Prime Minister Narendra <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/1971-war-anniversary-pm-modi-lights-swarnim-vijay-mashal-350131">Modi</a> on Thursday inaugurated via video conference the centenary celebrations of the historic Chauri Chaura incident, a landmark event in the country's fight for Independence.

PM Modi also released a postage stamp to mark the beginning of the centenary celebrations.

A group of freedom fighters participating in the non-cooperation movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1922 were fired upon by police, leading to death of many of them. In retaliation, protesters attacked and set fire to the Chauri Chaura police station, killing many of its occupants.

Gandhi had called off the movement due to the violence. The killing of the Chauri Chaura policemen had resulted in arrest of hundreds of protesters with 228 of them being put on trial, six of them dying during it and 172 ordered to be hanged to death with the remaining sentenced to long-term imprisonments after a hasty eight-month trial.

Reviewing the death sentences, the Allahabad High Court finally in April 1923 confirmed it for 19 convicts and sentenced 110 of them to life imprisonments in Port Blair and long jail terms to others. At Thursday's event, 99 people, descendants of those involved in the incident will be honoured. &nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated via video conference the centenary celebrations of the historic Chauri Chaura incident, a landmark event in the country's fight for Independence.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated via video conference the centenary celebrations of the historic Chauri Chaura incident, a landmark event in the country's fight for Independence. PM Modi also released a postage stamp to mark the beginning of the centenary celebrations. A group of freedom fighters participating in the non-cooperation movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1922 were fired upon by police, leading to death of many of them. In retaliation, protesters attacked and set fire to the Chauri Chaura police station, killing many of its occupants. Gandhi had called off the movement due to the violence. The killing of the Chauri Chaura policemen had resulted in arrest of hundreds of protesters with 228 of them being put on trial, six of them dying during it and 172 ordered to be hanged to death with the remaining sentenced to long-term imprisonments after a hasty eight-month trial. Reviewing the death sentences, the Allahabad High Court finally in April 1923 confirmed it for 19 convicts and sentenced 110 of them to life imprisonments in Port Blair and long jail terms to others. At Thursday's event, 99 people, descendants of those involved in the incident will be honoured.

PM Modi inaugurates Chauri Chaura centenary celebrations via video conference

After a surge in coronavirus cases in the country, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/saudi-arabia-to-get-three-million-astrazeneca-shots-in-about-a-week-from-india-359358">Saudi Arabia</a> temporarily suspended entry of foreigners from 20 countries.

The bar on entry comes into effect from Wednesday at 9pm local time (1800 GMT). The development comes as Saudi Arabia reported 270 new coronavirus infections on last Saturday. The country has recorded 367,800 COVID-19 cases and 6,370 fatalities so far.

Health Minister Tawfiq al-Rabiah while cautioning the country about the cases had said: "We have unfortunately in recent days registered a noticeable increase and continued rise in infections. One of the main reasons is gatherings and complacency with precautionary measures, adding,"lack of compliance will force us to take measures to protect society."

Saudi Arabia, as a result, has blocked the entry of people from Britain, France, Germany including neighbouring Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, &nbsp;Brazil, Pakistan, India, Japan, South Africa, Indonesia, Lebanon, Turkey among others.

Citizens from Switzerland, Italy and Portugal have also been disallowed from entering the country.

The surge in virus cases come even as the country began its vaccination drive on December 17 after receiving the first does the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. However, there was a delay in more vaccines forcing the government to slow the vaccination drive after it initially announced that people over 65 will receive the jabs first.

The government has said that diplomats and health workers can continue to travel into the Kindom from the countries currently on the list.

The Gulf states have witnessed a recent surge in cases even as vaccination has picked with &nbsp;UAE and Bahrain ranking second and fourth respectively globally on vaccine rollout per head of population.

UAE however had recorded a spike in COVID-19 cases with 303,609 infections.

After a surge in coronavirus cases in the country, Saudi Arabia temporarily suspended entry of foreigners from 20 countries. The bar on entry comes into effect from Wednesday at 9pm local time (1800 GMT).

After a surge in coronavirus cases in the country, Saudi Arabia temporarily suspended entry of foreigners from 20 countries. The bar on entry comes into effect from Wednesday at 9pm local time (1800 GMT). The development comes as Saudi Arabia reported 270 new coronavirus infections on last Saturday. The country has recorded 367,800 COVID-19 cases and 6,370 fatalities so far. Health Minister Tawfiq al-Rabiah while cautioning the country about the cases had said: "We have unfortunately in recent days registered a noticeable increase and continued rise in infections. One of the main reasons is gatherings and complacency with precautionary measures, adding,"lack of compliance will force us to take measures to protect society." Saudi Arabia, as a result, has blocked the entry of people from Britain, France, Germany including neighbouring Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Brazil, Pakistan, India, Japan, South Africa, Indonesia, Lebanon, Turkey among others. Citizens from Switzerland, Italy and Portugal have also been disallowed from entering the country. The surge in virus cases come even as the country began its vaccination drive on December 17 after receiving the first does the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. However, there was a delay in more vaccines forcing the government to slow the vaccination drive after it initially announced that people over 65 will receive the jabs first. The government has said that diplomats and health workers can continue to travel into the Kindom from the countries currently on the list. The Gulf states have witnessed a recent surge in cases even as vaccination has picked with UAE and Bahrain ranking second and fourth respectively globally on vaccine rollout per head of population. UAE however had recorded a spike in COVID-19 cases with 303,609 infections.

Saudi Arabia bars entry of citizens from 20 countries amid coronavirus surge

Amazon CEO <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amazon-ceo-jeff-bezos-to-step-down-360973">Jeff Bezos</a> announced that Andy Jassy would be taking over as CEO of the company after he steps down later this year.

Jassy, 52, heads the company's valuable on-demand cloud computing division Amazon Web Services(AWS).

The Harvard educated employee has been with the company ever since the inception of Amazon Web Services in 2006. He had joined as a marketing manager in 1997, just three years after the retail giant was founded by Bezos.&nbsp;

Jassy got his MBA from Harvard Business School. "He will be an outstanding leader, and he has my full confidence," Bezos said about Jassy as the Amazon chief decided to step down.

Jassy's promotion puts the Web Services division in focus which has been a profitable centre for the company for several years and is used by millions.

The current Amazon Web services chief live in Seattle where the retail giant has its headquarters.

As Bezos marked his exit as CEO with a booming net profit of $125.56 billion in the fourth quarter ending December 31 from $87.44 billion, AWS recorded $12.7 billion in sales in the fourth quarter.

In December last year, BlackBerry and Amazon had announced an alliance to create a cloud computing platform that cars could link to for services.

“AWS and &nbsp;BlackBerry &nbsp;are making it possible for any automaker to continuously reinvent the customer experience and transform vehicles from fixed pieces of technology into systems that can grow and adapt with a user’s needs and preferences," said AWS chief executive Andy Jassy had said as he sought to create new businesses for the retail megacorp.

Interestingly, Amazon Inc. shares went up&nbsp;one per cent on the Nasdaq after the announcement of Bezos departure as Jassy looks to take control.

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos announced that Andy Jassy would be taking over as CEO of the company after he steps down later this year. Jassy, 52, heads the company's valuable on-demand cloud computing division Amazon Web Services(AWS).

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos announced that Andy Jassy would be taking over as CEO of the company after he steps down later this year. Jassy, 52, heads the company's valuable on-demand cloud computing division Amazon Web Services(AWS). The Harvard educated employee has been with the company ever since the inception of Amazon Web Services in 2006. He had joined as a marketing manager in 1997, just three years after the retail giant was founded by Bezos. Jassy got his MBA from Harvard Business School. "He will be an outstanding leader, and he has my full confidence," Bezos said about Jassy as the Amazon chief decided to step down. Jassy's promotion puts the Web Services division in focus which has been a profitable centre for the company for several years and is used by millions. The current Amazon Web services chief live in Seattle where the retail giant has its headquarters. As Bezos marked his exit as CEO with a booming net profit of $125.56 billion in the fourth quarter ending December 31 from $87.44 billion, AWS recorded $12.7 billion in sales in the fourth quarter. In December last year, BlackBerry and Amazon had announced an alliance to create a cloud computing platform that cars could link to for services. “AWS and BlackBerry are making it possible for any automaker to continuously reinvent the customer experience and transform vehicles from fixed pieces of technology into systems that can grow and adapt with a user’s needs and preferences," said AWS chief executive Andy Jassy had said as he sought to create new businesses for the retail megacorp. Interestingly, Amazon Inc. shares went up one per cent on the Nasdaq after the announcement of Bezos departure as Jassy looks to take control.

Meet Andy Jassy, next Amazon CEO after Jeff Bezos

According to UK health experts, cases of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-health-organization-team-visits-china-virus-lab-in-wuhan-360964"> coronavirus</a> mutations are taking place at a faster pace even as the country makes rapid strides in vaccination.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/research-shows-pfizer-vaccine-works-against-mutations-356140/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The new mutation E484K named “Eeek” is being seen in the South African variant which the British government had announced in December. Reports say there are already eleven cases of the new mutation in the UK in Bristol and Liverpool.

Reports say a large number&nbsp;of cases have also been reported of the UK 'Kent' variant with the E484K mutation.

All viruses mutate including the SARS-CoV-2 which has been mutating at a rapid pace in order to maximise its survival chances. However, when it replicates, small errors in its genetic coding are seen.

New mutations have recently occurred in South Africa, Britain and Brazil. Evidence suggests that the coronavirus infects individuals for around ten days before the body neutralises it, however, according to some studies some patients have carried the virus longer maximising the chances of mutation.

The transferable strain from South Africa has led to a surge in cases in the UK. Britain currently is the worst-hit country due to the virus with over 3.8 million cases and 108,225 deaths&nbsp;so far.

Reports say there are more mutations which have yet to be discovered as the virus enters a new, more unpredictable phase. There is still no confirmation that the “Eeek” variant is more transferable as virologists continue to test the new strain.

University of Washington biologist Carl Bergstrom said on Twitter: "And because the total number of cases continues to grow exponentially, it is not hard to argue that more variants of concern arose this winter and remain undetected than arose in fall and now are on our radar."

According to UK health experts, cases of coronavirus mutations are taking place at a faster pace even as the country makes rapid strides in vaccination. Watch: The new mutation E484K named “Eeek” is being seen in the South African variant which the British government had announced in December.

According to UK health experts, cases of coronavirus mutations are taking place at a faster pace even as the country makes rapid strides in vaccination. Watch: The new mutation E484K named “Eeek” is being seen in the South African variant which the British government had announced in December. Reports say there are already eleven cases of the new mutation in the UK in Bristol and Liverpool. Reports say a large number of cases have also been reported of the UK 'Kent' variant with the E484K mutation. All viruses mutate including the SARS-CoV-2 which has been mutating at a rapid pace in order to maximise its survival chances. However, when it replicates, small errors in its genetic coding are seen. New mutations have recently occurred in South Africa, Britain and Brazil. Evidence suggests that the coronavirus infects individuals for around ten days before the body neutralises it, however, according to some studies some patients have carried the virus longer maximising the chances of mutation. The transferable strain from South Africa has led to a surge in cases in the UK. Britain currently is the worst-hit country due to the virus with over 3.8 million cases and 108,225 deaths so far. Reports say there are more mutations which have yet to be discovered as the virus enters a new, more unpredictable phase. There is still no confirmation that the “Eeek” variant is more transferable as virologists continue to test the new strain. University of Washington biologist Carl Bergstrom said on Twitter: "And because the total number of cases continues to grow exponentially, it is not hard to argue that more variants of concern arose this winter and remain undetected than arose in fall and now are on our radar."

'Eeek': New mutations in UK worry experts as virus surge continues

&nbsp;According to the US national counterintelligence and security centre, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-health-organization-team-visits-china-virus-lab-in-wuhan-360964">Chinese</a> companies have gained access to US healthcare data by partnering with hospitals, universities, and other research organizations in America.

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For a deep dive on the risks posed by China’s collection of genomic data and other healthcare information from America, see the fact sheet released today by <a href="https://twitter.com/NCSCgov?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NCSCgov</a>. 
 
Visit: <a href="https://t.co/OzWhPolsUB">https://t.co/OzWhPolsUB</a> <a href="https://t.co/hDqx34yyuz">pic.twitter.com/hDqx34yyuz</a>
— NCSC (@NCSCgov) <a href="https://twitter.com/NCSCgov/status/1356266543131340802?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The report said that the People's Republic of China(PRC)&nbsp;has for years been able to gain access to US healthcare data, including genomic data, through a variety of channels, both legal and illegal, while asserting that, "People's Republic of China’s acquisition of US healthcare data is helping to fuel China’s Artificial Intelligence and precision medicine industries."

The counterintelligence agency said that China’s access to US healthcare and genomic data poses serious privacy and national security risks to the US.

The US agency said China’s access to US health and genomic data poses long term economic challenges for the United States

"US healthcare data may be particularly attractive and valuable to China because of the ethnic diversity of the US population," the report said. The US agency said Chinese authorities have an advantage since the US has fewer safeguards on medical and healthcare data, including data for research purposes.

"Over the years, Chinese companies have taken advantage of this environment by investing in US firms that handle sensitive healthcare and other types of personal data, providing them entry to the US market and access to this data," the report claimed.

According to the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission, the COVID-19 labs have been providing Chinese researchers with access to healthcare data from around the globe since the PRC has aggressively marketed Chinese COVID-19 testing kits around the world, along with laboratories to support COVID-19 testing.

"By August 2020, China’s leading genomics company, BGI, said it had sold test kits to 180 countries and established labs in 18 countries in the past six months," the agency informed.

The report stated that the PRC views bulk personal data, including healthcare and genomic data, as a "strategic commodity" to be collected and used for its "economic and national security priorities."

The PRC is investing heavily in the “biotech revolution” and has enacted national policies prioritizing the collection of healthcare data both at home and abroad, it said.

According to the US national counterintelligence and security centre, Chinese companies have gained access to US healthcare data by partnering with hospitals, universities, and other research organizations in America.

According to the US national counterintelligence and security centre, Chinese companies have gained access to US healthcare data by partnering with hospitals, universities, and other research organizations in America. For a deep dive on the risks posed by China’s collection of genomic data and other healthcare information from America, see the fact sheet released today by @NCSCgov. Visit: https://t.co/OzWhPolsUB pic.twitter.com/hDqx34yyuz — NCSC (@NCSCgov) February 1, 2021 × The report said that the People's Republic of China(PRC) has for years been able to gain access to US healthcare data, including genomic data, through a variety of channels, both legal and illegal, while asserting that, "People's Republic of China’s acquisition of US healthcare data is helping to fuel China’s Artificial Intelligence and precision medicine industries." The counterintelligence agency said that China’s access to US healthcare and genomic data poses serious privacy and national security risks to the US. The US agency said China’s access to US health and genomic data poses long term economic challenges for the United States "US healthcare data may be particularly attractive and valuable to China because of the ethnic diversity of the US population," the report said. The US agency said Chinese authorities have an advantage since the US has fewer safeguards on medical and healthcare data, including data for research purposes. "Over the years, Chinese companies have taken advantage of this environment by investing in US firms that handle sensitive healthcare and other types of personal data, providing them entry to the US market and access to this data," the report claimed. According to the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission, the COVID-19 labs have been providing Chinese researchers with access to healthcare data from around the globe since the PRC has aggressively marketed Chinese COVID-19 testing kits around the world, along with laboratories to support COVID-19 testing. "By August 2020, China’s leading genomics company, BGI, said it had sold test kits to 180 countries and established labs in 18 countries in the past six months," the agency informed. The report stated that the PRC views bulk personal data, including healthcare and genomic data, as a "strategic commodity" to be collected and used for its "economic and national security priorities." The PRC is investing heavily in the “biotech revolution” and has enacted national policies prioritizing the collection of healthcare data both at home and abroad, it said.

China has access to US healthcare, including genomic data: US counterintelligence report

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos,57, announced that he would be stepping down from his role as chief executive officer(CEO) of the company later this year.

Watch:

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Bezos said he will be handing over&nbsp;the role of the CEO&nbsp;to Andy Jassy, head of Amazon Web Services.

In a letter to Amazon employees, Bezos said he would "stay engaged in important Amazon initiatives", adding, "I've never had more energy, and this isn't about retiring."

"I'm super passionate about the impact I think these organizations can have."

Bezos had started the world's most valuable online retail company in 1994 and is currently the world's richest man, his other businesses include the private space firm Blue Origin and the Washington Post.

Bezos said Jassy "will be an outstanding leader, and he has my full confidence." "Right now I see Amazon at its most inventive ever, making it an optimal time for this transition," the Amazon founder said.

The Seatle-based company's market value is currently pegged at a whopping $1.69 trillion with Bezos personal fortune worth an estimated $196 billion.

Amazon has been growing exponentially in the past year&nbsp;with the company beating&nbsp;estimates for holiday-quarter sales with net sales rising to $125.56 billion in the fourth quarter ending December 31 from $87.44 billion.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos,57, announced that he would be stepping down from his role as chief executive officer(CEO) of the company later this year. Watch: Bezos said he will be handing over the role of the CEO to Andy Jassy, head of Amazon Web Services.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos,57, announced that he would be stepping down from his role as chief executive officer(CEO) of the company later this year. Watch: Bezos said he will be handing over the role of the CEO to Andy Jassy, head of Amazon Web Services. In a letter to Amazon employees, Bezos said he would "stay engaged in important Amazon initiatives", adding, "I've never had more energy, and this isn't about retiring." "I'm super passionate about the impact I think these organizations can have." Bezos had started the world's most valuable online retail company in 1994 and is currently the world's richest man, his other businesses include the private space firm Blue Origin and the Washington Post. Bezos said Jassy "will be an outstanding leader, and he has my full confidence." "Right now I see Amazon at its most inventive ever, making it an optimal time for this transition," the Amazon founder said. The Seatle-based company's market value is currently pegged at a whopping $1.69 trillion with Bezos personal fortune worth an estimated $196 billion. Amazon has been growing exponentially in the past year with the company beating estimates for holiday-quarter sales with net sales rising to $125.56 billion in the fourth quarter ending December 31 from $87.44 billion.

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos to step down

Two FBI agents were killed in a shooting incident in Sunrise, Florida and three others were wounded while serving a search warrant on a suspect in a child pornography case.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FBI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FBI</a> Director Christopher Wray’s Statement Regarding Agent-Involved Shooting in Florida <a href="https://twitter.com/FBIMiamiFL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FBIMiamiFL</a> <a href="https://t.co/uNFg4JcYxb">https://t.co/uNFg4JcYxb</a> <a href="https://t.co/1zQ0exjDoo">pic.twitter.com/1zQ0exjDoo</a>
— FBI (@FBI) <a href="https://twitter.com/FBI/status/1356677203887546370?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The FBI said the two suspects were also dead.

Every day FBI special agents put themselves in harm's way to keep the American people safe," FBI director Christopher Wary said in a statement, adding,"special agent Schwartzenberger exemplified heroism today in defence of the country."

The two FBI officers wounded in the incident were taken to hospital with reports indicating that they&nbsp;are in a stable condition. The suspect reportedly shot himself at home after being under siege for several hours.

The FBI agents were reportedly trying to seize the suspect's computer and related evidence in the child pornography case.

President Joe Biden expressed condolences at the death of the two FBI agents, saying: “I can only imagine how these families are feeling today, one of the things when you’re in a combat zone of the military or you’re an FBI agent or a police officer, every family dreads the possibility of a call, receiving that phone call.”

“My heart aches for the families,” the US president added.

The two FBI agents Daniel Alfin and Laura Schwartzenberger were fatally shot as they lay siege to the suspect's house.

Two FBI agents were killed in a shooting incident in Sunrise, Florida and three others were wounded while serving a search warrant on a suspect in a child pornography case.

Two FBI agents were killed in a shooting incident in Sunrise, Florida and three others were wounded while serving a search warrant on a suspect in a child pornography case. #FBI Director Christopher Wray’s Statement Regarding Agent-Involved Shooting in Florida @FBIMiamiFL https://t.co/uNFg4JcYxb pic.twitter.com/1zQ0exjDoo — FBI (@FBI) February 2, 2021 × The FBI said the two suspects were also dead. Every day FBI special agents put themselves in harm's way to keep the American people safe," FBI director Christopher Wary said in a statement, adding,"special agent Schwartzenberger exemplified heroism today in defence of the country." The two FBI officers wounded in the incident were taken to hospital with reports indicating that they are in a stable condition. The suspect reportedly shot himself at home after being under siege for several hours. The FBI agents were reportedly trying to seize the suspect's computer and related evidence in the child pornography case. President Joe Biden expressed condolences at the death of the two FBI agents, saying: “I can only imagine how these families are feeling today, one of the things when you’re in a combat zone of the military or you’re an FBI agent or a police officer, every family dreads the possibility of a call, receiving that phone call.” “My heart aches for the families,” the US president added. The two FBI agents Daniel Alfin and Laura Schwartzenberger were fatally shot as they lay siege to the suspect's house.

Shooter kills two FBI officers in Florida; 3 wounded

Cloud, music, AI: How Jeff Bezos turned Amazon into the 'everything store'

About 1,500 of the initial volunteers in a late-stage clinical trial of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/powerful-snowstorm-disrupts-covid-19-vaccination-drive-in-new-york-360755">vaccine</a> were given the wrong dose, but weren't informed that a mistake had been made after the blunder was discovered, documents obtained by Reuters show.

The dosing mishap was presented to the trial participants in a letter dated June 8 as an opportunity for University of Oxford researchers to learn how well the vaccine works at different doses. The letter was signed by the trial's chief investigator, Oxford professor Andrew J. Pollard, and sent to the trial subjects.

As Reuters reported on December&nbsp;24, participants were given about a half dose due to a measuring mistake by Oxford researchers. The Pollard letter didn't acknowledge any error. Nor did it disclose that researchers had reported the issue to British medical regulators, who then told Oxford to add another test group to receive the full dose, in line with the trial's original plan.

There is no suggestion there was any risk to the health of trial participants.

Much is riding on the British-developed vaccine, which is being rolled out across the UK and has been touted as a low-cost weapon against the pandemic. The jab has come under scrutiny because of the dosing error in the Oxford trial and a paucity of data about its efficacy in older people who are most vulnerable to the virus.

Reuters shared the letter – which it obtained from the university through a Freedom of Information request – with three different experts in medical ethics. The ethicists all said it indicates the researchers may not have been transparent with trial participants. Volunteers in clinical trials are supposed to be kept fully informed about any changes.

"They are not clear at all about what they need to be clear about - what's going on, what they knew, the rationale for undertaking further research," said Arthur L. Caplan, founding head of the Division of Medical Ethics at New York University Grossman School of Medicine. "It is lost in a snowstorm of verbiage."

Steve Pritchard, a spokesman for Oxford, told Reuters: "The half-dose group was unplanned, but we did know in advance that there was a discrepancy in the dose measurements and discussed this with the regulators before dosing and when the dosing was revised."

Pritchard also said, "We have not stated that a dosing error occurred."

Pollard didn't respond to a request for comment.

The spokesman's suggestion that no error was made is contradicted by documents produced last year by Oxford and its vaccine partner, drugs giant AstraZeneca PLC. In December, Reuters reported that a "Global Statistical Analysis Plan" by Oxford/AstraZeneca, dated November&nbsp;17 and later published in the scientific journal The Lancet, called the dosing discrepancy "a potency miscalculation."

A spokesman for AstraZeneca declined to comment.

The Health Research Authority, a British government agency responsible for approving medical research and ensuring it is ethical, said in a statement that changes to the study design and the letter sent to participants were approved by one of its ethics committees.

The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine recently has received authorization for use in a growing number of countries, including the United Kingdom, the European Union and India. The UK became the first country to approve it, and began rolling out the vaccine on January 4.

But questions surrounding the clinical trials continue to plague the vaccine. Last week, Germany's vaccine committee recommended it should only be given to people aged under 65, while the EU, which authorized it on Friday for people aged 18 and over, lowered its reported efficacy rate from 70.4% to 60%.

In both cases, authorities cited a lack of sufficient data from the clinical trials. The EU also has sharply criticized AstraZeneca for cutting back its planned vaccine deliveries to the continent over the next few months. The company has said it is doing its best to boost supplies.

The mistaken half-dose – which prompted the letter in June to trial participants – continues to be a factor in the reported efficacy of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine.

Oxford had reported interim results in November that showed the efficacy rate for trial subjects who mistakenly received a half-dose and a subsequent full-dose booster shot was 90 per cent, and that the rate for those who received&nbsp;two full doses was 62 per cent.&nbsp;Combining data from the two dosing regimens resulted in an efficacy of 70.4 per cent.

In authorizing the vaccine, UK regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), accepted the pooled results, but didn't approve administering the half-dose/full-dose regimen. "There is not persuasive evidence of a real difference in" vaccine efficacy between the two different dosing regimens, it said.

The vaccine's late-stage clinical trial began on May 28. Within days, Oxford researchers realized trial participants had been given lower doses than planned after they displayed milder than expected side effects, such as fever and fatigue. They alerted British medical regulators.

On June 5, the researchers amended the trial protocol at the request of regulators to add a new group that would receive the correct full dose of the vaccine. Three days later, they alerted trial subjects to what they called "recent changes in the study" in a two-page letter attached to an updated 13-page "Participant Information Sheet."

The letter, signed by chief investigator Pollard, stated that researchers "are not sure what dose of vaccine is most likely to be protective against COVID disease" and explained that doses "are measured using standard scientific test methods." It said the late-stage trial participants received a dose measured using one method and that another group will receive a dose measured using a different test to match the dose given in another clinical trial of the vaccine.

It said the lower dose is "still in the normal range of doses that are used in clinical trials" and "if it can provide protection, it might be better for use in vaccine programmes."

Caplan said the explanation would be of "no interest whatsoever to the subject because it's too technical. To me, that qualifies as gobbledygook. What you want to know is, why are they doing this, we made an error, it involved dosing, we're not worried about it."

He and other ethicists interviewed by Reuters said researchers are obligated to be forthcoming with test subjects when things go wrong.

"As a letter purporting to explain a) an error and b) a change of protocol I find this entirely inadequate," said Simon Woods, a professor of bioethics at Newcastle University, in an email. "It reads like a routine update (and a complex one at that)."

Emma Cave, a professor of healthcare law at Durham University's law school, said: "Presenting the dosing variation as a planned change in the study is potentially a breach of trust if in fact the dosing resulted from an error. The letter makes clear the dosing change but not the reason for the change."

About 1,500 of the initial volunteers in a late-stage clinical trial of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine were given the wrong dose, but weren't informed that a mistake had been made after the blunder was discovered, documents obtained by Reuters show.

About 1,500 of the initial volunteers in a late-stage clinical trial of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine were given the wrong dose, but weren't informed that a mistake had been made after the blunder was discovered, documents obtained by Reuters show. The dosing mishap was presented to the trial participants in a letter dated June 8 as an opportunity for University of Oxford researchers to learn how well the vaccine works at different doses. The letter was signed by the trial's chief investigator, Oxford professor Andrew J. Pollard, and sent to the trial subjects. As Reuters reported on December 24, participants were given about a half dose due to a measuring mistake by Oxford researchers. The Pollard letter didn't acknowledge any error. Nor did it disclose that researchers had reported the issue to British medical regulators, who then told Oxford to add another test group to receive the full dose, in line with the trial's original plan. There is no suggestion there was any risk to the health of trial participants. Much is riding on the British-developed vaccine, which is being rolled out across the UK and has been touted as a low-cost weapon against the pandemic. The jab has come under scrutiny because of the dosing error in the Oxford trial and a paucity of data about its efficacy in older people who are most vulnerable to the virus. Reuters shared the letter – which it obtained from the university through a Freedom of Information request – with three different experts in medical ethics. The ethicists all said it indicates the researchers may not have been transparent with trial participants. Volunteers in clinical trials are supposed to be kept fully informed about any changes. "They are not clear at all about what they need to be clear about - what's going on, what they knew, the rationale for undertaking further research," said Arthur L. Caplan, founding head of the Division of Medical Ethics at New York University Grossman School of Medicine. "It is lost in a snowstorm of verbiage." Steve Pritchard, a spokesman for Oxford, told Reuters: "The half-dose group was unplanned, but we did know in advance that there was a discrepancy in the dose measurements and discussed this with the regulators before dosing and when the dosing was revised." Pritchard also said, "We have not stated that a dosing error occurred." Pollard didn't respond to a request for comment. The spokesman's suggestion that no error was made is contradicted by documents produced last year by Oxford and its vaccine partner, drugs giant AstraZeneca PLC. In December, Reuters reported that a "Global Statistical Analysis Plan" by Oxford/AstraZeneca, dated November 17 and later published in the scientific journal The Lancet, called the dosing discrepancy "a potency miscalculation." A spokesman for AstraZeneca declined to comment. The Health Research Authority, a British government agency responsible for approving medical research and ensuring it is ethical, said in a statement that changes to the study design and the letter sent to participants were approved by one of its ethics committees. The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine recently has received authorization for use in a growing number of countries, including the United Kingdom, the European Union and India. The UK became the first country to approve it, and began rolling out the vaccine on January 4. But questions surrounding the clinical trials continue to plague the vaccine. Last week, Germany's vaccine committee recommended it should only be given to people aged under 65, while the EU, which authorized it on Friday for people aged 18 and over, lowered its reported efficacy rate from 70.4% to 60%. In both cases, authorities cited a lack of sufficient data from the clinical trials. The EU also has sharply criticized AstraZeneca for cutting back its planned vaccine deliveries to the continent over the next few months. The company has said it is doing its best to boost supplies. The mistaken half-dose – which prompted the letter in June to trial participants – continues to be a factor in the reported efficacy of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. Oxford had reported interim results in November that showed the efficacy rate for trial subjects who mistakenly received a half-dose and a subsequent full-dose booster shot was 90 per cent, and that the rate for those who received two full doses was 62 per cent. Combining data from the two dosing regimens resulted in an efficacy of 70.4 per cent. In authorizing the vaccine, UK regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), accepted the pooled results, but didn't approve administering the half-dose/full-dose regimen. "There is not persuasive evidence of a real difference in" vaccine efficacy between the two different dosing regimens, it said. The vaccine's late-stage clinical trial began on May 28. Within days, Oxford researchers realized trial participants had been given lower doses than planned after they displayed milder than expected side effects, such as fever and fatigue. They alerted British medical regulators. On June 5, the researchers amended the trial protocol at the request of regulators to add a new group that would receive the correct full dose of the vaccine. Three days later, they alerted trial subjects to what they called "recent changes in the study" in a two-page letter attached to an updated 13-page "Participant Information Sheet." The letter, signed by chief investigator Pollard, stated that researchers "are not sure what dose of vaccine is most likely to be protective against COVID disease" and explained that doses "are measured using standard scientific test methods." It said the late-stage trial participants received a dose measured using one method and that another group will receive a dose measured using a different test to match the dose given in another clinical trial of the vaccine. It said the lower dose is "still in the normal range of doses that are used in clinical trials" and "if it can provide protection, it might be better for use in vaccine programmes." Caplan said the explanation would be of "no interest whatsoever to the subject because it's too technical. To me, that qualifies as gobbledygook. What you want to know is, why are they doing this, we made an error, it involved dosing, we're not worried about it." He and other ethicists interviewed by Reuters said researchers are obligated to be forthcoming with test subjects when things go wrong. "As a letter purporting to explain a) an error and b) a change of protocol I find this entirely inadequate," said Simon Woods, a professor of bioethics at Newcastle University, in an email. "It reads like a routine update (and a complex one at that)." Emma Cave, a professor of healthcare law at Durham University's law school, said: "Presenting the dosing variation as a planned change in the study is potentially a breach of trust if in fact the dosing resulted from an error. The letter makes clear the dosing change but not the reason for the change."

Volunteers in AstraZeneca trial given wrong dose, documents reveal

After acquitting Ahmed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deeply-concerned-over-pak-courts-order-to-release-omar-saeed-sheikh-in-daniel-pearl-case-352340">Omar Saeed Sheikh</a> who is accused of killing American journalist Daniel Pearl in 2002, the Pakistan Supreme Court said the London-based terrorist should be kept in an easy environment in jail.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/daniel-pearl-murder-case-pakistan-court-orders-release-of-omar-sheikh-359951/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Pakistan Supreme Court directed authorities to allow the family of Omar Sheikh to meet him from 8am to 5pm in the rest house. The court said all those under arrest should be kept in normal barracks over the next few days.

Omar Sheikh should be shifted to a government rest house, the Pakistan Supreme Court directed authorities. However, the court said in the rest house Omar Sheikh will not have access to the outside world.

"He should be kept at a place where its easier to ensure security," the court said while asserting that he will not be released but kept under watch.

Pakistan's top court also rejected Sindh governments plea seeking interim orders against Omar Sheikh's release as ordered by the Sindh High Court.

The case has been adjourned until indefinite time period.

After acquitting Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh who is accused of killing American journalist Daniel Pearl in 2002, the Pakistan Supreme Court said the London-based terrorist should be kept in an easy environment in jail.

After acquitting Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh who is accused of killing American journalist Daniel Pearl in 2002, the Pakistan Supreme Court said the London-based terrorist should be kept in an easy environment in jail. Watch: The Pakistan Supreme Court directed authorities to allow the family of Omar Sheikh to meet him from 8am to 5pm in the rest house. The court said all those under arrest should be kept in normal barracks over the next few days. Omar Sheikh should be shifted to a government rest house, the Pakistan Supreme Court directed authorities. However, the court said in the rest house Omar Sheikh will not have access to the outside world. "He should be kept at a place where its easier to ensure security," the court said while asserting that he will not be released but kept under watch. Pakistan's top court also rejected Sindh governments plea seeking interim orders against Omar Sheikh's release as ordered by the Sindh High Court. The case has been adjourned until indefinite time period.

Daniel Pearl murder: Pak Supreme Court rejects plea to halt Omar Sheikh's release; shifted to ordinary cell

Democratic representative <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexandria-ocasio-cortez-defends-tax-the-rich-sweatshirts-worth-58-347784">Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez </a>who had said the "close to half of the House nearly died" after the Capitol riots in December, revealed that she is the "survivor of sexual assault.”

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AOC recounting her horrifying experience hiding in her office during the insurrection. 
 
“I thought I was going to die...I have never been quieter in my entire life.” <a href="https://t.co/t2P6FU3mFU">pic.twitter.com/t2P6FU3mFU</a>
— Justice Democrats (@justicedems) <a href="https://twitter.com/justicedems/status/1356439260002410497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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In an Instagram Live chat, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/alexandria-ocasio-cortez-feels-harry-styles-vogue-cover-has-james-dean-vibes-344838">Cortez</a> said: “The reason I’m getting emotional in this moment is because the folks who tell us to move on, that it’s not a big deal, that we should forget what’s happened, or even telling us to apologize, these are the same tactics of abusers," adding," “I’m a survivor of sexual assault.”

Five people had died in the Capitol riots with a police officer also killed as a boisterous pro-Trump crowd pressed its way towards the Capitol building wearing military assault-style uniforms as they attacked the outnumbered police.

“And I haven’t told many people that in my life,” Cortez said, adding,"But when we go through trauma, trauma compounds on each other. And so whether you had a neglectful parent or whether you had someone who was verbally abusive to you, whether you are a survivor of abuse, whether you experienced any sort of trauma in your life … These episodes can compound on one another.”

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez had secured a second term in US Congress winning against Republican John Cummings. Cortez said she feared for her life during the Capitol riots.

“I immediately realized I shouldn’t have gone into the bathroom. I should have gone in the closet, then I hear whoever was trying to get inside got into my office. I realize it’s too late," she said

“I start to look through the door hinge to see if I can see anything. I see this white man in a black beanie and yell again, I have never been quieter in my entire life," she said.

Democratic representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez who had said the "close to half of the House nearly died" after the Capitol riots in December, revealed that she is the "survivor of sexual assault.

Democratic representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez who had said the "close to half of the House nearly died" after the Capitol riots in December, revealed that she is the "survivor of sexual assault.” AOC recounting her horrifying experience hiding in her office during the insurrection. “I thought I was going to die...I have never been quieter in my entire life.” pic.twitter.com/t2P6FU3mFU — Justice Democrats (@justicedems) February 2, 2021 × In an Instagram Live chat, Cortez said: “The reason I’m getting emotional in this moment is because the folks who tell us to move on, that it’s not a big deal, that we should forget what’s happened, or even telling us to apologize, these are the same tactics of abusers," adding," “I’m a survivor of sexual assault.” Five people had died in the Capitol riots with a police officer also killed as a boisterous pro-Trump crowd pressed its way towards the Capitol building wearing military assault-style uniforms as they attacked the outnumbered police. “And I haven’t told many people that in my life,” Cortez said, adding,"But when we go through trauma, trauma compounds on each other. And so whether you had a neglectful parent or whether you had someone who was verbally abusive to you, whether you are a survivor of abuse, whether you experienced any sort of trauma in your life … These episodes can compound on one another.” Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez had secured a second term in US Congress winning against Republican John Cummings. Cortez said she feared for her life during the Capitol riots. “I immediately realized I shouldn’t have gone into the bathroom. I should have gone in the closet, then I hear whoever was trying to get inside got into my office. I realize it’s too late," she said “I start to look through the door hinge to see if I can see anything. I see this white man in a black beanie and yell again, I have never been quieter in my entire life," she said.

I’m a survivor of sexual assault, says Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez after Capitol riots

A day after finance minister Nirmala <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/union-budget-2021-key-highlights-and-takeaways-from-nirmala-sitharamans-budget-360606">Sitharaman</a> presented the Union Budget 2021, the BSE Sensex rose over 1,300 in early trade today and then dipped to settle over 1,000 points to settle at 49,635.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-what-budget-2021-does-not-mention-360730/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The strong showing at the stock exchange was dominated by finance and infra stocks with HDFC Bank rising 6.6 per cent.

The NSE Nifty was higher by 222.65 points at 14,503.85 in early trade.

Infrastructure firm Larsen &amp; Toubro climbed 6 per cent as the post-Budget euphoria continued in the Indian stock market. On Tuesday, the Sensex closed 2,314.84 points up to close at 48,600.61 after reaching an intra-day high of 48,764.40.

The Nifty was also boosted by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/union-budget-2021-22-personal-tax-untouched-healthcare-infrastructure-in-focus-360610">Budget </a>surging 646.60 points to finish at 14,281.20.

In the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/union-budget-2021-how-will-it-affect-petrol-and-diesel-prices-360695">post-Budget</a> meeting, India's finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman had said that the government had chosen to spend big on infrastructure spanning across roads, power generation, bridges and ports.

The finance minister had said disinvestment will continue with Life Insurance Corporation(LIC) to launch an IPO this year.

A day after finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2021, the BSE Sensex rose over 1,300 in early trade today and then dipped to settle over 1,000 points to settle at 49,635.

A day after finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2021, the BSE Sensex rose over 1,300 in early trade today and then dipped to settle over 1,000 points to settle at 49,635. Watch: The strong showing at the stock exchange was dominated by finance and infra stocks with HDFC Bank rising 6.6 per cent. The NSE Nifty was higher by 222.65 points at 14,503.85 in early trade. Infrastructure firm Larsen & Toubro climbed 6 per cent as the post-Budget euphoria continued in the Indian stock market. On Tuesday, the Sensex closed 2,314.84 points up to close at 48,600.61 after reaching an intra-day high of 48,764.40. The Nifty was also boosted by the Budget surging 646.60 points to finish at 14,281.20. In the post-Budget meeting, India's finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman had said that the government had chosen to spend big on infrastructure spanning across roads, power generation, bridges and ports. The finance minister had said disinvestment will continue with Life Insurance Corporation(LIC) to launch an IPO this year.

Day after Budget, Sensex surges 1,300 points; Nifty tops 14,500

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