Watch the top headlines of the hour: - China, a threat to our crews: Philippines - Russia strikes Ukraine Army HQ in Odesa - Police clear Columbia's Hamilton Hall - Blinken in Israel to push for truce - US moves to reclassify Marijuana - South korea discusses joining AUKUS - Multiple Delhi-NCR schools recieve bomb threats

China, a threat to our crews: Philippines | Russia strikes Ukraine Army HQ in Odesa

The United States and China will resume bilateral talks on climate cooperation. This comes as trade and security tensions between the two Global powers are at an all-time high. Watch in for more details!

US Climate Change diplomat to meet Chinese counterpart, climate meeting scheduled for May

China has introduced the world to peculiar drinks such as soy sauted latte or Oyster Coffee. The country has now come up with a new drink that has left the internet divided once again.

Spring onion latte has the internet divided | What is the 'dark cuisine' trend?

Imagine conducting $260 billion worth of International trade without using a single US dollar. That's exactly what China and Russia are pulling off this year and it's a move that could significantly dent the dominance of the US dollar which has reigned Supreme for decades. Watch in for more details!

China-Russia trade deal paves way for BRICS De-Dollarization

China's Air China has placed an order for 100 domestically produced C919 narrowbody jets. This $10.8 billion deal significantly boosts the commercial aircraft corporation of China, the state-owned manufacturer of the C919.

C919 poised to challenge Boeing 737 & Airbus A320 dominance

China's property crisis is putting pressure on major lenders. Embattled developer china vanke is facing liquidity issues, with talks of a bond swap failing. This could lead to loan growth moderation for banks like ICBC and Agricultural Bank of China in 2024. Investors will be watching these banks' earnings reports for signs of trouble, as net interest margins are already shrinking due to the property woes.

China big five banks' margins narrow as property woes persist

China will send a robotic spacecraft in coming days on a round trip to the moon's far side in the first of three technically demanding missions that will pave the way for an inaugural Chinese crewed landing and a base on the lunar south pole.

China set to launch high-stakes mission to moon's 'hidden' side

The Philippines on Tuesday accused China's coast guard of harassment and damaging one of its boats in a disputed area of the South China Sea. Watch in for more details!

Chinese coast guard fires water cannons at Philippine vessels

The Chinese scientist who first published a sequence of the COVID-19 virus in January 2020 without state approval&nbsp;was reportedly forced&nbsp;out of his facility over the weekend. Zhang Yongzhen&nbsp;on&nbsp;Monday (Apr 29)&nbsp;wrote on Chinese social media that&nbsp;he and his team&nbsp;were asked&nbsp;to evict from the lab, the latest sign of increased scrutiny against scientists working on coronavirus in the communist country.

According to a report by news agency AP, when Zhang tried to enter his lab over the weekend, he was barred by guards who said the lab has been closed for “safety reasons.”

The scientist staged a protest outside the lab, with online photos showing him sitting in drizzling rain.&nbsp;

“I won’t leave, I won’t quit, I am pursuing science and the truth!,” he wrote in a post on the Chinese social media platform Weibo.

The news of his protest quickly spread on social media, prompting the Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center to issue a statement.

The centre claimed Zhang’s lab was&nbsp;being renovated&nbsp;and&nbsp;his team was provided&nbsp;with an alternative facility&nbsp;meanwhile.

However, Zhang rubbished the claim and said&nbsp;no alternative facility had been offered.&nbsp;

<h2>How&nbsp;Zhang&nbsp;ran afoul of the Chinese govt?</h2>

Zhang became a trouble for China’s Xi Jinping administration when, back in 2020, he and his team decoded the COVID-19 virus and warned the Chinese authorities of its potential to spread quickly among the masses.

The&nbsp;very&nbsp;next day, his lab faced action by the government&nbsp;and&nbsp;Zhang came under heavy government pressure.

In the meantime, foreign scientists started citing Zhang’s work while&nbsp;issuing calls to the Chinese government&nbsp;to take preventive measures.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjn0ZmGpOqFAxV7z6ACHdD6DioQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scientist-who-developed-chinas-first-vaccine-now-facing-discipline-charges-expelled-from-parliament-716300" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/scientist-who-developed-chinas-first-vaccine-now-facing-discipline-charges-expelled-from-parliament-716300&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjn0ZmGpOqFAxV7z6ACHdD6DioQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE">Scientist who developed China's first vaccine now facing disciplinary charges, expelled from parliament</a>

On January 11, 2020, Zhang made the virus sequence&nbsp;public,&nbsp;without waiting for the government’s nod.

Sequencing a virus is&nbsp;key&nbsp;to&nbsp;the development of&nbsp;test kits, disease control measures and vaccinations, reported AP.

<h2>Series of actions against Zhang</h2>

Zhang’s actions have brought him enough trouble over the past years.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjTo8mApOqFAxUW2TgGHS9TDi0QxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/chinese-firms-navigate-payment-hurdles-amid-russia-trade-troubles-716162" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/chinese-firms-navigate-payment-hurdles-amid-russia-trade-troubles-716162&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjTo8mApOqFAxUW2TgGHS9TDi0QxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">Chinese firms navigate payment hurdles amid Russia trade troubles</a>

Not only&nbsp;Zhang&nbsp;was&nbsp;expelled&nbsp;from a post at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention&nbsp;but was also stopped&nbsp;from collaborating with some of his former partners, which severely affected his research.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Chinese scientist who first published a sequence of the COVID-19 virus in January 2020 without state approval was reportedly forced out of his facility over the weekend.

The Chinese scientist who first published a sequence of the COVID-19 virus in January 2020 without state approval was reportedly forced out of his facility over the weekend. Zhang Yongzhen on Monday (Apr 29) wrote on Chinese social media that he and his team were asked to evict from the lab, the latest sign of increased scrutiny against scientists working on coronavirus in the communist country. According to a report by news agency AP, when Zhang tried to enter his lab over the weekend, he was barred by guards who said the lab has been closed for “safety reasons.” The scientist staged a protest outside the lab, with online photos showing him sitting in drizzling rain. “I won’t leave, I won’t quit, I am pursuing science and the truth!,” he wrote in a post on the Chinese social media platform Weibo. The news of his protest quickly spread on social media, prompting the Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center to issue a statement. The centre claimed Zhang’s lab was being renovated and his team was provided with an alternative facility meanwhile. However, Zhang rubbished the claim and said no alternative facility had been offered. How Zhang ran afoul of the Chinese govt? Zhang became a trouble for China’s Xi Jinping administration when, back in 2020, he and his team decoded the COVID-19 virus and warned the Chinese authorities of its potential to spread quickly among the masses. The very next day, his lab faced action by the government and Zhang came under heavy government pressure. In the meantime, foreign scientists started citing Zhang’s work while issuing calls to the Chinese government to take preventive measures. Also read: Scientist who developed China's first vaccine now facing disciplinary charges, expelled from parliament On January 11, 2020, Zhang made the virus sequence public, without waiting for the government’s nod. Sequencing a virus is key to the development of test kits, disease control measures and vaccinations, reported AP. Series of actions against Zhang Zhang’s actions have brought him enough trouble over the past years. Also read: Chinese firms navigate payment hurdles amid Russia trade troubles Not only Zhang was expelled from a post at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention but was also stopped from collaborating with some of his former partners, which severely affected his research. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientist who first decoded the Covid sequence thrown out of his lab by China

China said Tuesday that rival Palestinian groups Hamas and Fatah met in Beijing recently for "in-depth and candid talks on promoting intra-Palestinian reconciliation". Watch in for more details!

China facilities reconciliation talks between Hamas and Fatah

Philippines accuses China of attacking vessels with water cannons in South China Sea

Manasseh Sogavare, the Solomon Islands prime minister who drew his nation close to&nbsp;China, sharpening the United States' focus on the strategic importance of the Pacific Islands, has bowed out of the race for leader after an inconclusive election.

Sogavare is known for his unpredictable diplomacy. He criticised neighbour Australia, snubbed a White House meeting with Pacific leaders because he said he wanted to avoid a lecture, and declared "I'm back home" while stepping off a plane in Beijing a few months later.

At election rallies, Sogavare said he had put Solomon Islands on the map by striking a security pact with&nbsp;China. Yet he only narrowly won his East Choiseul seat during Wednesday's vote, as opposition parties highlighted how health services ran out of medicine as Beijing built sporting stadiums.

"He has bowed out because of the poor performance of his party," said Australian National University Pacific expert Graeme Smith.

Solomon Islands lawmakers will vote for a prime minister on Thursday, and Sogavare's party, which lost half its seats, has nominated former Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manele as its candidate.

Opposition parties, who criticised the arrival of Chinese police in the archipelago in 2022, have formed a coalition, and will also seek to woo independents to reach the 26 seats needed to form a government.

The son of Seventh Day Adventist missionaries, Sogavare's thundering delivery in parliament&nbsp;was reminiscent of a preacher, and his rhetoric against Western-style democracy was often extreme, analysts said.

Lowy Institute research fellow Mihai Sora, a former Australian diplomat in the Solomon Islands, said Sogavare has been a polarising figure, and "a lightning rod for international scrutiny, which also put a great deal of pressure on the national government".

"MPs may have decided this time around that a less strident figure would have a better chance of being accepted by an already frustrated community, and may reduce some of the recent tensions with international partners," he said.

Manele has "a strong track record of working well with all international partners", he added.

The 2022 security pact with&nbsp;China, details of which have never been disclosed, raised concerns&nbsp;China&nbsp;would increase its navy presence and upset neighbours including Australia, the biggest aid donor and traditional security partner.

Sogavare denied there were plans to establish a Chinese military base, which the United States said would cross a red line, but Beijing used the Honiara foothold to lobby other Pacific Islands to accept a Chinese police presence.

Sogavare refused U.S. offers of millions of dollars in infrastructure funding, telling the United Nations General Assembly that&nbsp;China's aid was less restrictive.

He skipped a ceremony to mark the World War Two battle of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands, attended by former U.S. President John F Kennedy's daughter, U.S. ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy. John F Kennedy was saved by Solomon Islanders while serving in the war.

In 2022, Sogavare's government blocked the U.S. Coast Guard and British navy from refuelling on a patrol for illegal fishing.

Also read:&nbsp;<meta name="uuid" content="uuidv8vpDF7mHnTB" /><a href="http://wionews.com/world/chinas-coast-guard-expels-philippine-vessels-from-scarborough-shoal-state-media-says-716496" target="_blank">China tells Philippines to halt 'provocative actions' in South China Sea after shoal standoff</a>

On Monday, Sogavare said he was "under pressure from the United States and Western allies", after switching diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to Beijing, and his time as prime minister "has not been easy".

Sogavare has held the prime minister's role four times, and was previously removed as leader because the government said he became "lost in conspiracies", Smith said.

Sogavare become unhappy with Australia in 2006, Smith said, after Australian police on a decade-long peace-keeping mission raided his office looking for evidence on Attorney-General Julian Moti. The Australian-born Moti was wanted in Australia for child sexual assault, and was later deported.

Sogavare accused Canberra of meddling in Solomon Islands internal affairs, and demanded the withdrawal of Australian police.

In 2021, Sogavare asked Australia to return its police to help restore order in Honiara during anti-government riots where his family home was also torched. Six months later he struck a security pact with&nbsp;China.

Manasseh Sogavare, the Solomon Islands prime minister who drew his nation close to China, sharpening the United States' focus on the strategic importance of the Pacific Islands, has bowed out of the race for leader after an inconclusive election.

Manasseh Sogavare, the Solomon Islands prime minister who drew his nation close to China, sharpening the United States' focus on the strategic importance of the Pacific Islands, has bowed out of the race for leader after an inconclusive election. Sogavare is known for his unpredictable diplomacy. He criticised neighbour Australia, snubbed a White House meeting with Pacific leaders because he said he wanted to avoid a lecture, and declared "I'm back home" while stepping off a plane in Beijing a few months later. At election rallies, Sogavare said he had put Solomon Islands on the map by striking a security pact with China. Yet he only narrowly won his East Choiseul seat during Wednesday's vote, as opposition parties highlighted how health services ran out of medicine as Beijing built sporting stadiums. "He has bowed out because of the poor performance of his party," said Australian National University Pacific expert Graeme Smith. Solomon Islands lawmakers will vote for a prime minister on Thursday, and Sogavare's party, which lost half its seats, has nominated former Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manele as its candidate. Opposition parties, who criticised the arrival of Chinese police in the archipelago in 2022, have formed a coalition, and will also seek to woo independents to reach the 26 seats needed to form a government. The son of Seventh Day Adventist missionaries, Sogavare's thundering delivery in parliament was reminiscent of a preacher, and his rhetoric against Western-style democracy was often extreme, analysts said. Lowy Institute research fellow Mihai Sora, a former Australian diplomat in the Solomon Islands, said Sogavare has been a polarising figure, and "a lightning rod for international scrutiny, which also put a great deal of pressure on the national government". "MPs may have decided this time around that a less strident figure would have a better chance of being accepted by an already frustrated community, and may reduce some of the recent tensions with international partners," he said. Manele has "a strong track record of working well with all international partners", he added. The 2022 security pact with China, details of which have never been disclosed, raised concerns China would increase its navy presence and upset neighbours including Australia, the biggest aid donor and traditional security partner. Sogavare denied there were plans to establish a Chinese military base, which the United States said would cross a red line, but Beijing used the Honiara foothold to lobby other Pacific Islands to accept a Chinese police presence. Sogavare refused U.S. offers of millions of dollars in infrastructure funding, telling the United Nations General Assembly that China's aid was less restrictive. He skipped a ceremony to mark the World War Two battle of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands, attended by former U.S. President John F Kennedy's daughter, U.S. ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy. John F Kennedy was saved by Solomon Islanders while serving in the war. In 2022, Sogavare's government blocked the U.S. Coast Guard and British navy from refuelling on a patrol for illegal fishing. Also read: China tells Philippines to halt 'provocative actions' in South China Sea after shoal standoff On Monday, Sogavare said he was "under pressure from the United States and Western allies", after switching diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to Beijing, and his time as prime minister "has not been easy". Sogavare has held the prime minister's role four times, and was previously removed as leader because the government said he became "lost in conspiracies", Smith said. Sogavare become unhappy with Australia in 2006, Smith said, after Australian police on a decade-long peace-keeping mission raided his office looking for evidence on Attorney-General Julian Moti. The Australian-born Moti was wanted in Australia for child sexual assault, and was later deported. Sogavare accused Canberra of meddling in Solomon Islands internal affairs, and demanded the withdrawal of Australian police. In 2021, Sogavare asked Australia to return its police to help restore order in Honiara during anti-government riots where his family home was also torched. Six months later he struck a security pact with China.

Pro-China Sogavare out of the race as Solomon Islands votes for next leader

China's coast guard says it "expelled" a Philippine coast guard ship and another vessel from Scarborough Shoal. The Coast Guard did not provide additional information in a statement. Watch this video for all details.

South China Sea tensions: Chinese coast guard expels Philippine vessels

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UK police alerts of online 'sextortion' scams against teenage boys | Saudi streamlines vision 2030

The incumbent prime minister of Solomon Islands was set to fall short of an outright election majority Monday, forcing the pro-Beijing Pacific leader to woo an unwieldy mix of potential coalition partners. Watch in for more details!

Pro-China Solomon Islands PM out of race, says 'not competing for new term'

Manasseh Sogavare, the Solomon Islands prime minister who drew his nation close to China, sharpening the United States' focus on the strategic importance of the Pacific Islands, bowed out of the race for leader on Monday evening (April 29) after a national election delivered no clear winner.

Why will Soloman Island's pro-China PM Sogavare won't stand for renomination?

Beijing warned the Philippines on Tuesday (Apr 30) to stop provocative actions after Manila said the Chinese coast guard used water cannon on two of its vessels in the South China Sea.

Manila said that the China Coast Guard fired a water cannon at two of its vessels, damaging one of them, during a patrol near a reef off the Southeast Asian country.

The incident was reported near Scarborough Shoal, a contested feature in the South China Sea.

The Philippines considers it within its exclusive economic zone, an area where it has special rights regarding resources. However, China also claims the shoal to be its part.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-china-sea-philippines-slams-china-for-stirring-up-trouble-697395" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/south-china-sea-philippines-slams-china-for-stirring-up-trouble-697395&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwji-6CwlumFAxUeS2wGHWtqDoMQFnoECAcQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw3-RoOb3uk5ZlsNfQQkdLA_&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-china-sea-philippines-slams-china-for-stirring-up-trouble-697395" target="_blank">South China Sea: Philippines slams China for 'stirring up trouble'</a>

"This damage serves as evidence of the forceful water pressure used by the China Coast Guard in their harassment of the Philippine vessels," a statement issued by the Philippine Coast Guard said.

The Philippine statement further alleges that the Chinese Coast Guard re-established a 380-metre&nbsp;barrier at the entrance to the shoal, a traditional fishing ground for Filipino fishermen, effectively blocking access to the waters within.

China and the Philippines in the past had said they would seek better communications and management around skirmishes in the vast South China Sea, but tensions have increased recently.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-slams-china-over-incidents-in-south-china-sea-against-philippines-668718" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-slams-china-over-incidents-in-south-china-sea-against-philippines-668718&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwji-6CwlumFAxUeS2wGHWtqDoMQFnoECAEQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw23DUs5mxHOlHzOFCngGjiL&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-slams-china-over-incidents-in-south-china-sea-against-philippines-668718" target="_blank">UK slams China over incidents in&nbsp;South China Sea&nbsp;against Philippines</a>

China claims almost the entire South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual ship-borne commerce, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. The Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016 said China's claims had no legal basis.

(With inputs from agencies)

Beijing warned the Philippines on Tuesday (Apr 30) to stop provocative actions after Manila said the Chinese coast guard used water cannon on two of its vessels in the South China Sea.

Beijing warned the Philippines on Tuesday (Apr 30) to stop provocative actions after Manila said the Chinese coast guard used water cannon on two of its vessels in the South China Sea. Manila said that the China Coast Guard fired a water cannon at two of its vessels, damaging one of them, during a patrol near a reef off the Southeast Asian country. The incident was reported near Scarborough Shoal, a contested feature in the South China Sea. The Philippines considers it within its exclusive economic zone, an area where it has special rights regarding resources. However, China also claims the shoal to be its part. Also read: South China Sea: Philippines slams China for 'stirring up trouble' "This damage serves as evidence of the forceful water pressure used by the China Coast Guard in their harassment of the Philippine vessels," a statement issued by the Philippine Coast Guard said. The Philippine statement further alleges that the Chinese Coast Guard re-established a 380-metre barrier at the entrance to the shoal, a traditional fishing ground for Filipino fishermen, effectively blocking access to the waters within. China and the Philippines in the past had said they would seek better communications and management around skirmishes in the vast South China Sea, but tensions have increased recently. Also read: UK slams China over incidents in South China Sea against Philippines China claims almost the entire South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual ship-borne commerce, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. The Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016 said China's claims had no legal basis. (With inputs from agencies)

China tells Philippines to halt 'provocative actions' in South China Sea after shoal standoff

Pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca, in a damning revelation, has admitted that its Covid-19 vaccine 'Covishield' can, in "very rare cases, cause TTS".

TTS or Thrombosis Thrombocytopenia Syndrome is a rare yet&nbsp;serious condition suffered by some vaccine takers, with symptoms including blood clots and platelet levels.

The revelation can potentially pave the way for&nbsp;AstraZeneca to cough up millions of dollars in legal payout. 
 
Here's all you need to know about the issue.

<h2>Covishield and rare side effects</h2>

British-Swedish company AstraZeneca, in conjunction with Oxford, developed its Covid vaccine that is sold under brand names 'Covishield' and 'Vaxzevria' among others.&nbsp;

The vaccine was initially rolled out in 2021, as hundreds and thousands of deaths from the dangerous virus were being reported from across the world.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/astrazaneca-admits-in-court-document-its-covid-vaccine-can-in-very-rare-cases-cause-complications-716218">AstraZeneca admits in court that its Covid vaccine can ‘in very rare cases, cause TTS’</a>

At the time, the rushed rollout was criticised by many in the scientific community and questions were raised about how safe it is to rush vaccine administration.&nbsp;

Now, three years down the line, the question is back as AstraZeneca faces class action suits over claims that its vaccine caused serious injury or death in dozens of cases.

<h2>A confession?</h2>

In legal documents submitted to the UK High Court in February, the pharmaceutical giant accepted that its COVID-19 vaccine "can, in very rare cases, cause TTS".

"It is admitted that the AZ vaccine can, in very rare cases, cause TTS. The causal mechanism is not known," said the company in the document that is making headlines months after it was submitted.

"Further, TTS can also occur in the absence of the AZ vaccine (or any vaccine). Causation in any individual case will be a matter for expert evidence," it added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/years-long-chill-to-end-ron-desantis-and-donald-trump-hold-private-talks-in-miami-716178">Years-long chill to end? Ron DeSantis and Donald Trump hold private talks in Miami</a>

Previously, lawyers for the pharma giant, in a letter of response sent in May last year, had contended "We do not accept that TTS is caused by the vaccine at a generic level".

<h2>Medical claims against the company</h2>

The first case against the company was lodged by Jamie Scott, father of two, who was 44 when he received the vaccine.&nbsp;

Ten days after the jab, Scott complained of tiredness and started vomiting. Soon after, his speech got impaired, and he had to be taken to the hospital, where physicians diagnosed him with a suspected case of Vaccine-induced Immune Thrombocytopenia and Thrombosis (VITT).

He survived the ordeal but was left with a permanent brain injury.

Alongside Scott, 51 cases have been lodged against the company, with victims and grieving relatives seeking damages estimated to be worth up to £100 million ($125.36 million).

Lawyers for the victims argue that the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine is "defective" and that its efficacy has been "vastly overstated". AstraZeneca has strongly denied these claims.

<h2>AstraZeneca vaccine side effects</h2>

As per the World Health Organization, side effects of the AstraZeneca vaccine include typically short-term and self-limiting mild-to-moderate symptoms.

The AstraZeneca vaccine has been associated with a range of common side effects, as reported by those who received it.

These side effects include discomfort at the injection site, a general feeling of being unwell, fatigue, fever, headaches, nausea, muscle and joint pain, swelling, redness at the site of injection, dizziness, sleepiness, excessive sweating, abdominal pain, and instances of fainting.

These, however, happen in less than 1 in 100 people.

<h2>Did nobody realise the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine's dangerous side effects earlier?</h2>

Amid reports of adverse effects, including blood clots due to the vaccine, several countries suspended the COVID-19 vaccine's use.

In March 2021, Austria suspended the use of one batch after two people developed blood clots after the vaccine jab and one of them died.

Over time, dozens of nations, many of them in Europe, suspended the use of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine.

This includes Denmark, Ireland, Thailand, the Netherlands, Norway, Iceland, Congo, Bulgaria, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Canada, Sweden, Latvia, Slovenia, Australia, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca, in a damning revelation, has admitted that its Covid-19 vaccine 'Covishield' can, in "very rare cases, cause TTS". TTS or Thrombosis Thrombocytopenia Syndrome is a rare yet serious condition suffered by some vaccine takers, with symptoms including blood clots and platelet levels.

Pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca, in a damning revelation, has admitted that its Covid-19 vaccine 'Covishield' can, in "very rare cases, cause TTS". TTS or Thrombosis Thrombocytopenia Syndrome is a rare yet serious condition suffered by some vaccine takers, with symptoms including blood clots and platelet levels. The revelation can potentially pave the way for AstraZeneca to cough up millions of dollars in legal payout. Here's all you need to know about the issue. Covishield and rare side effects British-Swedish company AstraZeneca, in conjunction with Oxford, developed its Covid vaccine that is sold under brand names 'Covishield' and 'Vaxzevria' among others. The vaccine was initially rolled out in 2021, as hundreds and thousands of deaths from the dangerous virus were being reported from across the world. Also read | AstraZeneca admits in court that its Covid vaccine can ‘in very rare cases, cause TTS’ At the time, the rushed rollout was criticised by many in the scientific community and questions were raised about how safe it is to rush vaccine administration. Now, three years down the line, the question is back as AstraZeneca faces class action suits over claims that its vaccine caused serious injury or death in dozens of cases. A confession? In legal documents submitted to the UK High Court in February, the pharmaceutical giant accepted that its COVID-19 vaccine "can, in very rare cases, cause TTS". "It is admitted that the AZ vaccine can, in very rare cases, cause TTS. The causal mechanism is not known," said the company in the document that is making headlines months after it was submitted. "Further, TTS can also occur in the absence of the AZ vaccine (or any vaccine). Causation in any individual case will be a matter for expert evidence," it added. Also read | Years-long chill to end? Ron DeSantis and Donald Trump hold private talks in Miami Previously, lawyers for the pharma giant, in a letter of response sent in May last year, had contended "We do not accept that TTS is caused by the vaccine at a generic level". Medical claims against the company The first case against the company was lodged by Jamie Scott, father of two, who was 44 when he received the vaccine. Ten days after the jab, Scott complained of tiredness and started vomiting. Soon after, his speech got impaired, and he had to be taken to the hospital, where physicians diagnosed him with a suspected case of Vaccine-induced Immune Thrombocytopenia and Thrombosis (VITT). He survived the ordeal but was left with a permanent brain injury. Alongside Scott, 51 cases have been lodged against the company, with victims and grieving relatives seeking damages estimated to be worth up to £100 million ($125.36 million). Lawyers for the victims argue that the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine is "defective" and that its efficacy has been "vastly overstated". AstraZeneca has strongly denied these claims. AstraZeneca vaccine side effects As per the World Health Organization, side effects of the AstraZeneca vaccine include typically short-term and self-limiting mild-to-moderate symptoms. The AstraZeneca vaccine has been associated with a range of common side effects, as reported by those who received it. These side effects include discomfort at the injection site, a general feeling of being unwell, fatigue, fever, headaches, nausea, muscle and joint pain, swelling, redness at the site of injection, dizziness, sleepiness, excessive sweating, abdominal pain, and instances of fainting. These, however, happen in less than 1 in 100 people. Did nobody realise the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine's dangerous side effects earlier? Amid reports of adverse effects, including blood clots due to the vaccine, several countries suspended the COVID-19 vaccine's use. In March 2021, Austria suspended the use of one batch after two people developed blood clots after the vaccine jab and one of them died. Over time, dozens of nations, many of them in Europe, suspended the use of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine. This includes Denmark, Ireland, Thailand, the Netherlands, Norway, Iceland, Congo, Bulgaria, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Canada, Sweden, Latvia, Slovenia, Australia, Indonesia, and Malaysia. (With inputs from agencies)

AstraZeneca Covid vaccine: Court case, rare side effects, admission of guilt, and more. All you need to know

China is at it, again. Beijing is provoking India at Siachen, the world's highest battleground, by building a road in the Indian territory. Is this road meant for troops and tanks? How will India respond to the development?

China building roads near India's Siachen; new road in Shaksgam Valley, part of PoK

A new space race underway: The far side of moon is China's next target

Norway-- Europe's largest oil and gas producer could now become the first nation to authorise seabed mining. The Norwegian authorities have taken another step towards the controversial mining of its seabed, arguing the importance of not relying on China for minerals essential for renewable technology.

Norway gears up for seabed mining

Chinese businesses, struggling with challenges in conducting transactions with Russia amid concerns over US sanctions, are resorting to unconventional methods to facilitate payments. <o:p></o:p>

Heightened scrutiny from major Chinese banks, wary of possible repercussions from Washington, has led to delays and restrictions in settling payments for goods destined for Russia. <o:p></o:p>

As a result, companies are exploring alternative channels, including currency brokers along the China-Russia border and even banned cryptocurrency, to overcome these payment hurdles. <o:p></o:p>

Reuters spoke with multiple sources familiar with the situation, who provided insight into the present Sino-Russian trade relations.<o:p></o:p>

The reluctance of China's major banks to process transactions related to Russia has prompted small Chinese exporters to seek alternative avenues for payments. <o:p></o:p>

Accompanied by fears of being targeted by US sanctions, these banks have tightened scrutiny on Russia-related businesses, complicating trade finance for Chinese exporters. <o:p></o:p>

The delays in payment clearance have prompted concerns among businesses, with some opting to scale back operations in the Russian market or explore unconventional payment methods to mitigate financial risks.<o:p></o:p>

As reported by Reuters, transactions between China and Russia are increasingly being routed through underground channels, including currency brokers and even banned cryptocurrency, as mainstream banking channels face heightened restrictions. <o:p></o:p>

However, these alternative channels also carry inherent risks, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of such practices. <o:p></o:p>

Chinese banks, particularly rural banks along the China-Russia border, have emerged as alternatives for processing payments to Russia. <o:p></o:p>

However, the influx of businesses seeking to leverage these banks has resulted in bottlenecks, with some businesses reporting lengthy delays in opening accounts. <o:p></o:p>

Despite efforts to explore these alternative options, challenges persist, with some companies encountering obstacles in accessing banking services or receiving payments from Russian clients.<o:p></o:p>

The impact of restricted payments from Russia extends beyond individual businesses, affecting China's financial institutions and trade relations with Russia. <o:p></o:p>

Major Chinese banks have reported declines in Russia-related business activities, reversing previous growth trends. <o:p></o:p>

Notably, China Construction Bank and Agricultural Bank of China have experienced drops in assets attributed to their Russian subsidiaries. <o:p></o:p>

As Chinese companies grapple with payment delays and uncertainty in conducting business with Russia, concerns persist about the sustainability of alternative payment channels and the potential for further disruptions. <o:p></o:p>

Some businesses have already begun reconsidering their presence in the Russian market, citing liquidity management concerns and the unpredictability of future developments. <o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from Reuters)<o:p></o:p>

Chinese businesses, struggling with challenges in conducting transactions with Russia amid concerns over US sanctions, are resorting to unconventional methods to facilitate payments.

Chinese businesses, struggling with challenges in conducting transactions with Russia amid concerns over US sanctions, are resorting to unconventional methods to facilitate payments. Heightened scrutiny from major Chinese banks, wary of possible repercussions from Washington, has led to delays and restrictions in settling payments for goods destined for Russia. As a result, companies are exploring alternative channels, including currency brokers along the China-Russia border and even banned cryptocurrency, to overcome these payment hurdles. Reuters spoke with multiple sources familiar with the situation, who provided insight into the present Sino-Russian trade relations. The reluctance of China's major banks to process transactions related to Russia has prompted small Chinese exporters to seek alternative avenues for payments. Accompanied by fears of being targeted by US sanctions, these banks have tightened scrutiny on Russia-related businesses, complicating trade finance for Chinese exporters. The delays in payment clearance have prompted concerns among businesses, with some opting to scale back operations in the Russian market or explore unconventional payment methods to mitigate financial risks. As reported by Reuters, transactions between China and Russia are increasingly being routed through underground channels, including currency brokers and even banned cryptocurrency, as mainstream banking channels face heightened restrictions. However, these alternative channels also carry inherent risks, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of such practices. Chinese banks, particularly rural banks along the China-Russia border, have emerged as alternatives for processing payments to Russia. However, the influx of businesses seeking to leverage these banks has resulted in bottlenecks, with some businesses reporting lengthy delays in opening accounts. Despite efforts to explore these alternative options, challenges persist, with some companies encountering obstacles in accessing banking services or receiving payments from Russian clients. The impact of restricted payments from Russia extends beyond individual businesses, affecting China's financial institutions and trade relations with Russia. Major Chinese banks have reported declines in Russia-related business activities, reversing previous growth trends. Notably, China Construction Bank and Agricultural Bank of China have experienced drops in assets attributed to their Russian subsidiaries. As Chinese companies grapple with payment delays and uncertainty in conducting business with Russia, concerns persist about the sustainability of alternative payment channels and the potential for further disruptions. Some businesses have already begun reconsidering their presence in the Russian market, citing liquidity management concerns and the unpredictability of future developments. (With inputs from Reuters)

Chinese firms navigate payment hurdles amid Russia trade troubles

The US and its allies owned the skies, no opponents of theirs could compete with them in the air but now concerns are being raised as China is rapidly catching up with the West.

How China is fast catching up with the West | China 'pulling ahead' in air-to-air missiles

#Gravitas | Europe is grappling with a wave of spy threats from China. In Germany, four alleged Chinese spies were arrested. In UK, two were charged for espionage.

China's Espionage Push in Europe | Spy suspects arrested in Germany, UK

#Gravitas | China is at it, again. Beijing is provoking India at Siachen, the world's highest battleground, by building a road in the Indian territory. Is this road meant for troops and tanks? How will India respond to the development?

China Provokes India at Siachen, Secretly Builds Road at PoK

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, made a surprise visit to China on sunday. This comes amid ongoing US-China trade tensions. One of the key topics on the agenda is Tesla's full self-driving software. Tesla is seeking regulatory approval to launch FSD in China, a market valued at $1.7 billion for autonomous driving technology.

Musk discusses tesla's full self-driving software rollout, data transfer

Elon Musk made an unannounced trip to China on Sunday, seeking approval for driver-assistance software that could help arrest the carmaker’s revenue decline. Watch in for more details!

Elon Musk makes surprise visit to China

China plans to land astronauts on the moon before 2030 and add a fourth module to its space station. China and the US are eyeing the same landing sites in the lunar south pole. Watch in for more details!

China aims to land astronauts on the moon by 2030

Tesla (TSLA.O), opens new tab CEO Elon Musk arrived in Beijing on Sunday on an unannounced visit, where he was expected to discuss the rollout of Full Self-Driving (FSD) software and permission to transfer data overseas, according to a person with knowledge of the matter.

Elon Musk visits China amid trade tensions: Tesla seeks self-driving technology rollout

China plans to put a person on the moon before 2030

Four years into the face-to-face military confrontation in eastern Ladakh, which also triggered tensions all along the Line of Actual Control, there has been no let-up in the way China continues to build border infrastructure and dual-use ‘Xiaokang’ villages, strengthen military positions and deploy additional aircraft at its air-bases facing India. Watch in for more details!

China building roads, bridges along its border with India, says report

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