come together and unite and 'end uncivil war'. Biden's tone and words were a continuation of the steadfast message he has been sending across ever since results of US Presidential Elections were out in December 2020. During his speech, he assured that he will work as hard for those who DID NOT support him as for those who supported him during the election campaign. Former US President Donald Trump was not present for Biden's inauguration ceremony. Former Vice-President Mike Pence was in attendance.

Stressing repeatedly that he will be a president for "all Americans", President Biden admitted that there was "much to repair and much to restore".&nbsp;

On January 6, the US Capitol building was put under siege by supporters of Donald Trump after he encouraged them. Biden said that the violence "sought to shake capital's very foundation". He said that it was an attempt to stop the process in which "will"of Americans people was being heard. US Congress was in a process to certify Joe Biden's victory when the attack took place.

"Here we stand, just days after a riotous mob thought they could use violence to silence the will of the people, to stop the work on our democracy, to drive us from this sacred ground," Biden said. "It did not happen; it will never happen. Not today, not tomorrow, not ever."

Biden thanked his predecessors "from both parties". Former US Presidents Barack Obama,&nbsp;the Bushes and Bill Clinton were present for the inauguration ceremony. He called his predecessors "patriots" who had taken oath to defend US Constitution. &nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-joe-biden-kamala-harris-take-oath-as-the-president-vice-president-358169/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

"This is America's day, This is democracy's day [...] we celebrate a triumph of a cause of democracy," said Biden early in his speech.

"Hear me out," said Biden as he addressed the Americans who did not vote for him. He urged them to hear his words and said it was fine if they disagreed with him because that's how democracy functioned.

Racial justice, healthcare

In his inaugural speech, Biden said that he will deliver racial justice. He vowed to defeat political extremism and domestic terror. More significantly Biden mentioned white supremacy as a menace to confront

The United States faces "a rise of political extremism, white supremacy, domestic terrorism, that we must confront, and we will defeat," he said.

"This is our historic moment of crisis and challenge and unity is the path forward. And we must meet this moment as the United States of America." he added

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-biden-inaugural-speech-full-text-358185">Check full text of Joe Biden's inaugural speech</a>

Biden urged Americans to "reject" culture of manipulating facts.

Joe Biden mentioned 'healthcare for all' as one of the goals of his administration.

'We will repair our alliances'

During Donald Trump's tenure, he took the US on an isolationist path and squabbled with America's traditional allies. He even unilaterally made the US exit many treaties with allies.

Joe Biden assured the world that under his watch, USA will repair the alliances.

On Coronavirus

Biden said that US was entering the 'deadliest' phase of COVID-19 pandemic. He led a silent prayer for all those who had lost their lives due to coronavirus.

"We need all our strength to... persevere through this dark winter. We're entering what may be the toughest and deadliest period of the virus," he said, calling on Americans to "finally face this pandemic as one nation."

US President Joe Biden in his first speech as head of the state appealed all Americans to come together and unite and 'end uncivil war'. Biden's tone and words were a continuation of the steadfast message he has been sending across ever since results of US Presidential Elections were out in December 2020.

US President Joe Biden in his first speech as head of the state appealed all Americans to come together and unite and 'end uncivil war'. Biden's tone and words were a continuation of the steadfast message he has been sending across ever since results of US Presidential Elections were out in December 2020. During his speech, he assured that he will work as hard for those who DID NOT support him as for those who supported him during the election campaign. Former US President Donald Trump was not present for Biden's inauguration ceremony. Former Vice-President Mike Pence was in attendance. Stressing repeatedly that he will be a president for "all Americans", President Biden admitted that there was "much to repair and much to restore". On January 6, the US Capitol building was put under siege by supporters of Donald Trump after he encouraged them. Biden said that the violence "sought to shake capital's very foundation". He said that it was an attempt to stop the process in which "will"of Americans people was being heard. US Congress was in a process to certify Joe Biden's victory when the attack took place. "Here we stand, just days after a riotous mob thought they could use violence to silence the will of the people, to stop the work on our democracy, to drive us from this sacred ground," Biden said. "It did not happen; it will never happen. Not today, not tomorrow, not ever." Biden thanked his predecessors "from both parties". Former US Presidents Barack Obama, the Bushes and Bill Clinton were present for the inauguration ceremony. He called his predecessors "patriots" who had taken oath to defend US Constitution. × "This is America's day, This is democracy's day [...] we celebrate a triumph of a cause of democracy," said Biden early in his speech. "Hear me out," said Biden as he addressed the Americans who did not vote for him. He urged them to hear his words and said it was fine if they disagreed with him because that's how democracy functioned. Racial justice, healthcare In his inaugural speech, Biden said that he will deliver racial justice. He vowed to defeat political extremism and domestic terror. More significantly Biden mentioned white supremacy as a menace to confront The United States faces "a rise of political extremism, white supremacy, domestic terrorism, that we must confront, and we will defeat," he said. "This is our historic moment of crisis and challenge and unity is the path forward. And we must meet this moment as the United States of America." he added Check full text of Joe Biden's inaugural speech Biden urged Americans to "reject" culture of manipulating facts. Joe Biden mentioned 'healthcare for all' as one of the goals of his administration. 'We will repair our alliances' During Donald Trump's tenure, he took the US on an isolationist path and squabbled with America's traditional allies. He even unilaterally made the US exit many treaties with allies. Joe Biden assured the world that under his watch, USA will repair the alliances. On Coronavirus Biden said that US was entering the 'deadliest' phase of COVID-19 pandemic. He led a silent prayer for all those who had lost their lives due to coronavirus. "We need all our strength to... persevere through this dark winter. We're entering what may be the toughest and deadliest period of the virus," he said, calling on Americans to "finally face this pandemic as one nation."

US President Joe Biden appeals Americans to 'end uncivil war' in his inaugural speech

TC Energy, the Canadian company behind Keystone XL pipeline hs suspended work in anticipation of a block from US President Joe Biden. The company has stopped construction of an oil conduit. Joe Biden was expected to block the keystone pipeline &nbsp;on the very first day of his presidency.

The company said it was "disappointed" with the expected US action, claiming it would mean thousands of lost jobs.

"The decision would overturn an unprecedented, comprehensive regulatory process that lasted more than a decade and repeatedly concluded the pipeline would transport much-needed energy in an environmentally responsible way while enhancing North American energy security," it added.

Canadian regulators approved the project in 2010 but it was then blocked by US president Barack Obama in 2015 due to environmental concerns -- a decision that his successor Donald Trump reversed in 2017.

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau has said that he will press Biden in coming days to reconsider decision to scrap Keystone pipeline.

The 1,210-mile (1,947-kilometer) pipeline, starting in 2023, was to transport up to 830,000 barrels of oil per day from the Alberta oil sands, which Biden has lambasted as producing a "very, very high pollutant," to Nebraska, and then through an existing system to refineries in coastal Texas.

(With AFP inputs)

TC Energy, the Canadian company behind Keystone XL pipeline hs suspended work in anticipation of a block from US President Joe Biden. The company has stopped construction of an oil conduit.

TC Energy, the Canadian company behind Keystone XL pipeline hs suspended work in anticipation of a block from US President Joe Biden. The company has stopped construction of an oil conduit. Joe Biden was expected to block the keystone pipeline on the very first day of his presidency. The company said it was "disappointed" with the expected US action, claiming it would mean thousands of lost jobs. "The decision would overturn an unprecedented, comprehensive regulatory process that lasted more than a decade and repeatedly concluded the pipeline would transport much-needed energy in an environmentally responsible way while enhancing North American energy security," it added. Canadian regulators approved the project in 2010 but it was then blocked by US president Barack Obama in 2015 due to environmental concerns -- a decision that his successor Donald Trump reversed in 2017. Canadian PM Justin Trudeau has said that he will press Biden in coming days to reconsider decision to scrap Keystone pipeline. The 1,210-mile (1,947-kilometer) pipeline, starting in 2023, was to transport up to 830,000 barrels of oil per day from the Alberta oil sands, which Biden has lambasted as producing a "very, very high pollutant," to Nebraska, and then through an existing system to refineries in coastal Texas. (With AFP inputs)

Canadian company stops work on Keystone XL pipeline anticipating block from Biden

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Manas Joshi

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.