Human Rights Watch’s 32nd annual review report has made certain revelations pertaining to developments in over 100 countries. Executive Director Kenneth Roth wrote that many autocratic leaders faced significant backlash in 2021. He further added that democracy will flourish in the contest with autocracy only if democratic leaders do a better job and address global problems.

As per the report, repressive and violent acts by autocratic leaders and military regimes show their desperation and weakening grip on power.&nbsp;

“There is a narrative that autocrats are prevailing and democracy is on the decline, yet if you look at the trends in human rights over the last 12 months it doesn’t look so rosy for the autocrats," Roth said.

The report mentions how the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan gave way to&nbsp;"an accelerating human rights and humanitarian crisis."

It further adds how in various cities, the Taliban searched for and threatened, even detained or executed former members of the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF), officials of the former government, or their family members. The report further sheds light on unlawful killings, enforced disappearances, violations of laws of war.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-ukraine-tensions-russia-unveils-white-swan-strategic-bomber-444279">Also read |&nbsp;Amid Ukraine tensions, Russia unveils ‘White Swan’ strategic bomber</a>

Stating a few examples of “unlikely” opposition coalitions, the report mentions the Czech Republic where Prime Minister, Andrej Babiš, was defeated. It also mentions Israel where the premiership of Benjamin Netanyahu was brought to an end after a period of 12 years.&nbsp;

Speaking about the US, the report highlights how the administration of US President Joe Biden and the US Congress took positive steps on human rights by advocating for the rights of women and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) people. It further mentioned that the administration committed to racial equity and took action to address the ongoing pandemic and its economic consequences.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-claims-in-south-china-sea-gravely-undermines-rule-of-law-us-state-department-study-444266">Also read |&nbsp;China's claims in South China Sea gravely undermines rule of law: US State Department study</a>

However, it further mentioned how the US failed to fulfil its human rights commitments in the area of racial justice "as reflected in the country’s failure to end systemic racism linked to the legacies of slavery; abusive structures of incarceration, immigration enforcement, and social control affecting many racial and ethnic minorities; and the Black-white wealth gap that persists alongside an overall slight increase in economic inequality."

"Hate crime incidents targeting people of Asian descent and back people spiked significantly in 2021 compared to 2019 levels," the report stated.&nbsp;

The report further highlighted how the US continued to provide arms to countries such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.&nbsp;

Human Rights Watch’s 32nd annual review report has made certain revelations pertaining to developments in over 100 countries. Executive Director Kenneth Roth wrote that many autocratic leaders faced significant backlash in 2021.

Human Rights Watch’s 32nd annual review report has made certain revelations pertaining to developments in over 100 countries. Executive Director Kenneth Roth wrote that many autocratic leaders faced significant backlash in 2021. He further added that democracy will flourish in the contest with autocracy only if democratic leaders do a better job and address global problems. As per the report, repressive and violent acts by autocratic leaders and military regimes show their desperation and weakening grip on power. “There is a narrative that autocrats are prevailing and democracy is on the decline, yet if you look at the trends in human rights over the last 12 months it doesn’t look so rosy for the autocrats," Roth said. The report mentions how the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan gave way to "an accelerating human rights and humanitarian crisis." It further adds how in various cities, the Taliban searched for and threatened, even detained or executed former members of the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF), officials of the former government, or their family members. The report further sheds light on unlawful killings, enforced disappearances, violations of laws of war. Also read | Amid Ukraine tensions, Russia unveils ‘White Swan’ strategic bomber Stating a few examples of “unlikely” opposition coalitions, the report mentions the Czech Republic where Prime Minister, Andrej Babiš, was defeated. It also mentions Israel where the premiership of Benjamin Netanyahu was brought to an end after a period of 12 years. Speaking about the US, the report highlights how the administration of US President Joe Biden and the US Congress took positive steps on human rights by advocating for the rights of women and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) people. It further mentioned that the administration committed to racial equity and took action to address the ongoing pandemic and its economic consequences. Also read | China's claims in South China Sea gravely undermines rule of law: US State Department study However, it further mentioned how the US failed to fulfil its human rights commitments in the area of racial justice "as reflected in the country’s failure to end systemic racism linked to the legacies of slavery; abusive structures of incarceration, immigration enforcement, and social control affecting many racial and ethnic minorities; and the Black-white wealth gap that persists alongside an overall slight increase in economic inequality." "Hate crime incidents targeting people of Asian descent and back people spiked significantly in 2021 compared to 2019 levels," the report stated. The report further highlighted how the US continued to provide arms to countries such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Human Rights Watch's annual report sheds light on surging hate crime and humanitarian crisis

In Pics: Countries embroiled in different crises around world in 2021

As the world continues to battle against the deadly coronavirus, US President Joe Biden on Friday urged other countries to match the "generosity" of the US and donate more COVID-19 vaccines. "This pandemic will not end until we have global vaccinations," he said.

"For the world community, the news about this new variant should make clearer than ever why this pandemic will not end until we have global vaccinations," Biden said.

"The United States has already donated more vaccines to other countries than every other country combined. It is time for other countries to match America's speed and generosity."

With this, he urged countries that are taking part in a ministerial-level meeting of the World Trade Organization to lift intellectual property protections on their coronavirus vaccines. This would allow the manufacturing to expand rapidly.

"This news today reiterates the importance of moving on this quickly," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-a-precautionary-measure-us-to-restrict-travel-over-fears-of-new-covid-19-variant-432251">Also read |&nbsp;As a 'precautionary measure', US to restrict travel over fears of new COVID-19 variant</a>

This comes in at a time when a new variant of Covid-19 has emerged. The variant termed Omicron, has been classified as a "variant of concern" by the WHO. “This variant has a large number of mutations, some of which are concerning,” the WHO said, adding, "preliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection with this variant as compared to other variants of concern."

Global authorities are taking precautions for curbing the spread of a new coronavirus variant detected in South Africa, with several imposing travel curbs and tightening border control.&nbsp;

Countries including the UK, France, Scotland, Italy, Israel, Philippines, Canada, and the US have banned travellers from southern Africa over fears of the new variant.&nbsp;

US will be restricting travel from South Africa and seven other southern African countries, including, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi. Starting from Monday, only US citizens and residents will be allowed to travel from the region.

(With inputs from agencies)

As the world continues to battle against the deadly coronavirus, US President Joe Biden on Friday urged other countries to match the "generosity" of the US and donate more COVID-19 vaccines.

As the world continues to battle against the deadly coronavirus, US President Joe Biden on Friday urged other countries to match the "generosity" of the US and donate more COVID-19 vaccines. "This pandemic will not end until we have global vaccinations," he said. "For the world community, the news about this new variant should make clearer than ever why this pandemic will not end until we have global vaccinations," Biden said. "The United States has already donated more vaccines to other countries than every other country combined. It is time for other countries to match America's speed and generosity." With this, he urged countries that are taking part in a ministerial-level meeting of the World Trade Organization to lift intellectual property protections on their coronavirus vaccines. This would allow the manufacturing to expand rapidly. "This news today reiterates the importance of moving on this quickly," he said. Also read | As a 'precautionary measure', US to restrict travel over fears of new COVID-19 variant This comes in at a time when a new variant of Covid-19 has emerged. The variant termed Omicron, has been classified as a "variant of concern" by the WHO. “This variant has a large number of mutations, some of which are concerning,” the WHO said, adding, "preliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection with this variant as compared to other variants of concern." Global authorities are taking precautions for curbing the spread of a new coronavirus variant detected in South Africa, with several imposing travel curbs and tightening border control. Countries including the UK, France, Scotland, Italy, Israel, Philippines, Canada, and the US have banned travellers from southern Africa over fears of the new variant. US will be restricting travel from South Africa and seven other southern African countries, including, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi. Starting from Monday, only US citizens and residents will be allowed to travel from the region. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden urges countries to donate more vaccines and match 'generosity' of the US

The top US diplomat for East Asia will visit Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand from the weekend after President Joe Biden pledged stepped up engagement with Southeast Asia, a key battleground in his contest for influence with China.

Daniel Kritenbrink, the assistant secretary of state for East Asia, will be in the region from Saturday until Dec. 4, a State Department statement said.

Kritenbrink would "reaffirm the US&nbsp;commitment to work together ... to tackle the most serious global and regional challenges" and stress U.S. support for "a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific," it said, a reference to China's increasingly assertive behavior in the region, which Washington has repeatedly denounced as "coercive."

Kritenbrink will discuss human rights "challenges," seek to bolster cooperation on climate change and discuss ways to pressure&nbsp;Myanmar's military government to cease violence and allow unhindered humanitarian access, the statement said.

He will also discuss how to strengthen economic relationships and "build back better" from the COVID-19 pandemic, it said.

Biden joined leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in a virtual summit last month, the first time in four years Washington had engaged at the top level with the bloc.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-debt-and-liabilities-increase-govt-doesnt-have-money-whats-next-for-the-debt-ridden-nation-432133">Also read |&nbsp;Pakistan's debt and liabilities increase; govt 'doesn't have money': What's next for the debt-ridden nation?</a>

He pledged to stand with ASEAN in defending freedom of the seas and democracy, and said Washington would start talks on developing a regional economic framework, something critics say his Asia strategy has lacked since his predecessor Donald Trump quit a regional trade pact.

An Asian diplomat said regional countries were still awaiting details of this plan, recognising Biden's focus on rebuilding domestic economic strength was a limiting factor.

Daniel Russel, a predecessor of Kritenbrink in the Obama administration, said a key question for ASEAN was "whether the United States truly has a viable&nbsp;economic strategy" for the region.

"The pledge to discuss ways to strengthen US economic engagement with ASEAN countries is music to their ears, even if they may be underwhelmed by the 'economic framework' so far," he said.

Kritenbrink's trip announcement stressed the "centrality" of the 10-member ASEAN to regional affairs, but he will not visit the bloc's new chair, Cambodia, which has shifted ever closer to China.

The Asian diplomat and Russel said Kritenbrink was likely to visit other ASEAN countries before long and Russel noted Indonesia's capital Jakarta is home to the bloc's permanent headquarters.

"While it is important to discuss the ASEAN agenda with the 2022 chair, visiting ASEAN headquarters in Jakarta will afford him the opportunity to begin that conversation," Russel said.

The top US diplomat for East Asia will visit Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand from the weekend after President Joe Biden pledged stepped up engagement with Southeast Asia, a key battleground in his contest for influence with China.

The top US diplomat for East Asia will visit Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand from the weekend after President Joe Biden pledged stepped up engagement with Southeast Asia, a key battleground in his contest for influence with China. Daniel Kritenbrink, the assistant secretary of state for East Asia, will be in the region from Saturday until Dec. 4, a State Department statement said. Kritenbrink would "reaffirm the US commitment to work together ... to tackle the most serious global and regional challenges" and stress U.S. support for "a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific," it said, a reference to China's increasingly assertive behavior in the region, which Washington has repeatedly denounced as "coercive." Kritenbrink will discuss human rights "challenges," seek to bolster cooperation on climate change and discuss ways to pressure Myanmar's military government to cease violence and allow unhindered humanitarian access, the statement said. He will also discuss how to strengthen economic relationships and "build back better" from the COVID-19 pandemic, it said. Biden joined leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in a virtual summit last month, the first time in four years Washington had engaged at the top level with the bloc. Also read | Pakistan's debt and liabilities increase; govt 'doesn't have money': What's next for the debt-ridden nation? He pledged to stand with ASEAN in defending freedom of the seas and democracy, and said Washington would start talks on developing a regional economic framework, something critics say his Asia strategy has lacked since his predecessor Donald Trump quit a regional trade pact. An Asian diplomat said regional countries were still awaiting details of this plan, recognising Biden's focus on rebuilding domestic economic strength was a limiting factor. Daniel Russel, a predecessor of Kritenbrink in the Obama administration, said a key question for ASEAN was "whether the United States truly has a viable economic strategy" for the region. "The pledge to discuss ways to strengthen US economic engagement with ASEAN countries is music to their ears, even if they may be underwhelmed by the 'economic framework' so far," he said. Kritenbrink's trip announcement stressed the "centrality" of the 10-member ASEAN to regional affairs, but he will not visit the bloc's new chair, Cambodia, which has shifted ever closer to China. The Asian diplomat and Russel said Kritenbrink was likely to visit other ASEAN countries before long and Russel noted Indonesia's capital Jakarta is home to the bloc's permanent headquarters. "While it is important to discuss the ASEAN agenda with the 2022 chair, visiting ASEAN headquarters in Jakarta will afford him the opportunity to begin that conversation," Russel said.

Top US diplomat for Asia, Daniel Kritenbrink, to visit four ASEAN countries

The United States designated several nations, including Pakistan, China, Iran, North Korea and Myanmar, as countries of particular concern for violation of religious freedom.

“I am designating Burma (Myanmar), the People’s Republic of China, Eritrea, Iran, the DPRK, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan as Countries of Particular Concern for having engaged in or tolerated systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.

Blinken also announced to place Algeria, Comoros, Cuba, and Nicaragua on a Special Watch List for governments that have engaged in or tolerated severe violations of religious freedom.

The US also designated al-Shabaab, Boko Haram, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the Houthis, ISIS, ISIS-Greater Sahara, ISIS-West Africa, Jamaat Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin and the Taliban as Entities of Particular Concern’.

Asserting that the United States will not waiver in its commitment to advocate for freedom of religion or belief for all and in every country, Blinken on Wednesday&nbsp;said the challenges to religious freedom in the world today are structural, systemic, and deeply entrenched.

“They exist in every country. They demand sustained global commitment from all who are unwilling to accept hatred, intolerance, and persecution as the status quo. They require the international community’s urgent attention, he said.

The United States, he said, will continue to press all governments to remedy the shortcomings in their laws and practices, and to promote accountability for those responsible for abuses.

“The United States remains committed to working with governments, civil society organisations, and members of religious communities to advance religious freedom around the world and address the plight of individuals and communities facing abuse, harassment, and discrimination on account of what they believe, or what they do not believe, Blinken said.

The United States designated several nations, including Pakistan, China, Iran, North Korea and Myanmar, as countries of particular concern for violation of religious freedom.

The United States designated several nations, including Pakistan, China, Iran, North Korea and Myanmar, as countries of particular concern for violation of religious freedom. “I am designating Burma (Myanmar), the People’s Republic of China, Eritrea, Iran, the DPRK, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan as Countries of Particular Concern for having engaged in or tolerated systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said. Blinken also announced to place Algeria, Comoros, Cuba, and Nicaragua on a Special Watch List for governments that have engaged in or tolerated severe violations of religious freedom. The US also designated al-Shabaab, Boko Haram, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the Houthis, ISIS, ISIS-Greater Sahara, ISIS-West Africa, Jamaat Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin and the Taliban as Entities of Particular Concern’. Asserting that the United States will not waiver in its commitment to advocate for freedom of religion or belief for all and in every country, Blinken on Wednesday said the challenges to religious freedom in the world today are structural, systemic, and deeply entrenched. “They exist in every country. They demand sustained global commitment from all who are unwilling to accept hatred, intolerance, and persecution as the status quo. They require the international community’s urgent attention, he said. The United States, he said, will continue to press all governments to remedy the shortcomings in their laws and practices, and to promote accountability for those responsible for abuses. “The United States remains committed to working with governments, civil society organisations, and members of religious communities to advance religious freedom around the world and address the plight of individuals and communities facing abuse, harassment, and discrimination on account of what they believe, or what they do not believe, Blinken said.

US designates Pakistan, China as countries of particular concern for religious freedom violation

After an emergency meeting at the UN Security Council, various European countries and the US condemned Belarus on Thursday due to the ongoing migrant situation. Hundreds of migrants are trapped on its border with Poland.&nbsp;

Russia's President Vladimir Putin has urged the EU to start talks with Belarus over the same. There are&nbsp;roughly 2,000 migrants who are living in a tent camp on the border between Belarus and Poland in extremely low temperatures.

Poland has refused to allow migrants to cross. Poland recently said that it has blocked various attempts by hundreds of migrants to illegally enter the country as it warned of an "armed" escalation. The Polish government held a crisis meeting on Monday and deployed nearly 12,000 troops to the region.

US and European delegations condemned "the orchestrated instrumentalisation of human beings whose lives and wellbeing have been put in danger for political purposes by Belarus."

In a joint statement, they said that Minsk is aiming at "destabilising neighboring countries and the European Union's external border and diverting attention away from its own increasing human rights violations."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarusian-president-alexander-lukashenko-warns-european-union-against-new-sanctions-428461">Also read |&nbsp;Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko warns European Union against new sanctions</a>

Washington and Brussels have called on Minsk to stop what they have termed as an orchestrated influx. NATO also hit out at Minsk, accusing the government of using the migrants as 'political pawns.'

The European Union called for fresh sanctions against Belarus.

Meanwhile, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has issued a warning to the European Union against the imposition of new sanctions.

Lukashenko said he will shut down the transit of natural gas and goods via Belarus to the bloc. "We are heating Europe, they are still threatening us that they will close the border. And if we shut off natural gas there? Therefore, I would recommend that the Polish leadership, Lithuanians and other headless people think before speaking," Lukashenko said.

(With inputs from agencies)

After an emergency meeting at the UN Security Council, various European countries and the US condemned Belarus on Thursday due to the ongoing migrant situation. Hundreds of migrants are trapped on its border with Poland.

After an emergency meeting at the UN Security Council, various European countries and the US condemned Belarus on Thursday due to the ongoing migrant situation. Hundreds of migrants are trapped on its border with Poland. Russia's President Vladimir Putin has urged the EU to start talks with Belarus over the same. There are roughly 2,000 migrants who are living in a tent camp on the border between Belarus and Poland in extremely low temperatures. Poland has refused to allow migrants to cross. Poland recently said that it has blocked various attempts by hundreds of migrants to illegally enter the country as it warned of an "armed" escalation. The Polish government held a crisis meeting on Monday and deployed nearly 12,000 troops to the region. US and European delegations condemned "the orchestrated instrumentalisation of human beings whose lives and wellbeing have been put in danger for political purposes by Belarus." In a joint statement, they said that Minsk is aiming at "destabilising neighboring countries and the European Union's external border and diverting attention away from its own increasing human rights violations." Also read | Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko warns European Union against new sanctions Washington and Brussels have called on Minsk to stop what they have termed as an orchestrated influx. NATO also hit out at Minsk, accusing the government of using the migrants as 'political pawns.' The European Union called for fresh sanctions against Belarus. Meanwhile, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has issued a warning to the European Union against the imposition of new sanctions. Lukashenko said he will shut down the transit of natural gas and goods via Belarus to the bloc. "We are heating Europe, they are still threatening us that they will close the border. And if we shut off natural gas there? Therefore, I would recommend that the Polish leadership, Lithuanians and other headless people think before speaking," Lukashenko said. (With inputs from agencies)

'Destabilising neighbouring countries': Western countries slam Belarus

COP26 summit has entered its final week, and while speaking to world leaders, UK PM Boris Johnson urged the countries to "make the bold compromises and ambitious commitments needed."&nbsp;

Johnson said that the ministers and negotiators at COP26 should "pull together and drive for the line" to make sure that the climate change plan is accomplished.

“There is one week left for COP26 to deliver for the world, and we must all pull together and drive for the line. We have seen nations bring ambition and action to help limit rising temperatures, with new pledges to cut carbon and methane emissions, end deforestation, phase out coal and provide more finance to countries most vulnerable to climate change. But we cannot underestimate the task at hand to keep 1.5C alive," said Johnson.

Meanwhile, demonstrators began gathering on Saturday morning in a park near the COP26 summit venue, chanting: "Our world is under attack, stand up fight back!"&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/glasgow-rainbow-lights-up-the-sky-during-climate-protest-427261">Also read |&nbsp;Glasgow: Rainbow lights up the sky during climate protest</a>

Delegates from nearly 200 countries are in Glasgow to figure out a way to meet the Paris Agreement goals of limiting temperature rises to between 1.5 and 2 degrees Celsius.

At the summit, some countries have upgraded their existing pledges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while there have been separate deals on phasing out coal. Countries have also pledged to end foreign fossil fuel funding, and slash methane.

A major assessment last week showed global CO2 emissions were set to rebound in 2021 to pre-pandemic levels. 
Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg said the summit had gone nowhere near far enough at Friday's youth march in Glasgow, where she labelled the conference "a failure".

COP26 summit has entered its final week, and while speaking to world leaders, UK PM Boris Johnson urged the countries to "make the bold compromises and ambitious commitments needed.

COP26 summit has entered its final week, and while speaking to world leaders, UK PM Boris Johnson urged the countries to "make the bold compromises and ambitious commitments needed." Johnson said that the ministers and negotiators at COP26 should "pull together and drive for the line" to make sure that the climate change plan is accomplished. “There is one week left for COP26 to deliver for the world, and we must all pull together and drive for the line. We have seen nations bring ambition and action to help limit rising temperatures, with new pledges to cut carbon and methane emissions, end deforestation, phase out coal and provide more finance to countries most vulnerable to climate change. But we cannot underestimate the task at hand to keep 1.5C alive," said Johnson. Meanwhile, demonstrators began gathering on Saturday morning in a park near the COP26 summit venue, chanting: "Our world is under attack, stand up fight back!" Also read | Glasgow: Rainbow lights up the sky during climate protest Delegates from nearly 200 countries are in Glasgow to figure out a way to meet the Paris Agreement goals of limiting temperature rises to between 1.5 and 2 degrees Celsius. At the summit, some countries have upgraded their existing pledges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while there have been separate deals on phasing out coal. Countries have also pledged to end foreign fossil fuel funding, and slash methane. A major assessment last week showed global CO2 emissions were set to rebound in 2021 to pre-pandemic levels. Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg said the summit had gone nowhere near far enough at Friday's youth march in Glasgow, where she labelled the conference "a failure".

As COP26 enters its final week, Boris Johnson urges countries to 'make the bold compromises'

Dozens of countries called Monday for the UN Human Rights Council to host a special session on Sudan, following a deadly crackdown on mass rallies against last week's military coup.&nbsp;

In a letter to the council president sent on behalf of 48 countries, British ambassador Simon Manley stressed the urgent need for the top UN rights body to discuss the situation in Sudan since the army's October 25 power grab.

"We request that the Human Rights Council hold a special session this week to address the human rights implications of the ongoing situation in the Republic of the Sudan," said the letter, seen by AFP.

"A special session is needed because of the importance and urgency of the situation."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-will-reduce-emissions-by-50-52-below-2005-levels-by-2030-says-biden-at-cop26-425923">Also read |&nbsp;US will reduce emissions by 50-52% below 2005 levels by 2030, says Biden at COP26</a>

The request came after top General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan dissolved the government, declared a state of emergency and detained Sudan's civilian leadership.

Tens of thousands of people turned out across the country for demonstrations on Saturday against the coup.

At least three people were shot dead and more than 100 wounded during Saturday's demonstrations, according to medics, who said at least 12 people had been killed since the coup.

Police forces denied the killings, or using live rounds.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-didnt-deface-the-eiffel-tower-australian-deputy-prime-minister-hits-out-at-france-in-submarine-row-425818">Also read |&nbsp;'We didn't deface the Eiffel Tower': Australian deputy prime minister hits out at France in submarine row</a>

In his letter Monday, Manley said the call for a special session was being led by Britain, the United States and Norway, along with Germany and the government of Sudan, ousted in the coup.

In all, 48 countries had signed on to the request, including 18 of the Human Rights Council's 47 member states.

Calling a special session outside of the thrice-yearly regular meetings requires the backing of at least a third of the membership, so at least 16 states.

Dozens of countries called Monday for the UN Human Rights Council to host a special session on Sudan, following a deadly crackdown on mass rallies against last week's military coup.

Dozens of countries called Monday for the UN Human Rights Council to host a special session on Sudan, following a deadly crackdown on mass rallies against last week's military coup. In a letter to the council president sent on behalf of 48 countries, British ambassador Simon Manley stressed the urgent need for the top UN rights body to discuss the situation in Sudan since the army's October 25 power grab. "We request that the Human Rights Council hold a special session this week to address the human rights implications of the ongoing situation in the Republic of the Sudan," said the letter, seen by AFP. "A special session is needed because of the importance and urgency of the situation." Also read | US will reduce emissions by 50-52% below 2005 levels by 2030, says Biden at COP26 The request came after top General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan dissolved the government, declared a state of emergency and detained Sudan's civilian leadership. Tens of thousands of people turned out across the country for demonstrations on Saturday against the coup. At least three people were shot dead and more than 100 wounded during Saturday's demonstrations, according to medics, who said at least 12 people had been killed since the coup. Police forces denied the killings, or using live rounds. Also read | 'We didn't deface the Eiffel Tower': Australian deputy prime minister hits out at France in submarine row In his letter Monday, Manley said the call for a special session was being led by Britain, the United States and Norway, along with Germany and the government of Sudan, ousted in the coup. In all, 48 countries had signed on to the request, including 18 of the Human Rights Council's 47 member states. Calling a special session outside of the thrice-yearly regular meetings requires the backing of at least a third of the membership, so at least 16 states.

Countries urge UNHCR to host a special session on Sudan

Most of Europe is now using COVID-19 passports to enter bars, restaurants, cinemas and museums even after protests in the region. Scotland, also, has now implemented a vaccine passport even though England does not require a pass.

Most of Europe is now using COVID-19 passports to enter bars, restaurants, cinemas and museums even after protests in the region. Scotland, also, has now implemented a vaccine passport even though England does not require a pass. In Italy, one needs to have a COVID-19 pass to enter their workplace. Italy is said to have adapted the most rigid COVID-19 pass rules in Europe. As per the guidelines, anyone who is on a payroll, both in the public and private sectors, must have a 'green pass' with a QR code as proof of either full vaccination, recent recovery from infection or a negative test. Also, employees who go to work without a pass can be fined up to 1,500 euros and can also face suspension without pay. Employers could also face fines if they allow staff to work without it. Also read | Hong Kong passes law that can censor even past films, to safeguard 'national security' In France, the passe sanitaire has become part of daily life. A report by BBC highlights how the Netherlands does not require a pass now. However, the rules state that anyone aged 13 and over has to show a COVID-19 entry pass. As per the official EU website, the pass contains a QR code, which comprises personal as well as sensitive health data. However, the processing of the information happens exclusively in the browser. "To create the pass, only a cryptographic hash is sent to our server and signed there. This means we have no possibility to read or save your data," says the website. The website urges the citizens to not share COVID-19 passes in order to protect privacy. Meanwhile, recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) expressed concerns over the worsening pandemic situation in Europe. The UN health body said that Europe had the maximum number of cases and deaths due to the viral disease over the last week, with a double-digit percentage surge in each.

Most European countries to keep using COVID-19 passports as winter approaches

India and UK on Friday agreed on the need to ensure that Afghan territory should not be used to threaten or attack any country or to shelter or train terrorists.

This statement was issued after India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held bilateral talks with the visiting UK Foreign Secretary Elizabeth Truss and discussed several issues including strengthening cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and countering terrorism and radical extremism.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jaishankar-calls-on-israeli-prez-pm-discusses-bilateral-relations-422302">Jaishankar calls on Israeli Prez, PM; discusses bilateral relations</a>

A statement issued by External Affairs Ministry said that Mr Jaishankar and Ms Truss discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest while sharing their commitment to a multi-polar world and multilateralism.

"They agreed to strengthen cooperation in West Asia and the Indo-Pacific, on countering terrorism and radical extremism, and addressing emerging challenges in the cyber and space domains," the statement said.

"On Afghanistan, the need for full, safe and unhindered access for humanitarian assistance was discussed, as also the need for Afghan territory not be used to threaten or attack any country or to shelter or train terrorists, or to plan or to finance terrorist attacks," it added.

Both Ministers undertook a detailed review of the Roadmap 2030 launched during the India-UK Virtual Summit held on May 4, 2021.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaishankar-discusses-expanding-academic-research-between-india-israel-422481">Jaishankar discusses expanding academic research between India, Israel</a>

India and UK Roadmap 2030 aimed to elevate the India-UK relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) and this will also guide cooperation for the next 10 years covering all aspects of our multi-faceted relations.

During her stay in New Delhi, Ms Truss also met the Minister of Finance Nirmala Sitharaman and the Minister of Environment, Forests and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav.

On October 23, she will be visiting Mumbai where she will participate in business and defence engagements held in connection with the visit of Carrier Strike Group 21 (CSG21) to India. She would also pay her respects at the memorial to honour the victims of the terrorist attack in Mumbai on &nbsp;November 26, 2008.

India and UK on Friday agreed on the need to ensure that Afghan territory should not be used to threaten or attack any country or to shelter or train terrorists.

India and UK on Friday agreed on the need to ensure that Afghan territory should not be used to threaten or attack any country or to shelter or train terrorists. This statement was issued after India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held bilateral talks with the visiting UK Foreign Secretary Elizabeth Truss and discussed several issues including strengthening cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and countering terrorism and radical extremism. Also Read | Jaishankar calls on Israeli Prez, PM; discusses bilateral relations A statement issued by External Affairs Ministry said that Mr Jaishankar and Ms Truss discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest while sharing their commitment to a multi-polar world and multilateralism. "They agreed to strengthen cooperation in West Asia and the Indo-Pacific, on countering terrorism and radical extremism, and addressing emerging challenges in the cyber and space domains," the statement said. "On Afghanistan, the need for full, safe and unhindered access for humanitarian assistance was discussed, as also the need for Afghan territory not be used to threaten or attack any country or to shelter or train terrorists, or to plan or to finance terrorist attacks," it added. Both Ministers undertook a detailed review of the Roadmap 2030 launched during the India-UK Virtual Summit held on May 4, 2021. Also Read | Jaishankar discusses expanding academic research between India, Israel India and UK Roadmap 2030 aimed to elevate the India-UK relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) and this will also guide cooperation for the next 10 years covering all aspects of our multi-faceted relations. During her stay in New Delhi, Ms Truss also met the Minister of Finance Nirmala Sitharaman and the Minister of Environment, Forests and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav. On October 23, she will be visiting Mumbai where she will participate in business and defence engagements held in connection with the visit of Carrier Strike Group 21 (CSG21) to India. She would also pay her respects at the memorial to honour the victims of the terrorist attack in Mumbai on November 26, 2008.

Need to ensure Afghan territory is not used to attack any country, say Jaishankar, UK counterpart

India will be hosting young leaders under the age of 35, in November, as a part of a new initiative called "Gen Next democratic network". The event is planned by Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), which happens to be an autonomous body under the Ministry of External Affairs, which deals with policies relating to India's external cultural relations.

Dr Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, President of ICCR at a presser said, "We will be celebrating Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsav by emphasising on India's rich democratic traditions. We are establishing, one of the major events, Gen next democratic network. It is a program in which we are inviting young leaders below the age of 35 from 75 different democracies." These young leaders will be from the ruling party, the opposition party and other key parties as desirable. Around 5-7 leaders will be invited in different groups.

The inaugural batch will include Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Chile, Japan, Indonesia, Zambia. The structure includes countries representing regions and continents like South East Asia and&nbsp;Africa.

Sahasrabuddhe explained, "We are approaching and trying to build relations with the gen next of 75 democracies. These people are going to be future leader of those countries. So they get a comprehensive idea of India's rich democratic culture."

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The speaker of the Lok Sabha (Lower house of the Indian Parliament), Om Birla will be inaugurating the event that will take place from November 25. ICCR top officials had met the speaker earlier on Monday for the same. They will be staying in India for a week. They will stay in Delhi for 3 days, where they will be hosted by the Indian parliament.&nbsp;

Interestingly, they will also go one state at least with ICCR approaching the state government.&nbsp;

DG ICCR Dinesh K. Patnaik highlighted, "ICCR is all about exchange of cultures, creating mutual understanding, not a one-way street"

The initiative comes as India has been taking a lead role in terms of geo politics of democracies.&nbsp;From quad grouping, where leaders from India, US, Japan and Australia, met in person at Washington to PM Modi referring to India's democratic credentials at his United Nations General Assembly speech calling the country as "Mother of democracy".

India will be hosting young leaders under the age of 35, in November, as a part of a new initiative called "Gen Next democratic network". The event is planned by Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), which happens to be an autonomous body under the Ministry of External Affairs, which deals with policies relating to India's external cultural relations.

India will be hosting young leaders under the age of 35, in November, as a part of a new initiative called "Gen Next democratic network". The event is planned by Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), which happens to be an autonomous body under the Ministry of External Affairs, which deals with policies relating to India's external cultural relations. Dr Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, President of ICCR at a presser said, "We will be celebrating Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsav by emphasising on India's rich democratic traditions. We are establishing, one of the major events, Gen next democratic network. It is a program in which we are inviting young leaders below the age of 35 from 75 different democracies." These young leaders will be from the ruling party, the opposition party and other key parties as desirable. Around 5-7 leaders will be invited in different groups. The inaugural batch will include Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Chile, Japan, Indonesia, Zambia. The structure includes countries representing regions and continents like South East Asia and Africa. Sahasrabuddhe explained, "We are approaching and trying to build relations with the gen next of 75 democracies. These people are going to be future leader of those countries. So they get a comprehensive idea of India's rich democratic culture." Also read | Exclusive: India's EAM Jaishankar speaks to WION on India-Israel ties The speaker of the Lok Sabha (Lower house of the Indian Parliament), Om Birla will be inaugurating the event that will take place from November 25. ICCR top officials had met the speaker earlier on Monday for the same. They will be staying in India for a week. They will stay in Delhi for 3 days, where they will be hosted by the Indian parliament. Interestingly, they will also go one state at least with ICCR approaching the state government. DG ICCR Dinesh K. Patnaik highlighted, "ICCR is all about exchange of cultures, creating mutual understanding, not a one-way street" The initiative comes as India has been taking a lead role in terms of geo politics of democracies. From quad grouping, where leaders from India, US, Japan and Australia, met in person at Washington to PM Modi referring to India's democratic credentials at his United Nations General Assembly speech calling the country as "Mother of democracy".

India to host 'Gen Next' leaders from 75 democratic countries

Fully vaccinated travellers from eight countries will be able to enter Singapore without quarantine from Tuesday, as the business hub eases restrictions and gears up to live with the coronavirus.

The city-state initially fought the pandemic by shutting borders, lockdowns of varying intensity and aggressive contact tracing but with more than 80 percent of the population fully vaccinated, authorities in the global aviation hub are keen to revive the economy.

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They opened travel lanes for vaccinated passengers from Brunei and Germany in September, and will expand the scheme from Tuesday to another eight countries -- Britain, Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and the United States.

The lane with South Korea will start November 15.

Under the policy, passengers will not have to quarantine if they have been fully vaccinated and tested negative for the coronavirus before they depart and on arrival.

"Singapore cannot stay locked down and closed off indefinitely," Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said October 9, when he announced a raft of measures under the "Living with Covid-19" strategy.

Lee pointed to the Delta coronavirus variant as a factor.

"The Delta variant is highly infectious, and has spread all over the world. Even with the whole population vaccinated, we still will not be able to stamp it out," he said.

"Almost every country has accepted this reality."

In addition to focusing on home care for mild and asymptomatic domestic cases, Lee said Singapore needed to resume international travel.

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The city-state is home to the regional offices of thousands of multi-national corporations, which rely on Singapore's status as a business and aviation hub for their operations.

"We must continue to re-open our borders safely," Lee said. "Companies and investors need to carry out regional and global business from Singapore. People working for them need to travel to earn a living."

And the success of the city-state's vaccinated lanes project may boost the recovery in the global aviation industry, which was hammered by the pandemic.

"We hope the positive actions taken by Singapore will spur other markets to similarly navigate their pathways towards restarting air travel," said Philip Goh, Asia-Pacific vice president at aviation industry group IATA.

Fully vaccinated travellers from eight countries will be able to enter Singapore without quarantine from Tuesday, as the business hub eases restrictions and gears up to live with the coronavirus.

Fully vaccinated travellers from eight countries will be able to enter Singapore without quarantine from Tuesday, as the business hub eases restrictions and gears up to live with the coronavirus. The city-state initially fought the pandemic by shutting borders, lockdowns of varying intensity and aggressive contact tracing but with more than 80 percent of the population fully vaccinated, authorities in the global aviation hub are keen to revive the economy. Also Read | Sydney eases more COVID-19 curbs as vaccinations pass milestone They opened travel lanes for vaccinated passengers from Brunei and Germany in September, and will expand the scheme from Tuesday to another eight countries -- Britain, Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and the United States. The lane with South Korea will start November 15. Under the policy, passengers will not have to quarantine if they have been fully vaccinated and tested negative for the coronavirus before they depart and on arrival. "Singapore cannot stay locked down and closed off indefinitely," Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said October 9, when he announced a raft of measures under the "Living with Covid-19" strategy. Lee pointed to the Delta coronavirus variant as a factor. "The Delta variant is highly infectious, and has spread all over the world. Even with the whole population vaccinated, we still will not be able to stamp it out," he said. "Almost every country has accepted this reality." In addition to focusing on home care for mild and asymptomatic domestic cases, Lee said Singapore needed to resume international travel. Also Read | US to lift Canada, Mexico land border restrictions in November for vaccinated visitors The city-state is home to the regional offices of thousands of multi-national corporations, which rely on Singapore's status as a business and aviation hub for their operations. "We must continue to re-open our borders safely," Lee said. "Companies and investors need to carry out regional and global business from Singapore. People working for them need to travel to earn a living." And the success of the city-state's vaccinated lanes project may boost the recovery in the global aviation industry, which was hammered by the pandemic. "We hope the positive actions taken by Singapore will spur other markets to similarly navigate their pathways towards restarting air travel," said Philip Goh, Asia-Pacific vice president at aviation industry group IATA.

Singapore to expand no-quarantine scheme for vaccinated travellers

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France&nbsp;will&nbsp;double&nbsp;the number of&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;doses&nbsp;it will send to&nbsp;poorer&nbsp;countries&nbsp;to 120 million, President Emmanuel Macron pledged on Saturday, in a video broadcast during the Global Citizen concert in Paris.

"The injustice is that in other continents, obviously, vaccination is very late," he said. "We have to go faster, stronger.&nbsp;

"France&nbsp;pledges to&nbsp;double&nbsp;the number of&nbsp;doses&nbsp;it is giving," he added. "We will pass from 60 million to 120 million&nbsp;doses&nbsp;offered."

That amounted to more than the&nbsp;doses&nbsp;so far administered in&nbsp;France, he said.

On Wednesday, the United States announced that it would be doubling its donation of&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;doses, bringing its total contribution to 1.1 billion.

President Joe Biden described the pandemic as an "all-hands-on-deck crisis," adding "we need other high-income&nbsp;countries&nbsp;to deliver on their own ambitions".&nbsp;

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The European Union has committed to distributing 500 million&nbsp;doses.

And China's President Xi Jinping, in a video message broadcast to the UN on Tuesday, pledged a total of two billion&nbsp;doses&nbsp;by the end of the year, repeating a figure already given by the Chinese authorities.

It was not made clear how many of those would be sold and how many donated.

More money for Africa: Macron&nbsp;

In his statement, Macron also said that&nbsp;France&nbsp;would work with the UN's children's organisation UNICEF in their efforts to help African&nbsp;countries&nbsp;organise their vaccination roll-out.

France&nbsp;would also redirect 20 percent of the special funding it received from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) towards projects designed to restart the economies of African&nbsp;countries, said Macron.

"If all the major powers do the same as&nbsp;France, we will reach 100 billion dollars for Africa," he added.

Finally, Macron pledged that&nbsp;France&nbsp;would spend 330 million euros to promote education in&nbsp;France.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of the World Health Organization, has repeatedly denounced the injustice of the massive imbalance in the distribution of&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;doses&nbsp;in rich and poor&nbsp;countries.

"I will not stay silent when the companies and&nbsp;countries&nbsp;that control the global supply of&nbsp;vaccines&nbsp;think the world's poor should be satisfied with leftovers," he said earlier this month.

African leaders pleaded for the chance to buy&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;doses&nbsp;for their people during a meeting of the African Union earlier this month.

According to an AFP tally drawn from official sources, Africa's 53&nbsp;countries, with a population of more than 1.3 billion people, has had a total of 10&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;doses&nbsp;per 100 people.

In contrast, the United States and Canada, with a population of just over 368 million people, has had 120&nbsp;doses&nbsp;per hundred people.

France will double the number of vaccine doses it will send to poorer countries to 120 million, President Emmanuel Macron pledged on Saturday, in a video broadcast during the Global Citizen concert in Paris.

France will double the number of vaccine doses it will send to poorer countries to 120 million, President Emmanuel Macron pledged on Saturday, in a video broadcast during the Global Citizen concert in Paris. "The injustice is that in other continents, obviously, vaccination is very late," he said. "We have to go faster, stronger. "France pledges to double the number of doses it is giving," he added. "We will pass from 60 million to 120 million doses offered." That amounted to more than the doses so far administered in France, he said. On Wednesday, the United States announced that it would be doubling its donation of vaccine doses, bringing its total contribution to 1.1 billion. President Joe Biden described the pandemic as an "all-hands-on-deck crisis," adding "we need other high-income countries to deliver on their own ambitions". Also read | Swiss to vote on allowing same-sex marriage in referendum The European Union has committed to distributing 500 million doses. And China's President Xi Jinping, in a video message broadcast to the UN on Tuesday, pledged a total of two billion doses by the end of the year, repeating a figure already given by the Chinese authorities. It was not made clear how many of those would be sold and how many donated. More money for Africa: Macron In his statement, Macron also said that France would work with the UN's children's organisation UNICEF in their efforts to help African countries organise their vaccination roll-out. France would also redirect 20 percent of the special funding it received from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) towards projects designed to restart the economies of African countries, said Macron. "If all the major powers do the same as France, we will reach 100 billion dollars for Africa," he added. Finally, Macron pledged that France would spend 330 million euros to promote education in France. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of the World Health Organization, has repeatedly denounced the injustice of the massive imbalance in the distribution of vaccine doses in rich and poor countries. "I will not stay silent when the companies and countries that control the global supply of vaccines think the world's poor should be satisfied with leftovers," he said earlier this month. African leaders pleaded for the chance to buy vaccine doses for their people during a meeting of the African Union earlier this month. According to an AFP tally drawn from official sources, Africa's 53 countries, with a population of more than 1.3 billion people, has had a total of 10 vaccine doses per 100 people. In contrast, the United States and Canada, with a population of just over 368 million people, has had 120 doses per hundred people.

France to double COVID-19 vaccine doses for poorer countries

Climate economist Nicholas Stern has said that the developing countries could receive long-promised funds, which will help them in tackling the climate crisis as soon as next year.

Recent promises of additional cash from the US, the EU and others have lifted the prospects.

Lord Stern, the chair of the Grantham Institute for Climate Change at the London School of Economics, told The Guardian, in an interview: "I think that we will probably hit the $100bn for next year."

“We could start to get bilateral flows from donor countries to poor nations, approaching $50bn to $60bn because if the US came up then others would come up as well. The finance which went to the fossil fuels, which the G7 agreed to phase out quickly, could be reoriented towards renewables.”

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He also predicted that the global publicly funded development banks, such as the World Bank, would also step up their efforts at a series of meetings next month. “

They will be increasing their volumes and they will be increasing the proportions focused on climate. So my own view is we must push very hard to get the $100 billion, it’s not going to be this year so it should be next year, and I think it could well be," he said.

Climate economist Nicholas Stern has said that the developing countries could receive long-promised funds, which will help them in tackling the climate crisis as soon as next year.

Climate economist Nicholas Stern has said that the developing countries could receive long-promised funds, which will help them in tackling the climate crisis as soon as next year. Recent promises of additional cash from the US, the EU and others have lifted the prospects. Lord Stern, the chair of the Grantham Institute for Climate Change at the London School of Economics, told The Guardian, in an interview: "I think that we will probably hit the $100bn for next year." “We could start to get bilateral flows from donor countries to poor nations, approaching $50bn to $60bn because if the US came up then others would come up as well. The finance which went to the fossil fuels, which the G7 agreed to phase out quickly, could be reoriented towards renewables.” Also read | US: Gunman in deadly mass shooting at Kroger in Tennessee, identified as 29-year-old store vendor He also predicted that the global publicly funded development banks, such as the World Bank, would also step up their efforts at a series of meetings next month. “ They will be increasing their volumes and they will be increasing the proportions focused on climate. So my own view is we must push very hard to get the $100 billion, it’s not going to be this year so it should be next year, and I think it could well be," he said.

Developing countries to soon receive their long-promised funds for tackling climate crisis

The chief scientist of the World Health Organization, Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, has warned of “even more dire situations” worldwide if high-income countries start administering vaccine boosters ahead of poorer countries without vaccines.

At a news conference in Geneva, she said, "We believe clearly that the data does not indicate that boosters are needed".

The WHO has repeatedly called for vaccine equity and “solidarity” among countries. Dr. Michael Ryan, the WHO’s emergencies chief, said, “If we think about this in terms of an analogy, we’re planning to hand out extra life jackets to people who already have life jackets, while we’re leaving other people to drown without a single life jacket.”

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As per WHO director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, 10 countries have administered 75 per cent of all vaccine supply, while low-income countries have vaccinated “barely 2 per cent of their people.” He said, "vaccine injustice is a shame on all humanity."

This comes as the US said that it plans to make COVID-19 vaccine booster shots widely available September 20 onwards.&nbsp;

The decision has been taken given rise in infections due to Delta variant and also due to the data indicating diminishing protection from vaccines over time.

The officials are prepared to give third shot to Americans who completed their inoculation at least 8 months ago.&nbsp;

The booster shots initially will focus upon healthcare workers, nursing home residents and older people, among the first groups to be vaccinated in late 2020 and early 2021, top US health officials said in a joint statement.

The chief scientist of the World Health Organization, Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, has warned of “even more dire situations” worldwide if high-income countries start administering vaccine boosters ahead of poorer countries without vaccines.

The chief scientist of the World Health Organization, Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, has warned of “even more dire situations” worldwide if high-income countries start administering vaccine boosters ahead of poorer countries without vaccines. At a news conference in Geneva, she said, "We believe clearly that the data does not indicate that boosters are needed". The WHO has repeatedly called for vaccine equity and “solidarity” among countries. Dr. Michael Ryan, the WHO’s emergencies chief, said, “If we think about this in terms of an analogy, we’re planning to hand out extra life jackets to people who already have life jackets, while we’re leaving other people to drown without a single life jacket.” Also read | Biden warns may act against governors opposing school mask mandates As per WHO director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, 10 countries have administered 75 per cent of all vaccine supply, while low-income countries have vaccinated “barely 2 per cent of their people.” He said, "vaccine injustice is a shame on all humanity." This comes as the US said that it plans to make COVID-19 vaccine booster shots widely available September 20 onwards. The decision has been taken given rise in infections due to Delta variant and also due to the data indicating diminishing protection from vaccines over time. The officials are prepared to give third shot to Americans who completed their inoculation at least 8 months ago. The booster shots initially will focus upon healthcare workers, nursing home residents and older people, among the first groups to be vaccinated in late 2020 and early 2021, top US health officials said in a joint statement.

WHO warns against booster shots while US plans to make them available September onwards

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Asia is sliding into a dangerous arms race as smaller nations that once stayed on the sidelines build arsenals of advanced long-range missiles, following in the footsteps of powerhouses China and the United States, analysts say. 
 
China is mass producing its DF-26, a multipurpose weapon with a range of up to 4,000 kilometres, while the United States is developing new weapons aimed at countering Beijing in the Pacific. 
 
Other countries in the region are buying or developing their own new missiles, driven by security concerns over China and a desire to reduce their reliance on the United States. 
 
Before the decade is out, Asia will be bristling with conventional missiles that fly farther and faster, hit harder, and are more sophisticated than ever before - a stark and dangerous change from recent years, analysts, diplomats, and military officials say. 
 
"The missile landscape is changing in Asia, and it’s changing fast," said David Santoro, president of the Pacific Forum. 
 
Such weapons are increasingly affordable and accurate, and as some countries acquire them, their neighbours don't want to be left behind, analysts said. Missiles provide strategic benefits such as deterring enemies and boosting leverage with allies, and can be a lucrative export. 
 
The long-term implications are uncertain, and there is a slim chance that the new weapons could balance tensions and help maintain peace, Santoro said. 
 
"More likely is that missile proliferation will fuel suspicions, trigger arms races, increase tensions, and ultimately cause crises and even wars," he said.

Asia is sliding into a dangerous arms race as smaller nations that once stayed on the sidelines build arsenals of advanced long-range missiles, following in the footsteps of powerhouses China and the United States, analysts say.

Asia is sliding into a dangerous arms race as smaller nations that once stayed on the sidelines build arsenals of advanced long-range missiles, following in the footsteps of powerhouses China and the United States, analysts say. China is mass producing its DF-26, a multipurpose weapon with a range of up to 4,000 kilometres, while the United States is developing new weapons aimed at countering Beijing in the Pacific. Other countries in the region are buying or developing their own new missiles, driven by security concerns over China and a desire to reduce their reliance on the United States. Before the decade is out, Asia will be bristling with conventional missiles that fly farther and faster, hit harder, and are more sophisticated than ever before - a stark and dangerous change from recent years, analysts, diplomats, and military officials say. "The missile landscape is changing in Asia, and it’s changing fast," said David Santoro, president of the Pacific Forum. Such weapons are increasingly affordable and accurate, and as some countries acquire them, their neighbours don't want to be left behind, analysts said. Missiles provide strategic benefits such as deterring enemies and boosting leverage with allies, and can be a lucrative export. The long-term implications are uncertain, and there is a slim chance that the new weapons could balance tensions and help maintain peace, Santoro said. "More likely is that missile proliferation will fuel suspicions, trigger arms races, increase tensions, and ultimately cause crises and even wars," he said.

Caught between China and US, Asian countries stockpile powerful new missiles

Without taking any names, Afghan envoy&nbsp;Farid&nbsp;Mamundzay&nbsp;has said&nbsp;'without the support of the countries in the region', the Taliban's&nbsp;'existence may have not been possible'. Pakistan's support for the Taliban has been well-known, and the envoy's comments come even as the group is making rapid territorial gains.&nbsp;

Speaking to WION diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal,&nbsp;Farid&nbsp;Mamundzay&nbsp;called India&nbsp;'very critical'&nbsp;for&nbsp;his country&nbsp;even as he highlighted that the Indian mission's "services remain&nbsp;uninterrupted&nbsp;and as open and active&nbsp;as it should have been'&nbsp;in the country. India has&nbsp;shifted&nbsp;its diplomats from the southern city of Kandahar&nbsp;to Kabul&nbsp;as violence escalates.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal:&nbsp;What is&nbsp;the security situation in your country?&nbsp;

Farid&nbsp;Mamundzay:&nbsp;There is an intense fight going on in several provinces, many districts as&nbsp;much as&nbsp;150. The attacks came as a surprise when the Taliban had attacked several of our districts at a time when we were busy with the withdrawal of the international forces. Sadly,&nbsp;we lost a number of districts. The past few days have been good in terms of recapturing, retaking some of those districts back. We have been able to recapture 10 plus districts in the past 3-4 days. There have been gains on their part as well, there have been gains or regains our part.&nbsp;We were not as prepared as we should have been, we were thinking the Taliban will give peace a chance. They would believe in a process that will put an end to the violence. Sadly,&nbsp;and contrary to what our beliefs were, they chose the path of the violence and continued to inflict harm and continue with the bloodshed of the innocents.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal:&nbsp;How far are external forces, particularly,&nbsp;one of your&nbsp;neighbours,&nbsp;responsible for the current situation?&nbsp;

Farid&nbsp;Mamundzay:&nbsp;If you look at the number of Taliban supporters in terms of terrorist entities, terrorist groups that help them, you will be amazed to see 20 plus terrorist groups supporting the Taliban and of course,&nbsp;without the support of the countries in the region their existence may have not been possible. They would have not been in a position today if they were no support infrastructure. So yes, support infrastructure has been there to which we&nbsp;have been&nbsp;raising&nbsp;concerns&nbsp;time and&nbsp;again&nbsp;for the past 20 years.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: Has India taken back its diplomats from Kandahar?&nbsp;

Farid&nbsp;Mamundzay:&nbsp;We were concerned about the safety and security of diplomats across our country and we respect the decision of the Indian government to temporarily suspend services in Kandahar and Herat. We support their decision&nbsp;and ensure&nbsp;security of the diplomatic mission of important countries. India is very&nbsp;important for&nbsp;us. We want their&nbsp;missions across the country&nbsp;as&nbsp;people want it but given the security realities in the country,&nbsp;we think it is in everyone's interest to suspend the services for time being. As things&nbsp;normalise&nbsp;in the future, we will see the reopening of the consulates. What is important is the services provided by the Indian mission in Afghanistan.&nbsp;These services remain uninterrupted and as open and active&nbsp;as it&nbsp;should have been.&nbsp;Afghan&nbsp;patients seek medical treatment in India.&nbsp;They still&nbsp;go&nbsp;on a regular basis.&nbsp;Our Hindu and Sikh Afghan community&nbsp;also visit.&nbsp;So,&nbsp;the services&nbsp;should&nbsp;remain uninterrupted. Yes, they may have not been serving a particular province, or particular region but the presence of Indian diplomatic consular and economic service and assistance is there that is what the government and people of Afghanistan want.&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: What next for Afghanistan? How do you see the situation panning out?&nbsp;

Farid&nbsp;Mamundzay:&nbsp;Sadly,&nbsp;we would be seeing&nbsp;more difficult days as things stand today, we don't see any reduction or cessation of violence on part of the Taliban, they have chosen a path that will continue to bleed our people. The next&nbsp;two&nbsp;months are very difficult months as the international forces would complete their full withdrawal. Ideally, we would want peace to be given a chance but that seems to be a distant reality at this stage.&nbsp;

Without taking any names, Afghan envoy Farid Mamundzay has said 'without the support of the countries in the region', the Taliban's 'existence may have not been possible'.

Without taking any names, Afghan envoy Farid Mamundzay has said 'without the support of the countries in the region', the Taliban's 'existence may have not been possible'. Pakistan's support for the Taliban has been well-known, and the envoy's comments come even as the group is making rapid territorial gains. Speaking to WION diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Farid Mamundzay called India 'very critical' for his country even as he highlighted that the Indian mission's "services remain uninterrupted and as open and active as it should have been' in the country. India has shifted its diplomats from the southern city of Kandahar to Kabul as violence escalates. Sidhant Sibal: What is the security situation in your country? Farid Mamundzay: There is an intense fight going on in several provinces, many districts as much as 150. The attacks came as a surprise when the Taliban had attacked several of our districts at a time when we were busy with the withdrawal of the international forces. Sadly, we lost a number of districts. The past few days have been good in terms of recapturing, retaking some of those districts back. We have been able to recapture 10 plus districts in the past 3-4 days. There have been gains on their part as well, there have been gains or regains our part. We were not as prepared as we should have been, we were thinking the Taliban will give peace a chance. They would believe in a process that will put an end to the violence. Sadly, and contrary to what our beliefs were, they chose the path of the violence and continued to inflict harm and continue with the bloodshed of the innocents. Sidhant Sibal: How far are external forces, particularly, one of your neighbours, responsible for the current situation? Farid Mamundzay: If you look at the number of Taliban supporters in terms of terrorist entities, terrorist groups that help them, you will be amazed to see 20 plus terrorist groups supporting the Taliban and of course, without the support of the countries in the region their existence may have not been possible. They would have not been in a position today if they were no support infrastructure. So yes, support infrastructure has been there to which we have been raising concerns time and again for the past 20 years. Sidhant Sibal: Has India taken back its diplomats from Kandahar? Farid Mamundzay: We were concerned about the safety and security of diplomats across our country and we respect the decision of the Indian government to temporarily suspend services in Kandahar and Herat. We support their decision and ensure security of the diplomatic mission of important countries. India is very important for us. We want their missions across the country as people want it but given the security realities in the country, we think it is in everyone's interest to suspend the services for time being. As things normalise in the future, we will see the reopening of the consulates. What is important is the services provided by the Indian mission in Afghanistan. These services remain uninterrupted and as open and active as it should have been. Afghan patients seek medical treatment in India. They still go on a regular basis. Our Hindu and Sikh Afghan community also visit. So, the services should remain uninterrupted. Yes, they may have not been serving a particular province, or particular region but the presence of Indian diplomatic consular and economic service and assistance is there that is what the government and people of Afghanistan want. Sidhant Sibal: What next for Afghanistan? How do you see the situation panning out? Farid Mamundzay: Sadly, we would be seeing more difficult days as things stand today, we don't see any reduction or cessation of violence on part of the Taliban, they have chosen a path that will continue to bleed our people. The next two months are very difficult months as the international forces would complete their full withdrawal. Ideally, we would want peace to be given a chance but that seems to be a distant reality at this stage.

Taliban's existence not possible without support of countries in the region, says Afghan envoy to India Farid 

As China's global stature has grown, many expected that its weapons exports would reflect its place on the world stage. Yet after decades of trying, that simply hasn't happened.

Last month's confrontation with the Philippines, where Chinese naval vessels entered Philippine waters without authorisation, may indicate the crux of the problem and this failure may well illustrate a key weakness for China. Essentially, few want to partner up with Beijing, reported Foreign Policy.

Richard Aboulafia, writing in Foreign Policy said that snazzy weapons mean a lot less if you don't have friends and this is why the world doesn't want Beijing's fighter jets.

China has made great strides in improving its state-owned aerospace technology base, particularly in the military realm. It has made aircraft like J-10, J-10C, FC-31, etc. For decades, China's growth as a combat aircraft export power has seemed inevitable.

In April 1997, Interavia, a once-influential trade journal, predicted, 'China Poised to Overtake Russia' and Beijing would 'well outstrip Russia in a decade or so as the combat aircraft provider to the developing world'. Nine years later, Aviation Week &amp; Space Technology opined that 'China may emerge as the bargain-basement provider of combat aircraft packages for the export market,' reported Foreign Policy. The numbers clearly show that nothing of the sort happened, wrote Aboulafia.

Between 2000 and 2020, China exported just USD 7.2 billion worth of military aircraft, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute arms transfers database.

Meanwhile, the United States stayed safely on top, exporting USD 99.6 billion, and Russia stayed in the second slot at USD 61.5 billion. Even France's aircraft exports doubled China's, at USD 14.7 billion. And there were few signs of upward momentum for China, reported Foreign Policy.

Chinese fighters also didn't break out of their relatively small core market. In the 1990s, their biggest customers were Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, North Korea, and a few African countries. That remains on the list today.

A Center for Strategic and International Studies report points out that, since 2010, 63.4 per cent of China's conventional weapons sales have gone to Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, reported Foreign Policy.

The best explanation for this failure is China's foreign policy. The Philippines is a perfect illustration of why China's fighter export ambitions have stalled, says Aboulafia.

For five years, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has tried to steer the country away from the United States and towards China. Also, until a few years ago, the country had never purchased a new fighter jet, the limited defence budget could only afford hand-me-down jets from the United States.

The Philippines is cash-strapped, non-aligned, and eager to assert a pro-China path: the perfect recipe for a Chinese combat aircraft export market breakthrough in a key regional nation explained Aboulafia. But, then also China couldn't sell any of its aircraft.

Last month, tensions between the two countries in the South China Sea heated up to a simmer, with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro Locsin Jr&nbsp;tweeting, "You're like an ugly oaf forcing your attentions on a handsome guy who wants to be a friend; not to father a Chinese province."

The Philippines has instead found another path for its combat aircraft needs. In 2015, it took its first Korea Aerospace Industries FA-50s. It isn't just the Philippines. China's other neighbours don't like China, with predictable ramifications for the fighter sales business.

As China's global stature has grown, many expected that its weapons exports would reflect its place on the world stage. Yet after decades of trying, that simply hasn't happened.

As China's global stature has grown, many expected that its weapons exports would reflect its place on the world stage. Yet after decades of trying, that simply hasn't happened. Last month's confrontation with the Philippines, where Chinese naval vessels entered Philippine waters without authorisation, may indicate the crux of the problem and this failure may well illustrate a key weakness for China. Essentially, few want to partner up with Beijing, reported Foreign Policy. Richard Aboulafia, writing in Foreign Policy said that snazzy weapons mean a lot less if you don't have friends and this is why the world doesn't want Beijing's fighter jets. China has made great strides in improving its state-owned aerospace technology base, particularly in the military realm. It has made aircraft like J-10, J-10C, FC-31, etc. For decades, China's growth as a combat aircraft export power has seemed inevitable. In April 1997, Interavia, a once-influential trade journal, predicted, 'China Poised to Overtake Russia' and Beijing would 'well outstrip Russia in a decade or so as the combat aircraft provider to the developing world'. Nine years later, Aviation Week & Space Technology opined that 'China may emerge as the bargain-basement provider of combat aircraft packages for the export market,' reported Foreign Policy. The numbers clearly show that nothing of the sort happened, wrote Aboulafia. Between 2000 and 2020, China exported just USD 7.2 billion worth of military aircraft, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute arms transfers database. Meanwhile, the United States stayed safely on top, exporting USD 99.6 billion, and Russia stayed in the second slot at USD 61.5 billion. Even France's aircraft exports doubled China's, at USD 14.7 billion. And there were few signs of upward momentum for China, reported Foreign Policy. Chinese fighters also didn't break out of their relatively small core market. In the 1990s, their biggest customers were Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, North Korea, and a few African countries. That remains on the list today. A Center for Strategic and International Studies report points out that, since 2010, 63.4 per cent of China's conventional weapons sales have gone to Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, reported Foreign Policy. The best explanation for this failure is China's foreign policy. The Philippines is a perfect illustration of why China's fighter export ambitions have stalled, says Aboulafia. For five years, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has tried to steer the country away from the United States and towards China. Also, until a few years ago, the country had never purchased a new fighter jet, the limited defence budget could only afford hand-me-down jets from the United States. The Philippines is cash-strapped, non-aligned, and eager to assert a pro-China path: the perfect recipe for a Chinese combat aircraft export market breakthrough in a key regional nation explained Aboulafia. But, then also China couldn't sell any of its aircraft. Last month, tensions between the two countries in the South China Sea heated up to a simmer, with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro Locsin Jr tweeting, "You're like an ugly oaf forcing your attentions on a handsome guy who wants to be a friend; not to father a Chinese province." The Philippines has instead found another path for its combat aircraft needs. In 2015, it took its first Korea Aerospace Industries FA-50s. It isn't just the Philippines. China's other neighbours don't like China, with predictable ramifications for the fighter sales business.

China fails to sell its fighter jets due to strained ties with other countries

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of the World Health Organization has recently warned that the rich nations are sharing vaccines with low-income countries too slowly to prevent the spread of the Delta variant of Covid, putting at risks millions of lives.&nbsp;

Tedros said that world leaders must ensure that at least 10 per cent of people in all countries should be vaccinated by the end of September.&nbsp;

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Speaking about the Delta variant, he said, "The Delta variant is dangerous and is continuing to evolve and mutate, which requires constant evaluation and careful adjustment of the public health response". He further added, “Delta has been detected in at least 98 countries, and is spreading quickly in countries with low and high vaccination coverage. The world must equitably share protective gear, oxygen, tests, treatments and vaccines".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-19-all-you-need-to-know-about-delta-plus-variant-393450">Also read |&nbsp;COVID-19: All you need to know about Delta Plus variant</a>

He said, "Public health &amp; social measures like strong surveillance, strategic testing, early case detection, isolation &amp; clinical care remain critical. As well as masking, physical distance, avoiding crowded places &amp; keeping indoor areas well ventilated".

Delta Plus (B.1.617.2.1/(AY.1) is a new mutant strain of the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2, and has emerged as a new threat, especially in India. While the Delta variant, which was first detected by scientists in India, became a problem for the whole world, Delta Plus is currently limited to smaller areas in the country and is still under investigation.

Experts believe Delta Plus has increased transmissibility but it is still not very clear as to how virulent this new strain is in comparison to other variants.

However, medical experts are cautioning authorities and people against this new variant and are urging people to stay cautious and treat Delta Plus as a highly infectious variant that may show resistance against monoclonal antibodies cocktail treatments.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of the World Health Organization has recently warned that the rich nations are sharing vaccines with low-income countries too slowly to prevent the spread of the Delta variant of Covid, putting at risks millions of lives.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of the World Health Organization has recently warned that the rich nations are sharing vaccines with low-income countries too slowly to prevent the spread of the Delta variant of Covid, putting at risks millions of lives. Tedros said that world leaders must ensure that at least 10 per cent of people in all countries should be vaccinated by the end of September. Media briefing on #COVID19 with @DrTedros https://t.co/OBWl31s1It — World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) July 2, 2021 × Speaking about the Delta variant, he said, "The Delta variant is dangerous and is continuing to evolve and mutate, which requires constant evaluation and careful adjustment of the public health response". He further added, “Delta has been detected in at least 98 countries, and is spreading quickly in countries with low and high vaccination coverage. The world must equitably share protective gear, oxygen, tests, treatments and vaccines". Also read | COVID-19: All you need to know about Delta Plus variant He said, "Public health & social measures like strong surveillance, strategic testing, early case detection, isolation & clinical care remain critical. As well as masking, physical distance, avoiding crowded places & keeping indoor areas well ventilated". Delta Plus (B.1.617.2.1/(AY.1) is a new mutant strain of the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2, and has emerged as a new threat, especially in India. While the Delta variant, which was first detected by scientists in India, became a problem for the whole world, Delta Plus is currently limited to smaller areas in the country and is still under investigation. Experts believe Delta Plus has increased transmissibility but it is still not very clear as to how virulent this new strain is in comparison to other variants. However, medical experts are cautioning authorities and people against this new variant and are urging people to stay cautious and treat Delta Plus as a highly infectious variant that may show resistance against monoclonal antibodies cocktail treatments.

WHO urges countries to vaccinate more people as Delta variant now in 98 countries

The Biden administration is exploring having three Central Asian countries temporarily take in thousands of Afghans who worked with US&nbsp;forces and face threats from the Taliban now that American troops are withdrawing after 20 years, three sources familiar with the matter said on Friday. 
 
They said Washington is in talks with Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan about letting in the at-risk Afghan citizens. Two of the sources were US&nbsp;officials and all requested anonymity. 
 
The three sources said an agreement did not appear imminent with any of the countries. 
 
The decision to move at-risk Afghans risks inflaming a sense of crisis in Afghanistan, as fighting between US-backed Afghan forces and the Taliban has surged in recent weeks, with the militants gaining control of large amounts of territory. 
 
Thousands of Afghan translators and interpreters face threats from the Taliban after working for two decades alongside the US&nbsp;military. 
 
The United States announced plans last week to seek refuge for thousands of vulnerable Afghans in countries outside Afghanistan so their US&nbsp;visa applications could be processed from safety, but Washington did not specify where they would go. 
 
White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki provided no further details on Friday. 
 
"One of the reasons that I'm not going to get into security details about what third country they might go to, and how many, is exactly for that reason, but certainly our timeline is to relocate these individuals to a location outside of Afghanistan before we complete our military drawdown," Psaki said.

President Joe Biden has said those who helped the United States will not be left behind, and on Thursday, a senior Republican lawmaker said plans to evacuate at-risk Afghans will include their family members for a total of as many as 50,000 people.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Biden administration is exploring having three Central Asian countries temporarily take in thousands of Afghans who worked with US forces and face threats from the Taliban now that American troops are withdrawing after 20 years, three sources familiar with the matter said on Friday.

The Biden administration is exploring having three Central Asian countries temporarily take in thousands of Afghans who worked with US forces and face threats from the Taliban now that American troops are withdrawing after 20 years, three sources familiar with the matter said on Friday. They said Washington is in talks with Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan about letting in the at-risk Afghan citizens. Two of the sources were US officials and all requested anonymity. The three sources said an agreement did not appear imminent with any of the countries. The decision to move at-risk Afghans risks inflaming a sense of crisis in Afghanistan, as fighting between US-backed Afghan forces and the Taliban has surged in recent weeks, with the militants gaining control of large amounts of territory. Thousands of Afghan translators and interpreters face threats from the Taliban after working for two decades alongside the US military. The United States announced plans last week to seek refuge for thousands of vulnerable Afghans in countries outside Afghanistan so their US visa applications could be processed from safety, but Washington did not specify where they would go. White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki provided no further details on Friday. "One of the reasons that I'm not going to get into security details about what third country they might go to, and how many, is exactly for that reason, but certainly our timeline is to relocate these individuals to a location outside of Afghanistan before we complete our military drawdown," Psaki said. President Joe Biden has said those who helped the United States will not be left behind, and on Thursday, a senior Republican lawmaker said plans to evacuate at-risk Afghans will include their family members for a total of as many as 50,000 people. (With inputs from agencies)

US looks into having 3 Central Asian states take in at-risk Afghans: Sources

Rich countries are opening up societies and vaccinating young people, who are not at great risk from COVID-19, while the poorest countries cruelly lack doses, the World Health Organization said on Friday, condemning a global failure. 
 
The situation in Africa, where new infections and deaths jumped by nearly 40% last week compared to the previous week, is 'so dangerous' as the Delta variant spreads globally, WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said. 
 
"Our world is failing, as the global community, we are failing," he told a news conference. 
 
Tedros, who is Ethiopian, chastised unnamed countries for reluctance to share doses with low-income countries. He compared it to the HIV/AIDS crisis, when some argued that African nations were unable to use complicated treatments. 
 
"I mean that attitude has to be a thing of the past," Tedros said. "The problem now is a supply problem, just give us the vaccines." 
 
"The difference is between the haves and the have nots,&nbsp;which is now completely exposing the unfairness of our world - the injustice, the inequality, let's face it," he said. 
 
Many developing countries are much better than industrialised countries in carrying out mass vaccination of their populations against infectious diseases from cholera to polio, WHO's top emergency expert Mike Ryan said. 
 
"The level of paternalism, the level of colonial mindset that say 'we can't give you something because we're afraid you won't use it'. I mean seriously, in the middle of a pandemic?" 
 
COVAX, run jointly by the GAVI vaccine alliance and the WHO, has delivered 90 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to 132 countries since February, but has faced major supply issues since India suspended vaccine exports. 
 
"We have through COVAX this month zero doses of AstraZeneca vaccines, zero doses of SII vaccines (Serum Institute of India), zero doses of J &amp; J (Johnson &amp; Johnson) vaccine," said Bruce Aylward, WHO senior adviser. 
 
"The situation right now is dire." 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Rich countries are opening up societies and vaccinating young people, who are not at great risk from COVID-19, while the poorest countries cruelly lack doses, the World Health Organization said on Friday, condemning a global failure.

Rich countries are opening up societies and vaccinating young people, who are not at great risk from COVID-19, while the poorest countries cruelly lack doses, the World Health Organization said on Friday, condemning a global failure. The situation in Africa, where new infections and deaths jumped by nearly 40% last week compared to the previous week, is 'so dangerous' as the Delta variant spreads globally, WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said. "Our world is failing, as the global community, we are failing," he told a news conference. Tedros, who is Ethiopian, chastised unnamed countries for reluctance to share doses with low-income countries. He compared it to the HIV/AIDS crisis, when some argued that African nations were unable to use complicated treatments. "I mean that attitude has to be a thing of the past," Tedros said. "The problem now is a supply problem, just give us the vaccines." "The difference is between the haves and the have nots, which is now completely exposing the unfairness of our world - the injustice, the inequality, let's face it," he said. Many developing countries are much better than industrialised countries in carrying out mass vaccination of their populations against infectious diseases from cholera to polio, WHO's top emergency expert Mike Ryan said. "The level of paternalism, the level of colonial mindset that say 'we can't give you something because we're afraid you won't use it'. I mean seriously, in the middle of a pandemic?" COVAX, run jointly by the GAVI vaccine alliance and the WHO, has delivered 90 million COVID-19 vaccine doses to 132 countries since February, but has faced major supply issues since India suspended vaccine exports. "We have through COVAX this month zero doses of AstraZeneca vaccines, zero doses of SII vaccines (Serum Institute of India), zero doses of J & J (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine," said Bruce Aylward, WHO senior adviser. "The situation right now is dire." (With inputs from agencies)

Just give us the vaccines, WHO pleads, as poor countries go wanting

As Israel deals with a surge in cases caused by the Delta variant, health officials have suggested that up to half of new cases could be among the vaccinated.

Fully vaccinated people who come into contact with the Delta variant will be quarantined, according to Chezy Levy, the director-general of Israel's health ministry. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-eases-coronavirus-restrictions-amid-nationwide-vaccination-388778">Also read | Israel eases coronavirus restrictions amid nationwide vaccination</a> 
 
"Even though the numbers are low, the fact that this is reaching vaccinated people means ... that we are still checking how many vaccinated people have also been infected," Levy said, according to Haaretz.

On June 23, Israel gave health officials the authority to quarantine anyone who has been exposed to an extremely infectious variant of Covid-19, even if they have been vaccinated or have recovered from the sickness with supposed immunity.&nbsp;

The decision came after Prime Minister Naftali Bennett issued a warning on Tuesday about fresh Delta-related outbreaks, with daily infections rising following weeks of low levels because to Israel's unprecedented mass vaccination campaign.

If authorities feel they may have been in "close contact with a carrier of a severe virus strain," authorities can force vaccinated or previously infected people to self-isolate for up to 14 days under the amended health ministry regulations.&nbsp;

The number of new cases recorded every day in Israel has risen to above 100, the highest level since May.

According to Levy, the Delta variety is responsible for almost 70% of the cases.

As daily cases remained in the single digits, Israel began to relax its viral restrictions, terminating indoor masking last week.

As Israel deals with a surge in cases caused by the Delta variant, health officials have suggested that up to half of new cases could be among the vaccinated. Fully vaccinated people who come into contact with the Delta variant will be quarantined, according to Chezy Levy, the director-general of Israel's health ministry.

As Israel deals with a surge in cases caused by the Delta variant, health officials have suggested that up to half of new cases could be among the vaccinated. Fully vaccinated people who come into contact with the Delta variant will be quarantined, according to Chezy Levy, the director-general of Israel's health ministry. Also read | Israel eases coronavirus restrictions amid nationwide vaccination "Even though the numbers are low, the fact that this is reaching vaccinated people means ... that we are still checking how many vaccinated people have also been infected," Levy said, according to Haaretz. On June 23, Israel gave health officials the authority to quarantine anyone who has been exposed to an extremely infectious variant of Covid-19, even if they have been vaccinated or have recovered from the sickness with supposed immunity. The decision came after Prime Minister Naftali Bennett issued a warning on Tuesday about fresh Delta-related outbreaks, with daily infections rising following weeks of low levels because to Israel's unprecedented mass vaccination campaign. If authorities feel they may have been in "close contact with a carrier of a severe virus strain," authorities can force vaccinated or previously infected people to self-isolate for up to 14 days under the amended health ministry regulations. The number of new cases recorded every day in Israel has risen to above 100, the highest level since May. According to Levy, the Delta variety is responsible for almost 70% of the cases. As daily cases remained in the single digits, Israel began to relax its viral restrictions, terminating indoor masking last week.

COVID-19: Delta variant is infecting vaccinated people, says Israel

Looking at the current trends, it is expected that the Delta variant will become the dominant lineage, warns the World Health Organization. As per the COVID-19 Weekly Epidemiological Update released on June 22 by the WHO, the variant Alpha has been reported in 170 countries, territories or areas, Beta in 119 countries, Gamma in 71 countries and Delta in 85 countries.

Looking at the current trends, it is expected that the Delta variant will become the dominant lineage, warns the World Health Organization. As per the COVID-19 Weekly Epidemiological Update released on June 22 by the WHO, the variant Alpha has been reported in 170 countries, territories or areas, Beta in 119 countries, Gamma in 71 countries and Delta in 85 countries. The Delta variant continues to be reported in new countries across all WHO Regions, 11 of which were newly reported in the past two weeks. The WHO said the four current ‘Variants of Concern’ being monitored closely Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta – are widespread and have been detected in all WHO regions. As per the update, India reported the highest numbers of new COVID19 cases, 441,976 over the past week. However, there was a decrease of 30 per cent as compared with the previous week. Also Read | Hong Kong citizens snap up final edition of Apple Daily, Taiwan edition to continue operations The South-East Asia Region reported over 600,000 new cases and over 19,000 new deaths. There was a 21 per cent and a 26 per cent decrease respectively compared to the previous week. The WHO claims that since the last detailed update on June 8, new evidence has been published on the phenotypic characteristics of the Delta variant. A study from Singapore revealed that infection with Delta variant was associated with higher odds of oxygen requirement, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, or death. Another study in Japan “estimating the relative instantaneous reproductive number (a measure of transmission at a specific point in time) showed that the Delta variant was associated with greater transmissibility" when compared to the Alpha variant. Delta has the potential "to be more fatal because it's more efficient in the way it transmits between humans," according to Dr Mike Ryan, the executive director of WHO's health-emergencies programme, who spoke at a Monday news conference. He said the Delta variant "will eventually find those vulnerable individuals who will become severely ill, have to be hospitalised, and potentially die." World leaders and public health professionals, Ryan said, can help protect the most vulnerable by donating and disseminating Covid vaccinations.

Delta variant reported in 85 countries globally, expected to become dominant lineage, warns WHO

More than 19 million balance and unutilised COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with the states and Union territories, the Union health ministry said on Thursday.

Two crore vaccine doses have been administered in the first 72 hours of the implementation of the newly revised guidelines of the National COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, the ministry said.

More than 300 million (30,33,27,440) vaccine doses have been provided by the Centre to states/UTs so far, through the Government of India (free of cost channel) and direct state procurement category.

Of this, the total consumption, including wastages, is 28,43,40,936 doses (according to the data available at 8 am on Thursday), the ministry said.

"More than 19 million (1, 89,86,504) balance and unutilised Covid vaccine doses are still available with the states and UTs to be administered.

"Furthermore, more than 21, 05,010 vaccine doses are in the pipeline and will be received by them within the next three days," the ministry said.

The Union government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country.

The new phase of universalisation of COVID-19 vaccination commenced on June 21.

The vaccination drive has been ramped up through the availability of more vaccines, advanced visibility of vaccine availability to states/UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain, the ministry said.

Under the nationwide vaccination drive, the Centre has been supporting the states/UTs by providing them Covid vaccines free of cost.

In the new phase of the universalisation of the COVID-19 vaccination drive, the Union government will procure and supply (free of cost) 75 per cent of the vaccines being produced by vaccine manufacturers in the country to states/UTs, it added.

More than 19 million balance and unutilised COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with the states and Union territories, the Union health ministry said on Thursday.

More than 19 million balance and unutilised COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with the states and Union territories, the Union health ministry said on Thursday. Two crore vaccine doses have been administered in the first 72 hours of the implementation of the newly revised guidelines of the National COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, the ministry said. More than 300 million (30,33,27,440) vaccine doses have been provided by the Centre to states/UTs so far, through the Government of India (free of cost channel) and direct state procurement category. Of this, the total consumption, including wastages, is 28,43,40,936 doses (according to the data available at 8 am on Thursday), the ministry said. "More than 19 million (1, 89,86,504) balance and unutilised Covid vaccine doses are still available with the states and UTs to be administered. "Furthermore, more than 21, 05,010 vaccine doses are in the pipeline and will be received by them within the next three days," the ministry said. The Union government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The new phase of universalisation of COVID-19 vaccination commenced on June 21. The vaccination drive has been ramped up through the availability of more vaccines, advanced visibility of vaccine availability to states/UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain, the ministry said. Under the nationwide vaccination drive, the Centre has been supporting the states/UTs by providing them Covid vaccines free of cost. In the new phase of the universalisation of the COVID-19 vaccination drive, the Union government will procure and supply (free of cost) 75 per cent of the vaccines being produced by vaccine manufacturers in the country to states/UTs, it added.

More than 19 million unutilised Covid vaccine doses available with states, UTs: Union Health Ministry

Five persons have so far been found infected with the 'Delta Plus' variant of coronavirus in Madhya Pradesh and one of them has died, state Medical Education Minister Vishwas Sarang said on Thursday.

The other four persons, who were vaccinated against COVID-19, are fine, he said.

"One person from Ujjain, who died, was not inoculated, he said.

'Delta Plus' has been declared a variant of concern by the Centre.

So far, three persons from Bhopal and two from Ujjain have been found infected with the 'Delta Plus' variant in MP, the minister said.

A genome sequencing machine will soon be installed in Bhopal and the state would then not have to send samples to Delhi, he added.

Ujjain Collector Ashish Singh confirmed that a 59-year-old woman, who died of COVID-19 on May 23, was infected with the 'Delta Plus' variant.

She tested positive for coronavirus on May 17. Later, her sample was sent for genome sequencing.

On Tuesday, it was found that she was infected by the 'Delta Plus' variant, the official said.

Earlier, the sample of a 65-year-old woman from Bhopal was sent to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on May 23 and it came out positive for the 'Delta Plus' variant on June 16, officials said.

The woman, who had received both doses of the anti-COVID-19 vaccine, recovered in home isolation, they said.

The new 'Delta Plus' variant has been formed due to a mutation in the Delta or B.1.617.

2 variant, first identified in India and one of the drivers of the deadly second wave.

Though there is no indication yet of the severity of the disease due to the new variant, 'Delta Plus' is resistant to the monoclonal antibody cocktail treatment for COVID-19 recently authorised in India On Wednesday, Madhya Pradesh recorded 84 new cases of coronavirus and 21 fatalities, raising the tally of infections in the state to 7,89,499 and the death toll to 8,827, as per official data.

Five persons have so far been found infected with the 'Delta Plus' variant of coronavirus in Madhya Pradesh and one of them has died, state Medical Education Minister Vishwas Sarang said on Thursday.

Five persons have so far been found infected with the 'Delta Plus' variant of coronavirus in Madhya Pradesh and one of them has died, state Medical Education Minister Vishwas Sarang said on Thursday. The other four persons, who were vaccinated against COVID-19, are fine, he said. "One person from Ujjain, who died, was not inoculated, he said. 'Delta Plus' has been declared a variant of concern by the Centre. So far, three persons from Bhopal and two from Ujjain have been found infected with the 'Delta Plus' variant in MP, the minister said. A genome sequencing machine will soon be installed in Bhopal and the state would then not have to send samples to Delhi, he added. Ujjain Collector Ashish Singh confirmed that a 59-year-old woman, who died of COVID-19 on May 23, was infected with the 'Delta Plus' variant. She tested positive for coronavirus on May 17. Later, her sample was sent for genome sequencing. On Tuesday, it was found that she was infected by the 'Delta Plus' variant, the official said. Earlier, the sample of a 65-year-old woman from Bhopal was sent to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on May 23 and it came out positive for the 'Delta Plus' variant on June 16, officials said. The woman, who had received both doses of the anti-COVID-19 vaccine, recovered in home isolation, they said. The new 'Delta Plus' variant has been formed due to a mutation in the Delta or B.1.617. 2 variant, first identified in India and one of the drivers of the deadly second wave. Though there is no indication yet of the severity of the disease due to the new variant, 'Delta Plus' is resistant to the monoclonal antibody cocktail treatment for COVID-19 recently authorised in India On Wednesday, Madhya Pradesh recorded 84 new cases of coronavirus and 21 fatalities, raising the tally of infections in the state to 7,89,499 and the death toll to 8,827, as per official data.

Five cases of COVID-19 'Delta Plus' variant in Madhya Pradesh; 1 dead

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will suspend travellers from Liberia, Sierra Leone and Namibia from entering the country on national and foreign flights, effective 23:59 pm&nbsp;on Monday, state news agency WAM reported on Saturday, citing a statement by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). 
 
The GCAA said the restrictions would also include transit passengers, with the exception of transit flights travelling to the UAE and bound for those countries. 
 
Cargo flights between those countries and the UAE will continue, as usual, the statement added. 
 
It said the restrictions were being introduced to limit the spread of COVID-19. 
 
The GCAA added that exemptions to its decision include: UAE nationals, their first-degree relatives, diplomatic missions, official delegations, business jets - after getting prior approvals - and golden and silver residency permit holders, in addition to those, who work essential jobs. 
 
Those, who are exempted, will still have to take a PCR test at the airport and enter a mandatory 10-day quarantine. 
 
Separately, Dubai's Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management said on Saturday it would allow travellers from South Africa, who have received two doses of a UAE-approved vaccine, to enter Dubai starting from June 23, WAM said. 
 
Travellers from India, who have valid residence visas and have received two doses of a UAE-approved vaccine, will also be allowed in the emirate. 
 
Meanwhile, travellers from Nigeria must only present a negative PCR test taken 48 hours prior to departure and will also undergo another PCR test on arrival in Dubai, WAM added. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will suspend travellers from Liberia, Sierra Leone and Namibia from entering the country on national and foreign flights, effective 23:59 pm on Monday, state news agency WAM reported on Saturday, citing a statement by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will suspend travellers from Liberia, Sierra Leone and Namibia from entering the country on national and foreign flights, effective 23:59 pm on Monday, state news agency WAM reported on Saturday, citing a statement by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). The GCAA said the restrictions would also include transit passengers, with the exception of transit flights travelling to the UAE and bound for those countries. Cargo flights between those countries and the UAE will continue, as usual, the statement added. It said the restrictions were being introduced to limit the spread of COVID-19. The GCAA added that exemptions to its decision include: UAE nationals, their first-degree relatives, diplomatic missions, official delegations, business jets - after getting prior approvals - and golden and silver residency permit holders, in addition to those, who work essential jobs. Those, who are exempted, will still have to take a PCR test at the airport and enter a mandatory 10-day quarantine. Separately, Dubai's Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management said on Saturday it would allow travellers from South Africa, who have received two doses of a UAE-approved vaccine, to enter Dubai starting from June 23, WAM said. Travellers from India, who have valid residence visas and have received two doses of a UAE-approved vaccine, will also be allowed in the emirate. Meanwhile, travellers from Nigeria must only present a negative PCR test taken 48 hours prior to departure and will also undergo another PCR test on arrival in Dubai, WAM added. (With inputs from agencies)

UAE to suspend entry from three countries, Dubai updates travel protocols

Countries should share spare vaccine doses with Brazil to help the global fight against COVID-19 and meet the battered country's goal of inoculating all citizens by year-end, Brazilian Health Minister Marcelo Queiroga said on Friday.&nbsp;

Speaking to a World Health Organization (WHO) briefing, Queiroga said Brazil had administered 41,000,000&nbsp;vaccine doses but needed more supplies to meet a daily target of 2,400,000.&nbsp;

"We need to ensure equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines and in line with this, we would like to call on those countries with extra doses to share them with Brazil as soon as possible so we can also broaden our vaccination campaign and contain the pandemic at this critical time, and avoid the proliferation of new variants," Queiroga said.&nbsp;

Brazil on Thursday became the second country to pass 400,000 COVID-19 deaths after the United States. Experts warned the daily toll could remain high for several months due to a slow vaccination rate and loosening social restrictions. Brazil registered 3,001 new COVID-19 deaths on that day.&nbsp;

Experts have blamed the death toll on the failure of government, from President Jair Bolsonaro down to many state governors and mayors, to launch a robust response to the pandemic. &nbsp;

"We hope by the end of this year, we will have vaccinated the entire population," Queiroga said.&nbsp;

The Russian developer of the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine said on Thursday, it would sue the Brazilian health regulator Anvisa for defamation, prompting a stern rebuttal from the agency.&nbsp;

Anvisa's board on Monday denied requests by Brazilian states to approve Sputnik V for import. The agency's manager for medicines and biological products, Gustavo Mendes, said there was evidence an adenovirus used in the vaccine could reproduce, which he called a 'serious' defect.&nbsp;

Queiroga said Anvisa could withstand external as well as internal pressure. Bolsonaro had spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese officials about their respective COVID-19 vaccines, he said, adding: "They are nations that we are friendly with, and as soon as they (vaccines) are approved, we can include them in our immunisation programme".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Countries should share spare vaccine doses with Brazil to help the global fight against COVID-19 and meet the battered country's goal of inoculating all citizens by year-end, Brazilian Health Minister Marcelo Queiroga said on Friday.

Countries should share spare vaccine doses with Brazil to help the global fight against COVID-19 and meet the battered country's goal of inoculating all citizens by year-end, Brazilian Health Minister Marcelo Queiroga said on Friday. Speaking to a World Health Organization (WHO) briefing, Queiroga said Brazil had administered 41,000,000 vaccine doses but needed more supplies to meet a daily target of 2,400,000. "We need to ensure equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines and in line with this, we would like to call on those countries with extra doses to share them with Brazil as soon as possible so we can also broaden our vaccination campaign and contain the pandemic at this critical time, and avoid the proliferation of new variants," Queiroga said. Brazil on Thursday became the second country to pass 400,000 COVID-19 deaths after the United States. Experts warned the daily toll could remain high for several months due to a slow vaccination rate and loosening social restrictions. Brazil registered 3,001 new COVID-19 deaths on that day. Experts have blamed the death toll on the failure of government, from President Jair Bolsonaro down to many state governors and mayors, to launch a robust response to the pandemic. "We hope by the end of this year, we will have vaccinated the entire population," Queiroga said. The Russian developer of the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine said on Thursday, it would sue the Brazilian health regulator Anvisa for defamation, prompting a stern rebuttal from the agency. Anvisa's board on Monday denied requests by Brazilian states to approve Sputnik V for import. The agency's manager for medicines and biological products, Gustavo Mendes, said there was evidence an adenovirus used in the vaccine could reproduce, which he called a 'serious' defect. Queiroga said Anvisa could withstand external as well as internal pressure. Bolsonaro had spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese officials about their respective COVID-19 vaccines, he said, adding: "They are nations that we are friendly with, and as soon as they (vaccines) are approved, we can include them in our immunisation programme". (With inputs from agencies)

Brazil calls on countries to share spare vaccines 

After refusing to sell vaccine raw materials, the US is now trying to undo the damage.&nbsp; President Joe Biden spoke to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi last night and promised to send emergency assistance. This includes oxygen supplies, vaccine materials and medicines. On Monday, an Air India flight picked up oxygen concentrators from New York. &nbsp;

This is a welcome shift. Remember, America was reluctant to help. It changed, after it was slammed the world over. Not only for refusing to help India, but also for hoarding vaccines. &nbsp;

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America wants to send up to 60,000,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine to different countries. When will that happen? After American regulators check the safety of the shots. It could take weeks and even months. So, there are no clear timelines. The world is not America's priority. So, why is it sharing vaccines at all? Because it's got too many of them, more than 550,000,000 excess doses.&nbsp;

That's what you call hoarding. Countries like China and India exported more than 40 per cent of their supplies. Even the European Union had shared 42 per cent of its supplies. What about the United States? It exported zero shots. What about the United Kingdom? Again, zero. &nbsp;

Countries like the US and the UK represent the global elite. The rich, who booked millions of doses well in advance. Now, they have extra vaccines, enough to inoculate their population three times and in some cases, five times. But they haven't shared anything with the world and they are making sure this system does not change.&nbsp;

They won't share vaccines, or patents. Life-saving drugs have been locked in patents. &nbsp;

Reports say during the phone call, Prime Minister Modi pressed President Biden about this. India has been pushing for a waiver on vaccine patents at the World Trade Organisation. The US and the UK have aggressively blocked this proposal, backing them are the European Union and Japan.&nbsp;

After the phone call, a senior official of the Biden administration was asked if America will relent. Will the United States back a patent waiver? Team Biden said it has nothing to share on this front.

And it's not just governments&nbsp;who are putting patents over lives. Even individuals, who make up the global elite, are championing the cause of big pharma. The likes of Bill Gates, the billionaire philanthropist, believes vaccine formulas should not be shared with the developing world. On Sunday, Bill Gates was asked if it would be helpful for intellectual property protections to be lifted. He responded with an emphatic no. &nbsp;

Because he fears that lifting patent rights even temporarily could comprise the safety of vaccines. Gates believes in keeping the circle tight, that ideas like moving production from a Johnson &amp; Johnson factory to a facility in India are novel and they only happen 'because of our grants and expertise'.&nbsp;

“There's only so many vaccine factories in the world and people are very serious about the safety of vaccines. So, moving something that had never been done, moving a vaccine, say, from a (Johnson &amp; Johnson) factory into a factory in India, it's novel, it's only because of our grants and expertise that can happen at all,” said Gates, who was toeing the line of big pharma. &nbsp;

According to a report, every vaccine maker has its own secret recipes and supply chains, and they insist that no other approach is possible. &nbsp;

This is exactly why the world is lagging behind in the global vaccination drive. It's because the supplies have been limited by design. Only a few companies are being allowed to make vaccines right now. More than one billion shots have been administered so far. 87 per cent of these have gone to rich countries. One in four people in wealthy countries have got a jab. What about the poor countries? Just one in 500 have got a shot in these nations. &nbsp;

According to a report, only 0.2 per cent of the doses made so far have been dispensed to low-income countries. This is not just a question of inequity. This strategy will come back to bite the rich, because at this rate, the pandemic will take years to end. And if it doesn't end in the poor countries, it won't end in the rich ones either as this virus mutates and jumps borders. &nbsp;

Around 185,00,000 doses are being administered daily around the world. At this pace, it would take at least 19 more months to inoculate 75 per cent of the world population, which means extending this pandemic for at least two more years. If the world wants to end this pandemic, it must end vaccine patents first.&nbsp;

After refusing to sell vaccine raw materials, the US is now trying to undo the damage. President Joe Biden spoke to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi last night and promised to send emergency assistance.

After refusing to sell vaccine raw materials, the US is now trying to undo the damage. President Joe Biden spoke to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi last night and promised to send emergency assistance. This includes oxygen supplies, vaccine materials and medicines. On Monday, an Air India flight picked up oxygen concentrators from New York. This is a welcome shift. Remember, America was reluctant to help. It changed, after it was slammed the world over. Not only for refusing to help India, but also for hoarding vaccines. America wants to send up to 60,000,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine to different countries. When will that happen? After American regulators check the safety of the shots. It could take weeks and even months. So, there are no clear timelines. The world is not America's priority. So, why is it sharing vaccines at all? Because it's got too many of them, more than 550,000,000 excess doses. That's what you call hoarding. Countries like China and India exported more than 40 per cent of their supplies. Even the European Union had shared 42 per cent of its supplies. What about the United States? It exported zero shots. What about the United Kingdom? Again, zero. Countries like the US and the UK represent the global elite. The rich, who booked millions of doses well in advance. Now, they have extra vaccines, enough to inoculate their population three times and in some cases, five times. But they haven't shared anything with the world and they are making sure this system does not change. They won't share vaccines, or patents. Life-saving drugs have been locked in patents. Reports say during the phone call, Prime Minister Modi pressed President Biden about this. India has been pushing for a waiver on vaccine patents at the World Trade Organisation. The US and the UK have aggressively blocked this proposal, backing them are the European Union and Japan. After the phone call, a senior official of the Biden administration was asked if America will relent. Will the United States back a patent waiver? Team Biden said it has nothing to share on this front. And it's not just governments who are putting patents over lives. Even individuals, who make up the global elite, are championing the cause of big pharma. The likes of Bill Gates, the billionaire philanthropist, believes vaccine formulas should not be shared with the developing world. On Sunday, Bill Gates was asked if it would be helpful for intellectual property protections to be lifted. He responded with an emphatic no. Because he fears that lifting patent rights even temporarily could comprise the safety of vaccines. Gates believes in keeping the circle tight, that ideas like moving production from a Johnson & Johnson factory to a facility in India are novel and they only happen 'because of our grants and expertise'. “There's only so many vaccine factories in the world and people are very serious about the safety of vaccines. So, moving something that had never been done, moving a vaccine, say, from a (Johnson & Johnson) factory into a factory in India, it's novel, it's only because of our grants and expertise that can happen at all,” said Gates, who was toeing the line of big pharma. According to a report, every vaccine maker has its own secret recipes and supply chains, and they insist that no other approach is possible. This is exactly why the world is lagging behind in the global vaccination drive. It's because the supplies have been limited by design. Only a few companies are being allowed to make vaccines right now. More than one billion shots have been administered so far. 87 per cent of these have gone to rich countries. One in four people in wealthy countries have got a jab. What about the poor countries? Just one in 500 have got a shot in these nations. According to a report, only 0.2 per cent of the doses made so far have been dispensed to low-income countries. This is not just a question of inequity. This strategy will come back to bite the rich, because at this rate, the pandemic will take years to end. And if it doesn't end in the poor countries, it won't end in the rich ones either as this virus mutates and jumps borders. Around 185,00,000 doses are being administered daily around the world. At this pace, it would take at least 19 more months to inoculate 75 per cent of the world population, which means extending this pandemic for at least two more years. If the world wants to end this pandemic, it must end vaccine patents first.

Will rich countries share vaccines or patents? 

The annual report by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said on Tuesday that journalism was at least partly blocked in nearly three-quarters of the 180 countries surveyed. &nbsp;

Its World Press Freedom Index found 73 countries 'totally blocked or seriously impeded' journalism, while it was 'constrained' in 59 others, adding that many governments had used the pandemic to worsen repression. &nbsp;

"Journalism is the best vaccine against disinformation," RSF secretary-general Christophe Deloire said in a statement. &nbsp;

"Unfortunately, its production and distribution are too often blocked by political, economic, technological and, sometimes, even cultural factors."&nbsp;

Eritrea, North Korea, Turkmenistan, China and Djibouti fared worst overall in this year's RSF ranking. &nbsp;

Norway, Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Costa Rica were ranked highest. &nbsp;

The Middle East and North Africa region continues to be the most repressive for journalists, the report found, highlighting the worsening situation in Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Syria over the past year. &nbsp;

"In this region, still the toughest and most dangerous for journalists, the pandemic has exacerbated the problems that have long plagued the press, which was already in its death throes," it said. &nbsp;

Malaysia recorded the worst deterioration, down 18 places in the ranking to 119, due in part to a recent 'anti-fake news' law "allowing the government to impose its own version of the truth".&nbsp;

RSF said the global level of media freedom remained largely stable overall for the past year, but noted that the figures had deteriorated by 12 per cent since the ranking was first launched in 2013. &nbsp;

Part of the problem is falling trust in journalists, fuelled by political polarisation and online misinformation. &nbsp;

RSF noted a recent survey by the Edelman Trust that found 59 per cent of respondents across 28 countries believed journalists deliberately misled the public. &nbsp;

The World Press Freedom Index is based on questionnaires sent to experts around the world, combined with data on abuse and acts of violence against journalists to form a picture that includes pluralism, media independence, self-censorship and other factors.&nbsp;

The annual report by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said on Tuesday that journalism was at least partly blocked in nearly three-quarters of the 180 countries surveyed.

The annual report by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said on Tuesday that journalism was at least partly blocked in nearly three-quarters of the 180 countries surveyed. Its World Press Freedom Index found 73 countries 'totally blocked or seriously impeded' journalism, while it was 'constrained' in 59 others, adding that many governments had used the pandemic to worsen repression. "Journalism is the best vaccine against disinformation," RSF secretary-general Christophe Deloire said in a statement. "Unfortunately, its production and distribution are too often blocked by political, economic, technological and, sometimes, even cultural factors." Eritrea, North Korea, Turkmenistan, China and Djibouti fared worst overall in this year's RSF ranking. Norway, Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Costa Rica were ranked highest. The Middle East and North Africa region continues to be the most repressive for journalists, the report found, highlighting the worsening situation in Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Syria over the past year. "In this region, still the toughest and most dangerous for journalists, the pandemic has exacerbated the problems that have long plagued the press, which was already in its death throes," it said. Malaysia recorded the worst deterioration, down 18 places in the ranking to 119, due in part to a recent 'anti-fake news' law "allowing the government to impose its own version of the truth". RSF said the global level of media freedom remained largely stable overall for the past year, but noted that the figures had deteriorated by 12 per cent since the ranking was first launched in 2013. Part of the problem is falling trust in journalists, fuelled by political polarisation and online misinformation. RSF noted a recent survey by the Edelman Trust that found 59 per cent of respondents across 28 countries believed journalists deliberately misled the public. The World Press Freedom Index is based on questionnaires sent to experts around the world, combined with data on abuse and acts of violence against journalists to form a picture that includes pluralism, media independence, self-censorship and other factors.

Freedom index finds journalism blocked in 130+ countries 

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