Mysterious liver disease impact kids worldwide: Here are leading theories. Is there any link to Covid?

<p>White House on Tuesday (April 26) announced that US Vice President Kamala Harris has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19).&nbsp;</p>

<p>It has been revealed that she is not considered a close contact with US President Joe Biden "due to their respective recent travel schedules."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Harris' press secretary Kirsten Allen in a statement noted that the Vice President tested positive for Covid on both rapid and PCR tests.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-begins-unprecedented-covid-19-testing-of-nearly-all-21-million-beijing-residents-474036">China begins unprecedented COVID-19 testing of nearly all 21 million Beijing residents</a></strong></p>

<p>"Today, Vice President Harris tested positive for COVID-19 on rapid and PCR tests. She has exhibited no symptoms, will isolate and continue to work from the Vice President’s residence," Allen said in a statement as quoted by US media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"She has not been a close contact to the President or First Lady due to their respective recent travel schedules. She will follow CDC guidelines and the advice of her physicians. The Vice President will return to the White House when she tests negative," the statement added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taking-low-dose-aspirin-on-regular-basis-does-not-prevent-heart-attack-report-474094">Taking low-dose aspirin on regular basis does not prevent heart attack: Report</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;If you are unvaccinated for COVID, you are a threat to those who're jabbed</strong></p>

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<p>Significantly, Harris took two rounds of the Moderna vaccine and later took her second booster shot early this month. The 57-year-old is not currently experiencing symptoms.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In mid-March, Kamala Harris' husband Doug Emhoff had contracted coronavirus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In April, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has tested positive for the virus.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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White House on Tuesday (April 26) announced that US Vice President Kamala Harris has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). It has been revealed that she is not considered a close contact with US President Joe Biden "due to their respective recent travel schedules.

White House on Tuesday (April 26) announced that US Vice President Kamala Harris has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). It has been revealed that she is not considered a close contact with US President Joe Biden "due to their respective recent travel schedules." Harris' press secretary Kirsten Allen in a statement noted that the Vice President tested positive for Covid on both rapid and PCR tests. ALSO READ | China begins unprecedented COVID-19 testing of nearly all 21 million Beijing residents "Today, Vice President Harris tested positive for COVID-19 on rapid and PCR tests. She has exhibited no symptoms, will isolate and continue to work from the Vice President’s residence," Allen said in a statement as quoted by US media. "She has not been a close contact to the President or First Lady due to their respective recent travel schedules. She will follow CDC guidelines and the advice of her physicians. The Vice President will return to the White House when she tests negative," the statement added. ALSO READ | Taking low-dose aspirin on regular basis does not prevent heart attack: Report WATCH | If you are unvaccinated for COVID, you are a threat to those who're jabbed × Significantly, Harris took two rounds of the Moderna vaccine and later took her second booster shot early this month. The 57-year-old is not currently experiencing symptoms. In mid-March, Kamala Harris' husband Doug Emhoff had contracted coronavirus. In April, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has tested positive for the virus. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US Vice President Kamala Harris tests positive for COVID-19

<p>Oil and gasoline prices are climbing. Energy company profits are surging. President Joe Biden, who came into office promising to reduce the use of fossil fuels, has effectively joined the “drill, baby drill” chorus. Europe would love to end its dependence on Russia.</p>

<p>Is this the moment the U.S. oil business has been waiting for? Not exactly.</p>

<p>Production of oil by U.S. energy companies is essentially flat and unlikely to increase substantially for at least another year or two. If Europe were to stop buying Russian oil and natural gas as some of its leaders have promised, it won’t be able to replace that energy with fuels from the United States anytime soon.</p>

<p>U.S. oil production is up less than 2%, to 11.8 million barrels a day, since December and remains well below the record 13.1 million barrels a day set in March 2020 just before the pandemic paralyzed the global economy. Government forecasters predict that American oil production will average just 12 million barrels a day in 2022 and increase by roughly 1 million barrels a day in 2023. That would be well short of the nearly 4 million barrels of oil that Europe imports from Russia every day.</p>

<p>“You had this bombastic, chest-pounding industry touting itself as the reincarnation of the American innovative spirit,” said Jim Krane, an energy expert at Rice University. “And now that they could be leaping into action to pitch in to bring much needed oil to the world, they are being uncharacteristically cautious.”</p>

<p>The biggest reason oil production isn’t increasing is that U.S. energy companies and Wall Street investors are not sure that oil prices will stay high long enough for them to make a profit from drilling lots of new wells. Many remember how abruptly and sharply oil prices crashed two years ago, forcing companies to lay off thousands of employees, shut down wells and even seek bankruptcy protection.</p>

<p>Executives at 141 oil companies surveyed by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas in mid-March offered several reasons for why they weren’t pumping more oil. They said they were short of workers and sand, which is used to fracture shale fields to coax oil out of rock. But the most salient reason — the one offered by 60% of respondents — was that investors in oil companies don’t want companies to produce a lot more oil, fearing that it will hasten the end of high oil prices.</p>

<p>The Dallas Fed survey found that U.S. companies need oil prices to average just $56 a barrel to break even, a little more than half the current price. But some are worried that the price could fall to as little as $50 by the end of the year.</p>

<p>“There is a tremendous amount of muscle memory from COVID and the dramatic drop in prices,” said Ben Shepperd, president of the Permian Basin Petroleum Association in Midland, Texas. “If we were convinced oil prices would hold at levels of $75 a barrel or more for another three years, you would see a higher level of capital deployment.”</p>

<p>U.S. oil companies are not alone. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and other members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries have also refused to pump a lot more oil since Russia’s war began in late February.</p>

<p>This deep-seated reluctance stands in contrast to how the oil industry has typically behaved when prices have surged.</p>

<p>Over the past two decades, oil companies almost always responded to higher prices by investing and pumping more. A drilling frenzy accompanied the rise in prices in the early 2000s, and again in the recovery that followed the 2008 financial crisis. U.S. oil production has doubled since 2006, and the country has become a major exporter of oil, natural gas and petroleum products like gasoline and diesel.</p>

<p>But every price boom was followed by a huge crash — three in just the past 14 years. Scores of companies have filed bankruptcy cases. Only two years ago, oil prices plummeted by more than $50 a barrel in a single day to less than zero as the pandemic took hold and producers had no place to store oil that nobody needed to buy.</p>

<p>Exxon Mobil’s stock fell so much that the keepers of the Dow Jones Industrial Average kicked it off the index. The company had been in the average in one form or another since 1928, and its departure became a symbol of Wall Street’s growing distaste for fossil fuel stocks as more investors demand that companies reduce the emissions causing climate change.</p>

<p>Oil executives and investors cite a number of scenarios under which prices could again fall quickly. For example, Russia could lose the war and have to retreat. COVID outbreaks and lockdowns in China could hobble that country’s economy, driving down global growth and demand for energy. A new nuclear deal with Iran could open a spigot of oil exports.</p>

<p>Pioneer Natural Resources, a major Texas producer that last year acquired two other oil companies, is no longer aiming to increase production by 20% as it had in years past. It now aims to grow by just 5%. The company’s chief executive, Scott Sheffield, said he aimed to return 80% of its free cash flow — the cash left over after it pays its operating expenses and capital expenditures — to shareholders.</p>

<p>“The model has totally changed,” he said.</p>

<p>Oil executives also argue that they are spending a lot of money on new oil and gas production but that inflation is undercutting their efforts. Exploration and production spending will rise by more than 20% this year but about two-thirds of that increase will go toward paying higher prices for labor, materials and services, among other costs, according to RBN Energy, a research firm based in Houston.</p>

<p>“It is a bit of a sticker shock because we’re seeing inflation across the entire sector,” Jeff Miller, the CEO of Halliburton, which drills wells and performs other services for oil companies, told analysts on a recent conference call.</p>

<p>Smaller private companies, financed by private equity, are responsible for much of the new activity. According to the Dallas Fed survey, the median growth rate for companies that produce fewer than 10,000 barrels a day was projected at 15% this year, compared with only 6% for firms that produce more than 10,000 barrels a day.</p>

<p>Larger oil companies complain that even if they wanted to invest more, it would be hard to because Wall Street isn’t keen on financing new fossil fuel projects. Some investors who are concerned about climate change are instead choosing to put their money into renewable energy, electric cars and other businesses.</p>

<p>It is not that investors have become environmentalists. Many have run the numbers and concluded that the recent jump in fossil fuel prices will be short-lived and that they are better off investing in companies and industries that they believe have a brighter future.</p>

<p>“If you are an investor, has your view of the next five to 10 years actually changed? I think the answer is no,” said Amy Myers Jaffe, managing director at the Climate Policy Lab at Tufts University’s Fletcher School. “History tells us that oil shocks accelerate a shift to alternative energy, not the opposite.”</p>

<p>Many oil executives also complain that the future of their industry is clouded by political and regulatory uncertainty. They acknowledge that Biden has been calling on them to produce more but fear that his administration will go back to emphasizing the need for less oil and gas when prices fall.</p>

<p>“During Earth Day, the president said we have got to get off oil, and at the same time he’s begging us for 2 million additional barrels to send to Europe,” said Kirk Edwards, CEO of Latigo Petroleum, a West Texas producer. “You cannot have it both ways.”</p>

<p>The tension between the strategic advantages of domestic oil and gas production and the environmental costs of fossil fuel use are not likely to go away soon. Environmentalists are worried that awarding more permits for oil drilling on public lands and building new terminals to export natural gas to Europe will increase the world’s dependence on fossil fuels. But administration officials have countered that their emphasis on increasing oil and gas production will not deter longer-term efforts to make a transition to cleaner energy.</p>

<p>“We just can’t transition to green energy in a way that leaves us and our allies dependent on the oil of geopolitical rivals,” said Evan Ellis, a researcher at the U.S. Army War College and former State Department planner. “The ability of the U.S. to put more oil and gas into the market would be a useful weapon, enabling the Europeans to wean themselves off of Russian energy.”</p>

<p>David Braziel, CEO of RBN Energy, said the United States had the capacity to export more than 6 million barrels of oil a day, roughly twice what it is exporting now. While ramping up production will take time, he said the industry could produce 16 million barrels a day by 2027, more than 4 million barrels more than now, assuming prices remain high and investments increase.</p>

<p>“We have plenty of capacity to get extra crude oil out,” Braziel said. “We could be doing much more now than we are currently doing.”</p>


Oil and gasoline prices are climbing. Energy company profits are surging. President Joe Biden, who came into office promising to reduce the use of fossil fuels, has effectively joined the “drill, baby drill” chorus.

Oil and gasoline prices are climbing. Energy company profits are surging. President Joe Biden, who came into office promising to reduce the use of fossil fuels, has effectively joined the “drill, baby drill” chorus. Europe would love to end its dependence on Russia. Is this the moment the U.S. oil business has been waiting for? Not exactly. Production of oil by U.S. energy companies is essentially flat and unlikely to increase substantially for at least another year or two. If Europe were to stop buying Russian oil and natural gas as some of its leaders have promised, it won’t be able to replace that energy with fuels from the United States anytime soon. U.S. oil production is up less than 2%, to 11.8 million barrels a day, since December and remains well below the record 13.1 million barrels a day set in March 2020 just before the pandemic paralyzed the global economy. Government forecasters predict that American oil production will average just 12 million barrels a day in 2022 and increase by roughly 1 million barrels a day in 2023. That would be well short of the nearly 4 million barrels of oil that Europe imports from Russia every day. “You had this bombastic, chest-pounding industry touting itself as the reincarnation of the American innovative spirit,” said Jim Krane, an energy expert at Rice University. “And now that they could be leaping into action to pitch in to bring much needed oil to the world, they are being uncharacteristically cautious.” The biggest reason oil production isn’t increasing is that U.S. energy companies and Wall Street investors are not sure that oil prices will stay high long enough for them to make a profit from drilling lots of new wells. Many remember how abruptly and sharply oil prices crashed two years ago, forcing companies to lay off thousands of employees, shut down wells and even seek bankruptcy protection. Executives at 141 oil companies surveyed by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas in mid-March offered several reasons for why they weren’t pumping more oil. They said they were short of workers and sand, which is used to fracture shale fields to coax oil out of rock. But the most salient reason — the one offered by 60% of respondents — was that investors in oil companies don’t want companies to produce a lot more oil, fearing that it will hasten the end of high oil prices. The Dallas Fed survey found that U.S. companies need oil prices to average just $56 a barrel to break even, a little more than half the current price. But some are worried that the price could fall to as little as $50 by the end of the year. “There is a tremendous amount of muscle memory from COVID and the dramatic drop in prices,” said Ben Shepperd, president of the Permian Basin Petroleum Association in Midland, Texas. “If we were convinced oil prices would hold at levels of $75 a barrel or more for another three years, you would see a higher level of capital deployment.” U.S. oil companies are not alone. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and other members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries have also refused to pump a lot more oil since Russia’s war began in late February. This deep-seated reluctance stands in contrast to how the oil industry has typically behaved when prices have surged. Over the past two decades, oil companies almost always responded to higher prices by investing and pumping more. A drilling frenzy accompanied the rise in prices in the early 2000s, and again in the recovery that followed the 2008 financial crisis. U.S. oil production has doubled since 2006, and the country has become a major exporter of oil, natural gas and petroleum products like gasoline and diesel. But every price boom was followed by a huge crash — three in just the past 14 years. Scores of companies have filed bankruptcy cases. Only two years ago, oil prices plummeted by more than $50 a barrel in a single day to less than zero as the pandemic took hold and producers had no place to store oil that nobody needed to buy. Exxon Mobil’s stock fell so much that the keepers of the Dow Jones Industrial Average kicked it off the index. The company had been in the average in one form or another since 1928, and its departure became a symbol of Wall Street’s growing distaste for fossil fuel stocks as more investors demand that companies reduce the emissions causing climate change. Oil executives and investors cite a number of scenarios under which prices could again fall quickly. For example, Russia could lose the war and have to retreat. COVID outbreaks and lockdowns in China could hobble that country’s economy, driving down global growth and demand for energy. A new nuclear deal with Iran could open a spigot of oil exports. Pioneer Natural Resources, a major Texas producer that last year acquired two other oil companies, is no longer aiming to increase production by 20% as it had in years past. It now aims to grow by just 5%. The company’s chief executive, Scott Sheffield, said he aimed to return 80% of its free cash flow — the cash left over after it pays its operating expenses and capital expenditures — to shareholders. “The model has totally changed,” he said. Oil executives also argue that they are spending a lot of money on new oil and gas production but that inflation is undercutting their efforts. Exploration and production spending will rise by more than 20% this year but about two-thirds of that increase will go toward paying higher prices for labor, materials and services, among other costs, according to RBN Energy, a research firm based in Houston. “It is a bit of a sticker shock because we’re seeing inflation across the entire sector,” Jeff Miller, the CEO of Halliburton, which drills wells and performs other services for oil companies, told analysts on a recent conference call. Smaller private companies, financed by private equity, are responsible for much of the new activity. According to the Dallas Fed survey, the median growth rate for companies that produce fewer than 10,000 barrels a day was projected at 15% this year, compared with only 6% for firms that produce more than 10,000 barrels a day. Larger oil companies complain that even if they wanted to invest more, it would be hard to because Wall Street isn’t keen on financing new fossil fuel projects. Some investors who are concerned about climate change are instead choosing to put their money into renewable energy, electric cars and other businesses. It is not that investors have become environmentalists. Many have run the numbers and concluded that the recent jump in fossil fuel prices will be short-lived and that they are better off investing in companies and industries that they believe have a brighter future. “If you are an investor, has your view of the next five to 10 years actually changed? I think the answer is no,” said Amy Myers Jaffe, managing director at the Climate Policy Lab at Tufts University’s Fletcher School. “History tells us that oil shocks accelerate a shift to alternative energy, not the opposite.” Many oil executives also complain that the future of their industry is clouded by political and regulatory uncertainty. They acknowledge that Biden has been calling on them to produce more but fear that his administration will go back to emphasizing the need for less oil and gas when prices fall. “During Earth Day, the president said we have got to get off oil, and at the same time he’s begging us for 2 million additional barrels to send to Europe,” said Kirk Edwards, CEO of Latigo Petroleum, a West Texas producer. “You cannot have it both ways.” The tension between the strategic advantages of domestic oil and gas production and the environmental costs of fossil fuel use are not likely to go away soon. Environmentalists are worried that awarding more permits for oil drilling on public lands and building new terminals to export natural gas to Europe will increase the world’s dependence on fossil fuels. But administration officials have countered that their emphasis on increasing oil and gas production will not deter longer-term efforts to make a transition to cleaner energy. “We just can’t transition to green energy in a way that leaves us and our allies dependent on the oil of geopolitical rivals,” said Evan Ellis, a researcher at the U.S. Army War College and former State Department planner. “The ability of the U.S. to put more oil and gas into the market would be a useful weapon, enabling the Europeans to wean themselves off of Russian energy.” David Braziel, CEO of RBN Energy, said the United States had the capacity to export more than 6 million barrels of oil a day, roughly twice what it is exporting now. While ramping up production will take time, he said the industry could produce 16 million barrels a day by 2027, more than 4 million barrels more than now, assuming prices remain high and investments increase. “We have plenty of capacity to get extra crude oil out,” Braziel said. “We could be doing much more now than we are currently doing.”

Why US oil companies aren’t riding to Europe’s rescue

<p>For the sake of views? Authorities found that a YouTuber, who crashed his plane last year did it deliberately in order to use the footage in a video and gain views and likes on social media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last year on 24 November, Trevor Jacob crashed his single-engine plane when he claimed that the propeller stopped working. He was flying over California’s Los Padres national forest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Several cameras were fitted on the aircraft and the whole incident was recorded, which was later uploaded on his YouTube channel, which has 134,000 subscribers.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-police-officer-risks-life-to-save-baby-stuck-at-burning-apartment-in-us-474056">Police officer risks life to save baby stuck at burning apartment in US</a></strong></p>

<p>The video titled 'I Crashed My Plane' garnered over two million views since it was posted in December. In the video, Jacob was sitting in the cockpit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Later, he said the engine failed and he was seen jumping out of the plane and at the same time filming himself using a selfie stick. He landed safely in an open field, using a parachute.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, in the latest development, it has been revealed that the crash was deliberate CBS reported, quoting the Federal Aviation Administration.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/mcdonalds-meal-six-decades-old-found-by-man-inside-wall-of-his-house-473967">Man finds six-decades-old McDonald's meal inside wall of his house</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch the video of&nbsp;Trevor Jacob&nbsp;here:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>The media outlet obtained a letter written to Jacob by the FAA. In the letter, FAA noted that its investigation found Jacob attached multiple cameras outside the plane before the flight.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The cameras were apparently pointed in the direction of the propeller. It was done "in order to record video footage of the outside and inside of the plane during flight."&nbsp;</p>

<p>FAA also said that he didn't make any attempts to restart the engine and also didn't try to contact Traffic Control on the emergency frequency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by the website, the letter read: "You jumped out of [the plane] while holding a camera attached to a selfie stick and continued to record the aircraft during your descent. After the crash you recovered and then disposed of the wreckage of [the plane]."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Labelling him "careless or reckless so as to endanger the life or property of another", FAA said that they are revoking his private pilot license.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>


For the sake of views? Authorities found that a YouTuber, who crashed his plane last year did it deliberately in order to use the footage in a video and gain views and likes on social media.

For the sake of views? Authorities found that a YouTuber, who crashed his plane last year did it deliberately in order to use the footage in a video and gain views and likes on social media. Last year on 24 November, Trevor Jacob crashed his single-engine plane when he claimed that the propeller stopped working. He was flying over California’s Los Padres national forest. Several cameras were fitted on the aircraft and the whole incident was recorded, which was later uploaded on his YouTube channel, which has 134,000 subscribers. WATCH | Police officer risks life to save baby stuck at burning apartment in US The video titled 'I Crashed My Plane' garnered over two million views since it was posted in December. In the video, Jacob was sitting in the cockpit. Later, he said the engine failed and he was seen jumping out of the plane and at the same time filming himself using a selfie stick. He landed safely in an open field, using a parachute. However, in the latest development, it has been revealed that the crash was deliberate CBS reported, quoting the Federal Aviation Administration. ALSO READ | Man finds six-decades-old McDonald's meal inside wall of his house Watch the video of Trevor Jacob here: × The media outlet obtained a letter written to Jacob by the FAA. In the letter, FAA noted that its investigation found Jacob attached multiple cameras outside the plane before the flight. The cameras were apparently pointed in the direction of the propeller. It was done "in order to record video footage of the outside and inside of the plane during flight." FAA also said that he didn't make any attempts to restart the engine and also didn't try to contact Traffic Control on the emergency frequency. As quoted by the website, the letter read: "You jumped out of [the plane] while holding a camera attached to a selfie stick and continued to record the aircraft during your descent. After the crash you recovered and then disposed of the wreckage of [the plane]." Labelling him "careless or reckless so as to endanger the life or property of another", FAA said that they are revoking his private pilot license. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Watch: 'Reckless' YouTuber deliberately crashed plane to gain online views

<p>Office of Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa revealed in a statement on Tuesday (April 26) that the World Bank has agreed to provide $600 million in financial assistance to the country amid the economic crisis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"World Bank Permanent Representative Chiyo Kanda during a meeting with President today (26) informed that World Bank has agreed to provide US $ 600 million financial assistance to Sri Lanka to overcome the current economic crisis, of which US $ 400 million will be provided promptly under the 1st phase," PMD said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As the country struggling to tackle&nbsp;high levels of debt and trim the fiscal deficit to mitigate the adverse impacts on citizens, World Bank recently warned that more Sri Lankans will slip into poverty this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-unveils-new-golden-visa-policy-to-combat-economic-crisis-473959">Sri Lanka unveils new 'golden' visa policy to combat economic crisis</a></strong></p>

<p>The unprecedented economic crisis in Sri Lanka is caused in part by a lack of foreign currency. It means the country cannot afford to pay for imports of the staple, such as food and fuel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The situation led to acute shortages and very high prices, leaving the economy in tatters with people protesting across the country. As reported by news agency PTI, Sri Lanka has nearly $7 billion in foreign debt due for repayment this year and will need to repay $25 billion over the next five years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Around 11.7 per cent of people in Sri Lanka earn less than USD 3.20 per day, the international poverty line for lower-middle income countries, up from 9.2 per cent in 2019," the Bank said in its Spring Update on the South Asian region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, a senior International Monetary Fund (IMF) official on Tuesday (April 26) suggested that Sri Lanka must tighten monetary policy, raise taxes and adopt flexible exchange rates to address its debt crisis. The country of 22 million people has requested loans from the IMF.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-unhappy-with-sri-lanka-for-seeking-bailout-from-imf-says-envoy-473662">China ‘unhappy’ with Sri Lanka for seeking bailout from IMF</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;UN: Humanity fueling climate disasters</strong></p>

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<p>"We've had very good, fruitful, technical discussions on preparations for the negotiations with authorities over the past weekend and couple of days before," said Anne-Marie Gulde-Wolf, acting director of the IMF's Asia and Pacific Department, speaking at an online news conference.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The requirement for fund lending will be progress toward debt sustainability," Gulde-Wolf said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On April 24, thousands of university students in Colombo attempted to march to a protest site opposite the office of Rajapaksa, but they were blocked by police barricades.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Office of Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa revealed in a statement on Tuesday (April 26) that the World Bank has agreed to provide $600 million in financial assistance to the country amid the economic crisis.

Office of Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa revealed in a statement on Tuesday (April 26) that the World Bank has agreed to provide $600 million in financial assistance to the country amid the economic crisis. "World Bank Permanent Representative Chiyo Kanda during a meeting with President today (26) informed that World Bank has agreed to provide US $ 600 million financial assistance to Sri Lanka to overcome the current economic crisis, of which US $ 400 million will be provided promptly under the 1st phase," PMD said in a statement. As the country struggling to tackle high levels of debt and trim the fiscal deficit to mitigate the adverse impacts on citizens, World Bank recently warned that more Sri Lankans will slip into poverty this year. ALSO READ | Sri Lanka unveils new 'golden' visa policy to combat economic crisis The unprecedented economic crisis in Sri Lanka is caused in part by a lack of foreign currency. It means the country cannot afford to pay for imports of the staple, such as food and fuel. The situation led to acute shortages and very high prices, leaving the economy in tatters with people protesting across the country. As reported by news agency PTI, Sri Lanka has nearly $7 billion in foreign debt due for repayment this year and will need to repay $25 billion over the next five years. "Around 11.7 per cent of people in Sri Lanka earn less than USD 3.20 per day, the international poverty line for lower-middle income countries, up from 9.2 per cent in 2019," the Bank said in its Spring Update on the South Asian region. Meanwhile, a senior International Monetary Fund (IMF) official on Tuesday (April 26) suggested that Sri Lanka must tighten monetary policy, raise taxes and adopt flexible exchange rates to address its debt crisis. The country of 22 million people has requested loans from the IMF. ALSO READ | China ‘unhappy’ with Sri Lanka for seeking bailout from IMF WATCH | UN: Humanity fueling climate disasters × "We've had very good, fruitful, technical discussions on preparations for the negotiations with authorities over the past weekend and couple of days before," said Anne-Marie Gulde-Wolf, acting director of the IMF's Asia and Pacific Department, speaking at an online news conference. "The requirement for fund lending will be progress toward debt sustainability," Gulde-Wolf said. On April 24, thousands of university students in Colombo attempted to march to a protest site opposite the office of Rajapaksa, but they were blocked by police barricades. WATCH WION LIVE HERE × (With inputs from agencies)

World Bank agrees to provide $600 million in financial assistance to Sri Lanka

<p>During an explosive TV interview, former United States President Donald Trump said he believes that Britain's Prince Harry's marriage to Meghan Markle "will end badly".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump also blasted Harry for not attending Prince Philip's memorial service and labelled him an "embarrassment" and a "whipped man".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump said that Harry is "whipped like no person I think I've ever seen" and "led around by his nose".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The strange prophecy by Trump was made during a TalkTV interview with popular British television host Piers Morgan. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-would-say-heres-how-donald-trump-would-deal-with-vladimir-putin-during-russia-ukraine-war-473453">'I would say...': Here's how Donald Trump would deal with Vladimir Putin during Russia-Ukraine war</a></strong></p>

<p>From the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war to the US Capitol attack on January 6, 2021, Trump talked about a range of topics.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the chat, he said that he thought Harry would get bored or Meghan would start liking "some other guy better".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The former president also said that Harry and Meghan should be stripped of their Royal titles. He also added that he didn't like how Meghan "spoke badly of the Royal Family but in particular the Queen".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/not-just-spelling-and-grammar-google-will-now-warn-you-for-using-politically-incorrect-words-473587">Not just spelling and grammar, Google will now warn you for using politically incorrect words</a></strong></p>

<p>During the chat, as quoted by British media outlets, Trump asked Morgan: "So I want to know what's going to happen when Harry decides he's had enough of being bossed around? Or maybe when she decides that she likes some other guy better. I want to know what’s going to happen when it ends."&nbsp;</p>

<p>On being asked by Morgan whether he thinks Harry and Meghan's relationship will end, Trump said "I do". He also hailed himself as a "very good predictor".&nbsp;</p>

<p>He noted, "I predicted almost everything. It’ll end and it will end bad."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump further said, "And I wonder if Harry’s gonna go back on his hands and knees back into the beautiful city of London and say, please. You know, I think Harry has been led down a path."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I'm not a fan of Meghan, and I wasn't from the beginning. Poor Harry is being led around by his nose and I think he's an embarrassment," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Partygate Controversy: UK PM Boris Johnson braces for a second fine over Downing street garden party</strong></p>

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During an explosive TV interview, former United States President Donald Trump said he believes that Britain's Prince Harry's marriage to Meghan Markle "will end badly".

During an explosive TV interview, former United States President Donald Trump said he believes that Britain's Prince Harry's marriage to Meghan Markle "will end badly". Trump also blasted Harry for not attending Prince Philip's memorial service and labelled him an "embarrassment" and a "whipped man". Trump said that Harry is "whipped like no person I think I've ever seen" and "led around by his nose". The strange prophecy by Trump was made during a TalkTV interview with popular British television host Piers Morgan. ALSO READ | 'I would say...': Here's how Donald Trump would deal with Vladimir Putin during Russia-Ukraine war From the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war to the US Capitol attack on January 6, 2021, Trump talked about a range of topics. During the chat, he said that he thought Harry would get bored or Meghan would start liking "some other guy better". The former president also said that Harry and Meghan should be stripped of their Royal titles. He also added that he didn't like how Meghan "spoke badly of the Royal Family but in particular the Queen". ALSO READ | Not just spelling and grammar, Google will now warn you for using politically incorrect words During the chat, as quoted by British media outlets, Trump asked Morgan: "So I want to know what's going to happen when Harry decides he's had enough of being bossed around? Or maybe when she decides that she likes some other guy better. I want to know what’s going to happen when it ends." On being asked by Morgan whether he thinks Harry and Meghan's relationship will end, Trump said "I do". He also hailed himself as a "very good predictor". He noted, "I predicted almost everything. It’ll end and it will end bad." Trump further said, "And I wonder if Harry’s gonna go back on his hands and knees back into the beautiful city of London and say, please. You know, I think Harry has been led down a path." "I'm not a fan of Meghan, and I wasn't from the beginning. Poor Harry is being led around by his nose and I think he's an embarrassment," he added. WATCH | Partygate Controversy: UK PM Boris Johnson braces for a second fine over Downing street garden party ×

'It will end bad': Donald Trump's strange prophecy for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's marriage

<p>Twitter on Monday (April 25) confirmed the sale of the company to Tesla and SpaceX boss Elon Musk for $44 billion. The sale will now give control of one of the most popular social media platforms to the world's richest person. Twitter is used by millions of people.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a joint release announcing the takeover, Musk said: "Free speech is the bedrock of a functioning democracy, and Twitter is the digital town square where matters vital to the future of humanity are debated."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reports related to the bid were circulated and the discussions over the deal dominated the media reports&nbsp;globally.</p>

<p>The talks were reportedly accelerated over the weekend after Musk wooed Twitter shareholders with financing details of his offer.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/as-twitter-hammers-out-deal-to-sell-itself-to-musk-lets-look-at-microblogging-sites-rich-history-473749">The Twitter saga: From Jack Dorsey's first tweet to $43bn bid by Elon Musk</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>It has been reported that shareholders will receive $54.20 in cash for each share of Twitter stock they own as per the terms of the deal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>CNN reported that it is apparently matching Tesla CEO's original offer and marking a 38 per cent premium over the stock price the day before Musk revealed his stake in the company.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Twitter independent board chair Bret Taylor said in a statement: "The Twitter Board conducted a thoughtful and comprehensive process to assess Elon's proposal with a deliberate focus on value, certainty, and financing."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taylor hailed the deal as "the best path forward for Twitter's stockholders."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the European Commission said it was too early to comment on the deal but recalled that the bloc's digital services rules apply to all major platforms.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-a-brief-history-of-amber-heard-elon-musk-romance-473065">A brief history of Amber Heard-Elon Musk romance</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Elon Musk acquires social media giant, will Twitter get an 'edit' button now?</strong></p>

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<p>The sale is termed as a dramatic shift for the board as the deal has ended Twitter's run as a public company since its 2013 initial public offering. The board originally manoeuvred to block Musk from taking the social media network private.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As reported, The New York Stock Exchange (NYS) also suspended trading of Twitter stock amid reports the company was close to accepting Tesla boss Elon Musk's takeover offer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Around 1850 GMT, the NYSE said trading was halted on Twitter due to news pending. The stock had gained 5.5 per cent in the day's session.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch WION live:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Twitter on Monday (April 25) confirmed the sale of the company to Tesla and SpaceX boss Elon Musk for $44 billion. The sale will now give control of one of the most popular social media platforms to the world's richest person.

Twitter on Monday (April 25) confirmed the sale of the company to Tesla and SpaceX boss Elon Musk for $44 billion. The sale will now give control of one of the most popular social media platforms to the world's richest person. Twitter is used by millions of people. In a joint release announcing the takeover, Musk said: "Free speech is the bedrock of a functioning democracy, and Twitter is the digital town square where matters vital to the future of humanity are debated." Reports related to the bid were circulated and the discussions over the deal dominated the media reports globally. The talks were reportedly accelerated over the weekend after Musk wooed Twitter shareholders with financing details of his offer. IN PICS | The Twitter saga: From Jack Dorsey's first tweet to $43bn bid by Elon Musk It has been reported that shareholders will receive $54.20 in cash for each share of Twitter stock they own as per the terms of the deal. CNN reported that it is apparently matching Tesla CEO's original offer and marking a 38 per cent premium over the stock price the day before Musk revealed his stake in the company. Twitter independent board chair Bret Taylor said in a statement: "The Twitter Board conducted a thoughtful and comprehensive process to assess Elon's proposal with a deliberate focus on value, certainty, and financing." Taylor hailed the deal as "the best path forward for Twitter's stockholders." Meanwhile, the European Commission said it was too early to comment on the deal but recalled that the bloc's digital services rules apply to all major platforms. ALSO READ | A brief history of Amber Heard-Elon Musk romance WATCH | Elon Musk acquires social media giant, will Twitter get an 'edit' button now? × The sale is termed as a dramatic shift for the board as the deal has ended Twitter's run as a public company since its 2013 initial public offering. The board originally manoeuvred to block Musk from taking the social media network private. As reported, The New York Stock Exchange (NYS) also suspended trading of Twitter stock amid reports the company was close to accepting Tesla boss Elon Musk's takeover offer. Around 1850 GMT, the NYSE said trading was halted on Twitter due to news pending. The stock had gained 5.5 per cent in the day's session. Watch WION live: × (With inputs from agencies)

Twitter confirms sale of company to Elon Musk for $44 billion

<p>Twitter on Monday (April 25) confirmed that it is selling the micro-blogging platform to the world's richest person Elon Musk in a stunning deal valued at $44 billion. How many zeroes does $44 billion have? Nevermind!&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the deal. the publicly traded firm will now become a private company owned by Musk. Apart from this, Musk's efforts have raised hopes about the commercial potential of the micro-blogging platform.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement after the deal was finalised, Tesla and SpaceX CEO said that free speech is the "bedrock of a functioning democracy". He further added that Twitter is the "digital town square where matters vital to the future of humanity are debated".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ever wondered what else could have been done with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/twitter-confirms-sale-of-company-to-elon-musk-for-44-bn-473837">$44 billion</a>?&nbsp;</p>

<p>Twitter is one of the most popular social media platforms and millions of people use it. When the news broke, Twitterati reacted with jokes, memes and suggestions.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-musks-twitter-deal-whats-next-for-ceo-parag-agrawal-473891">After Musk's Twitter deal, what's next for CEO Parag Agrawal?</a></strong></p>

<p>Among other users, Umar Saif, who is a Pakistani computer scientist and academic, also commented. He rather insinuated that the money used to buy Twitter could have helped Sri Lanka amid the economic crisis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a tweet, Saif, who also serves&nbsp;as an advisor to the United Nations Development Programme in Pakistan, wrote, "Elon Musk just bought Twitter for $43 billion."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"For a slightly larger amount, he could have also saved Sri Lanka's international default on its debt of $45 billion. Such is the power of big wealth. Focus on that startup you have been dreaming about," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The European Commission has said that it was too early to comment on the deal&nbsp;but recalled that the bloc's digital services rules apply to all major platforms.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/elon-musk-buys-twitter-here-are-other-biggest-ever-tech-acquisitions-so-far-473886">Elon Musk buys Twitter, here are other biggest-ever tech acquisitions so far</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Elon Musk just bought Twitter for $43 billion.<br />
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For a slightly larger amount, he could have also saved Sri Lanka's international default on its debt of $45 billion.<br />
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Such is the power of big wealth. Focus on that startup you have been dreaming about …</p>
— Umar Saif (@umarsaif) <a href="https://twitter.com/umarsaif/status/1518671314445344769?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>What else could have been done?&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Such an amount could help in solving world hunger. For instance, in a detailed plan, United Nations' World Food Programme noted that Musk could support 42 million people facing famine by giving them one meal per person per day for a year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per The Verge report, the cost of that plan was apparently, $6.6 billion. The report also mentioned that the billionaire had donated $5.7 billion to charity in November.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Elon Musk acquires social media giant, will Twitter get an 'edit' button now?</strong></p>

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<p>Musk could have bought a media house to support journalism, similar to what Jeff Bezos did when he spent $250 million to buy The Washington Post. Laurene Powell Jobs spent around $100 million and owns a majority stake in The Atlantic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Such an amount could help economies that have been battered by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The amount can facilitate planning for future pandemics.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The amount would&nbsp;help underdeveloped nations to provide citizens with basic amenities like food, clean water, proper sanitation, etc.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Twitter on Monday (April 25) confirmed that it is selling the micro-blogging platform to the world's richest person Elon Musk in a stunning deal valued at $44 billion.

Twitter on Monday (April 25) confirmed that it is selling the micro-blogging platform to the world's richest person Elon Musk in a stunning deal valued at $44 billion. How many zeroes does $44 billion have? Nevermind! After the deal. the publicly traded firm will now become a private company owned by Musk. Apart from this, Musk's efforts have raised hopes about the commercial potential of the micro-blogging platform. In a statement after the deal was finalised, Tesla and SpaceX CEO said that free speech is the "bedrock of a functioning democracy". He further added that Twitter is the "digital town square where matters vital to the future of humanity are debated". Ever wondered what else could have been done with $44 billion? Twitter is one of the most popular social media platforms and millions of people use it. When the news broke, Twitterati reacted with jokes, memes and suggestions. ALSO READ | After Musk's Twitter deal, what's next for CEO Parag Agrawal? Among other users, Umar Saif, who is a Pakistani computer scientist and academic, also commented. He rather insinuated that the money used to buy Twitter could have helped Sri Lanka amid the economic crisis. In a tweet, Saif, who also serves as an advisor to the United Nations Development Programme in Pakistan, wrote, "Elon Musk just bought Twitter for $43 billion." "For a slightly larger amount, he could have also saved Sri Lanka's international default on its debt of $45 billion. Such is the power of big wealth. Focus on that startup you have been dreaming about," he added. The European Commission has said that it was too early to comment on the deal but recalled that the bloc's digital services rules apply to all major platforms. IN PICS | Elon Musk buys Twitter, here are other biggest-ever tech acquisitions so far Elon Musk just bought Twitter for $43 billion. For a slightly larger amount, he could have also saved Sri Lanka's international default on its debt of $45 billion. Such is the power of big wealth. Focus on that startup you have been dreaming about … — Umar Saif (@umarsaif) April 25, 2022 × What else could have been done? Such an amount could help in solving world hunger. For instance, in a detailed plan, United Nations' World Food Programme noted that Musk could support 42 million people facing famine by giving them one meal per person per day for a year. As per The Verge report, the cost of that plan was apparently, $6.6 billion. The report also mentioned that the billionaire had donated $5.7 billion to charity in November. WATCH | Elon Musk acquires social media giant, will Twitter get an 'edit' button now? × Musk could have bought a media house to support journalism, similar to what Jeff Bezos did when he spent $250 million to buy The Washington Post. Laurene Powell Jobs spent around $100 million and owns a majority stake in The Atlantic. Such an amount could help economies that have been battered by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The amount can facilitate planning for future pandemics. The amount would help underdeveloped nations to provide citizens with basic amenities like food, clean water, proper sanitation, etc. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Elon Musk buys Twitter: What else could have been done with a mind-boggling amount of $44 billion?

<p>Prashant Kishor, an ace political strategist in India, declined the offer to join Indian National Congress. After declining the offer, he also took a dig at the party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an official announcement, the Congress party noted that Kishor will not be working for the party as he has declined to be part of the empowered action group for the 2024 general elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taking to his official Twitter handle, Kishor said, "I declined the generous offer of #Congress to join the party as part of the EAG &amp; take responsibility for the elections."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, "In my humble opinion, more than me, the party needs leadership and collective will to fix the deep-rooted structural problems through transformational reforms."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-covid-fourth-wave-fears-loom-heres-what-indias-renowned-surgeon-has-to-say-473986">As Covid fourth wave fears loom, here's what India's renowned surgeon has to say</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I declined the generous offer of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/congress?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#congress</a> to join the party as part of the EAG &amp; take responsibility for the elections.<br />
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In my humble opinion, more than me the party needs leadership and collective will to fix the deep rooted structural problems through transformational reforms.</p>
— Prashant Kishor (@PrashantKishor) <a href="https://twitter.com/PrashantKishor/status/1518901590056333313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-gives-emergency-use-authorisation-to-covaxin-for-6-12-age-group-473952">India gives emergency use authorisation to Covaxin for 6-12 age group</a></strong></p>

<p>Kishor held several meetings in the last 15 days with Congress's top leadership and gave a proposal to revamp the party ahead of the 2024 general election.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As reported, he had also given a detailed presentation with a road map for the 2024 General elections in the country. However, it looks like the proposal was not finalised.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Randeep Surjewala, who is the Congress General Secretary, also tweeted to give an update.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, "Following a presentation and discussion with Prashant Kishor, the Congress President has constituted a Empowered Action Group 2024 &amp; invited him to join the party as part of the group with defined responsibility. He declined. We appreciate his efforts &amp; suggestion given to party."&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Following a presentation &amp; discussions with Sh. Prashant Kishor, Congress President has constituted a Empowered Action Group 2024 &amp; invited him to join the party as part of the group with defined responsibility. He declined. We appreciate his efforts &amp; suggestion given to party.</p>
— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) <a href="https://twitter.com/rssurjewala/status/1518895591983566851?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;If you are unvaccinated for COVID, you are a threat to those who're jabbed</strong></p>

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<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Prashant Kishor, an ace political strategist in India, declined the offer to join Indian National Congress. After declining the offer, he also took a dig at the party.

Prashant Kishor, an ace political strategist in India, declined the offer to join Indian National Congress. After declining the offer, he also took a dig at the party. In an official announcement, the Congress party noted that Kishor will not be working for the party as he has declined to be part of the empowered action group for the 2024 general elections. Taking to his official Twitter handle, Kishor said, "I declined the generous offer of #Congress to join the party as part of the EAG & take responsibility for the elections." He added, "In my humble opinion, more than me, the party needs leadership and collective will to fix the deep-rooted structural problems through transformational reforms." ALSO READ | As Covid fourth wave fears loom, here's what India's renowned surgeon has to say I declined the generous offer of #congress to join the party as part of the EAG & take responsibility for the elections. In my humble opinion, more than me the party needs leadership and collective will to fix the deep rooted structural problems through transformational reforms. — Prashant Kishor (@PrashantKishor) April 26, 2022 × ALSO READ | India gives emergency use authorisation to Covaxin for 6-12 age group Kishor held several meetings in the last 15 days with Congress's top leadership and gave a proposal to revamp the party ahead of the 2024 general election. As reported, he had also given a detailed presentation with a road map for the 2024 General elections in the country. However, it looks like the proposal was not finalised. Randeep Surjewala, who is the Congress General Secretary, also tweeted to give an update. He said, "Following a presentation and discussion with Prashant Kishor, the Congress President has constituted a Empowered Action Group 2024 & invited him to join the party as part of the group with defined responsibility. He declined. We appreciate his efforts & suggestion given to party." Following a presentation & discussions with Sh. Prashant Kishor, Congress President has constituted a Empowered Action Group 2024 & invited him to join the party as part of the group with defined responsibility. He declined. We appreciate his efforts & suggestion given to party. — Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) April 26, 2022 × WATCH | If you are unvaccinated for COVID, you are a threat to those who're jabbed × WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Prashant Kishor: Ace election strategist declines offer to join Congress, with this dig at party

<p>Fears over the fourth coronavirus (COVID-19) wave are looming in India with a rise in cases, especially in some regions like New Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana etc.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The country recently dropped several Covid-related restrictions and measures, but with an evident uptick in the number of cases, some rules have been re-imposed, such as mask mandate, etc.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A country that was impacted immensely during the second and third waves of Covid, is apprehensive about a possible fourth wave of the pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-gives-emergency-use-authorisation-to-covaxin-for-6-12-age-group-473952">India gives emergency use authorisation to Covaxin for 6-12 age group</a></strong></p>

<p>Amid concerns, India's renowned cardiac surgeon Dr Devi Prasad Shetty on Monday (April 25) said that there is no need to fear or have panic reactions. He also added that the concentration should be on the number of hospitalisations and not the positivity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Third wave was not that serious, so there is no need to fear or have panic reactions. We should only go by the number of patients admitted in hospital. One lakh people or 50,000 people getting positive does not mean anything," Shetty said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While speaking to reporters he further said, "The whole country may be positive, but if there are no COVID patients in hospital, it doesn't make any difference. So concentration should be on the number of patients in the hospital, not the positivity."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-covid-19-cases-spike-up-chief-minister-adityanath-stresses-on-wider-virus-tests-473953">As COVID-19 cases spike, UP chief minister Adityanath stresses on wider virus tests</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;If you are unvaccinated for COVID, you are a threat to those who're jabbed</strong></p>

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<p>Shetty, who is the founder-chairman of Narayana Health, advised people to continue wearing masks and practice social distancing. He suggested that people should consult doctors if there are any health issues.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare bulletin on Tuesday (April 26), India recorded 2,483 new COVID-19 in the last 24 hours.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is a slight decline from the previous day's 2541 cases. The active caseload has also dipped from 16,522 to 15,636, while the positivity rate declined to 0.55 per cent.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Fears over the fourth coronavirus (COVID-19) wave are looming in India with a rise in cases, especially in some regions like New Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana etc.

Fears over the fourth coronavirus (COVID-19) wave are looming in India with a rise in cases, especially in some regions like New Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana etc. The country recently dropped several Covid-related restrictions and measures, but with an evident uptick in the number of cases, some rules have been re-imposed, such as mask mandate, etc. A country that was impacted immensely during the second and third waves of Covid, is apprehensive about a possible fourth wave of the pandemic. ALSO READ | India gives emergency use authorisation to Covaxin for 6-12 age group Amid concerns, India's renowned cardiac surgeon Dr Devi Prasad Shetty on Monday (April 25) said that there is no need to fear or have panic reactions. He also added that the concentration should be on the number of hospitalisations and not the positivity. "Third wave was not that serious, so there is no need to fear or have panic reactions. We should only go by the number of patients admitted in hospital. One lakh people or 50,000 people getting positive does not mean anything," Shetty said. While speaking to reporters he further said, "The whole country may be positive, but if there are no COVID patients in hospital, it doesn't make any difference. So concentration should be on the number of patients in the hospital, not the positivity." ALSO READ | As COVID-19 cases spike, UP chief minister Adityanath stresses on wider virus tests WATCH | If you are unvaccinated for COVID, you are a threat to those who're jabbed × Shetty, who is the founder-chairman of Narayana Health, advised people to continue wearing masks and practice social distancing. He suggested that people should consult doctors if there are any health issues. According to India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare bulletin on Tuesday (April 26), India recorded 2,483 new COVID-19 in the last 24 hours. It is a slight decline from the previous day's 2541 cases. The active caseload has also dipped from 16,522 to 15,636, while the positivity rate declined to 0.55 per cent. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

As Covid fourth wave fears loom, here's what India's renowned surgeon has to say

<p>Amid a rise in coronavirus cases and fears of a possible fourth wave in the country, in a massive boost to the vaccination drive, the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) on Tuesday (April 26) granted regulatory approvals to three coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines, the country's health ministry confirmed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Approval has been given to emergency use of Biological E's Covid vaccine Corbevax for children aged five to 12 and Bharat Biotech's Covaxin for six to 12-year olds.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Corbevax is currently being administered to children in the age group of 12-14. Vaccinations against COVID-19 among minors in India were started from January 3 onwards with those in the 15-18 age group for Bharat Biotech's Covaxin.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/mysterious-liver-disease-impact-kids-worldwide-here-are-leading-theories-is-there-any-link-to-covid-473832">Mysterious liver disease impact kids worldwide: Here are leading theories. Is there any link to Covid?</a></strong></p>

<p>DCGI has also granted emergency use authorisation to Cadila for its ZyCoV-D for an additional dose of 3mg with a two-jab inoculation schedule 28 days apart for those aged above 12 years. ZyCoV-D is, currently, approved for a 2mg three-dose vaccination schedule.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The approval by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) comes following recommendations by the Subject Expert Committee (SEC) on COVID-19 of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Inside China's Wuhan Virus Nightmare</strong></p>

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<p>The drive later expanded on March 16 to include children aged above 12 for Corbevax. Overall India is currently administering two COVID-19 vaccines for children above 12.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the country's Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya tweeted, "India's fight against COVID becomes stronger @CDSCO_INDIA_INF gives nod to 'Covaxin' for 6-12 age group and 'Corbevax' for 5-12 age group for 'Restricted Use in Emergency Situations'"&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">भारत की कोविड से लड़ाई अब और अधिक मज़बूत <a href="https://twitter.com/CDSCO_INDIA_INF?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CDSCO_INDIA_INF</a> ने<br />
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&gt;6 से &lt;12 आयुवर्ग के लिए 'Covaxin'<br />
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&gt;5 से &lt;12 आयुवर्ग के लिए 'Corbevax'<br />
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12 से ऊपर के आयुवर्ग के लिए 'ZyCoV-D' की 2 डोज को<br />
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'Restricted Use in Emergency Situations' की मंज़ूरी दी है।</p>
— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) <a href="https://twitter.com/mansukhmandviya/status/1518863947386224641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Amid a rise in coronavirus cases and fears of a possible fourth wave in the country, in a massive boost to the vaccination drive, the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) on Tuesday (April 26) granted regulatory approvals to three coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines, the country's health ministry confirmed.

Amid a rise in coronavirus cases and fears of a possible fourth wave in the country, in a massive boost to the vaccination drive, the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) on Tuesday (April 26) granted regulatory approvals to three coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines, the country's health ministry confirmed. Approval has been given to emergency use of Biological E's Covid vaccine Corbevax for children aged five to 12 and Bharat Biotech's Covaxin for six to 12-year olds. The Corbevax is currently being administered to children in the age group of 12-14. Vaccinations against COVID-19 among minors in India were started from January 3 onwards with those in the 15-18 age group for Bharat Biotech's Covaxin. IN PICS | Mysterious liver disease impact kids worldwide: Here are leading theories. Is there any link to Covid? DCGI has also granted emergency use authorisation to Cadila for its ZyCoV-D for an additional dose of 3mg with a two-jab inoculation schedule 28 days apart for those aged above 12 years. ZyCoV-D is, currently, approved for a 2mg three-dose vaccination schedule. The approval by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) comes following recommendations by the Subject Expert Committee (SEC) on COVID-19 of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). WATCH | Gravitas: Inside China's Wuhan Virus Nightmare × The drive later expanded on March 16 to include children aged above 12 for Corbevax. Overall India is currently administering two COVID-19 vaccines for children above 12. Meanwhile, the country's Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya tweeted, "India's fight against COVID becomes stronger @CDSCO_INDIA_INF gives nod to 'Covaxin' for 6-12 age group and 'Corbevax' for 5-12 age group for 'Restricted Use in Emergency Situations'" भारत की कोविड से लड़ाई अब और अधिक मज़बूत @CDSCO_INDIA_INF ने >6 से <12 आयुवर्ग के लिए 'Covaxin' >5 से <12 आयुवर्ग के लिए 'Corbevax' 12 से ऊपर के आयुवर्ग के लिए 'ZyCoV-D' की 2 डोज को 'Restricted Use in Emergency Situations' की मंज़ूरी दी है। — Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) April 26, 2022 × WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

India gives emergency use authorisation to Covaxin for 6-12 age group

<p>India has reported a sudden rise in the coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, triggering panic and fears over a potential fourth virus wave in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the data released by Union Health Ministry on Monday (April 25), India reported 2,541 fresh Covid cases in the past 24 hours. There's a decline but it is marginal against the previous day's count of 2,593.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the addition of fresh cases, the number of the active caseload in the country has increased to 16,522 and an additional 30 Covid fatalities increased the nationwide death toll to 522,223.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-antivirus-pill-shows-rapid-clearance-of-covid-19-473574v">Japan's antivirus pill shows 'rapid clearance' of COVID-19</a></strong></p>

<p>The latest spike in cases is alarming as in the week of April 18 to April 24, India reported 15,700 fresh coronavirus cases, India-based news website The Times of India reported. It is an increase of 95 per cent as compared to the previous week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To assess the situation, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a meeting with chief ministers via video conferencing on Wednesday, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If we analyse the spike in Covid cases state-wise, a few states are witnessing a sudden rise. In the past two weeks, Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh have reported a rise,&nbsp;with most of the numbers reportedly coming from NCR cities.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Delhi recorded 6,326 cases in a week. Haryana and Uttar Pradesh logged 2,296 and 1,278 cases respectively in a week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report also mentioned that nine other states — Kerala, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Bengal, Rajasthan and Punjab — reported a rise in cases this week.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-shanghai-battles-virus-wave-covid-19-clusters-detected-in-construction-sites-473559">Mass testing underway in Beijing, COVID-19 clusters detected in Shanghai construction sites</a></strong></p>

<p><img alt="COVID-19" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2cd10b4c-5569-4510-9ae6-dcc6f5ca6596" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/b52f4801714ee47b1d914cf019052ca9.jpg" /></p>

<p>The southern states reported a surge in Covid cases. News agency PTI reported that Tamil Nadu logged 52 new cases on April 25. The news cases included three people who had returned from abroad.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The data released on April 25 noted that the weekly positivity rate stood at 0.54 per cent, and the daily positivity rate reported a considerable spike at 0.84 per cent.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>India's COVID-19 update on April 25</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> Updates<br />
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187.71 cr vaccine doses have been administered so far<br />
<br />
India's Active caseload currently stands at 16,522<br />
<br />
Active cases stand at 0.04%<br />
<br />
Recovery Rate currently at 98.75%<a href="https://t.co/xbHzVrbsfA">https://t.co/xbHzVrbsfA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaFightsCorona?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaFightsCorona</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LargestVaccinationDrive?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LargestVaccinationDrive</a> <a href="https://t.co/DYET0dod1C">pic.twitter.com/DYET0dod1C</a></p>
— PIB India (@PIB_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/PIB_India/status/1518456280113106949?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Status of Covid vaccination in India till April 25</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🏐India’s Cumulative COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage exceeds 187.71 Cr<br />
<br />
🏐Over 2.66 Cr 1st dose vaccines administered for age group 12-14 years<br />
<br />
🏐Recovery Rate currently stands at 98.75%<br />
<br />
Read here: <a href="https://t.co/V1RnGktxwr">https://t.co/V1RnGktxwr</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaFightsCorona?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaFightsCorona</a> <a href="https://t.co/uUptMDd2FE">pic.twitter.com/uUptMDd2FE</a></p>
— PIB India (@PIB_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/PIB_India/status/1518462148170874880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>On the vaccination front, as many as 187.71 crore vaccine doses have been administered so far under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Sunday, during the 'Mann Ki Baat' radio broadcast, PM Modi urged citizens to stay alert and follow Covid protocols.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;COVID-19 crisis: Situation worsens in China, Beijing on alert as Covid&nbsp;numbers increase</strong></p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India has reported a sudden rise in the coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, triggering panic and fears over a potential fourth virus wave in the country. As per the data released by Union Health Ministry on Monday (April 25), India reported 2,541 fresh Covid cases in the past 24 hours.

India has reported a sudden rise in the coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, triggering panic and fears over a potential fourth virus wave in the country. As per the data released by Union Health Ministry on Monday (April 25), India reported 2,541 fresh Covid cases in the past 24 hours. There's a decline but it is marginal against the previous day's count of 2,593. After the addition of fresh cases, the number of the active caseload in the country has increased to 16,522 and an additional 30 Covid fatalities increased the nationwide death toll to 522,223. ALSO READ | Japan's antivirus pill shows 'rapid clearance' of COVID-19 The latest spike in cases is alarming as in the week of April 18 to April 24, India reported 15,700 fresh coronavirus cases, India-based news website The Times of India reported. It is an increase of 95 per cent as compared to the previous week. To assess the situation, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a meeting with chief ministers via video conferencing on Wednesday, news agency ANI reported. If we analyse the spike in Covid cases state-wise, a few states are witnessing a sudden rise. In the past two weeks, Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh have reported a rise, with most of the numbers reportedly coming from NCR cities. Delhi recorded 6,326 cases in a week. Haryana and Uttar Pradesh logged 2,296 and 1,278 cases respectively in a week. The report also mentioned that nine other states — Kerala, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Bengal, Rajasthan and Punjab — reported a rise in cases this week. ALSO READ | Mass testing underway in Beijing, COVID-19 clusters detected in Shanghai construction sites The southern states reported a surge in Covid cases. News agency PTI reported that Tamil Nadu logged 52 new cases on April 25. The news cases included three people who had returned from abroad. The data released on April 25 noted that the weekly positivity rate stood at 0.54 per cent, and the daily positivity rate reported a considerable spike at 0.84 per cent. India's COVID-19 update on April 25 #COVID19 Updates 187.71 cr vaccine doses have been administered so far India's Active caseload currently stands at 16,522 Active cases stand at 0.04% Recovery Rate currently at 98.75%https://t.co/xbHzVrbsfA #IndiaFightsCorona #LargestVaccinationDrive pic.twitter.com/DYET0dod1C — PIB India (@PIB_India) April 25, 2022 × Status of Covid vaccination in India till April 25 🏐India’s Cumulative COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage exceeds 187.71 Cr 🏐Over 2.66 Cr 1st dose vaccines administered for age group 12-14 years 🏐Recovery Rate currently stands at 98.75% Read here: https://t.co/V1RnGktxwr #IndiaFightsCorona pic.twitter.com/uUptMDd2FE — PIB India (@PIB_India) April 25, 2022 × On the vaccination front, as many as 187.71 crore vaccine doses have been administered so far under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive. On Sunday, during the 'Mann Ki Baat' radio broadcast, PM Modi urged citizens to stay alert and follow Covid protocols. WATCH | COVID-19 crisis: Situation worsens in China, Beijing on alert as Covid numbers increase × (With inputs from agencies)

Fourth COVID-19 wave in India? List of states where cases are rising

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