After Singapore, Hong Kong has emerged as the second country to place a ban on the sale of popular Indian spice brands - Everest Food Products Pvt and MDH Pvt - &nbsp;after alleging that carcinogenic pesticide ethylene oxide has been found in several of its spice mixes.

Last week, a similar step was taken by Singapore which alleged that samples of Everest spices when tested were found to contain ethylene oxide beyond permissible limits.

The government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's Centre For Food Safety announced that in the routine surveillance programmes, they found the presence of ethylene oxide in three spice mixes which belonged to MDH Group - Madras Curry Powder, Sambhar Masala Powder, and Curry Powder.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-recalls-indias-everest-masala-claims-it-is-unfit-for-human-consumption-712919">Singapore recalls India's Everest Masala, claims it is 'unfit for human consumption'</a>

"The CFS collected the above-mentioned samples from three retail outlets in Tsim Sha Tsui respectively for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test results showed that the samples contained a pesticide, ethylene oxide. The CFS has informed the vendors concerned of the irregularities and instructed them to stop the sale and remove from shelves the affected products," the CFS said in a statement.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, it was also found that pesticides were present in Everest Group's Fish Curry Masala. The ethylene oxide allegedly found in the spices has been classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and increases the risk of breast cancer.

In the wake of the findings, action has been taken by both Hong Kong and Singapore to protect public health.&nbsp;

<h2>Here's how Everest reacted after Singapore recalled its products</h2>

Singapore recalled the popular Everest's Fish Curry Masala after the country's Food Agency (SFA) highlighted the presence of ethylene oxide at increased levels, which is unsuitable for human consumption.

"The Centre for Food Safety in Hong Kong has issued a notification on the recall of Everest Fish Curry Masala from India due to the presence of ethylene oxide at levels exceeding permissible limits," said the Singapore Food Agency, in a statement.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Indian tourist numbers slump in Maldives

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While responding to WION, the company said, "Everest is a 50+-year-old reputed brand and all our products go through stringent checks in the factory before despatch. We strictly follow the highest hygiene and food safety standards and norms laid down by the concerned authorities and statutory bodies like the Indian Spice Board, FSSAI and others."&nbsp;

"Before export, every shipment goes through quality inspection by the Spice Board of India. However, we are awaiting an official communication to understand the issue and our quality control team will look into the matter," it added.&nbsp;

WION has reached out to MDH for a comment on the issue but no reply has been received so far.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

After Singapore, Hong Kong has emerged as the second country to place a ban on the sale of popular Indian spice brands - Everest Food Products Pvt and MDH Pvt - after alleging that carcinogenic pesticide ethylene oxide has been found in several of its spice mixes.

After Singapore, Hong Kong has emerged as the second country to place a ban on the sale of popular Indian spice brands - Everest Food Products Pvt and MDH Pvt - after alleging that carcinogenic pesticide ethylene oxide has been found in several of its spice mixes. Last week, a similar step was taken by Singapore which alleged that samples of Everest spices when tested were found to contain ethylene oxide beyond permissible limits. The government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's Centre For Food Safety announced that in the routine surveillance programmes, they found the presence of ethylene oxide in three spice mixes which belonged to MDH Group - Madras Curry Powder, Sambhar Masala Powder, and Curry Powder. Also Read: Singapore recalls India's Everest Masala, claims it is 'unfit for human consumption' "The CFS collected the above-mentioned samples from three retail outlets in Tsim Sha Tsui respectively for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test results showed that the samples contained a pesticide, ethylene oxide. The CFS has informed the vendors concerned of the irregularities and instructed them to stop the sale and remove from shelves the affected products," the CFS said in a statement. Meanwhile, it was also found that pesticides were present in Everest Group's Fish Curry Masala. The ethylene oxide allegedly found in the spices has been classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and increases the risk of breast cancer. In the wake of the findings, action has been taken by both Hong Kong and Singapore to protect public health. Here's how Everest reacted after Singapore recalled its products Singapore recalled the popular Everest's Fish Curry Masala after the country's Food Agency (SFA) highlighted the presence of ethylene oxide at increased levels, which is unsuitable for human consumption. "The Centre for Food Safety in Hong Kong has issued a notification on the recall of Everest Fish Curry Masala from India due to the presence of ethylene oxide at levels exceeding permissible limits," said the Singapore Food Agency, in a statement. Watch: Indian tourist numbers slump in Maldives While responding to WION, the company said, "Everest is a 50+-year-old reputed brand and all our products go through stringent checks in the factory before despatch. We strictly follow the highest hygiene and food safety standards and norms laid down by the concerned authorities and statutory bodies like the Indian Spice Board, FSSAI and others." "Before export, every shipment goes through quality inspection by the Spice Board of India. However, we are awaiting an official communication to understand the issue and our quality control team will look into the matter," it added. WION has reached out to MDH for a comment on the issue but no reply has been received so far. (With inputs from agencies)

After Singapore, Hong Kong also bans sale of Indian spice brands Everest, MDH over pesticide concerns

In the United States, Nikki Haley, a Republican Presidential hopeful has courted controversy by stating that she believes frozen embryos created through in vitro fertilisation (IVF) were babies. Her comments echo a recent controversial ruling by the Alabama Supreme Court.

Haley, the last major 2024 Republican presidential challenger to frontrunner Donald Trump, has added fuel to the debate over the status of embryos in IVF procedures and the legal implications of considering them as children. With the 2024 presidential race gaining heat in the US, the issue is likely to remain contentious.

Here's all you need to know about the 'embryos are babies' issue.

<h2>What is IVF, and what are embryos?</h2>

IVF or In-vitro fertilisation is a popular fertilisation method available to childless individuals. It uses eggs from a biologically female individual and sperm from a biologically male person to create embryos.

Here, embryos refer to the initial stage of development of a multicellular organism. In humans, the term embryo is used to refer to a pregnancy until the end of the seventh week following conception.

IVF combines egg and sperm to grow embryos in the culture medium until they are implanted in the uterus.

<h2>Alabama Supreme court ruling on embryos</h2>

On Friday (Feb 16), the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos can be considered children under the state's laws, and that they are entitled to the same right as other unborn children.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-alabama-supreme-court-rules-frozen-embryos-are-children-692287">US: Alabama Supreme Court rules frozen embryos are 'children'</a>

Passing the 7-2 majority ruling, Justice Jay Mitchell wrote "Unborn children are 'children'… without exception based on developmental stage, physical location, or any other ancillary characteristics".

The ruling by the Alabama Supreme Court was issued in response to wrongful death cases involving destroyed embryos. In 2021, a patient at a fertility clinic in Mobile had allegedly broken into an IVF freezer and dropped several trays containing embryos. The case was brought against the fertility clinic, and after the top court ruling, three couples can now sue the facility for wrongful death.

<h2>Nikki Haley's comments&nbsp;</h2>

On Wednesday (Feb 21), speaking during a TV interview with NBC News, the presidential candidate addressing the Alabama court ruling remarked, "Embryos, to me, are babies."

"When you talk about an embryo, you are talking about, to me, that's a life. And so I do see where that’s coming from when they talk about that," said Haley.

However, when asked about the potential ramifications of the decision, she chose a softer approach and said: "This is one where we need to be incredibly respectful and sensitive about it."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/embryos-are-babies-nikki-haley-agrees-with-alabama-supreme-court-ivf-ruling-692583">'Embryos are babies': Nikki Haley agrees with Alabama Supreme Court's IVF ruling</a>

In another interview later the same day — with CNN, she clarified that her remarks didn't mean she agreed with the court ruling.&nbsp;

"I didn't say that I agreed with the Alabama ruling," she said, adding "Our goal is to always do what the parents want with their embryo. It is theirs."

Nikki has campaigned as an anti-abortion presidential contender, reports ABC News. However, seeking to differentiate herself from the Republican field, she tends to voice a less strict tone on the issue.&nbsp;

<h2>Concerns over the court ruling</h2>

The Alabama Supreme Court ruling on embryos has raised concerns among IVF patients and doctors, with some unsure about how to proceed with treatments.&nbsp;

Following the ruling, the University of Alabama at Birmingham has&nbsp;temporarily stopped IVF treatments due to fears of legal repercussions and said: "We must evaluate the potential that our patients and our physicians could be prosecuted criminally or face punitive damages for following the standard of care for IVF treatments."

Watch |&nbsp;Are frozen embryos Children? Alabama Supreme Court gives first-of-its-kind decision

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The&nbsp;decision has been met with criticism, from experts who warn that it could have a devastating impact on people suffering from infertility and hoping to utilise IVF.

"We know for all these years that we've been doing IVF not only in the United States, but around the world, there is no moment of conception. This is a group of cells. We know that not every embryo even gets to a stage of several days, let alone a live birth. And so to say that every single embryo is a child is just factually incorrect, flies in the face of science, and it is an affront to the millions of babies that have been born through IVF and this process," Barbara Collura, President and CEO of infertility advocacy group Resolve, told Reuters.

On X, Vice President Kamala Harris called the decision "outrageous" and said it would rob "women of the freedom to decide when and how to build a family."

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This decision is outrageous—and it is already robbing women of the freedom to decide when and how to build a family. <a href="https://t.co/N04pReaM2B">https://t.co/N04pReaM2B</a>
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Criticising the decision, the White House, said it would create chaos for American families.&nbsp;

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the decision reflected the consequences of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade and blamed Republican elected officials from blocking access to reproductive and emergency care to women.

"This president and this vice president will continue to fight to protect access to reproductive health care and call on Congress to restore the protections of Roe v. Wade in federal law for all women in every state," he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alabamas-largest-hospital-pauses-ivf-after-sc-says-frozen-embryos-are-children-692515">Alabama's largest hospital pauses IVF after SC says frozen embryos are children</a>

In the upcoming elections, abortion rights is likely to be a key issue. On one hand, Democrats are likely to utilise it to draw more Democrats and some independent and Republican voters to US President Joe Biden.

His likely opponent, former President Donald Trump, however, is known for his anti-abortion stand, and has gone as far to take credit for the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Polls have shown that most voters oppose candidates who favour strict abortion restrictions. Will the issue sway the 2024 US Presidential elections? Only time will tell.

(With inputs from agencies)

In the United States, Nikki Haley, a Republican Presidential hopeful has courted controversy by stating that she believes frozen embryos created through in vitro fertilisation (IVF) were babies.

In the United States, Nikki Haley, a Republican Presidential hopeful has courted controversy by stating that she believes frozen embryos created through in vitro fertilisation (IVF) were babies. Her comments echo a recent controversial ruling by the Alabama Supreme Court. Haley, the last major 2024 Republican presidential challenger to frontrunner Donald Trump, has added fuel to the debate over the status of embryos in IVF procedures and the legal implications of considering them as children. With the 2024 presidential race gaining heat in the US, the issue is likely to remain contentious. Here's all you need to know about the 'embryos are babies' issue. What is IVF, and what are embryos? IVF or In-vitro fertilisation is a popular fertilisation method available to childless individuals. It uses eggs from a biologically female individual and sperm from a biologically male person to create embryos. Here, embryos refer to the initial stage of development of a multicellular organism. In humans, the term embryo is used to refer to a pregnancy until the end of the seventh week following conception. IVF combines egg and sperm to grow embryos in the culture medium until they are implanted in the uterus. Alabama Supreme court ruling on embryos On Friday (Feb 16), the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos can be considered children under the state's laws, and that they are entitled to the same right as other unborn children. Also read | US: Alabama Supreme Court rules frozen embryos are 'children' Passing the 7-2 majority ruling, Justice Jay Mitchell wrote "Unborn children are 'children'… without exception based on developmental stage, physical location, or any other ancillary characteristics". The ruling by the Alabama Supreme Court was issued in response to wrongful death cases involving destroyed embryos. In 2021, a patient at a fertility clinic in Mobile had allegedly broken into an IVF freezer and dropped several trays containing embryos. The case was brought against the fertility clinic, and after the top court ruling, three couples can now sue the facility for wrongful death. Nikki Haley's comments On Wednesday (Feb 21), speaking during a TV interview with NBC News, the presidential candidate addressing the Alabama court ruling remarked, "Embryos, to me, are babies." "When you talk about an embryo, you are talking about, to me, that's a life. And so I do see where that’s coming from when they talk about that," said Haley. However, when asked about the potential ramifications of the decision, she chose a softer approach and said: "This is one where we need to be incredibly respectful and sensitive about it." Also read | 'Embryos are babies': Nikki Haley agrees with Alabama Supreme Court's IVF ruling In another interview later the same day — with CNN, she clarified that her remarks didn't mean she agreed with the court ruling. "I didn't say that I agreed with the Alabama ruling," she said, adding "Our goal is to always do what the parents want with their embryo. It is theirs." Nikki has campaigned as an anti-abortion presidential contender, reports ABC News. However, seeking to differentiate herself from the Republican field, she tends to voice a less strict tone on the issue. Concerns over the court ruling The Alabama Supreme Court ruling on embryos has raised concerns among IVF patients and doctors, with some unsure about how to proceed with treatments. Following the ruling, the University of Alabama at Birmingham has temporarily stopped IVF treatments due to fears of legal repercussions and said: "We must evaluate the potential that our patients and our physicians could be prosecuted criminally or face punitive damages for following the standard of care for IVF treatments." Watch | Are frozen embryos Children? Alabama Supreme Court gives first-of-its-kind decision × The decision has been met with criticism, from experts who warn that it could have a devastating impact on people suffering from infertility and hoping to utilise IVF. "We know for all these years that we've been doing IVF not only in the United States, but around the world, there is no moment of conception. This is a group of cells. We know that not every embryo even gets to a stage of several days, let alone a live birth. And so to say that every single embryo is a child is just factually incorrect, flies in the face of science, and it is an affront to the millions of babies that have been born through IVF and this process," Barbara Collura, President and CEO of infertility advocacy group Resolve, told Reuters. On X, Vice President Kamala Harris called the decision "outrageous" and said it would rob "women of the freedom to decide when and how to build a family." This decision is outrageous—and it is already robbing women of the freedom to decide when and how to build a family. https://t.co/N04pReaM2B — Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) February 21, 2024 × Criticising the decision, the White House, said it would create chaos for American families. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the decision reflected the consequences of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade and blamed Republican elected officials from blocking access to reproductive and emergency care to women. "This president and this vice president will continue to fight to protect access to reproductive health care and call on Congress to restore the protections of Roe v. Wade in federal law for all women in every state," he added. Also read | Alabama's largest hospital pauses IVF after SC says frozen embryos are children In the upcoming elections, abortion rights is likely to be a key issue. On one hand, Democrats are likely to utilise it to draw more Democrats and some independent and Republican voters to US President Joe Biden. His likely opponent, former President Donald Trump, however, is known for his anti-abortion stand, and has gone as far to take credit for the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Polls have shown that most voters oppose candidates who favour strict abortion restrictions. Will the issue sway the 2024 US Presidential elections? Only time will tell. (With inputs from agencies)

WION Explains: The 'embryos are babies' debate and how it will affect 2024 US Presidential elections

Alaska has recorded the first case of a polar bear dying due to bird flu, alarming experts about the already stressed extant species. The polar bear died from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), contracted by scavenging on bird carcasses infected with the deadly strain H5N1.

Alaska has recorded the first case of a polar bear dying due to bird flu, alarming experts about the already stressed extant species. The polar bear died from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), contracted by scavenging on bird carcasses infected with the deadly strain H5N1. If the infection spreads, it could be dangerous for the Arctic population which is already facing issues due to climate change. The Division of Environmental Health officials confirmed the death in December after they found the dead polar bear in the northernmost town of Utqiagvik in October. The case wasn't a surprise, as black and brown bears have previously contracted the deadly virus. However, it's more concerning as polar bears are a vulnerable species. Loss of their sea habitat has already hit their population. If the infection spreads, additional deaths could serve as another blow to the species. Alaska's state veterinarian, Robert Gerlach, told Live Science that the infection might have already spread among other polar bears. ALSO READ | 'Magic islands' on Saturn's moon Titan are nothing but Swiss-cheese-like snow clusters First identified in 1996 in China, the H5N1 has now spread worldwide. In 2020, a new variant of the deadly virus emerged, killing unprecedented birds. It also spread to North America in 2021. The virus has impacted numerous mammals, resulting in thousands of deaths. Douglas Clark, associate professor at the University of Saskatchewan's School of Environment and Sustainability, said, "This is unlikely to be an isolated event. It's just that this one led to an outcome that was detected." Due to their habitat, monitoring the virus among polar bears can be difficult for experts. However, the risk of transmission among polar bears is low because they are a solitary species. But, the concern remains as they have started to feed more on seabirds due to the reduced sea ice. Pollution is another aspect which makes polar bears more vulnerable to bird flu. Anthropogenic chemicals highly affect the species as they accumulate in the high-fat diets of animals. As their fat store depletes, these stored pollutants start interfering with the immune system. Andrew Derocher, a professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Canada's University of Alberta, said, "A bear fasting for longer, nutritionally stressed, may have a weakened immune system. Now expose a bear with a weakened immune system to avian influenza and the issue of surviving the exposure becomes more challenging." (With inputs from agencies)

Polar bear dies of bird flu, triggering fresh concerns amid climate change

Japan Airlines was recently forced to arrange an extra flight at short notice as its two planes were at risk of surpassing their weight limits. However, the weight was not due to excess luggage but a passenger list of sumo wrestlers.

Japan Airlines was recently forced to arrange an extra flight at short notice as its two planes were at risk of surpassing their weight limits. However, the weight was not due to excess luggage but a passenger list of sumo wrestlers. On Thursday, Japan's flagship carrier transferred several sumo wrestlers to a hastily arranged flight over concerns about the two aircraft's weight restrictions. They concluded that the planes couldn't carry sufficient fuel with the same number of passengers, The Guardian reported. Japan Airlines scheduled a Boeing 737-800 to take several sumo wrestlers from Haneda Airport in Tokyo and Itami Airport in Osaka to Amamo Oshmi, an island in the far south, for a sports festival, the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper reported. ALSO READ | Ditch baggage, rent clothes: What is the new trend sparked by Japan Airlines? However, the staff learned after boarding that the passengers included sumo wrestlers, who have an estimated weight of 120 kilogrammes, far more than the 70 kg average. The Amami airport could not accommodate a bigger aircraft, forcing Japan Airlines to lay an additional aeroplane for 27 wrestlers, including 14 who had to fly from Itami to Haneda to board another flight. "It is extremely unusual for us to operate special flights due to the weight restrictions on this aircraft," a JAL spokesperson told the regional newspaper the Minami-Nippon Shimbun. The airline also laid additional flights to take the sumo wrestlers home after the tournament ended on Sunday. ALSO READ | US Senators rushed into bomb shelter as Hamas fires rockets on Tel Aviv However, it is not the first time the sumo fraternity has made headlines for a similar reason. In 2014, a picture of sumo wrestlers packed onto a small passenger plane went viral. Later, the men from the Hakkaku stable in Tokyo clicked themselves as they were stuffed together on a bus on their way to a summer training camp. Since there are no weight divisions like in wrestling or boxing, sumo is a unique sport where competitors are encouraged to gain weight rather than lose it. Sumo wrestlers may be of any weight. Mainoumi, who competed in the top division in the 1990s, was around the same size as England rugby captain Owen Farrell. But larger guys dominate the historical sport. The biggest rikishi of all time, Rora, a Russian-born fighter who retired in 2018, peaked at 292.6 kg. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Japan Airlines forced to lay extra plane to transfer sumo wrestlers due to weight concerns

Raising human rights concerns, the Biden administration has cancelled USD 130 million military aid to Egypt on Friday.&nbsp;

This comes just days after it had approved a massive USD 2.5 billion arms sale to the country. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-biden-to-move-troops-to-eastern-europe-amid-russia-tensions-448630" hreflang="en">US President Biden to move troops to eastern Europe amid Russia tensions</a>

On Friday, the State Department of the US said that Egypt had not met the conditions to receive the USD 130 million in foreign military financing, which has been on hold since September. The money would be shifted to other programmes, it said, without elaborating. &nbsp;

While announcing the cancellation, the department did not mention the USD 2.5 billion sale of military transport planes and radar systems, which it approved on Tuesday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/if-russia-invades-ukraine-nord-stream-2-pipeline-will-not-move-forward-us-448278" hreflang="en">If Russia invades Ukraine, Nord Stream 2 pipeline will not move forward: US</a>

In September, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had approved the release of USD 300 million in foreign military financing to Egypt but withheld another USD 130 million unless the government addressed 'specific human-rights related conditions' by the end of January 2022. &nbsp;

“The deadline for meeting those conditions will soon pass. The (government of Egypt) made notable progress on the conditions but to date has not met them all. Therefore, after January 30, the secretary intends to reprogramme the USD 130 million to other national security priorities," the department said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Raising human rights concerns, the Biden administration has cancelled USD 130 million military aid to Egypt on Friday. This comes just days after it had approved a massive USD 2.

Raising human rights concerns, the Biden administration has cancelled USD 130 million military aid to Egypt on Friday. This comes just days after it had approved a massive USD 2.5 billion arms sale to the country. Also Read: US President Biden to move troops to eastern Europe amid Russia tensions On Friday, the State Department of the US said that Egypt had not met the conditions to receive the USD 130 million in foreign military financing, which has been on hold since September. The money would be shifted to other programmes, it said, without elaborating. While announcing the cancellation, the department did not mention the USD 2.5 billion sale of military transport planes and radar systems, which it approved on Tuesday. Also Read | If Russia invades Ukraine, Nord Stream 2 pipeline will not move forward: US In September, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had approved the release of USD 300 million in foreign military financing to Egypt but withheld another USD 130 million unless the government addressed 'specific human-rights related conditions' by the end of January 2022. “The deadline for meeting those conditions will soon pass. The (government of Egypt) made notable progress on the conditions but to date has not met them all. Therefore, after January 30, the secretary intends to reprogramme the USD 130 million to other national security priorities," the department said. (With inputs from agencies)

Over human rights concerns, US cancels USD 130 million military aid to Egypt after arms sale

As the concerns over the efficiency of vaccines against the new variant emerges, BioNTech says it can update the version of its vaccine within 100 days if Omicron, the new variant first detected in southern Africa, is found to reduce existing immunity. &nbsp;

The company says it will not just produce but also ship it in the timeline. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-virus-variant-detected-in-europe-as-belgium-reports-first-case-432173">New virus variant detected in Europe as Belgium reports first case</a>

Investigations are already on to know that the vaccine, which has been developed by the German biotechnology company in association with US drugmaker Pfizer, works well against the variant or not. &nbsp;

Omicron has caused concern as it has high number of mutations. It seems to have been transmitting more quickly as well. &nbsp;

According to the company, it will ascertain in two weeks on the basis of lab-based experiments that its current vaccine is still effective against the B.1.1.529 variant, which has been named Omicron by the World Health Organization. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-a-precautionary-measure-us-to-restrict-travel-over-fears-of-new-covid-19-variant-432251" hreflang="en">As a 'precautionary measure', US to restrict travel over fears of new COVID-19 variant</a>

To make it more efficient against the new variant, BioNTech said it can tweak its vaccine if required. &nbsp;

In a statement, the company, said, “Pfizer and BioNTech have taken actions months ago to be able to adapt the mRNA vaccine within six weeks and ship initial batches within 100 days in the event of an escape variant.” &nbsp; &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

As the concerns over the efficiency of vaccines against the new variant emerges, BioNTech says it can update the version of its vaccine within 100 days if Omicron, the new variant first detected in southern Africa, is found to reduce existing immunity.

As the concerns over the efficiency of vaccines against the new variant emerges, BioNTech says it can update the version of its vaccine within 100 days if Omicron, the new variant first detected in southern Africa, is found to reduce existing immunity. The company says it will not just produce but also ship it in the timeline. Also Read: New virus variant detected in Europe as Belgium reports first case Investigations are already on to know that the vaccine, which has been developed by the German biotechnology company in association with US drugmaker Pfizer, works well against the variant or not. Omicron has caused concern as it has high number of mutations. It seems to have been transmitting more quickly as well. According to the company, it will ascertain in two weeks on the basis of lab-based experiments that its current vaccine is still effective against the B.1.1.529 variant, which has been named Omicron by the World Health Organization. Also Read: As a 'precautionary measure', US to restrict travel over fears of new COVID-19 variant To make it more efficient against the new variant, BioNTech said it can tweak its vaccine if required. In a statement, the company, said, “Pfizer and BioNTech have taken actions months ago to be able to adapt the mRNA vaccine within six weeks and ship initial batches within 100 days in the event of an escape variant.” (With inputs from agencies)

If needed, BioNTech to update its Covid jab within 100 days amid efficiency concerns against Omicron  

Australian doctors warned a too-rapid easing of COVID-19 restrictions in Sydney could put pressure on health systems and risk lives, as the country's biggest city prepares for an end to more than 100 days in lockdown next week.

Stay-at-home restrictions are due to be lifted on Monday after New South Wales state hit a targeted 70% for full vaccination of its adult population. Authorities on Thursday bumped up permitted limits for home gatherings, weddings and funerals.

The Australian Medical Association (AMA), however, representing the country's doctors, said opening "too fast or too early" will result in avoidable deaths and the reintroduction of lockdowns.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-covid-patient-overdoses-on-ivermectin-admitted-to-sydney-hospital-410299">Australia: Covid patient overdoses on ivermectin, admitted to Sydney hospital</a>

"New South Wales must not be reckless at this critical time," AMA President Omar Khorshid said in a statement late on Thursday.

State Premier Dominic Perrottet has defended his move to bring forward the relaxation of several restrictions amid a steady fall in infections, saying the pandemic "is an economic crisis too".

Officials have a staggered plan to ease curbs in coming weeks when full inoculation hits 70%, 80% and 90% of adults, a boost for Australia`s A$2 trillion ($1.5 trillion) economy as it tries to avoid a second recession in as many years.

Daily infections in New South Wales rose on Friday after falling for the past seven days, as first-dose inoculations in people over 16 neared 90%. A total of 646 cases were reported, the majority in state capital Sydney, up from 587 on Thursday. Eleven new deaths were registered.

State Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant said genomic sequencing has uncovered a new Delta strain in eight new cases and more tests will be conducted to trace the source.

"There is no indication that this new strain presents any differences regarding transmission, vaccine effectiveness or severity," she said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-quarantine-for-fully-vaccinated-indians-in-uk-from-october-11-british-envoy-418989">No quarantine for fully vaccinated Indians in UK from October 11: British envoy</a>

Victoria, meanwhile, logged a record 1,838 new cases on Friday, the highest number of any state in the country since the pandemic began, exceeding the previous high of 1,763 set three days earlier. There were five new deaths.

Australia is fighting a third wave of infections fuelled by the Delta variant that has locked down Sydney and Melbourne, its largest cities, and capital Canberra, forcing the closure of thousands of businesses and people to remain at home.

The country's COVID-19 numbers are still far lower than many comparable countries, with some 122,500 cases and 1,405 deaths.

Neighbouring New Zealand, which had stayed largely virus-free for most of the pandemic until a Delta outbreak in mid-August, reported 44 new local cases, up from 29 on Thursday.

Australian doctors warned a too-rapid easing of COVID-19 restrictions in Sydney could put pressure on health systems and risk lives, as the country's biggest city prepares for an end to more than 100 days in lockdown next week.

Australian doctors warned a too-rapid easing of COVID-19 restrictions in Sydney could put pressure on health systems and risk lives, as the country's biggest city prepares for an end to more than 100 days in lockdown next week. Stay-at-home restrictions are due to be lifted on Monday after New South Wales state hit a targeted 70% for full vaccination of its adult population. Authorities on Thursday bumped up permitted limits for home gatherings, weddings and funerals. The Australian Medical Association (AMA), however, representing the country's doctors, said opening "too fast or too early" will result in avoidable deaths and the reintroduction of lockdowns. Also Read | Australia: Covid patient overdoses on ivermectin, admitted to Sydney hospital "New South Wales must not be reckless at this critical time," AMA President Omar Khorshid said in a statement late on Thursday. State Premier Dominic Perrottet has defended his move to bring forward the relaxation of several restrictions amid a steady fall in infections, saying the pandemic "is an economic crisis too". Officials have a staggered plan to ease curbs in coming weeks when full inoculation hits 70%, 80% and 90% of adults, a boost for Australia`s A$2 trillion ($1.5 trillion) economy as it tries to avoid a second recession in as many years. Daily infections in New South Wales rose on Friday after falling for the past seven days, as first-dose inoculations in people over 16 neared 90%. A total of 646 cases were reported, the majority in state capital Sydney, up from 587 on Thursday. Eleven new deaths were registered. State Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant said genomic sequencing has uncovered a new Delta strain in eight new cases and more tests will be conducted to trace the source. "There is no indication that this new strain presents any differences regarding transmission, vaccine effectiveness or severity," she said. Also Read | No quarantine for fully vaccinated Indians in UK from October 11: British envoy Victoria, meanwhile, logged a record 1,838 new cases on Friday, the highest number of any state in the country since the pandemic began, exceeding the previous high of 1,763 set three days earlier. There were five new deaths. Australia is fighting a third wave of infections fuelled by the Delta variant that has locked down Sydney and Melbourne, its largest cities, and capital Canberra, forcing the closure of thousands of businesses and people to remain at home. The country's COVID-19 numbers are still far lower than many comparable countries, with some 122,500 cases and 1,405 deaths. Neighbouring New Zealand, which had stayed largely virus-free for most of the pandemic until a Delta outbreak in mid-August, reported 44 new local cases, up from 29 on Thursday.

Sydney readies to exit lockdown amid concerns over faster reopening plans

While countries are already struggling to battle with the delta variant, another variant is ready to attack and cause more serious concerns.&nbsp;

The European Medicines Agency on Thursday said that a coronavirus variant known as "Mu" could be cause for concern, although there is no data yet to show it will overtake the dominant Delta strain.

Mu, which was first identified in Colombia in January and is known scientifically as B.1.621, was classified earlier this month as a "variant of interest" by the World Health Organization. The EMA, while mainly focused on the highly transmissible Delta variant, is "also looking into other variants that might be spreading, like the Lambda one (identified in Peru) and more recently the Mu one," its vaccines strategy chief Marco Cavaleri told a press briefing.

"The Mu one being potentially more of concern because of the potential increased immune escape that it may show."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-extends-covid-curbs-in-tokyo-till-september-end-411864">Also read |&nbsp;Japan extends Covid curbs in Tokyo till September end</a>

"However, I have to say that we don't have yet data that would show that the Mu variant is spreading that much, and whether it will have any chance to overtake the Delta variant as a dominant strain."

The WHO currently identifies four Covid-19 variants of concern, including Alpha, which is present in 193 countries, and Delta, present in 170 countries.

Five variants, including Mu, are to be monitored.

After being detected in Colombia, Mu has since been reported in other South American countries and in Europe.

The WHO has said that its global prevalence has declined to below 0.1 per cent among sequenced cases. In Colombia, however, it is at 39 per cent.

As of Thursday, a total of 5,599 sequences, including both B.1.621 and B.1.621.1, had been submitted by 47 countries to GISAID, the global research database on viruses.

The bulk of the submissions were from the United States and Colombia, followed by Spain, Mexico, Chile, Ecuador, and Canada.

The variant has not been detected in India so far. It is also not present in Africa, Australia, and most of Asia.&nbsp;

Globally, the cumulative prevalence of Mu is less than 0.5 per cent, according to outbreak.info.

As per a paper published in ‘Infection, Genetics and Evolution,' the Mu variant has several substitutions affecting the spike protein and amino acid changes.

Mutations including, E484K, N501Y, P681H, D614G are seen in the Mu variant have been reported in other VOIs and VOCs.&nbsp; 
These mutations are known to help the virus escape the body’s immune defences. These also help in increasing transmissibility.

While countries are already struggling to battle with the delta variant, another variant is ready to attack and cause more serious concerns. The European Medicines Agency on Thursday said that a coronavirus variant known as "Mu" could be cause for concern, although there is no data yet to show it will overtake the dominant Delta strain.

While countries are already struggling to battle with the delta variant, another variant is ready to attack and cause more serious concerns. The European Medicines Agency on Thursday said that a coronavirus variant known as "Mu" could be cause for concern, although there is no data yet to show it will overtake the dominant Delta strain. Mu, which was first identified in Colombia in January and is known scientifically as B.1.621, was classified earlier this month as a "variant of interest" by the World Health Organization. The EMA, while mainly focused on the highly transmissible Delta variant, is "also looking into other variants that might be spreading, like the Lambda one (identified in Peru) and more recently the Mu one," its vaccines strategy chief Marco Cavaleri told a press briefing. "The Mu one being potentially more of concern because of the potential increased immune escape that it may show." Also read | Japan extends Covid curbs in Tokyo till September end "However, I have to say that we don't have yet data that would show that the Mu variant is spreading that much, and whether it will have any chance to overtake the Delta variant as a dominant strain." The WHO currently identifies four Covid-19 variants of concern, including Alpha, which is present in 193 countries, and Delta, present in 170 countries. Five variants, including Mu, are to be monitored. After being detected in Colombia, Mu has since been reported in other South American countries and in Europe. The WHO has said that its global prevalence has declined to below 0.1 per cent among sequenced cases. In Colombia, however, it is at 39 per cent. As of Thursday, a total of 5,599 sequences, including both B.1.621 and B.1.621.1, had been submitted by 47 countries to GISAID, the global research database on viruses. The bulk of the submissions were from the United States and Colombia, followed by Spain, Mexico, Chile, Ecuador, and Canada. The variant has not been detected in India so far. It is also not present in Africa, Australia, and most of Asia. Globally, the cumulative prevalence of Mu is less than 0.5 per cent, according to outbreak.info. As per a paper published in ‘Infection, Genetics and Evolution,' the Mu variant has several substitutions affecting the spike protein and amino acid changes. Mutations including, E484K, N501Y, P681H, D614G are seen in the Mu variant have been reported in other VOIs and VOCs. These mutations are known to help the virus escape the body’s immune defences. These also help in increasing transmissibility.

Mu variant of coronavirus from Colombia as a new reason of concern, here is all you need to know

After years of waiting, Richard Branson's journey to&nbsp;space&nbsp;this month on a Virgin Galactic vessel was supposed to be a triumphant homecoming. Instead, the jaunt attracted significant criticism -- about its carbon footprint.

With Jeff Bezos set to launch on a Blue Origin rocket on July 20, and Elon Musk's SpaceX planning an all-civilian orbital mission in September, the nascent&nbsp;space&nbsp;tourism&nbsp;industry finds itself facing tough questions about its&nbsp;environmental&nbsp;impact.

Right now, rocket launches as a whole don't happen often enough to pollute significantly.

"The carbon dioxide emissions are totally negligible compared to other human activities or even commercial aviation,"&nbsp;NASA's chief climate advisor Gavin Schmidt told AFP.&nbsp;

But some scientists are worried about the potential for longer term harm as the industry is poised for major growth, particularly impacts to the ozone layer in the still poorly understood upper atmosphere.

Virgin Galactic, which came under fire in op-eds on CNN and Forbes, as well as on social media, for sending its billionaire founder to&nbsp;space&nbsp;for a few minutes in a fossil fuel-guzzling spaceship, says its carbon emissions are about equivalent to a business-class ticket from London to New York.

The company "has already taken steps to offset the carbon emissions from its test flights and is examining opportunities to offset the carbon emissions for future customer flights, and reduce our supply chain's carbon footprint," it said in a statement to AFP.

But while transatlantic flights carry hundreds of people, Virgin's emissions work out to around 4.5 tonnes per passenger in a six-passenger flight, according to an analysis published by French astrophysicist Roland Lehoucq and colleagues in The Conversation.

That's roughly equivalent to driving a typical car around the Earth, and more than twice the individual annual carbon budget recommended to meet the objectives of the Paris climate accord.

"The issue here is really one of the disproportionate impacts," Darin Toohey, an atmospheric scientist at the University of Colorado, Boulder told AFP.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dreamers-programme-deemed-unlawful-by-us-federal-judge-biden-says-deeply-disappointed-398708">Also read |&nbsp;'Dreamers' programme deemed unlawful by US Federal Judge, Biden says 'deeply disappointed'</a>

"I actually grew up on the&nbsp;space&nbsp;program and that got me into science.... but if someone offered me a free ride, I would be very nervous taking it because I would know that my own footprint is way larger than it should be," he said.

Cleaner fuels possible&nbsp;

Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo uses a type of synthetic rubber as fuel and burns it in nitrous oxide, a powerful greenhouse gas.

The fuel pumps black carbon into the upper stratosphere, 30-50 kilometres (18 to 30 miles) high.&nbsp;

Once there, these particles can have multiple impacts, from reflecting sunlight and causing a nuclear winter effect, to accelerating chemical reactions that deplete the ozone layer, which is vital to protecting people from harmful radiation.

"We could be at a dangerous point," said Toohey, who wants more scientific investigations into these effects before the launches become more frequent.

Virgin has said it wants to conduct 400 flights a year.

Compared to Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo spaceplanes, Blue Origin's are much cleaner, according to a recent paper by scientist Martin Ross of Aerospace, which Bezos' company plugged on Twitter.

That's because it burns liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, which combusts as water vapor.

Ross' paper found Blue Origin's vertical launch reusable rocket causes a hundred times less ozone loss and 750 times less climate forcing magnitude than Virgin's, according to ballpark calculations.

But that doesn't mean it's totally clean.&nbsp;

"It takes electricity to make liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen," Ross told AFP.

"You could go back and calculate how much electricity was used to make the propellant," he said. "It depends how far back in the supply chain you look."

&nbsp;Space&nbsp;shaming?

The impact of suborbital launches such as those by Virgin and Blue Origin pale in comparison to the impact of rockets that achieve orbit.

When SpaceX puts four private citizens into&nbsp;space&nbsp;in September, it will use its Falcon 9 rocket, which calculations show puts out the equivalent of 395 transatlantic flights-worth of carbon emissions.

"We are living in the era of climate change and starting an activity that increases emissions as part of a&nbsp;tourism&nbsp;activity is not good timing," Annette Toivonen, author of the book "Sustainable&nbsp;Space&nbsp;Tourism," told AFP.

The world is far more aware of the climate crisis now than when these companies were founded in the early 2000s and that could encourage businesses to look at ways to minimize pollution through cleaner technologies to get ahead of the problem.

"Who would want to be a&nbsp;space&nbsp;tourist if you can't tell people you were a&nbsp;space&nbsp;tourist?" argued Toivonen, who lectures at Finland's Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences.

After years of waiting, Richard Branson's journey to space this month on a Virgin Galactic vessel was supposed to be a triumphant homecoming. Instead, the jaunt attracted significant criticism -- about its carbon footprint.

After years of waiting, Richard Branson's journey to space this month on a Virgin Galactic vessel was supposed to be a triumphant homecoming. Instead, the jaunt attracted significant criticism -- about its carbon footprint. With Jeff Bezos set to launch on a Blue Origin rocket on July 20, and Elon Musk's SpaceX planning an all-civilian orbital mission in September, the nascent space tourism industry finds itself facing tough questions about its environmental impact. Right now, rocket launches as a whole don't happen often enough to pollute significantly. "The carbon dioxide emissions are totally negligible compared to other human activities or even commercial aviation," NASA's chief climate advisor Gavin Schmidt told AFP. But some scientists are worried about the potential for longer term harm as the industry is poised for major growth, particularly impacts to the ozone layer in the still poorly understood upper atmosphere. Virgin Galactic, which came under fire in op-eds on CNN and Forbes, as well as on social media, for sending its billionaire founder to space for a few minutes in a fossil fuel-guzzling spaceship, says its carbon emissions are about equivalent to a business-class ticket from London to New York. The company "has already taken steps to offset the carbon emissions from its test flights and is examining opportunities to offset the carbon emissions for future customer flights, and reduce our supply chain's carbon footprint," it said in a statement to AFP. But while transatlantic flights carry hundreds of people, Virgin's emissions work out to around 4.5 tonnes per passenger in a six-passenger flight, according to an analysis published by French astrophysicist Roland Lehoucq and colleagues in The Conversation. That's roughly equivalent to driving a typical car around the Earth, and more than twice the individual annual carbon budget recommended to meet the objectives of the Paris climate accord. "The issue here is really one of the disproportionate impacts," Darin Toohey, an atmospheric scientist at the University of Colorado, Boulder told AFP. Also read | 'Dreamers' programme deemed unlawful by US Federal Judge, Biden says 'deeply disappointed' "I actually grew up on the space program and that got me into science.... but if someone offered me a free ride, I would be very nervous taking it because I would know that my own footprint is way larger than it should be," he said. Cleaner fuels possible Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo uses a type of synthetic rubber as fuel and burns it in nitrous oxide, a powerful greenhouse gas. The fuel pumps black carbon into the upper stratosphere, 30-50 kilometres (18 to 30 miles) high. Once there, these particles can have multiple impacts, from reflecting sunlight and causing a nuclear winter effect, to accelerating chemical reactions that deplete the ozone layer, which is vital to protecting people from harmful radiation. "We could be at a dangerous point," said Toohey, who wants more scientific investigations into these effects before the launches become more frequent. Virgin has said it wants to conduct 400 flights a year. Compared to Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo spaceplanes, Blue Origin's are much cleaner, according to a recent paper by scientist Martin Ross of Aerospace, which Bezos' company plugged on Twitter. That's because it burns liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, which combusts as water vapor. Ross' paper found Blue Origin's vertical launch reusable rocket causes a hundred times less ozone loss and 750 times less climate forcing magnitude than Virgin's, according to ballpark calculations. But that doesn't mean it's totally clean. "It takes electricity to make liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen," Ross told AFP. "You could go back and calculate how much electricity was used to make the propellant," he said. "It depends how far back in the supply chain you look." Space shaming? The impact of suborbital launches such as those by Virgin and Blue Origin pale in comparison to the impact of rockets that achieve orbit. When SpaceX puts four private citizens into space in September, it will use its Falcon 9 rocket, which calculations show puts out the equivalent of 395 transatlantic flights-worth of carbon emissions. "We are living in the era of climate change and starting an activity that increases emissions as part of a tourism activity is not good timing," Annette Toivonen, author of the book "Sustainable Space Tourism," told AFP. The world is far more aware of the climate crisis now than when these companies were founded in the early 2000s and that could encourage businesses to look at ways to minimize pollution through cleaner technologies to get ahead of the problem. "Who would want to be a space tourist if you can't tell people you were a space tourist?" argued Toivonen, who lectures at Finland's Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences.

Environmental concerns grow as space tourism lifts off

In his maiden visit to the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) headquarters here on Friday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-reviews-functioning-of-crpf-calls-for-action-against-maoists-262479">Union Home Minister Amit Shah</a> emphasised the need to maintain a database of the martyrs' families for systematically addressing their basic issues and grievances. 
 
"The Home Minister directed that senior Officers should visit the families of martyrs and spend time with them understanding their requirements so that their problems are resolved. A database should also be made of the martyrs' families and their basic issues and grievances should be systematically addressed," read a press release from the Ministry of Home Affairs. 
 
He also expressed concern about the "hard and long deployment of Jawans in difficult theatres" and discussed various measures for giving them relief and an opportunity to stay with their families. 
 
Home Minister said&nbsp;that the infrastructure of the CRPF and their residential quarters should be improved and more quarters at different duty locations of CRPF should be constructed. 
 
"He also directed that cutting edge technologies and the state-of-art equipment should be identified which are required for operational purposes. He also emphasised the Make-in-India effort and also asked the forces to use Khadi and indigenously made products," read the release. 
 
Shah reviewed the functioning of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) at its headquarters here and met the top officials of the paramilitary force. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amit-shah-says-sc-decision-on-rafale-befitting-reply-to-those-relying-on-malicious-campaigns-seeks-congress-apology-262119">The Home Minister</a> directed the CRPF to carry out an effective and decisive campaign against Left Wing Extremism in the next six months. 
 
He also called for&nbsp;effective action&nbsp;against the terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir and law and order should be maintained. 
 
The Home Minister was given a detailed presentation by CRPF Director General Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar. High ranking officials of the Ministry, as well as CRPF, were present on the occasion.

In his maiden visit to the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) headquarters here on Friday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasised the need to maintain a database of the martyrs' families for systematically addressing their basic issues and grievances.

In his maiden visit to the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) headquarters here on Friday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasised the need to maintain a database of the martyrs' families for systematically addressing their basic issues and grievances. "The Home Minister directed that senior Officers should visit the families of martyrs and spend time with them understanding their requirements so that their problems are resolved. A database should also be made of the martyrs' families and their basic issues and grievances should be systematically addressed," read a press release from the Ministry of Home Affairs. He also expressed concern about the "hard and long deployment of Jawans in difficult theatres" and discussed various measures for giving them relief and an opportunity to stay with their families. Home Minister said that the infrastructure of the CRPF and their residential quarters should be improved and more quarters at different duty locations of CRPF should be constructed. "He also directed that cutting edge technologies and the state-of-art equipment should be identified which are required for operational purposes. He also emphasised the Make-in-India effort and also asked the forces to use Khadi and indigenously made products," read the release. Shah reviewed the functioning of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) at its headquarters here and met the top officials of the paramilitary force. The Home Minister directed the CRPF to carry out an effective and decisive campaign against Left Wing Extremism in the next six months. He also called for effective action against the terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir and law and order should be maintained. The Home Minister was given a detailed presentation by CRPF Director General Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar. High ranking officials of the Ministry, as well as CRPF, were present on the occasion.

Maintain database of martyrs' families, address their concerns: Amit Shah to CRPF

Turkey&#39;s president warned Germany on Tuesday that its plans to declare the 1915 mass killing of Armenians a genocide would damage bilateral ties, raising new concerns about an EU-Turkey migrant deal championed by Chancellor Angela Merkel.

German lawmakers are expected to approve a symbolic resolution on Thursday that labels the killings of up to 1.5 million Armenians by Ottoman forces &quot;genocide&quot;, a description that Turkey strongly rejects.

The vote had been scheduled to take place over a year ago, on the 100th anniversary of the massacre, but Merkel&#39;s allies in parliament pushed it back repeatedly out of concern that it could hurt relations with Ankara.

Now they have run out of time and may be wishing they had let the vote take place sooner.

The opposition Greens have pushed the resolution onto the agenda at an extremely awkward time for Merkel, the driving force behind an agreement between the EU and Ankara that has helped slash the number of illegal migrants entering Europe.

The deal has eased political pressure on Merkel at home. But it has been under a cloud since its strongest proponent in the Turkish government, Ahmet Davutoglu, was pushed out as prime minister this month. Since then, President Tayyip Erdogan has questioned aspects of the agreement and some of his allies have even threatened to unleash a new wave of refugees on Europe.

In comments to reporters before he left for an official visit to&nbsp;Africa, Erdogan lashed out at those who he said were trying to &quot;deceive&quot; Germany over the 1915 events, without accusing anyone in particular.

&quot;If Germany is to be deceived by this, then bilateral diplomatic, economic, trade, political, and military ties - we are both NATO countries - will be damaged,&quot; he said.

The comments came after he spoke to Merkel by telephone to express his concern about the resolution. Sources in both capitals said Erdogan had initiated the call.

&nbsp;

GERMAN HISTORY

The resolution, which is formally supported by Merkel&#39;s conservative bloc, the centre-left Social Democrats and the Greens, uses the word &quot;genocide&quot; in the headline and text.

&quot;The fate of the Armenians is exemplary in the history of mass exterminations, ethnic cleansing, deportations and yes, genocide, which marked the 20th century in such a terrible way,&quot; it reads.

The resolution also touches on the &quot;inglorious&quot; role of the German Empire, a military ally of the Ottomans, because it did nothing to stop the massacre.

Turkey argues that the there was no organised campaign to wipe out the Armenians, who are Christian, and no evidence of any such orders from the Ottoman authorities.

Cem Oezdemir, a leader of the Greens with Turkish roots, told Reuters he had experienced weeks of personal attacks from Turkish nationalists on social media and via email because of his role in championing the resolution.

&quot;It wasn&#39;t our goal to hold this vote now,&quot; Oezdemir said. &quot;But the timing is not that important. The Bundestag is doing this because this is also a part of German history. The Ottoman and German empires were essentially brothers in arms.&quot;

The vote coincides with deepening public scepticism in Germany towards Turkey and Erdogan in particular. Critics accuse Merkel of going soft on Ankara over human rights because of her desire to stem the flow of migrants.

Last month she drew fire for allowing German prosecutors to look into charges against a comedian who mocked Erdogan in a crude poem. The comedian, Jan Boehmermann, has accused Merkel of serving him &quot;up for tea to a highly strung despot&quot;.

Merkel and other top ministers are expected to vote for the resolution, although some, including Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, have questioned the wisdom of it in public.

Some officials fear it could stir tensions with the roughly 3 million people of Turkish origin who live in Germany.

Last year, German President Joachim Gauck condemned the killings of Armenians as &quot;genocide&quot; in a speech to mark the 100th anniversary of the massacres. Germany had previously avoided using the term in connection with the massacre.

Turkey's president warned Germany on Tuesday that its plans to declare the 1915 mass killing of Armenians a genocide would damage bilateral ties, raising new concerns about an EU-Turkey migrant deal championed by Chancellor Angela Merkel

Turkey's president warned Germany on Tuesday that its plans to declare the 1915 mass killing of Armenians a genocide would damage bilateral ties, raising new concerns about an EU-Turkey migrant deal championed by Chancellor Angela Merkel. German lawmakers are expected to approve a symbolic resolution on Thursday that labels the killings of up to 1.5 million Armenians by Ottoman forces "genocide", a description that Turkey strongly rejects. The vote had been scheduled to take place over a year ago, on the 100th anniversary of the massacre, but Merkel's allies in parliament pushed it back repeatedly out of concern that it could hurt relations with Ankara. Now they have run out of time and may be wishing they had let the vote take place sooner. The opposition Greens have pushed the resolution onto the agenda at an extremely awkward time for Merkel, the driving force behind an agreement between the EU and Ankara that has helped slash the number of illegal migrants entering Europe. The deal has eased political pressure on Merkel at home. But it has been under a cloud since its strongest proponent in the Turkish government, Ahmet Davutoglu, was pushed out as prime minister this month. Since then, President Tayyip Erdogan has questioned aspects of the agreement and some of his allies have even threatened to unleash a new wave of refugees on Europe. In comments to reporters before he left for an official visit to Africa, Erdogan lashed out at those who he said were trying to "deceive" Germany over the 1915 events, without accusing anyone in particular. "If Germany is to be deceived by this, then bilateral diplomatic, economic, trade, political, and military ties - we are both NATO countries - will be damaged," he said. The comments came after he spoke to Merkel by telephone to express his concern about the resolution. Sources in both capitals said Erdogan had initiated the call. GERMAN HISTORY The resolution, which is formally supported by Merkel's conservative bloc, the centre-left Social Democrats and the Greens, uses the word "genocide" in the headline and text. "The fate of the Armenians is exemplary in the history of mass exterminations, ethnic cleansing, deportations and yes, genocide, which marked the 20th century in such a terrible way," it reads. The resolution also touches on the "inglorious" role of the German Empire, a military ally of the Ottomans, because it did nothing to stop the massacre. Turkey argues that the there was no organised campaign to wipe out the Armenians, who are Christian, and no evidence of any such orders from the Ottoman authorities. Cem Oezdemir, a leader of the Greens with Turkish roots, told Reuters he had experienced weeks of personal attacks from Turkish nationalists on social media and via email because of his role in championing the resolution. "It wasn't our goal to hold this vote now," Oezdemir said. "But the timing is not that important. The Bundestag is doing this because this is also a part of German history. The Ottoman and German empires were essentially brothers in arms." The vote coincides with deepening public scepticism in Germany towards Turkey and Erdogan in particular. Critics accuse Merkel of going soft on Ankara over human rights because of her desire to stem the flow of migrants. Last month she drew fire for allowing German prosecutors to look into charges against a comedian who mocked Erdogan in a crude poem. The comedian, Jan Boehmermann, has accused Merkel of serving him "up for tea to a highly strung despot". Merkel and other top ministers are expected to vote for the resolution, although some, including Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, have questioned the wisdom of it in public. Some officials fear it could stir tensions with the roughly 3 million people of Turkish origin who live in Germany. Last year, German President Joachim Gauck condemned the killings of Armenians as "genocide" in a speech to mark the 100th anniversary of the massacres. Germany had previously avoided using the term in connection with the massacre.

Erdogan warns Germany ahead of Armenian genocide vote

British singer Elton John told a concert in Moscow he still wanted to meet President Vladimir Putin to discuss his concerns about gay rights and AIDS in Russia, despite the Kremlin leader not having time to meet him this time round.

John, performing at a luxury shopping and&nbsp;entertainment&nbsp;centre in the Russian capital on Monday night as part of a world tour, sounded disappointed about not getting to meet Putin, but said he would return to try to see him.

&quot;As some of you may know I hoped to meet with President Putin on this trip,&quot; said John, whose music has been popular in Russia since the Soviet era, told the audience.

&quot;Although it wasn&#39;t possible, I&#39;m deeply grateful to him for inviting me to discuss some serious issues in Russia including LGBT, HIV and AIDS, and I very much hope we will find time in future to meet.&quot;

Putin&#39;s spokesman said last week that the Russian leader&#39;s schedule did not match up with John&#39;s, but that a meeting might take place &quot;next time.&quot; Putin had to fly to Kazakhstan on Tuesday morning for a meeting.

In September Putin phoned the singer, who has used his status as one of the world&#39;s most famous gay celebrities to push for equal rights for homosexuals around the world, to say he would be willing to meet up after John, 69, requested a meeting.

Western governments and human rights activists have criticised the Russian authorities for their treatment of gay people, and John has previously spoken out against a 2013 law banning the dissemination of &quot;gay propaganda&quot; among young Russians.

Putin has said he is not prejudiced against gay people.

John has also expressed alarm about the scale of Russia&#39;s AIDS epidemic.

The number of people registered HIV-positive passed the 1 million mark earlier this year and the country&#39;s top AIDS specialist warned the rate of infection had reached record levels.

British singer Elton John told a concert in Moscow he still wanted to meet President Vladimir Putin to discuss his concerns about gay rights and AIDS in Russia, but the Kremlin leader didn't have time

British singer Elton John told a concert in Moscow he still wanted to meet President Vladimir Putin to discuss his concerns about gay rights and AIDS in Russia, despite the Kremlin leader not having time to meet him this time round. John, performing at a luxury shopping and entertainment centre in the Russian capital on Monday night as part of a world tour, sounded disappointed about not getting to meet Putin, but said he would return to try to see him. "As some of you may know I hoped to meet with President Putin on this trip," said John, whose music has been popular in Russia since the Soviet era, told the audience. "Although it wasn't possible, I'm deeply grateful to him for inviting me to discuss some serious issues in Russia including LGBT, HIV and AIDS, and I very much hope we will find time in future to meet." Putin's spokesman said last week that the Russian leader's schedule did not match up with John's, but that a meeting might take place "next time." Putin had to fly to Kazakhstan on Tuesday morning for a meeting. In September Putin phoned the singer, who has used his status as one of the world's most famous gay celebrities to push for equal rights for homosexuals around the world, to say he would be willing to meet up after John, 69, requested a meeting. Western governments and human rights activists have criticised the Russian authorities for their treatment of gay people, and John has previously spoken out against a 2013 law banning the dissemination of "gay propaganda" among young Russians. Putin has said he is not prejudiced against gay people. John has also expressed alarm about the scale of Russia's AIDS epidemic. The number of people registered HIV-positive passed the 1 million mark earlier this year and the country's top AIDS specialist warned the rate of infection had reached record levels.

Elton John tells Russians he still wants to meet Putin to discuss gay rights

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