The COVID-19 origins debate has taken a new turn following a guilty plea by Dr. David Morens, a former senior adviser to Dr. Anthony Fauci at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). Morens pleaded guilty in a federal court to conspiracy charges involving the concealment of government records and evading public records laws concerning pandemic-related research grants.


COVID  origins mystery gets new twist after Fauci adviser guilty plea

COVID-19 locked the world inside their homes, which led a group of youngsters to completely shun other people. According to a study by the Financial Times, nearly 10 per cent of the Gen Z population has absolutely no interaction with another person in their daily lives. The American Time Use Survey s states that this group of people - aged 23 to 29 - never recovered from the effects of isolation triggered by the pandemic.&nbsp;Before the lockdowns, in 2019, only 3 per cent of young adults had zero interaction with others. By the time Covid restrictions were eased in late 2021, this number had skyrocketed to 9 per cent. In 2023, it touched 10 per cent, fell slightly in 2024 and 2025. Most youngsters came out of their homes and got into the rigours and adventure that come with this age. However, a small group remained stuck in pandemic times.<h2>Isolation: A choice or natural order of things after COVID-19?</h2>However, experts think they did not choose it; instead, they got used to it. "I would be a little careful about saying that Gen Z has “chosen” to stay away from people. Human behaviour is rarely that simple. Sometimes we don't consciously choose isolation. We slowly get used to it. COVID may have been a major turning point in that process," Dr Munia Bhattacharya, Senior Consultant Psychologist, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, told WION.&nbsp;Before COVID-19 forced people to limit face-to-face interactions, young adults who were extremely active socially spent 87 per cent of their day with other people. During the pandemic, this number stood at 78 per cent, rebounding to 83 per cent in 2025. Meanwhile, for those who earlier spent only about a third of their day with others, the percentage dropped to zero and has not changed.<h2>Avoiding meeting people became convenient</h2>Bhattacharya says that while meeting friends, going to college, attending parties, travelling, sitting together, and even having those everyday, meaningless conversations became difficult or impossible during the pandemic, everyone discovered that almost everything could happen from home. That convenience has a psychological side to it.&nbsp;Meeting friends online means the absence of awkward silence or someone’s unexpected reaction. "And the more we avoid something, the harder it can sometimes become to return to it," she says.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Bhattacharya says COVID might not be the only thing to blame for this isolation. "Social media, academic pressure, career uncertainty, fear of judgement and the constant comparison that young people experience online were already changing the way they related to one another," she believes.<h2>How can this situation be resolved?&nbsp;</h2>First, there is no need to pressure them into meeting people or make them feel guilty for wanting solitude. We need to help them rediscover the comfort of ordinary human contact: the friend sitting beside you, a spontaneous conversation, sharing a meal, laughing without a screen in between. &nbsp;

A chunk of American youngsters absolutely do not meet people in their everyday lives, with zero interaction. This isolation was triggered by the COVID-19 lockdowns and has remained the same ever since for them. 

COVID-19 locked the world inside their homes, which led a group of youngsters to completely shun other people. According to a study by the Financial Times, nearly 10 per cent of the Gen Z population has absolutely no interaction with another person in their daily lives. The American Time Use Survey s states that this group of people - aged 23 to 29 - never recovered from the effects of isolation triggered by the pandemic. Before the lockdowns, in 2019, only 3 per cent of young adults had zero interaction with others. By the time Covid restrictions were eased in late 2021, this number had skyrocketed to 9 per cent. In 2023, it touched 10 per cent, fell slightly in 2024 and 2025. Most youngsters came out of their homes and got into the rigours and adventure that come with this age. However, a small group remained stuck in pandemic times. Isolation: A choice or natural order of things after COVID-19? However, experts think they did not choose it; instead, they got used to it. "I would be a little careful about saying that Gen Z has “chosen” to stay away from people. Human behaviour is rarely that simple. Sometimes we don't consciously choose isolation. We slowly get used to it. COVID may have been a major turning point in that process," Dr Munia Bhattacharya, Senior Consultant Psychologist, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, told WION. Before COVID-19 forced people to limit face-to-face interactions, young adults who were extremely active socially spent 87 per cent of their day with other people. During the pandemic, this number stood at 78 per cent, rebounding to 83 per cent in 2025. Meanwhile, for those who earlier spent only about a third of their day with others, the percentage dropped to zero and has not changed. Avoiding meeting people became convenient Bhattacharya says that while meeting friends, going to college, attending parties, travelling, sitting together, and even having those everyday, meaningless conversations became difficult or impossible during the pandemic, everyone discovered that almost everything could happen from home. That convenience has a psychological side to it. Meeting friends online means the absence of awkward silence or someone’s unexpected reaction. "And the more we avoid something, the harder it can sometimes become to return to it," she says. Meanwhile, Bhattacharya says COVID might not be the only thing to blame for this isolation. "Social media, academic pressure, career uncertainty, fear of judgement and the constant comparison that young people experience online were already changing the way they related to one another," she believes. How can this situation be resolved? First, there is no need to pressure them into meeting people or make them feel guilty for wanting solitude. We need to help them rediscover the comfort of ordinary human contact: the friend sitting beside you, a spontaneous conversation, sharing a meal, laughing without a screen in between.

A chunk of American youngsters do not meet anyone in their everyday lives, reporting zero interaction. This isolation was triggered by the COVID-19 lockdowns and has remained the same ever since for them.&nbsp;

Covid isolation continues for a group of Gen Z who do not meet anyone even years after lockdowns

Dr. Anthony Fauci appeared before a Republican-led Senate committee hearing and repeatedly invoked the Fifth Amendment, declining to answer dozens of questions about his role in the U.S. response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fauci, who served as one of the leading figures during America's coronavirus response, was subpoenaed to testify under oath by Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky. During the hearing, Fauci refused to answer more than 100 questions, reigniting long-running political debates over COVID-19 origins, pandemic policies, and government decision-making.

Anthony Fauci Pleads the Fifth Over 100 Times During Senate Hearing on COVID Response

Former top US infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci faced intense questioning from Republican senators on Wednesday over the origins of Covid-19. However, on the advice of his lawyers, Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment, which protects individuals from being compelled to provide potentially self-incriminating testimony, and refused to answer questions. He described the hearing as an attempt at character assassination.&nbsp;The hearing marked the latest development in the long-running dispute between Fauci, who served for decades as the US leading infectious disease expert, and Republican Senator Rand Paul. Paul has repeatedly pushed claims that the Covid 19 pandemic originated in a laboratory and that the truth was later covered up.&nbsp;Citing what he called Paul's "obsession" with him, Fauci said he would invoke the Fifth Amendment and decline to answer questions that could expose him to criminal liability. He said the decision "pains me to do so."&nbsp;Fauci also indicated that his legal team believed Paul was trying to trap him into making a statement that could potentially lead to perjury charges.&nbsp;"The only conclusion I can reach is that the sole reason he is calling me before this committee is to get me to say something, anything, that could vindicate his repeated public pledges that I end up, in his words, quote 'behind bars,'" Fauci said.&nbsp;Fauci answered each question with the same line: “On the advice of counsel, I respectfully decline to answer based upon my rights under the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution.”&nbsp;Former President Joe Biden granted Fauci a preemptive pardon on January 19, 2025, while President Donald Trump criticised Fauci in a post on Truth Social, saying his "ideas were CRAZY!" during the early stages of the pandemic.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-ll-be-hitting-them-hard-trump-s-expletive-laden-warning-to-iran-after-missile-attack-on-us-bases-in-jordan-1785335199804">'We’ll be hitting them hard': Trump's expletive-laden warning to Iran after missile attack on US bases in Jordan</a><h2>What is the Fifth Amendment of the US Constitution?</h2>The Fifth Amendment is part of the US Constitution and provides several legal protections to individuals. One of its best-known protections allows a person to refuse to answer questions if doing so could expose them to criminal prosecution.&nbsp;This protection is commonly known as "pleading the Fifth" or invoking the right against self-incrimination. It means the government generally cannot compel a person to testify in a criminal case that could be used against them.&nbsp;The Fifth Amendment contains five major protections.&nbsp;Protection against self-incrimination: A person can refuse to answer questions or testify when their answers could potentially incriminate them. Under established legal precedent, police must inform people in custody of certain constitutional rights before questioning them.&nbsp;Double jeopardy protection: The government generally cannot prosecute or punish a person twice for the same criminal offence after an acquittal or conviction.&nbsp;Due process of law: The amendment requires the government to follow fair and established legal procedures before depriving a person of life, liberty or property.&nbsp;Grand jury indictment: In certain serious federal criminal cases, the amendment requires a grand jury to issue an indictment before a person can face trial.&nbsp;Takings Clause: The amendment limits the government's power to take private property for public use by requiring the payment of just compensation.

Anthony Fauci declined to answer questions during a tense Senate hearing on Covid origins, citing protections under the Fifth Amendment.

Former top US infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci faced intense questioning from Republican senators on Wednesday over the origins of Covid-19. However, on the advice of his lawyers, Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment, which protects individuals from being compelled to provide potentially self-incriminating testimony, and refused to answer questions. He described the hearing as an attempt at character assassination. The hearing marked the latest development in the long-running dispute between Fauci, who served for decades as the US leading infectious disease expert, and Republican Senator Rand Paul. Paul has repeatedly pushed claims that the Covid 19 pandemic originated in a laboratory and that the truth was later covered up. Citing what he called Paul's "obsession" with him, Fauci said he would invoke the Fifth Amendment and decline to answer questions that could expose him to criminal liability. He said the decision "pains me to do so." Fauci also indicated that his legal team believed Paul was trying to trap him into making a statement that could potentially lead to perjury charges. "The only conclusion I can reach is that the sole reason he is calling me before this committee is to get me to say something, anything, that could vindicate his repeated public pledges that I end up, in his words, quote 'behind bars,'" Fauci said. Fauci answered each question with the same line: “On the advice of counsel, I respectfully decline to answer based upon my rights under the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution.” Former President Joe Biden granted Fauci a preemptive pardon on January 19, 2025, while President Donald Trump criticised Fauci in a post on Truth Social, saying his "ideas were CRAZY!" during the early stages of the pandemic. Also Read: 'We’ll be hitting them hard': Trump's expletive-laden warning to Iran after missile attack on US bases in Jordan What is the Fifth Amendment of the US Constitution? The Fifth Amendment is part of the US Constitution and provides several legal protections to individuals. One of its best-known protections allows a person to refuse to answer questions if doing so could expose them to criminal prosecution. This protection is commonly known as "pleading the Fifth" or invoking the right against self-incrimination. It means the government generally cannot compel a person to testify in a criminal case that could be used against them. The Fifth Amendment contains five major protections. Protection against self-incrimination: A person can refuse to answer questions or testify when their answers could potentially incriminate them. Under established legal precedent, police must inform people in custody of certain constitutional rights before questioning them. Double jeopardy protection: The government generally cannot prosecute or punish a person twice for the same criminal offence after an acquittal or conviction. Due process of law: The amendment requires the government to follow fair and established legal procedures before depriving a person of life, liberty or property. Grand jury indictment: In certain serious federal criminal cases, the amendment requires a grand jury to issue an indictment before a person can face trial. Takings Clause: The amendment limits the government's power to take private property for public use by requiring the payment of just compensation.

Anthony Fauci declined to answer questions during a tense Senate hearing on Covid origins, citing protections under the Fifth Amendment.

Former top US Covid expert Fauci pleads Fifth during Senate hearing over Covid origins: What is the amendment?

Indian states are going through a COVID-19 scare after two coronavirus deaths were reported in Andhra Pradesh within a gap of 10 days. Odisha, which is preparing for grand Rath Yatra in Puri, has stepped up its COVID-19 surveillance and preparedness, even as health authorities confirmed that there are no confirmed positive cases so far. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu government attempted to assuage the fears with a statement saying that there is no evidence of cases rising.&nbsp;&nbsp;Odisha's heath department officials said that they are ensuring that any potential infections are detected and contained early. Odisha's Public Health Director, Rabindranath Mishra, said that COVID-19 surveillance is continuing across the state, with regular testing being carried out at healthcare facilities. He added that there is no immediate cause for concern, while emphasizing that the state remains on alert. Officials said the state is also following earlier guidelines issued by the Union Health Ministry.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/wion-health-pulse-the-world-s-healthcare-confluence-charting-the-future-of-health-innovation-1781674366893">WION Health Pulse: Dr K Srinath Reddy talks about the pandemic, 'Covid brought us the lesson home'</a><h2>COVID-19 deaths in Andhra Pradesh</h2>Andhra Pradesh reported several COVID-19 infections in recent weeks. This has led to strengthening of surveillance in the state and preparation of hospitals with isolation facilities. First death in the state was on June 28. .In Rajampeta, a 52-year-old patient had been admitted to the Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, with a lung infection and bilateral kidney disease. He was also diabetic and hypertensive. He died after testing positive. In another case, a 46-year-old man from Kadapa district, who was undergoing treatment for Covid-19 at a hospital there, died on July 7. The district administration traced 28 contacts of the patient and tested them. In both the districts, eight were found to be positive. All are asymptomatic, stable and under home isolation.&nbsp;A Rapid Response Team has been constituted and senior offiical from the Health Department said Superintendents of all Government General Hospitals had been instructed to earmark 10-bed isolation wards. Hospitals have also been directed to keep RT-PCR test kits, Remdesivir, personal protective equipment (PPE) and N95 masks ready as a precautionary measure.&nbsp;"We had understood during the pandemic itself that the virus is here to stay and that sporadic cases would continue to occur. These two infections came to light only because the patients’ conditions deteriorated and they died. Otherwise, we may not have detected them,” the official said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/musk-re-ignites-covid-19-vaccine-debate-calls-dosages-too-high-following-personal-health-scare-1776164591511">Musk re-ignites COVID-19 vaccine debate; calls dosages ‘too high’ following personal health scare</a><h2>Tamil Nadu allays fears</h2>Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu’s Health Department has said there is no evidence that COVID-19 is circulating in the state, while also confirming that COVID-19 infections are currently lower than in the previous years. In a press release issued on Monday, the Directorate of Public Health (DPH) and Preventive Medicine said that there is no need to fear.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Odisha has stepped up COVID-19 surveillance after Andhra Pradesh reported fresh infections and COVID-related deaths, while Tamil Nadu said no highly virulent variant is circulating. Odisha has no active cases but has increased testing, monitoring and hospital preparedness as a precaution.

Indian states are going through a COVID-19 scare after two coronavirus deaths were reported in Andhra Pradesh within a gap of 10 days. Odisha, which is preparing for grand Rath Yatra in Puri, has stepped up its COVID-19 surveillance and preparedness, even as health authorities confirmed that there are no confirmed positive cases so far. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu government attempted to assuage the fears with a statement saying that there is no evidence of cases rising. Odisha's heath department officials said that they are ensuring that any potential infections are detected and contained early. Odisha's Public Health Director, Rabindranath Mishra, said that COVID-19 surveillance is continuing across the state, with regular testing being carried out at healthcare facilities. He added that there is no immediate cause for concern, while emphasizing that the state remains on alert. Officials said the state is also following earlier guidelines issued by the Union Health Ministry. Also Read: WION Health Pulse: Dr K Srinath Reddy talks about the pandemic, 'Covid brought us the lesson home' COVID-19 deaths in Andhra Pradesh Andhra Pradesh reported several COVID-19 infections in recent weeks. This has led to strengthening of surveillance in the state and preparation of hospitals with isolation facilities. First death in the state was on June 28. .In Rajampeta, a 52-year-old patient had been admitted to the Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, with a lung infection and bilateral kidney disease. He was also diabetic and hypertensive. He died after testing positive. In another case, a 46-year-old man from Kadapa district, who was undergoing treatment for Covid-19 at a hospital there, died on July 7. The district administration traced 28 contacts of the patient and tested them. In both the districts, eight were found to be positive. All are asymptomatic, stable and under home isolation. A Rapid Response Team has been constituted and senior offiical from the Health Department said Superintendents of all Government General Hospitals had been instructed to earmark 10-bed isolation wards. Hospitals have also been directed to keep RT-PCR test kits, Remdesivir, personal protective equipment (PPE) and N95 masks ready as a precautionary measure. "We had understood during the pandemic itself that the virus is here to stay and that sporadic cases would continue to occur. These two infections came to light only because the patients’ conditions deteriorated and they died. Otherwise, we may not have detected them,” the official said. Also Read: Musk re-ignites COVID-19 vaccine debate; calls dosages ‘too high’ following personal health scare Tamil Nadu allays fears Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu’s Health Department has said there is no evidence that COVID-19 is circulating in the state, while also confirming that COVID-19 infections are currently lower than in the previous years. In a press release issued on Monday, the Directorate of Public Health (DPH) and Preventive Medicine said that there is no need to fear.

Odisha has stepped up COVID-19 surveillance after Andhra Pradesh reported fresh infections and COVID-related deaths, while Tamil Nadu said no highly virulent variant is circulating. Odisha has no active cases but has increased testing, monitoring and hospital preparedness as a precaution.

COVID-19 scare in India after 2 deaths in Andhra Pradesh: Odisha on alert ahead of Rath Yatra, TN says no need to fear

Kash Patel said a previously questioned trip to Italy in early 2026 helped pave the way for the arrest of a Chinese national accused of hacking US COVID-19 research systems. The suspect, Xu Zewei, is now in US custody after what Patel described as a coordinated operation with Italian authorities. Officials say it is a rare case involving the extradition of an alleged state-linked hacker to the United States. Xu was extradited from Italy in recent days and faces federal charges tied to a 2020–2021 cyber campaign targeting sensitive COVID-19 research, including vaccine and treatment development efforts.&nbsp;Patel told Fox News Digital the FBI was able to ‘directly tie’ Xu to China’s Ministry of State Security and its Shanghai bureau, though some details remain classified pending declassification. He said the arrest resulted from close coordination with Italian officials led by Prefect Vittorio Pisani of the Italian National Police, executed within a narrow legal window to prevent delays in extradition. Officials from both countries worked to ensure Xu remained in Italy long enough for the operation to proceed. "We created an opportunity with our partners in Italy to have him apprehended there," Patel said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-fbi-chief-james-comey-charged-with-threatening-trump-s-life-todd-blanche-1777408901588">Former FBI chief James Comey charged with threatening Trump's life; says, 'I am still innocent and unafraid'</a>&nbsp;Patel said the same Italy trip, previously criticized due to his attendance at Olympic events, also helped lay the groundwork for the case. He described Xu as one of the top two cyber criminals in the world for China, alleging involvement in hacking US universities and researchers during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. "We were able to bring him to Houston for prosecution, which is most of what I was doing when people said I was on vacation in Italy," Patel said.&nbsp;According to the indictment, Xu allegedly reported to Chinese intelligence after infiltrating a US research university in 2020 and was directed to access accounts of virologists and immunologists studying COVID-19. Officials also allege Chinese authorities attempted to block the extradition in recent days. Patel cited past cases where suspected Chinese operatives avoided extradition, including one in 2025 involving a suspect returned from Serbia to China.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-secretary-of-war-under-fire-for-celebrity-helicopter-flights-1777398315373/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-secretary-of-war-under-fire-for-celebrity-helicopter-flights-1777398315373/embed</a>&nbsp;Prosecutors say Xu was part of the broader “HAFNIUM” hacking campaign that exploited Microsoft Exchange Server vulnerabilities, affecting thousands of systems worldwide, including over 12,000 in the United States. Among the targets was a Washington-based law firm, where attackers allegedly searched emails tied to U.S. policymakers and government agencies. Xu’s alleged co-conspirator remains at large.&nbsp;Patel said countering Chinese cyber espionage remains a top priority for the FBI. "The MSS is always a target of the FBI. They’re always operating whether it’s to steal our classified information, our nation’s research and scientific information, or anything they can use to embarrass us or leverage against us," Patel said. “They’re going to keep doing it.” He added, "We’ve arrested more Chinese spies than any FBI before me," and said the crackdown will continue.

FBI Director Kash Patel confirms arrest of Chinese hacker Xu Zewei extradited from Italy over COVID-19 cyberattacks targeting U.S. research systems

Kash Patel said a previously questioned trip to Italy in early 2026 helped pave the way for the arrest of a Chinese national accused of hacking US COVID-19 research systems. The suspect, Xu Zewei, is now in US custody after what Patel described as a coordinated operation with Italian authorities. Officials say it is a rare case involving the extradition of an alleged state-linked hacker to the United States. Xu was extradited from Italy in recent days and faces federal charges tied to a 2020–2021 cyber campaign targeting sensitive COVID-19 research, including vaccine and treatment development efforts. Patel told Fox News Digital the FBI was able to ‘directly tie’ Xu to China’s Ministry of State Security and its Shanghai bureau, though some details remain classified pending declassification. He said the arrest resulted from close coordination with Italian officials led by Prefect Vittorio Pisani of the Italian National Police, executed within a narrow legal window to prevent delays in extradition. Officials from both countries worked to ensure Xu remained in Italy long enough for the operation to proceed. "We created an opportunity with our partners in Italy to have him apprehended there," Patel said. Also Read: Former FBI chief James Comey charged with threatening Trump's life; says, 'I am still innocent and unafraid' Patel said the same Italy trip, previously criticized due to his attendance at Olympic events, also helped lay the groundwork for the case. He described Xu as one of the top two cyber criminals in the world for China, alleging involvement in hacking US universities and researchers during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. "We were able to bring him to Houston for prosecution, which is most of what I was doing when people said I was on vacation in Italy," Patel said. According to the indictment, Xu allegedly reported to Chinese intelligence after infiltrating a US research university in 2020 and was directed to access accounts of virologists and immunologists studying COVID-19. Officials also allege Chinese authorities attempted to block the extradition in recent days. Patel cited past cases where suspected Chinese operatives avoided extradition, including one in 2025 involving a suspect returned from Serbia to China. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-secretary-of-war-under-fire-for-celebrity-helicopter-flights-1777398315373/embed Prosecutors say Xu was part of the broader “HAFNIUM” hacking campaign that exploited Microsoft Exchange Server vulnerabilities, affecting thousands of systems worldwide, including over 12,000 in the United States. Among the targets was a Washington-based law firm, where attackers allegedly searched emails tied to U.S. policymakers and government agencies. Xu’s alleged co-conspirator remains at large. Patel said countering Chinese cyber espionage remains a top priority for the FBI. "The MSS is always a target of the FBI. They’re always operating whether it’s to steal our classified information, our nation’s research and scientific information, or anything they can use to embarrass us or leverage against us," Patel said. “They’re going to keep doing it.” He added, "We’ve arrested more Chinese spies than any FBI before me," and said the crackdown will continue.

FBI says China-linked hacker Xu Zewei extradited from Italy after COVID-19 cyberattacks; Kash Patel links arrest to coordinated international operation

Alleged China-linked hacker extradited to US in rare case; Kash Patel defends Italy trip role

A new bat coronavirus can cause the next pandemic, according to scientists who have found an alphacoronavirus, called KY43, that can enter human cells. They say it can bind to a cell receptor in the human lung. The virus is present in the heart–nosed bats that live in parts of Kenya, eastern Sudan and northern Tanzania. The discovery has been made by an international team of researchers who say that it has not yet jumped to the local human population, although it is capable of causing an infection that can ultimately snowball into a pandemic. Researchers said that KY43 is one of a million viruses that could leap from bats to people. COVID-19, the pandemic that wreaked havoc across the world, was deduced to have originated from a coronavirus that infects wild bats, which then jumped to humans.<h2>Alphacoronavirus KY43 can enter human cells</h2>The scientists in the study, published in the journal Nature, selected and synthesised alphacoronavirus 'spike' proteins from a database of known genetic sequences. Dozens of these spike proteins were screened against a library of human receptors to which they could attach. They found one virus, KY43, that had the ability to enter human cells. Study author Dr Dalan Bailey, from The Pirbright Institute, said, "Before our study, it was assumed most alphacoronaviruses used just one or two possible receptors to enter their host, and the only difference was which species they could enter." However, the study found that "alphacoronaviruses might use a whole variety of additional receptors to get into cells."Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-strain-that-has-undergone-about-75-mutations-spreading-in-the-us-1774508420121">COVID-19 strain Cicada, that has undergone about 75 mutations, spreading in the US</a>&nbsp;The authors say that their study shows a need for further research in East Africa to "better understand the risk from the wider family of viruses that can use this human receptor." Dr James Nyagwange, KEMRI–Wellcome Trust Research Programme, who was part of the study, said this will help humanity prepare for such a scenario and start developing vaccines and antivirals. Professor Neuman said scientists typically only respond to new outbreaks. But, in this case, there is "a virus with a toolkit" which was found before it could spread to humans. While this virus has been found to be capable of entering human cells, for that to happen, it would have to evade the immune system, and several other factors would also play a role. "At present, there is no evidence of immune evasion by these viruses. And we don't know what sort of disease it might cause, if any," Neuman said.&nbsp;Experts say that it cannot be said with certainty that the virus can successfully replicate in humans if it ever spills over. However, it is better to have a warning and prepare for it than face it afterwards with nothing to fight them.&nbsp;

Scientists have identified another bat coronavirus that can cause an outbreak and possibly the next pandemic. A study in Nature has warned that it is important to monitor and study the virus found in East Africa to prepare for it.

A new bat coronavirus can cause the next pandemic, according to scientists who have found an alphacoronavirus, called KY43, that can enter human cells. They say it can bind to a cell receptor in the human lung. The virus is present in the heart–nosed bats that live in parts of Kenya, eastern Sudan and northern Tanzania. The discovery has been made by an international team of researchers who say that it has not yet jumped to the local human population, although it is capable of causing an infection that can ultimately snowball into a pandemic. Researchers said that KY43 is one of a million viruses that could leap from bats to people. COVID-19, the pandemic that wreaked havoc across the world, was deduced to have originated from a coronavirus that infects wild bats, which then jumped to humans. Alphacoronavirus KY43 can enter human cells The scientists in the study, published in the journal Nature, selected and synthesised alphacoronavirus 'spike' proteins from a database of known genetic sequences. Dozens of these spike proteins were screened against a library of human receptors to which they could attach. They found one virus, KY43, that had the ability to enter human cells. Study author Dr Dalan Bailey, from The Pirbright Institute, said, "Before our study, it was assumed most alphacoronaviruses used just one or two possible receptors to enter their host, and the only difference was which species they could enter." However, the study found that "alphacoronaviruses might use a whole variety of additional receptors to get into cells." Also Read: COVID-19 strain Cicada, that has undergone about 75 mutations, spreading in the US The authors say that their study shows a need for further research in East Africa to "better understand the risk from the wider family of viruses that can use this human receptor." Dr James Nyagwange, KEMRI–Wellcome Trust Research Programme, who was part of the study, said this will help humanity prepare for such a scenario and start developing vaccines and antivirals. Professor Neuman said scientists typically only respond to new outbreaks. But, in this case, there is "a virus with a toolkit" which was found before it could spread to humans. While this virus has been found to be capable of entering human cells, for that to happen, it would have to evade the immune system, and several other factors would also play a role. "At present, there is no evidence of immune evasion by these viruses. And we don't know what sort of disease it might cause, if any," Neuman said. Experts say that it cannot be said with certainty that the virus can successfully replicate in humans if it ever spills over. However, it is better to have a warning and prepare for it than face it afterwards with nothing to fight them.

Scientists have identified another bat coronavirus that can cause an outbreak and possibly the next pandemic. A study in Nature has warned that it is important to monitor and study the virus found in East Africa to prepare for it.

Scientists stumble upon alphacoronavirus with pandemic potential in East African bats

Tech billionaire Elon Musk has reignited debate around COVID-19 vaccine safety after backing a viral claim by a former pharmaceutical insider, even as health authorities and experts have strongly disputed the assertions. Musk said his second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine “felt like I was dying”, while sharing and amplifying a widely circulated video clip featuring Dr Helmut Sterz, a former toxicologist who previously worked with major pharmaceutical firms.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The vaccine dosage was obviously too high and done too many times. I had the original Wuhan virus before there was any vaccine and it was much like any other cold/flu. Bad, but not terrible. But my second vaccine shot almost sent me to the hospital. Felt like I was dying. <a href="https://t.co/rFuUpzBkKH">https://t.co/rFuUpzBkKH</a>&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/2043276162487759115?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The clip, which has amassed tens of millions of views online, shows Sterz addressing a parliamentary hearing in Germany, where he claimed that mRNA vaccines should not have been approved and suggested that thousands of deaths may be linked to their use.<h2>Who is the ‘insider’?</h2>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/nipah-alert-these-nations-roll-out-covid-style-screening-after-bengal-outbreak-check-what-travelers-must-know-1769513594789">Nipah alert: THESE nations roll out Covid-style screening after Bengal outbreak—Check what travelers must know</a>&nbsp;Sterz, born in 1946, spent decades working in pharmaceutical toxicology, including leading roles at Roche and Pfizer. He headed Pfizer’s European toxicology centres in Amboise, France, and Sandwich, UK, before retiring in 2007, more than a decade before COVID-19 vaccines were developed.&nbsp;He was invited to testify at the German parliamentary session by the far-right party Alternative for Germany, which organised an expert hearing under the Bundestag’s Corona Enquete Commission reviewing the country’s pandemic response. Sterz has previously voiced criticism of COVID-19 vaccines and authored a book titled Die Impf-Mafia in which he argues the vaccines were unlawfully approved.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-s-putin-warns-iran-war-fallout-could-mirror-covid-shock-to-global-economy-1774545635582">Russia’s Putin warns Iran war fallout could mirror Covid shock to global economy</a><h2>What was claimed?</h2>During a five-minute testimony on March 19, 2026, Sterz alleged that key preclinical safety studies were skipped before the approval of Comirnaty, the Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccine used globally. He claimed that no carcinogenicity studies were conducted before approval and raised concerns about the adequacy of reproductive toxicity testing.&nbsp;Sterz also cited data from Germany’s vaccine safety authority, the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, which recorded around 2,133 deaths reported after vaccination. He argued that the true number could be far higher, multiplying the figure by 30 based on estimates that adverse events are often underreported.<h2>Official response and fact check</h2>German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, who was present at the hearing, rejected Sterz’s claims, describing them as false. Health authorities have consistently maintained that reported deaths following vaccination do not equate to deaths caused by vaccines. Such reports are logged for investigation but require thorough analysis to establish any causal link.&nbsp;Regulatory agencies worldwide, including in Europe and the United States, have stated that COVID-19 vaccines underwent extensive clinical trials involving tens of thousands of participants before receiving emergency or full approval. &nbsp;

Elon Musk amplified claims by former Pfizer toxicologist Helmut Sterz, who alleged mRNA vaccines bypassed safety tests and caused thousands of deaths. Health officials rejected these assertions as scientifically unfounded.


Tech billionaire Elon Musk has reignited debate around COVID-19 vaccine safety after backing a viral claim by a former pharmaceutical insider, even as health authorities and experts have strongly disputed the assertions. Musk said his second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine “felt like I was dying”, while sharing and amplifying a widely circulated video clip featuring Dr Helmut Sterz, a former toxicologist who previously worked with major pharmaceutical firms.

Elon Musk amplified claims by former Pfizer toxicologist Helmut Sterz, who alleged mRNA vaccines bypassed safety tests and caused thousands of deaths. Health officials rejected these assertions as scientifically unfounded. &nbsp;

'Dosage was obviously too high': Elon Musk reignites debate on COVID-19 vaccine safety, claims he ‘felt like dying’

The global economy is in the midst of a critical setback as the Iran conflict delivers a third major shock after the covid-19 and the Ukraine war. Finance leaders gathering in Washington this week are now bracing for slower growth and higher inflation.


Global Finance Leaders to Meet Amid War Shock

A new Covid variant from South Africa is slowly spreading in the United States, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has said. The SARS-CoV-2 BA.3.2 variant has been reported in 23 countries as of February 11, according to the health agency. &nbsp;BA.3.2 first appeared in South Africa in November 2024. Scientists have warned that it has the ability to evade all immune defences. It believes the 2025-2026 Covid vaccines are not effective against the strain. The spike protein in this Covid variant has undergone about 75 mutations, which means the vaccines trained to recognise and fight the spike protein are unable to do so. CDC says this could lead to a rise in the number of infections, although not necessarily making them severe. CDC has been tracking the strain through its Traveller-Based Genomic Surveillance program. Till mid-March, BA.3.2 has reportedly been detected in six travellers who travelled to the US, and in over two dozen patients across 29 states and Puerto Rico.<h2>First case of BA.3.2 Covid strain in the US&nbsp;</h2>The strain of the Covid virus has also been detected in 260 wastewater sites, which is the first sign that a strain is spreading its roots in a region. However, CDC data shows that only about half a per cent of recent virus sequences have had the strain present. The first case of the BA.3.2 strain was confirmed in the US in June 2025 in a traveller from the Netherlands. "BA.3.2 represents a new lineage of SARS-CoV-2, genetically distinct from the JN.1 lineages (including LP.8.1 and XFG) that have circulated in the United States since January 2024," according to the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/epstein-files-bill-gates-pandemic-preparedness-geneva-2015-1770631357216">Epstein files reveal 2015 email linking Bill Gates, Jeffrey Epstein to global pandemic preparedness conference</a>&nbsp;BA.3.2 cases saw a spike in Europe around September last year, and roughly 30 per cent of all cases in Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands comprised this strain. But it has not become a dominant strain, which could be because it does not bind well to human cells compared to other variants. This is preventing it from spreading at a fast pace. Experts say that even if the new strain has the ability to evade protection offered by current vaccines, they are still important to prevent severe disease. In India, no cases of the BA.3.2 strain have been officially reported yet. &nbsp;

The SARS-CoV-2 BA.3.2 variant of the COVID-19 virus has been detected in several states in America. The CDC has warned that the variant has undergone about 75 mutations and can evade the protection offered by the vaccines. 

A new Covid variant from South Africa is slowly spreading in the United States, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has said. The SARS-CoV-2 BA.3.2 variant has been reported in 23 countries as of February 11, according to the health agency. BA.3.2 first appeared in South Africa in November 2024. Scientists have warned that it has the ability to evade all immune defences. It believes the 2025-2026 Covid vaccines are not effective against the strain. The spike protein in this Covid variant has undergone about 75 mutations, which means the vaccines trained to recognise and fight the spike protein are unable to do so. CDC says this could lead to a rise in the number of infections, although not necessarily making them severe. CDC has been tracking the strain through its Traveller-Based Genomic Surveillance program. Till mid-March, BA.3.2 has reportedly been detected in six travellers who travelled to the US, and in over two dozen patients across 29 states and Puerto Rico. First case of BA.3.2 Covid strain in the US The strain of the Covid virus has also been detected in 260 wastewater sites, which is the first sign that a strain is spreading its roots in a region. However, CDC data shows that only about half a per cent of recent virus sequences have had the strain present. The first case of the BA.3.2 strain was confirmed in the US in June 2025 in a traveller from the Netherlands. "BA.3.2 represents a new lineage of SARS-CoV-2, genetically distinct from the JN.1 lineages (including LP.8.1 and XFG) that have circulated in the United States since January 2024," according to the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Also Read: Epstein files reveal 2015 email linking Bill Gates, Jeffrey Epstein to global pandemic preparedness conference BA.3.2 cases saw a spike in Europe around September last year, and roughly 30 per cent of all cases in Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands comprised this strain. But it has not become a dominant strain, which could be because it does not bind well to human cells compared to other variants. This is preventing it from spreading at a fast pace. Experts say that even if the new strain has the ability to evade protection offered by current vaccines, they are still important to prevent severe disease. In India, no cases of the BA.3.2 strain have been officially reported yet.

The SARS-CoV-2 BA.3.2 variant of the COVID-19 virus has been detected in several states in America. The CDC has warned that the variant has undergone about 75 mutations and can evade the protection offered by the vaccines.&nbsp;

COVID-19 strain Cicada, that has undergone about 75 mutations, spreading in the US

The recently released Epstein files show an email correspondence where billionaire Bill Gates and Jeffrey Epstein were invited by Terje Rod-Larsen, a Norwegian diplomat and former President of the International Peace Institute, for an international conference in Geneva on “Preparing for Pandemics: Lessons Learned for More Effective Responses”.The mail appeared to be a preparation based on the previous challenges, faced by the international community, Ebola and Polio. Margaret Chan, Director General of WHO, Peter Maurer, President of ICRC, Michael Moller, acting Head of the UN Office in Geneva, and Kevin Rudd, former Prime Minister of Australia, were part of the conference. The mail was dated June 2, 2015.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-epstein-victims-legal-aid-super-bowl-ad-epstein-files-1770622900847">Elon Musk offers legal aid to Epstein victims after Super Bowl ad, despite his own mentions in Epstein files</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Screenshot of EFTA00855459

&nbsp;Interestingly, Pirbright Institute, a biological research organisation based in Surrey, England, granted Patent US10130701B2, in November 2018, which covers the development of a weakened form of the coronavirus that could potentially be used as a vaccine to prevent respiratory diseases in birds, including IBV, and other animals, according to a report by USA Today. There have been several conspiracy theories about the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation funding the Pirbright Institute. The foundation has provided two grants to Pirbright in 2013 and in 2016, for the development of a universal flu vaccine, to combat the effects of farm animals and viruses that have the potential to spread to humans. But it denied funding the development of Pirbright’s coronavirus vaccine for livestock.In October 2019, just months ahead of the COVID-19 outbreak, Jhon Hopkins Centre for Health and Security, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum and the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation, organised a simulation called Event 201, which modelled an outbreak of a novel zoonotic coronavirus, transmitted from bats to pigs to people. Just months ahead of the COVID-19 pandemic in September 2019, the Gates Foundation bought a position in BioNTech. It invested $55 million in the biotech, with the potential for total funding to reach $100 million. BioNTech, along with Pfizer, became the first organisation to develop an mRNA vaccine for COVID-19.&nbsp;The mail doesn't implicate any wrongdoing, but it adds to the pile of circumstantial evidence through its timing and participants that fuels conspiracy theories. It has drawn attention that places Epstein in proximity to global health institution and pandemic preparedness efforts in the years preceding COVID 19 pandemic.&nbsp;

The Epstein files reveal a 2015 email inviting Bill Gates and Jeffrey Epstein to a high-level pandemic preparedness conference in Geneva. While the correspondence shows no wrongdoing, it has renewed scrutiny amid broader debates around COVID-19, Event 201, and global health governance.

The recently released Epstein files show an email correspondence where billionaire Bill Gates and Jeffrey Epstein were invited by Terje Rod-Larsen, a Norwegian diplomat and former President of the International Peace Institute, for an international conference in Geneva on “Preparing for Pandemics: Lessons Learned for More Effective Responses”. The mail appeared to be a preparation based on the previous challenges, faced by the international community, Ebola and Polio. Margaret Chan, Director General of WHO, Peter Maurer, President of ICRC, Michael Moller, acting Head of the UN Office in Geneva, and Kevin Rudd, former Prime Minister of Australia, were part of the conference. The mail was dated June 2, 2015. Also Read: Elon Musk offers legal aid to Epstein victims after Super Bowl ad, despite his own mentions in Epstein files

The Epstein files reveal a 2015 email inviting Bill Gates and Jeffrey Epstein to a high-level pandemic preparedness conference in Geneva. While the correspondence shows no wrongdoing, it has renewed scrutiny amid broader debates around COVID-19, Event 201, and global health governance.

Epstein files reveal 2015 email linking Bill Gates, Jeffrey Epstein to global pandemic preparedness conference

A new report warns that youth mental health has worsened globally since the Covid-19 pandemic, with rising cases of anxiety, depression, and stress among young people.

Report: Youth Mental Health Worsened Globally Since Covid 19

There has been a mild increase in COVID-19 cases at several points during 2025 in India, though there is no major nationwide resurgence. The most recent upticks have been modest and localised, not comparable to the large waves seen earlier in the pandemic.<h2>Covid cases in first half of 2025</h2>In the first half of 2025, India experienced a rise in active cases in May–June. Active cases increased from around 257 in mid-May to over 1,000 in late May, and then rose to approximately 4,000 in early June, reaching more than 7,000 by mid-June. These increases coincided with the detection of several Omicron descendant subvariants.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/u-s-visa-chaos-new-u-s-visa-rules-spark-confusion-chaos-over-social-media-checks-1765424017003/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/u-s-visa-chaos-new-u-s-visa-rules-spark-confusion-chaos-over-social-media-checks-1765424017003/embed</a><h2>Which are the new Covid subvariants in India?</h2>The new subvariants detected in India include JN.1, NB.1.8.1, LF.7, and XFG.&nbsp;JN.1 has been circulating throughout 2025 and is one of the more frequently identified subvariants of Omicron.&nbsp;NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 have been detected in smaller numbers in states such as Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. XFG has been reported across several states. All of these subvariants are classified as Variants Under Monitoring and none are considered Variants of Concern or high-risk.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-wants-revenge-virologist-who-claimed-covid-was-developed-in-wuhan-says-beijing-is-using-her-family-to-lure-her-back-from-us-1765204872566">China wants REVENGE? Virologist, who claimed coronavirus was developed in Wuhan, says Beijing is using her family to 'lure' her back from US</a><h2>Symptoms associated with the new Covid subvariants&nbsp;</h2>The symptoms of JN.1, NB.1.8.1, LF.7, and XFG remain similar to previous Omicron lineages. These typically include mild respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough, and fatigue.&nbsp;Most cases have been mild. Deaths that have occurred are largely reported among elderly or medically vulnerable patients. There is no evidence of unusually severe disease in healthier populations.COVID-19 vaccines and existing immunity continue to offer strong protection against severe illness and hospitalisation.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-vaccines-saved-lives-or-killed-babies-fda-launches-broad-review-into-deaths-possibly-tied-to-coronavirus-shots-1765340246839">COVID vaccines saved lives or killed babies? FDA launches broad review into deaths possibly tied to Coronavirus shots</a><h2>Covid in India in 2025: A snapshot</h2>During the mid-year rise, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Delhi recorded some of the higher active caseloads compared with other states.There is no large COVID-19 wave underway in India as of late 2025, but health authorities continue genomic and epidemiological surveillance.As of the latest official reports, India’s active COVID-19 cases are low compared with earlier peaks. The World Health Organization is monitoring Omicron descendant subvariants globally, including in India. There is no indication that the currently circulating subvariants are causing increased severity or significant immune escape.

There were some mild, localised increases in COVID-19 in India in 2025.  These are mainly driven by Omicron subvariants. Symptoms are mostly mild. Here is what else you should know

There has been a mild increase in COVID-19 cases at several points during 2025 in India, though there is no major nationwide resurgence. The most recent upticks have been modest and localised, not comparable to the large waves seen earlier in the pandemic. Covid cases in first half of 2025 In the first half of 2025, India experienced a rise in active cases in May–June. Active cases increased from around 257 in mid-May to over 1,000 in late May, and then rose to approximately 4,000 in early June, reaching more than 7,000 by mid-June. These increases coincided with the detection of several Omicron descendant subvariants. https://www.wionews.com/videos/u-s-visa-chaos-new-u-s-visa-rules-spark-confusion-chaos-over-social-media-checks-1765424017003/embed Which are the new Covid subvariants in India? The new subvariants detected in India include JN.1, NB.1.8.1, LF.7, and XFG. JN.1 has been circulating throughout 2025 and is one of the more frequently identified subvariants of Omicron. NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 have been detected in smaller numbers in states such as Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. XFG has been reported across several states. All of these subvariants are classified as Variants Under Monitoring and none are considered Variants of Concern or high-risk. Also read: China wants REVENGE? Virologist, who claimed coronavirus was developed in Wuhan, says Beijing is using her family to 'lure' her back from US Symptoms associated with the new Covid subvariants The symptoms of JN.1, NB.1.8.1, LF.7, and XFG remain similar to previous Omicron lineages. These typically include mild respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough, and fatigue. Most cases have been mild. Deaths that have occurred are largely reported among elderly or medically vulnerable patients. There is no evidence of unusually severe disease in healthier populations. COVID-19 vaccines and existing immunity continue to offer strong protection against severe illness and hospitalisation. Also read: COVID vaccines saved lives or killed babies? FDA launches broad review into deaths possibly tied to Coronavirus shots Covid in India in 2025: A snapshot During the mid-year rise, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Delhi recorded some of the higher active caseloads compared with other states. There is no large COVID-19 wave underway in India as of late 2025, but health authorities continue genomic and epidemiological surveillance. As of the latest official reports, India’s active COVID-19 cases are low compared with earlier peaks. The World Health Organization is monitoring Omicron descendant subvariants globally, including in India. There is no indication that the currently circulating subvariants are causing increased severity or significant immune escape.

There were some mild, localised increases in COVID-19 in India in 2025. &nbsp;These are mainly driven by Omicron subvariants. Symptoms are mostly mild. Here is what else you should know

Is COVID back in India? What variants are circulating? What you should know

A Chinese virologist, who once claimed that the coronavirus was developed in a Wuhan laboratory and had been hiding in the US since then, has now said that the Beijing government might be using her relatives to lure her back into the country. Li-Meng Yan, in a whistleblower case in 2020, and since been hiding in America fearing Chinese retaliation. During her claims back then, she had claimed she had proof to show that the deadly virus was made in the Wuhan lab.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-announces-40-billion-defence-budget-to-counter-china-s-invasion-and-to-refuse-to-submit-to-being-china-s-taiwan-1764156268611">Taiwan announces $40 billion defence budget to counter China’s invasion and to ‘refuse to submit to being China’s Taiwan’</a>&nbsp;She was working at a prestigious lab at the University of Hong Kong with her husband when the coronavirus pandemic broke out.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-white-house-has-recieved-report-on-macron-s-plan-to-assassinate-me-candace-owens-another-big-claim-as-her-show-goes-off-air-1764165691510">‘White House has received report on Macron’s plan to assassinate me’: Candace Owens’ ANOTHER BIG CLAIM as her show goes off air</a>&nbsp;She said her theory created a deep rift within her family. She fled to the US with help from conservative organisations that amplified her claims, and now alleges that her work has put her in the crosshairs of the Chinese government, according to a New York Times (NYT) report.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-1-200-to-each-affected-house-38-5-million-for-residents-aid-hong-kong-govt-after-building-fire-kills-55-leaves-hundreds-homeless-1764243371424">‘$1,200 to each affected house, $38.5 million for residents’ aid’: Hong Kong govt after building fire kills 55, leaves hundreds homeless</a>&nbsp;"For over five years, the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) has used my parents and Mahen (her husband, an experienced virologist) as tools to lure me back, attempting to carry out a "perfect crime" to erase the truth about the virus and avoid accountability," NYT quoted Yan as saying.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-first-congratulate-him-for-gaza-deal-say-russia-supported-it-then-in-leaked-call-transcript-witkoff-reveals-how-to-crack-a-deal-with-trump-1764239775071">'First congratulate him for Gaza deal, then...': In LEAKED call transcript, Witkoff reveals how to crack a deal with Trump</a>&nbsp;

She was working at a prestigious lab at the University of Hong Kong with her husband when the coronavirus pandemic broke out.



A Chinese virologist, who once claimed that the coronavirus was developed in a Wuhan laboratory and had been hiding in the US since then, has now said that the Beijing government might be using her relatives to lure her back into the country. Li-Meng Yan, in a whistleblower case in 2020, and since been hiding in America fearing Chinese retaliation. During her claims back then, she had claimed she had proof to show that the deadly virus was made in the Wuhan lab. Also read: Taiwan announces $40 billion defence budget to counter China’s invasion and to ‘refuse to submit to being China’s Taiwan’ She was working at a prestigious lab at the University of Hong Kong with her husband when the coronavirus pandemic broke out. Also read: ‘White House has received report on Macron’s plan to assassinate me’: Candace Owens’ ANOTHER BIG CLAIM as her show goes off air She said her theory created a deep rift within her family. She fled to the US with help from conservative organisations that amplified her claims, and now alleges that her work has put her in the crosshairs of the Chinese government, according to a New York Times (NYT) report. Also read: ‘$1,200 to each affected house, $38.5 million for residents’ aid’: Hong Kong govt after building fire kills 55, leaves hundreds homeless "For over five years, the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) has used my parents and Mahen (her husband, an experienced virologist) as tools to lure me back, attempting to carry out a "perfect crime" to erase the truth about the virus and avoid accountability," NYT quoted Yan as saying. Also read: 'First congratulate him for Gaza deal, then...': In LEAKED call transcript, Witkoff reveals how to crack a deal with Trump

She was working at a prestigious lab at the University of Hong Kong with her husband when the coronavirus pandemic broke out.&nbsp;

China wants REVENGE? Virologist, who claimed coronavirus was developed in Wuhan, says Beijing is using her family to 'lure' her back from US

It's been more than five years since COVID-19 started wreaking havoc on our lives. The symptoms of the disease include high fever, trouble breathing, and loss of sense of taste and smell. The infection killed millions worldwide, and new variants continue to emerge even today. A study has found that some COVID-19 symptoms continue to linger till much later, and in fact, one of them might stay with you for life. If you were one of those who lost their sense of smell while infected with COVID, then chances are you have lost that privilege for life. The National Institutes of Health undertook a study and found that two years after the infection, 80 per cent of people who lost their sense of smell performed poorly on a clinical scent-detection test. The study authors also noted that around one in four who saw a change at the time of the sickness, witnessed severely impaired smell or had lost the ability to smell entirely.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-to-conflict-spurring-up-debt-and-political-crisis-in-global-south-1757961668681">Covid to conflict spurring up debt and political crisis in Global South</a>&nbsp;Dr Leora Horwitz, the co-author of the study, said that this problem can also have a mental impact on these people. "While patients may not notice right away, a dulled nose can have a profound impact on their mental and physical well-being." She added that the loss of smell can also cause problems doing basic things in everyday life, and negatively affect appetite and nutrition. “You can’t smell smoke, you can’t smell the gas leak, you can’t smell spoiled food," Dr Horwitz said, adding that this happens because the virus that causes COVID leads to inflammation within the olfactory system.&nbsp;<h2>COVID-19 led to a permanent loss of smell</h2>Researchers gathered data on thousands of Americans who were infected with COVID-19 and compared it with those who did not have COVID-19. They were told to identify 40 different scents, and each correct answer earned a point. However, the curveball was that 60 per cent of participants who weren't infected also tested poorly in the sense of smell area. The study authors said that this is likely because of age. Besides, there was a chance that some participants who thought they were not infected might have been infected without their knowledge.The&nbsp;UK is currently in the grips of a new Covid strain, called Stratus. The new strain has two variants, XFG and XFG.3. Symptoms include a scratchy throat, also known as razor throat.

One COVID-19 symptom can stay on forever, according to a study, and it can wreak havoc with the person's mental health. There are ways to reverse the problem, according to the researchers. 

It's been more than five years since COVID-19 started wreaking havoc on our lives. The symptoms of the disease include high fever, trouble breathing, and loss of sense of taste and smell. The infection killed millions worldwide, and new variants continue to emerge even today. A study has found that some COVID-19 symptoms continue to linger till much later, and in fact, one of them might stay with you for life. If you were one of those who lost their sense of smell while infected with COVID, then chances are you have lost that privilege for life. The National Institutes of Health undertook a study and found that two years after the infection, 80 per cent of people who lost their sense of smell performed poorly on a clinical scent-detection test. The study authors also noted that around one in four who saw a change at the time of the sickness, witnessed severely impaired smell or had lost the ability to smell entirely. Also Read: Covid to conflict spurring up debt and political crisis in Global South Dr Leora Horwitz, the co-author of the study, said that this problem can also have a mental impact on these people. "While patients may not notice right away, a dulled nose can have a profound impact on their mental and physical well-being." She added that the loss of smell can also cause problems doing basic things in everyday life, and negatively affect appetite and nutrition. “You can’t smell smoke, you can’t smell the gas leak, you can’t smell spoiled food," Dr Horwitz said, adding that this happens because the virus that causes COVID leads to inflammation within the olfactory system. COVID-19 led to a permanent loss of smell Researchers gathered data on thousands of Americans who were infected with COVID-19 and compared it with those who did not have COVID-19. They were told to identify 40 different scents, and each correct answer earned a point. However, the curveball was that 60 per cent of participants who weren't infected also tested poorly in the sense of smell area. The study authors said that this is likely because of age. Besides, there was a chance that some participants who thought they were not infected might have been infected without their knowledge. The UK is currently in the grips of a new Covid strain, called Stratus. The new strain has two variants, XFG and XFG.3. Symptoms include a scratchy throat, also known as razor throat.

One COVID-19 symptom can stay on forever, according to a study, and it can wreak havoc with the person's mental health. There are ways to reverse the problem, according to the researchers.&nbsp;

Scientists reveal the ONE COVID-19 symptom that might never leave. Do you have it?

US President Donald Trump on Monday (Sep 1) called on pharmaceutical companies to “justify the success” of COVID-19 drugs, adding that there is a disagreement on whether the drugs saved lives. This comes amid the controversy surrounding the removal of CDC Director Susan Monarez after she reportedly opposed the proposed changes in vaccine policy brought by Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. Monarez argued that the revisions were inconsistent with established scientific evidence and could undermine public health. Her dismissal also sparked resignations from other CDC officials, who supported her.The reforms pushed by Kennedy would limit access to the COVID-19 vaccine–a move criticised by several health officials. In the lengthy post on his Truth Social platform, Trump questioned Pfizer and other companies why they have not presented the successful results of the COVID-19 drugs to the public.He added, “It is very important that the Drug Companies justify the success of their various Covid Drugs. Many people think they are a miracle that saved Millions of lives. Others disagree! With CDC being ripped apart over this question, I want the answer, and I want it NOW. I have been shown information from Pfizer, and others, that is extraordinary, but they never seem to show those results to the public. Why not??? They go off to the next ‘hunt’ and let everyone rip themselves apart, including Bobby Kennedy Jr. and CDC, trying to figure out the success or failure of the Drug Companies Covid work.”The US president further demanded they “clear up this mess” by showing the “great numbers and results” to the public and the CDC.“They show me GREAT numbers and results, but they don’t seem to be showing them to many others. I want them to show them NOW, to CDC and the public, and clear up this MESS, one way or the other!!! I hope OPERATION WARP SPEED was as ‘BRILLIANT’ as many say it was. If not, we all want to know about it, and why??? Thank you for your attention to this very important matter! President DJT,” he wrote.

The US president further demanded they “clear up this mess” by showing the “great numbers and results” to the public and the CDC.

US President Donald Trump on Monday (Sep 1) called on pharmaceutical companies to “justify the success” of COVID-19 drugs, adding that there is a disagreement on whether the drugs saved lives. This comes amid the controversy surrounding the removal of CDC Director Susan Monarez after she reportedly opposed the proposed changes in vaccine policy brought by Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. Monarez argued that the revisions were inconsistent with established scientific evidence and could undermine public health. Her dismissal also sparked resignations from other CDC officials, who supported her. The reforms pushed by Kennedy would limit access to the COVID-19 vaccine–a move criticised by several health officials. In the lengthy post on his Truth Social platform, Trump questioned Pfizer and other companies why they have not presented the successful results of the COVID-19 drugs to the public. He added, “It is very important that the Drug Companies justify the success of their various Covid Drugs. Many people think they are a miracle that saved Millions of lives. Others disagree! With CDC being ripped apart over this question, I want the answer, and I want it NOW. I have been shown information from Pfizer, and others, that is extraordinary, but they never seem to show those results to the public. Why not??? They go off to the next ‘hunt’ and let everyone rip themselves apart, including Bobby Kennedy Jr. and CDC, trying to figure out the success or failure of the Drug Companies Covid work.” The US president further demanded they “clear up this mess” by showing the “great numbers and results” to the public and the CDC. “They show me GREAT numbers and results, but they don’t seem to be showing them to many others. I want them to show them NOW, to CDC and the public, and clear up this MESS, one way or the other!!! I hope OPERATION WARP SPEED was as ‘BRILLIANT’ as many say it was. If not, we all want to know about it, and why??? Thank you for your attention to this very important matter! President DJT,” he wrote.

The US president further demanded they “clear up this mess” by showing the “great numbers and results” to the public and the CDC.

Amid CDC crisis, Trump wants pharmaceutical companies to ‘justify success’ of COVID-19 drugs

California is witnessing a surge in COVID-19 infections driven by a new Omicron subvariant named 'Stratus' or 'XFG'. This comes as reports suggest the Trump administration is planning to pull all Covid vaccines from the market. Anti-vaxer health chief Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has also slowed down the approval of new jabs. According to public health officials, the number of positive cases has seen a growth of 6.3 per cent since last month. Most cases are being reported from the Los Angeles and San Jose metro areas. They added that hospitalisations have also gone up, from 1.6 per 100,000 people to 3 per 100,000 since early July, or from 6.3 to 11 for patients aged 65 and over. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/america-to-lose-covid-vaccine-trump-rfk-jr-planning-to-pull-covid-vaccine-from-us-market-within-months-report-1756121006138">America to lose COVID vaccine? Trump, RFK Jr. planning to pull COVID vaccine from US market 'within months': Report</a>&nbsp;The 'XFG' or 'Stratus', a subvariant of the Omicron virus, is responsible for the surge in cases. Public health expert and former Marin County public health officer Matt Willis wrote in a blog post, "California’s in the middle of a Covid-19 wave, and statewide rates are among the highest in the nation." The US Food and Drug Administration has yet to approve updated COVID-19 vaccines. It has already been stated that it would do so only for the high-risk groups. Once the FDA issues new rulings, the older vaccines that are approved for everyone will become inaccessible. So people are being urged to get them while they still can.&nbsp;<h2>What is the Stratus Covid variant?</h2>“Updated Covid-19 vaccines have been delayed this year due to federal policy changes, and we are awaiting FDA licensure of this season’s products,” the LA County Department of Public Health told The Los Angeles Times. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics suggest that about 130 people are dying from COVID-19 each week in the country. Doctors say that the Stratus variant is driving the surge in cases, and the numbers are expected to grow in the coming weeks. Stratus was first detected in Southeast Asia in January and reached the US in March. By late June, it accounted for up to 14 per cent of cases in the US. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is a hybrid of two omicron strains - LF.7 and LP.8.1.2. The risk posed by the variant has been described as "low". &nbsp;

COVID-19 in California: The US state is witnessing a surge in cases, which are driven by a new subvariant of the Omicron variant. It has been named 'Stratus' or 'XFG' and it was first detected in the US in March this year.

California is witnessing a surge in COVID-19 infections driven by a new Omicron subvariant named 'Stratus' or 'XFG'. This comes as reports suggest the Trump administration is planning to pull all Covid vaccines from the market. Anti-vaxer health chief Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has also slowed down the approval of new jabs. According to public health officials, the number of positive cases has seen a growth of 6.3 per cent since last month. Most cases are being reported from the Los Angeles and San Jose metro areas. They added that hospitalisations have also gone up, from 1.6 per 100,000 people to 3 per 100,000 since early July, or from 6.3 to 11 for patients aged 65 and over. Also Read: America to lose COVID vaccine? Trump, RFK Jr. planning to pull COVID vaccine from US market 'within months': Report The 'XFG' or 'Stratus', a subvariant of the Omicron virus, is responsible for the surge in cases. Public health expert and former Marin County public health officer Matt Willis wrote in a blog post, "California’s in the middle of a Covid-19 wave, and statewide rates are among the highest in the nation." The US Food and Drug Administration has yet to approve updated COVID-19 vaccines. It has already been stated that it would do so only for the high-risk groups. Once the FDA issues new rulings, the older vaccines that are approved for everyone will become inaccessible. So people are being urged to get them while they still can. What is the Stratus Covid variant? “Updated Covid-19 vaccines have been delayed this year due to federal policy changes, and we are awaiting FDA licensure of this season’s products,” the LA County Department of Public Health told The Los Angeles Times. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics suggest that about 130 people are dying from COVID-19 each week in the country. Doctors say that the Stratus variant is driving the surge in cases, and the numbers are expected to grow in the coming weeks. Stratus was first detected in Southeast Asia in January and reached the US in March. By late June, it accounted for up to 14 per cent of cases in the US. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is a hybrid of two omicron strains - LF.7 and LP.8.1.2. The risk posed by the variant has been described as "low".

COVID-19 in California: The US state is witnessing a surge in cases, which are driven by a new subvariant of the Omicron variant. It has been named 'Stratus' or 'XFG' and it was first detected in the US in March this year.

'Stratus' COVID-19 variant drives surge in infections in California | Details

Over 7,000 cases of the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus have been reported across the Guangdong province of China since July, resulting in Covid-style containment measures. Authorities of Foshan City, the worst-affected area, have directed hospitalisation for patients, where they will be protected with mosquito nets.&nbsp;They will only be discharged from the hospital after they test negative or complete a seven-day stay. The chikungunya virus spreads after an infected mosquito bites an individual. It causes severe joint pain and fever, which can last for years as well, according to a report by the BBC.&nbsp;This virus is rare in China but is common in South and Southeast Asia and parts of Africa. Along with Foshan, the outbreak of this virus has spread across multiple Chinese cities. According to the South China Morning Post, at least 12 other cities across Guangdong province were affected by chikungunya infections, with nearly 3,000 new cases recorded in the past week alone.&nbsp;The first case was also confirmed on Monday in Hong Kong after a 12-year-old boy was detected with chikungunya symptoms while visiting Foshan in July. “This is scary. The prolonged consequences sound very painful,” a user posted on Weibo.&nbsp;Meanwhile, health authorities confirmed all the reported cases are mild, and 95 per cent of patients are recovering within a week. Still, the US has advised all its people who are travelling to China to exercise “increased caution” in response to the outbreak.<h3>What is the chikungunya virus?</h3>This disease occurs after people are bitten by an infected mosquito. The symptoms of chikungunya occur within three to seven days, which include fever, joint pain, rash, headache, muscle pain, and swollen joints.&nbsp;In this case, patients feel better within a week most of the time, but in severe cases, the joint pain can last for months or even years. In this case, Newborns, the elderly, and people with underlying medical conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes, are more susceptible to the virus.

Foshan City has been directed to hospitalise patients, where their beds will be protected with mosquito nets. In addition, Hong Kong was also confirmed with the virus after a 12-year-old boy was detected with chikungunya symptoms.

Over 7,000 cases of the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus have been reported across the Guangdong province of China since July, resulting in Covid-style containment measures. Authorities of Foshan City, the worst-affected area, have directed hospitalisation for patients, where they will be protected with mosquito nets. They will only be discharged from the hospital after they test negative or complete a seven-day stay. The chikungunya virus spreads after an infected mosquito bites an individual. It causes severe joint pain and fever, which can last for years as well, according to a report by the BBC. This virus is rare in China but is common in South and Southeast Asia and parts of Africa. Along with Foshan, the outbreak of this virus has spread across multiple Chinese cities. According to the South China Morning Post, at least 12 other cities across Guangdong province were affected by chikungunya infections, with nearly 3,000 new cases recorded in the past week alone. The first case was also confirmed on Monday in Hong Kong after a 12-year-old boy was detected with chikungunya symptoms while visiting Foshan in July. “This is scary. The prolonged consequences sound very painful,” a user posted on Weibo. Meanwhile, health authorities confirmed all the reported cases are mild, and 95 per cent of patients are recovering within a week. Still, the US has advised all its people who are travelling to China to exercise “increased caution” in response to the outbreak. What is the chikungunya virus? This disease occurs after people are bitten by an infected mosquito. The symptoms of chikungunya occur within three to seven days, which include fever, joint pain, rash, headache, muscle pain, and swollen joints. In this case, patients feel better within a week most of the time, but in severe cases, the joint pain can last for months or even years. In this case, Newborns, the elderly, and people with underlying medical conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes, are more susceptible to the virus.

Foshan City has been directed to hospitalise patients, where their beds will be protected with mosquito nets. In addition, Hong Kong was also confirmed with the virus after a 12-year-old boy was detected with chikungunya symptoms.

Chikungunya outbreak: COVID-19-style curbs return after over 7,000 cases reported in China’s province — Details inside

India on Tuesday (Jun 17) reported two new COVID-19 deaths, one each from Maharashtra and West Bengal. Just a day earlier, the national capital, New Delhi, also reported a Covid-related death. With this, the total number of deaths has risen to 109.<h2>Maharashtra, West Bengal COVID-19 deaths</h2>As per the COVID-19 dashboard of the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in Maharashtra, the recent death was of a COVID-19 patient suffering from comorbidities. As per the information available on the dashboard, the patient was a 44-year-old with acute-on-chronic liver failure with decompensated liver cirrhosis post-bariatric surgery with COVID-19.Meanwhile, details of the West Bengal death are yet to be published on the dashboard.<h2>COVID-19 deaths cross 100</h2>As per the Government of India's Covid dashboard, as of 0800 IST on Tuesday (Jun 17), the tally stood at 109 deaths with 6,836 active cases across the country.The number of active cases has increased in Haryana, Jharkhand, Ladakh, Manipur, Madhya Pradesh, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh. Among these, Karnataka and Rajasthan have reported the highest number of new cases, 105 and 29, respectively. However, overall, India has seen a decline of 428 active cases.&nbsp;In Rajasthan, the total number of cases this year now stand at 456.As per ANI, RTPCR Chittorgarh, Rajasthan Hospital, SPMC Bikaner, AIIMS Jodhpur, SDMH Jaipur, EHCC Jaipur, SMS Jaipur, M Genix Jaipur, and RNT Jodhpur were among the hospitals in the state where the cases were reported. A 20-year-old man from Banswara, an 18-year-old woman from Bikaner, a 30-year-old woman and a 27-year-old man from Chittorgarh, a 63-year-old woman from Dausa, and a 27-year-old man from Didwana are among the cases. In Jaipur, 14 new cases were reported, including males aged 17, 39, 53, and 40, and females aged 19, 26, 10, 75, 30, 31, 50, 29, 22, and 21.

As per the Government of India's Covid dashboard, as of 0800 IST on Tuesday (Jun 17), the tally stood at 109 deaths with 6,836 active cases across the country.

India on Tuesday (Jun 17) reported two new COVID-19 deaths, one each from Maharashtra and West Bengal. Just a day earlier, the national capital, New Delhi, also reported a Covid-related death. With this, the total number of deaths has risen to 109. Maharashtra, West Bengal COVID-19 deaths As per the COVID-19 dashboard of the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in Maharashtra, the recent death was of a COVID-19 patient suffering from comorbidities. As per the information available on the dashboard, the patient was a 44-year-old with acute-on-chronic liver failure with decompensated liver cirrhosis post-bariatric surgery with COVID-19. Meanwhile, details of the West Bengal death are yet to be published on the dashboard. COVID-19 deaths cross 100 As per the Government of India's Covid dashboard, as of 0800 IST on Tuesday (Jun 17), the tally stood at 109 deaths with 6,836 active cases across the country. The number of active cases has increased in Haryana, Jharkhand, Ladakh, Manipur, Madhya Pradesh, Nagaland, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh. Among these, Karnataka and Rajasthan have reported the highest number of new cases, 105 and 29, respectively. However, overall, India has seen a decline of 428 active cases. In Rajasthan, the total number of cases this year now stand at 456. As per ANI, RTPCR Chittorgarh, Rajasthan Hospital, SPMC Bikaner, AIIMS Jodhpur, SDMH Jaipur, EHCC Jaipur, SMS Jaipur, M Genix Jaipur, and RNT Jodhpur were among the hospitals in the state where the cases were reported. A 20-year-old man from Banswara, an 18-year-old woman from Bikaner, a 30-year-old woman and a 27-year-old man from Chittorgarh, a 63-year-old woman from Dausa, and a 27-year-old man from Didwana are among the cases. In Jaipur, 14 new cases were reported, including males aged 17, 39, 53, and 40, and females aged 19, 26, 10, 75, 30, 31, 50, 29, 22, and 21.

As per the Government of India's Covid dashboard, as of 0800 IST on Tuesday (Jun 17), the tally stood at 109 deaths with 6,836 active cases across the country.

COVID-19 India update: Death toll rises to 109, over 6,800 active cases reported from across nation

India saw 8.6 million deaths in 2022, marking a 15% drop from the previous year and making it the least deadly year of the Covid-19 pandemic. This sharp decline in deaths suggests a return to normal mortality levels as vaccines became more widespread and infections turned less severe.According to new government data released on Thursday (June 05), this drop indicates the country may be moving past the worst of the pandemic. However, there are still signs of stress on the healthcare system, and some Covid-19 deaths may have gone uncounted.<h2>Reports reveal possible underreporting by states</h2>Two reports from the Office of the Registrar General of India (ORGI), under the home ministry, highlight the changes in death registrations and causes in 2022. These are the Vital Statistics of India Based on the Civil Registration System (CRS) and the Medical Certification of Cause of Death (MCCD) report.While the CRS recorded 8.6 million deaths in 2022, this was down from 10.2 million in 2021, a year when the pandemic hit India hard. The rise from 7 million deaths in 2018 to 10.2 million in 2021 was largely linked to the Covid crisis.Although deaths have reduced, the MCCD report shows that excess deaths in 2022 were still higher than the official Covid-19 death tally provided by states. This gap suggests that many Covid-related deaths might not have been fully counted.At least 12 states and union territories appear to have undercounted deaths. These states reported 6,076 Covid-19 deaths, while the MCCD data attributed 12,818 deaths to the virus in those same areas.<h2>Fewer deaths, but death rate data still awaited</h2>The Sample Registration System (SRS), which calculates the crude death rate (CDR) per 1,000 people using surveys, is yet to release its 2022 report. Based on projections, the estimated CDR for 2022 is 6.3 – close to the levels seen in 2018 and 2019, when the rate was 6.2.In 2021, the CDR rose sharply to 7.5, reflecting the deadly impact of the second wave of the pandemic. In 2020, however, the rate dropped to 6.0, likely due to a decrease in accidental deaths during lockdowns.The gap between SRS and CRS estimates was around 0.5 to 1.0 per thousand population in earlier years, but this difference disappeared in 2020 and 2021.<h2>Covid-19 deaths may be higher than official data shows</h2>Nationally, 50,435 Covid-19 deaths were reported in official bulletins in 2022. However, based on the 2019 CDR, deaths should have totalled around 8.55 million – nearly 95,000 fewer than what was registered. This difference points to possible excess deaths that may be linked to Covid but not officially recorded as such.Interestingly, while states reported fewer Covid-19 deaths, the MCCD reported 25,393 Covid-related deaths across India in 2022. This is less than the 50,435 reported by the states themselves. The MCCD only covers about 20% of registered deaths, with the extent of coverage differing from state to state.In 2021, the MCCD recorded 413,580 Covid-19 deaths, compared to 332,510 reported by pandemic bulletins.<h2>Half of all deaths in 2022 occurred without medical attention</h2>The CRS data also shows another worrying trend. In 2022, over 50% of registered deaths happened without the deceased receiving any medical attention. This number stood at 50.7%, up from 47.3% in 2021 and 45% in 2020. In 2019, the figure was 34.5%.This rise suggests the healthcare system, although recovering, will not returned to full strength by 2022.

While the CRS recorded 8.6 million deaths in 2022, this was down from 10.2 million in 2021, a year when the pandemic hit India hard. The rise from 7 million deaths in 2018 to 10.2 million in 2021 was largely linked to the Covid crisis.

India saw 8.6 million deaths in 2022, marking a 15% drop from the previous year and making it the least deadly year of the Covid-19 pandemic. This sharp decline in deaths suggests a return to normal mortality levels as vaccines became more widespread and infections turned less severe. According to new government data released on Thursday (June 05), this drop indicates the country may be moving past the worst of the pandemic. However, there are still signs of stress on the healthcare system, and some Covid-19 deaths may have gone uncounted. Reports reveal possible underreporting by states Two reports from the Office of the Registrar General of India (ORGI), under the home ministry, highlight the changes in death registrations and causes in 2022. These are the Vital Statistics of India Based on the Civil Registration System (CRS) and the Medical Certification of Cause of Death (MCCD) report. While the CRS recorded 8.6 million deaths in 2022, this was down from 10.2 million in 2021, a year when the pandemic hit India hard. The rise from 7 million deaths in 2018 to 10.2 million in 2021 was largely linked to the Covid crisis. Although deaths have reduced, the MCCD report shows that excess deaths in 2022 were still higher than the official Covid-19 death tally provided by states. This gap suggests that many Covid-related deaths might not have been fully counted. At least 12 states and union territories appear to have undercounted deaths. These states reported 6,076 Covid-19 deaths, while the MCCD data attributed 12,818 deaths to the virus in those same areas. Fewer deaths, but death rate data still awaited The Sample Registration System (SRS), which calculates the crude death rate (CDR) per 1,000 people using surveys, is yet to release its 2022 report. Based on projections, the estimated CDR for 2022 is 6.3 – close to the levels seen in 2018 and 2019, when the rate was 6.2. In 2021, the CDR rose sharply to 7.5, reflecting the deadly impact of the second wave of the pandemic. In 2020, however, the rate dropped to 6.0, likely due to a decrease in accidental deaths during lockdowns. The gap between SRS and CRS estimates was around 0.5 to 1.0 per thousand population in earlier years, but this difference disappeared in 2020 and 2021. Covid-19 deaths may be higher than official data shows Nationally, 50,435 Covid-19 deaths were reported in official bulletins in 2022. However, based on the 2019 CDR, deaths should have totalled around 8.55 million – nearly 95,000 fewer than what was registered. This difference points to possible excess deaths that may be linked to Covid but not officially recorded as such. Interestingly, while states reported fewer Covid-19 deaths, the MCCD reported 25,393 Covid-related deaths across India in 2022. This is less than the 50,435 reported by the states themselves. The MCCD only covers about 20% of registered deaths, with the extent of coverage differing from state to state. In 2021, the MCCD recorded 413,580 Covid-19 deaths, compared to 332,510 reported by pandemic bulletins. Half of all deaths in 2022 occurred without medical attention The CRS data also shows another worrying trend. In 2022, over 50% of registered deaths happened without the deceased receiving any medical attention. This number stood at 50.7%, up from 47.3% in 2021 and 45% in 2020. In 2019, the figure was 34.5%. This rise suggests the healthcare system, although recovering, will not returned to full strength by 2022.

While the CRS recorded 8.6 million deaths in 2022, this was down from 10.2 million in 2021, a year when the pandemic hit India hard. The rise from 7 million deaths in 2018 to 10.2 million in 2021 was largely linked to the Covid crisis.

Was Covid’s true toll in India UNDERCOUNTED? India saw steep drop in deaths in 2022, but...

One of the key findings of this team revealed that just one small mutation in its spike protein, the HKU5-CoV-2 being potentially bind to human ACE2 receptors, the same receptors targeted by SARS-CoV-2.

One of the key findings of this team revealed that just one small mutation in its spike protein, the HKU5-CoV-2 being potentially bind to human ACE2 receptors, the same receptors targeted by SARS-CoV-2.

'Just one mutation away': COVID-19-like virus in China could spark outbreak, says study

Amid a fresh wave of COVID-19, American researchers have now found a news type of mRNA vaccine to prevent the deadly disease. A team of US researchers have found that the vaccine is more scalable and adaptable to tackle continuously evolving viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 (responsible for Covid) and H5N1.&nbsp;Although the present form of the vaccine available is highly effective against COVID-19, it does not present challenges like the high amount of mRNA.&nbsp;"The virus changes, moving the goal post, and updating the vaccine takes some time," senior author Suresh Kuchipudi, chair of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health said, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;To tackle the present problems, the American researchers have created a proof-of-concept Covid vaccine by using a "trans-amplifying" mRNA platform.&nbsp;<h2>‘Potential for more lasting immunity’</h2>In this approach of vaccine creation, the mRNA is separated into two fragments -- the antigen sequence and the replicase sequence. The second fragment can be produced in advance. This saves time for an emergency situation where the formation of the vaccine is needed on urgent basis.&nbsp;In addition, the researchers analysed the spike-protein sequences of all known variants of the SARS-CoV-2 for commonalities.&nbsp;"This has the potential for more lasting immunity that would not require updating, because the vaccine has the potential to provide broad protection," said Kuchipudi.&nbsp;"Additionally, this format requires an mRNA dose 40 times less than conventional vaccines, so this new approach significantly reduces the overall cost of the vaccine," he added.&nbsp;The study was published in the journal npj Vaccines.&nbsp;"We hope to apply the principles of this lower-cost, broad-protection antigen design to pressing challenges like bird flu," she said.&nbsp;

What is mRNA vaccine? US researchers develop new proof-of-concept type to fight COVID-19


Amid a fresh wave of COVID-19, American researchers have now found a news type of mRNA vaccine to prevent the deadly disease. A team of US researchers have found that the vaccine is more scalable and adaptable to tackle continuously evolving viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 (responsible for Covid) and H5N1. Although the present form of the vaccine available is highly effective against COVID-19, it does not present challenges like the high amount of mRNA. "The virus changes, moving the goal post, and updating the vaccine takes some time," senior author Suresh Kuchipudi, chair of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health said, news agency ANI reported. To tackle the present problems, the American researchers have created a proof-of-concept Covid vaccine by using a "trans-amplifying" mRNA platform. ‘Potential for more lasting immunity’ In this approach of vaccine creation, the mRNA is separated into two fragments -- the antigen sequence and the replicase sequence. The second fragment can be produced in advance. This saves time for an emergency situation where the formation of the vaccine is needed on urgent basis. In addition, the researchers analysed the spike-protein sequences of all known variants of the SARS-CoV-2 for commonalities. "This has the potential for more lasting immunity that would not require updating, because the vaccine has the potential to provide broad protection," said Kuchipudi. "Additionally, this format requires an mRNA dose 40 times less than conventional vaccines, so this new approach significantly reduces the overall cost of the vaccine," he added. The study was published in the journal npj Vaccines. "We hope to apply the principles of this lower-cost, broad-protection antigen design to pressing challenges like bird flu," she said.

A team of US researchers have found that the vaccine is more scalable and adaptable to tackle continuously evolving viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 (responsible for Covid) and H5N1.

What is mRNA vaccine? US researchers develop new 'proof-of-concept' type to fight COVID-19

 Rise in COVID-19 cases in India: Should you be concerned? Know symptoms and more

With a recent spike witnessed in the Covid-19 cases in India, here we have curated brief information about the new variety, common covid symptoms, and it's causes.&nbsp;

Rise in Covid-19 cases in India: Should you be concerned? Know symptoms and more

Five patients have died across India in COVID-19 cases. Among them, two deaths were recorded in Maharashtra and one each in West Bengal, Tamilnadu and Kerala.According to the latest data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, total active cases stand at 4026 at 8 am on June 3. The total cases have surged by 65 since yesterday, and 2700 have been discharged till now.&nbsp;Highest spikes were witnessed in Gujarat, Karnataka and West Bengal, registering 59, 58 and 41 cases respectively. In Delhi, active cases have decreased the most by 90.&nbsp;Most notable active cases are in Maharashtra, 494, followed by &nbsp;Gujarat, Delhi and Karnataka at 397, 393 and 311 respectively.All the deceased had previously existing medical conditions and were relatively older, except for one, who is a 43-year-old female in West Bengal and had preexisting conditions such as Acute coronary syndrome, Septic shock, and Acute kidney injury.Maharashtra recorded two deaths: a 70-year-old Female with Diabetes Mellitus and a 73-year-old Female with Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension.In Kerala, an 80-year-old male with severe Pneumonia, Acute respiratory distress syndrome, Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension and Coronary artery disease succumbed to COVID-19.In Tamil Nadu, a 69-year-old &nbsp;female died due to COVID, who had type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Parkinson's Disease.A cumulative total of 512 patients have either been cured or discharged, or migrated since Monday.&nbsp;

There have been five COVID-19 deaths across the country since June 2. Cumulative active cases stood at 4026, with the highest at Maharashtra, followed by Gujarat, Delhi and Karnataka.

Five patients have died across India in COVID-19 cases. Among them, two deaths were recorded in Maharashtra and one each in West Bengal, Tamilnadu and Kerala. According to the latest data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, total active cases stand at 4026 at 8 am on June 3. The total cases have surged by 65 since yesterday, and 2700 have been discharged till now. Highest spikes were witnessed in Gujarat, Karnataka and West Bengal, registering 59, 58 and 41 cases respectively. In Delhi, active cases have decreased the most by 90. Most notable active cases are in Maharashtra, 494, followed by Gujarat, Delhi and Karnataka at 397, 393 and 311 respectively. All the deceased had previously existing medical conditions and were relatively older, except for one, who is a 43-year-old female in West Bengal and had preexisting conditions such as Acute coronary syndrome, Septic shock, and Acute kidney injury. Maharashtra recorded two deaths: a 70-year-old Female with Diabetes Mellitus and a 73-year-old Female with Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension. In Kerala, an 80-year-old male with severe Pneumonia, Acute respiratory distress syndrome, Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension and Coronary artery disease succumbed to COVID-19. In Tamil Nadu, a 69-year-old female died due to COVID, who had type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Parkinson's Disease. A cumulative total of 512 patients have either been cured or discharged, or migrated since Monday.

There have been five COVID-19 deaths across the country since June 2. Cumulative active cases stood at 4026, with the highest at Maharashtra, followed by Gujarat, Delhi and Karnataka.

Five new COVID19 related death across India, with active cases surpassing 4000

India's active COVID-19 cases have risen to 3,961 as of Monday (Jun 2). As per the latest updates on the nation's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's Covid dashboard, in the last 24 hours, the active cases increased by an alarming 203.<h2>The number of COVID-19-related deaths in India goes up</h2>As per the Covid dashboard, the total number of deaths due to COVID-19, this year has increased to 32, with four deaths reported since Sunday.Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Maharashtra have reported one death each. In Delhi, a 22-year-old female with a history of treated pulmonary Koch's, post-tuberculosis lung disease, and bilateral lower respiratory tract infection succumbed to the virus.In Tamil Nadu, a 25-year-old male with bronchial asthma and severe acute tubular injury died, although, as per MHA, COVID-19 was an incidental finding in his case. Details of the Kerala fatality are yet to be released. In Maharashtra, a 44-year-old male died due to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) complicated by dilated aortic regurgitation while being COVID-19 positive.Fresh cases crop up across IndiaIn the last 24 hours, Madhya Pradesh has reported four new cases, bringing its total to 23 cases, including two cases cross-notified from Gujarat.Meanwhile, capital Delhi reported 47 new cases, increasing its total active cases to 483.In Kerala, from where the maximum number of cases are being reported, the active cases have gone up to 1,435 – with 35 new cases since Sunday.Maharashtra reported 21 new COVID-19 cases, raising the active caseload to 506.&nbsp;In West Bengal, 44 new COVID-19 cases were reported, increasing the state's active cases to 331.<h2>Karnataka issues advisory</h2>With the number of covid cases in India rising alarmingly, the Karnataka health department has issued a circular asking schools, both government and private, to take precautions in the interest of children's health."If schoolchildren develop fever, cough, cold, and other symptoms, do not send them to school. Follow appropriate treatment and care measures as advised by the doctor," read the instructions as reported by ANI. In the last 24 hours, Karnataka has reported 15 new cases, raising its tally to 253 active cases.

As per the Covid dashboard, the total number of deaths due to COVID-19, this year has increased to 32, with four deaths reported since Sunday.

India's active COVID-19 cases have risen to 3,961 as of Monday (Jun 2). As per the latest updates on the nation's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's Covid dashboard, in the last 24 hours, the active cases increased by an alarming 203. The number of COVID-19-related deaths in India goes up As per the Covid dashboard, the total number of deaths due to COVID-19, this year has increased to 32, with four deaths reported since Sunday. Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Maharashtra have reported one death each. In Delhi, a 22-year-old female with a history of treated pulmonary Koch's, post-tuberculosis lung disease, and bilateral lower respiratory tract infection succumbed to the virus. In Tamil Nadu, a 25-year-old male with bronchial asthma and severe acute tubular injury died, although, as per MHA, COVID-19 was an incidental finding in his case. Details of the Kerala fatality are yet to be released. In Maharashtra, a 44-year-old male died due to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) complicated by dilated aortic regurgitation while being COVID-19 positive. Fresh cases crop up across India In the last 24 hours, Madhya Pradesh has reported four new cases, bringing its total to 23 cases, including two cases cross-notified from Gujarat. Meanwhile, capital Delhi reported 47 new cases, increasing its total active cases to 483. In Kerala, from where the maximum number of cases are being reported, the active cases have gone up to 1,435 – with 35 new cases since Sunday. Maharashtra reported 21 new COVID-19 cases, raising the active caseload to 506. In West Bengal, 44 new COVID-19 cases were reported, increasing the state's active cases to 331. Karnataka issues advisory With the number of covid cases in India rising alarmingly, the Karnataka health department has issued a circular asking schools, both government and private, to take precautions in the interest of children's health. "If schoolchildren develop fever, cough, cold, and other symptoms, do not send them to school. Follow appropriate treatment and care measures as advised by the doctor," read the instructions as reported by ANI. In the last 24 hours, Karnataka has reported 15 new cases, raising its tally to 253 active cases.

As per the Covid dashboard, the total number of deaths due to COVID-19, this year has increased to 32, with four deaths reported since Sunday.

India's active COVID-19 cases tally at 3,961: Alarming surge in Kerala, Delhi, Maharashtra; 203 new cases, 4 deaths in 24 hours

India has seen its first significant rise in COVID-19 cases in several months, with the number of active infections crossing 3,700. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) reported 363 new cases in the past 24 hours, according to data released on Sunday, 1 June.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-there-is-no-joe-biden-trump-boosts-wild-claim-that-biden-was-executed-in-2020-and-was-replaced-by-robotic-soulless-clone-1748781472904">‘There is no Joe Biden’: Trump boosts wild claim that Biden was executed in 2020 and was replaced by ‘robotic&nbsp;soulless&nbsp;clone’</a><h2>Kerala, Maharashtra and Delhi report the highest numbers</h2>Kerala continues to report the highest number of active Covid-19 cases at 1,400, followed by Maharashtra with 485, and Delhi with 436. In the last 24 hours, Kerala logged 64 new cases, Delhi 61, and Maharashtra 18, the health ministry data showed.<h2>Three deaths reported amid fresh wave</h2>India also recorded three Covid-19-related deaths during the same 24-hour period. One death was reported each in Kerala and Karnataka. On Saturday, officials confirmed a third fatality in Delhi — the first death reported in the capital during the current uptick.In Karnataka, the deceased was a 63-year-old man suffering from pulmonary TB and squamous cell carcinoma, who was also incidentally Covid-positive. In Kerala, a 24-year-old woman with underlying conditions including sepsis hypertension and chronic liver disease succumbed to the virus.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dutch-mp-geert-wilders-condemns-arrest-of-indian-influencer-sharmistha-panoli-urges-pm-modi-to-ensure-she-is-freed-1748783984841">Dutch MP Geert Wilders condemns arrest of Indian influencer Sharmistha Panoli, urges PM Modi to ensure she is freed</a>The death in Delhi involved a 60-year-old woman with acute intestinal obstruction following surgery. Officials said her Covid status was also incidental.<h2>Karnataka issues public advisory</h2>In response to the rise in cases, the Karnataka government has issued a public advisory. People have been urged to behave responsibly by wearing masks in crowded places, practising physical distancing, and maintaining proper hygiene.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-launches-massive-drone-attack-targeting-russian-airbases-military-aircraft-report-1748779448172">Ukraine launches massive drone attack, targeting Russian airbases, military aircraft: Reports</a>

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) reported 363 new cases in the past 24 hours, according to data released on Sunday, 1 June.

India has seen its first significant rise in COVID-19 cases in several months, with the number of active infections crossing 3,700. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) reported 363 new cases in the past 24 hours, according to data released on Sunday, 1 June. Also read: ‘There is no Joe Biden’: Trump boosts wild claim that Biden was executed in 2020 and was replaced by ‘robotic soulless clone’ Kerala, Maharashtra and Delhi report the highest numbers Kerala continues to report the highest number of active Covid-19 cases at 1,400, followed by Maharashtra with 485, and Delhi with 436. In the last 24 hours, Kerala logged 64 new cases, Delhi 61, and Maharashtra 18, the health ministry data showed. Three deaths reported amid fresh wave India also recorded three Covid-19-related deaths during the same 24-hour period. One death was reported each in Kerala and Karnataka. On Saturday, officials confirmed a third fatality in Delhi — the first death reported in the capital during the current uptick. In Karnataka, the deceased was a 63-year-old man suffering from pulmonary TB and squamous cell carcinoma, who was also incidentally Covid-positive. In Kerala, a 24-year-old woman with underlying conditions including sepsis hypertension and chronic liver disease succumbed to the virus. Also read: Dutch MP Geert Wilders condemns arrest of Indian influencer Sharmistha Panoli, urges PM Modi to ensure she is freed The death in Delhi involved a 60-year-old woman with acute intestinal obstruction following surgery. Officials said her Covid status was also incidental. Karnataka issues public advisory In response to the rise in cases, the Karnataka government has issued a public advisory. People have been urged to behave responsibly by wearing masks in crowded places, practising physical distancing, and maintaining proper hygiene. Also read: Ukraine launches massive drone attack, targeting Russian airbases, military aircraft: Reports

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) reported 363 new cases in the past 24 hours, according to data released on Sunday, 1 June.

Covid makes quiet comeback in India: Active cases cross 3,700, Delhi and Kerala see sharp rise

A new coronavirus variant, NB.1.8.1, has been classified as "under monitoring" by the World Health Organisation (WHO) following a dramatic rise in global cases and hospitalisations.<h2>WHO issues warning</h2>The WHO has warned that NB. 1.8.1, a coronavirus variant which was first detected on 22 January 2025, was now responsible for over 10 per cent of global Covid-19 cases.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nb-1-8-1-lf-7-covid-variants-detected-in-india-reveals-insacog-data-3-infants-test-positive-in-karnataka-1748084179651">NB.1.8.1, LF.7 Covid variants detected in India, reveals INSACOG data; 3 infants test positive in Karnataka</a> It has become the dominant strain in China and Hong Kong and has been identified in multiple countries, including popular holiday destinations like the Maldives, Thailand, and Egypt. Cases have also been identified in a number of states in the United States — including New York, California, Arizona, Ohio, Washington, and Rhode Island.<h2>How dangerous is NB. 1.8.1?</h2>WHO, in its report, said that while under monitoring, the variant is deemed to be low-risk. The currently available vaccines "remain effective to this variant against symptomatic and severe disease," it said, despite the increase in cases and hospitalisations.The health body also said that currently there was no indication that the variant could lead to more serious illness than any other COVID-19 variant in circulation.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-cases-in-india-rise-to-3-395-four-deaths-recorded-in-24-hours-1748746482442">COVID-19 cases in India rise to 3,395; four deaths recorded in 24 hours</a>It also said that despite NB. 1.8.1 getting detected in multiple holiday spots, there was currently no need to restrict travel and trade or close borders.However, the WHO has urged countries to stay alert and adjust their responses as needed."WHO recommends that countries remain vigilant, adapt to evolving epidemiological trends, and leverage COVID-19 management strategies to strengthen systems for all respiratory disease threats. Member States should continue offering COVID-19 vaccines in line with WHO recommendations," it said in an advisory.

The WHO has warned that NB. 1.8.1, a coronavirus variant which was first detected on 22 January 2025, was now responsible for over 10 per cent of global Covid-19 cases.

A new coronavirus variant, NB.1.8.1, has been classified as "under monitoring" by the World Health Organisation (WHO) following a dramatic rise in global cases and hospitalisations. WHO issues warning The WHO has warned that NB. 1.8.1, a coronavirus variant which was first detected on 22 January 2025, was now responsible for over 10 per cent of global Covid-19 cases. Also read | NB.1.8.1, LF.7 Covid variants detected in India, reveals INSACOG data; 3 infants test positive in Karnataka It has become the dominant strain in China and Hong Kong and has been identified in multiple countries, including popular holiday destinations like the Maldives, Thailand, and Egypt. Cases have also been identified in a number of states in the United States — including New York, California, Arizona, Ohio, Washington, and Rhode Island. How dangerous is NB. 1.8.1? WHO, in its report, said that while under monitoring, the variant is deemed to be low-risk. The currently available vaccines "remain effective to this variant against symptomatic and severe disease," it said, despite the increase in cases and hospitalisations. The health body also said that currently there was no indication that the variant could lead to more serious illness than any other COVID-19 variant in circulation. Also read | COVID-19 cases in India rise to 3,395; four deaths recorded in 24 hours It also said that despite NB. 1.8.1 getting detected in multiple holiday spots, there was currently no need to restrict travel and trade or close borders. However, the WHO has urged countries to stay alert and adjust their responses as needed. "WHO recommends that countries remain vigilant, adapt to evolving epidemiological trends, and leverage COVID-19 management strategies to strengthen systems for all respiratory disease threats. Member States should continue offering COVID-19 vaccines in line with WHO recommendations," it said in an advisory.

The WHO has warned that NB. 1.8.1, a coronavirus variant which was first detected on 22 January 2025, was now responsible for over 10 per cent of global Covid-19 cases.

New COVID-19 variant alert! NB. 1.8.1 under WHO monitoring; becomes dominant strain in China and Hong Kong

The active number of COVID-19 cases in India has risen to 3,395, while four deaths were recorded in 24 hours.&nbsp;In other news, at least seven people were killed and dozens were injured on Saturday (May 31) after a bridge&nbsp;Meanwhile, monsoon rains have wreaked havoc in several parts of India.&nbsp;Click on the headlines to read more&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-cases-in-india-rise-to-3-395-four-deaths-recorded-in-24-hours-1748746482442">COVID-19 cases in India rise to 3,395; four deaths recorded in 24 hours</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250601/image-1748748679102.jpg?rect=(0,0,1200,900)&amp;w=752&amp;h=564&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="COVID-19 cases in India rise to 3,395; four deaths recorded in 24 hours"></figure>&nbsp;As India is witnessing a sharp surge in COVID-19 cases, the active number of cases has risen to 3,395 in just ten days. Kerala has recorded the maximum number of these infections, with 1,336 patients currently, according to the data released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on 31 May.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/7-dead-dozens-injured-as-bridge-collapses-on-train-in-russia-s-bryansk-region-illegal-interference-suspected-1748747527446">7 dead, dozens injured as bridge collapses on train in Russia's Bryansk region; 'Illegal interference' suspected</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250601/image-1748748263655.jpg?rect=(0,87,850,637)&amp;w=752&amp;h=564&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="7 dead, dozens injured as bridge collapses on train in Russia's Bryansk region; 'Illegal interference' suspected"></figure>&nbsp;At least seven people were killed and dozens were injured late on Saturday (May 31) after a bridge collapsed onto a train in Russia's Bryansk region near the Ukrainian border. Authorities, as per reports, have sought to blame "illegal interference" for the tragic incident.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-s-monsoon-wreaks-havoc-5-dead-in-assam-red-alerts-in-kerala-sikkim-1748745950203">India's monsoon wreaks havoc: 5 dead in Assam, red alerts in Kerala and Sikkim</a> &nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250601/image-1748746333743.png?rect=(0,0,1200,900)&amp;w=752&amp;h=564&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="India's monsoon wreaks havoc: 5 dead in Assam, red alerts in Kerala and Sikkim"></figure>&nbsp;As the monsoon arrives in various parts of India, several areas in Assam, Kerala, and other places have become waterlogged due to heavy rainfall.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/priyanka-chopra-s-daughter-malti-rocks-her-met-gala-hat-and-gloves-in-cute-throwback-1748747322179">Priyanka Chopra’s daughter Malti rocks her Met Gala hat and gloves in cute throwback| Watch</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2025/20250601/image-1748747603793.png?rect=(0,240,1440,1080)&amp;w=752&amp;h=564&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="Priyanka Chopra’s daughter Malti rocks her Met Gala hat and gloves in cute throwback| Watch"></figure>&nbsp;Priyanka Chopra gave fans a heartwarming glimpse into her 2025 Met Gala prep with a cute video featuring her and Nick Jonas’s daughter, Malti Marie Chopra Jonas. The toddler was seen adorably trying on Priyanka’s wide-brimmed black hat and shoes from the event.&nbsp;Watch | India slams Pakistan at UN glaciers' meet&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">India slams Pakistan at UN glaciers&#39; meet. Pakistan PM accuses India of weaponising water.<a href="https://twitter.com/JyotsnaKumar13?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JyotsnaKumar13</a> tells you more. <a href="https://t.co/bkKNfoko2K">pic.twitter.com/bkKNfoko2K</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1929031555542036528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Good morning! Start your day with WION's morning news brief

The active number of COVID-19 cases in India has risen to 3,395, while four deaths were recorded in 24 hours. In other news, at least seven people were killed and dozens were injured on Saturday (May 31) after a bridge Meanwhile, monsoon rains have wreaked havoc in several parts of India. Click on the headlines to read more COVID-19 cases in India rise to 3,395; four deaths recorded in 24 hours As India is witnessing a sharp surge in COVID-19 cases, the active number of cases has risen to 3,395 in just ten days. Kerala has recorded the maximum number of these infections, with 1,336 patients currently, according to the data released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on 31 May. 7 dead, dozens injured as bridge collapses on train in Russia's Bryansk region; 'Illegal interference' suspected At least seven people were killed and dozens were injured late on Saturday (May 31) after a bridge collapsed onto a train in Russia's Bryansk region near the Ukrainian border. Authorities, as per reports, have sought to blame "illegal interference" for the tragic incident. India's monsoon wreaks havoc: 5 dead in Assam, red alerts in Kerala and Sikkim As the monsoon arrives in various parts of India, several areas in Assam, Kerala, and other places have become waterlogged due to heavy rainfall. Priyanka Chopra’s daughter Malti rocks her Met Gala hat and gloves in cute throwback| Watch Priyanka Chopra gave fans a heartwarming glimpse into her 2025 Met Gala prep with a cute video featuring her and Nick Jonas’s daughter, Malti Marie Chopra Jonas. The toddler was seen adorably trying on Priyanka’s wide-brimmed black hat and shoes from the event. Watch | India slams Pakistan at UN glaciers' meet

Good morning! Start your day with WION's morning news brief

Morning news brief: India COVID-19 cases rise to 3,395; 7 dead in Russia after bridge collapses onto train, and more

&nbsp;As India is witnessing a sharp surge in the COVID-19 cases, the active number of cases has risen to 3,395 in just ten days. Kerala has recorded the maximum number of these infections, with 1,336 patients currently, according to the data released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on 31 May.&nbsp;Maharashtra and Delhi have also seen an increase in infections, with 467 and 375 active cases, respectively. Within 24 hours, the national capital recorded an increase of 81 COVID-19 patients and one death of a 71-year-old man with Pneumonia, Septic Shock with Acute Kidney Injury (AKI).&nbsp;There have been three more deaths related to the virus in Kerala, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh, bringing the total number of deaths recorded in the current wave to 26.&nbsp;Gujarat (265), Karnataka (234), West Bengal (205), Tamil Nadu (185), and Uttar Pradesh (117) have also seen a rise in the number of COVID-19 infections.&nbsp;Despite the sudden jump in the cases, the Union Health Ministry have said there is “no cause for worry” and the situation is being “closely monitored”. &nbsp;Check state/UT-wise list of active COVID-19 cases as per MoHFW.&nbsp;<figure class="table"><table><thead><tr><th rowspan="3">S. No.</th><th rowspan="3">Name of State / UT</th><th colspan="2">Active Cases</th><th colspan="2">Cured/Discharged/Migrated</th><th colspan="2">Deaths* (Details of causes below)</th></tr><tr><th rowspan="2">Total</th><th rowspan="2">Change since yesterday</th><th rowspan="2">Cumulative since 1st January 2025</th><th rowspan="2">Change since yesterday</th><th rowspan="2">Cumulative since 1st January 2025</th><th>&nbsp;</th></tr><tr><th>Death Since yesterday</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1</td><td>Andhra Pradesh</td><td>17</td><td>+1</td><td>5</td><td>+3</td><td>0</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>Arunachal Pradesh</td><td>3</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>Assam</td><td>2</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>4</td><td>Chandigarh</td><td>1</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>5</td><td>Chhattisgarh</td><td>6</td><td>+3</td><td>4</td><td>+2</td><td>0</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>6</td><td>Delhi</td><td>375</td><td>+81</td><td>266</td><td>+52</td><td>3</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td>7</td><td>Goa</td><td>8</td><td>+1</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>8</td><td>Gujarat</td><td>265</td><td>+42</td><td>87</td><td>+26</td><td>1</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>9</td><td>Haryana</td><td>26</td><td>+6</td><td>12</td><td>+1</td><td>0</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>10</td><td>Jammu and Kashmir</td><td>6</td><td>+2</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>11</td><td>Jharkhand</td><td>6</td><td>+6</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>12</td><td>Karnataka</td><td>234</td><td>+86</td><td>130</td><td>+27</td><td>3</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td>13</td><td>Kerala***</td><td>1336</td><td>+189</td><td>425</td><td>+87</td><td>6</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td>14</td><td>Madhya Pradesh</td><td>16</td><td>+6</td><td>3</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>15</td><td>Maharashtra</td><td>467</td><td>+43</td><td>207</td><td>+41</td><td>7</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>16</td><td>Mizoram</td><td>2</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>17</td><td>Odisha</td><td>7</td><td>+2</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>18</td><td>Puducherry</td><td>41</td><td>+6</td><td>37</td><td>+2</td><td>0</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>19</td><td>Punjab</td><td>5</td><td>+1</td><td>3</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>20</td><td>Rajasthan</td><td>60</td><td>+9</td><td>8</td><td>+6</td><td>1</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>21</td><td>Sikkim</td><td>0</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>18</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>22</td><td>Tamil Nadu</td><td>185</td><td>+37</td><td>195</td><td>+12</td><td>1</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>23</td><td>Telangana</td><td>3</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>24</td><td>Uttarakhand</td><td>2</td><td>&nbsp;</td><td>9</td><td>0</td><td>0</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td>25</td><td>Uttar Pradesh</td><td>117</td><td>+75</td><td>12</td><td>+4</td><td>2</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td>26</td><td>West Bengal</td><td>205</td><td>+89</td><td>12</td><td>+2</td><td>0</td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Total#</td><td>3395</td><td>+685</td><td>1435</td><td>+265</td><td>26</td><td>4</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

Maharashtra and Delhi have also seen an increase in infections, with 467 and 375 active cases, respectively.

As India is witnessing a sharp surge in the COVID-19 cases, the active number of cases has risen to 3,395 in just ten days. Kerala has recorded the maximum number of these infections, with 1,336 patients currently, according to the data released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on 31 May. Maharashtra and Delhi have also seen an increase in infections, with 467 and 375 active cases, respectively. Within 24 hours, the national capital recorded an increase of 81 COVID-19 patients and one death of a 71-year-old man with Pneumonia, Septic Shock with Acute Kidney Injury (AKI). There have been three more deaths related to the virus in Kerala, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh, bringing the total number of deaths recorded in the current wave to 26. Gujarat (265), Karnataka (234), West Bengal (205), Tamil Nadu (185), and Uttar Pradesh (117) have also seen a rise in the number of COVID-19 infections. Despite the sudden jump in the cases, the Union Health Ministry have said there is “no cause for worry” and the situation is being “closely monitored”. Check state/UT-wise list of active COVID-19 cases as per MoHFW. S. No. Name of State / UT Active Cases Cured/Discharged/Migrated Deaths* (Details of causes below) Total Change since yesterday Cumulative since 1st January 2025 Change since yesterday Cumulative since 1st January 2025 Death Since yesterday 1 Andhra Pradesh 17 +1 5 +3 0 2 Arunachal Pradesh 3 0 0 0 3 Assam 2 0 0 0 4 Chandigarh 1 0 0 0 5 Chhattisgarh 6 +3 4 +2 0 6 Delhi 375 +81 266 +52 3 1 7 Goa 8 +1 1 0 0 8 Gujarat 265 +42 87 +26 1 9 Haryana 26 +6 12 +1 0 10 Jammu and Kashmir 6 +2 0 0 0 11 Jharkhand 6 +6 0 0 0 12 Karnataka 234 +86 130 +27 3 1 13 Kerala*** 1336 +189 425 +87 6 1 14 Madhya Pradesh 16 +6 3 0 1 15 Maharashtra 467 +43 207 +41 7 16 Mizoram 2 0 0 0 17 Odisha 7 +2 0 0 0 18 Puducherry 41 +6 37 +2 0 19 Punjab 5 +1 3 0 1 20 Rajasthan 60 +9 8 +6 1 21 Sikkim 0 18 0 0 22 Tamil Nadu 185 +37 195 +12 1 23 Telangana 3 1 0 0 24 Uttarakhand 2 9 0 0 25 Uttar Pradesh 117 +75 12 +4 2 1 26 West Bengal 205 +89 12 +2 0 Total# 3395 +685 1435 +265 26 4

Maharashtra and Delhi have also seen an increase in infections, with 467 and 375 active cases, respectively.

COVID-19 cases in India rise to 3,395; four deaths recorded in 24 hours

Arunachal Pradesh reported its first case of COVID-19 in the current wave on Wednesday (May 28), as the total number of active cases in India has surged to 1000.&nbsp;According to health officials, a 34-year-old pregnant woman and her mother in Itanagar have tested positive. The woman is undergoing treatment in the hospital for fever and mild cough, while her mother is in isolation as she remains asymptomatic.&nbsp;State Surveillance Officer Lobsang Jampa urged people to remain calm, saying that the new strain of the virus is not as severe as the previous variants.&nbsp;“The health department is closely monitoring the situation and taking all necessary precautions to prevent further spread of the virus,” he said.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-india-variant-jn1-covid-virus-is-more-contagious-but-is-it-a-cause-for-worry-1748410451237">COVID-19 variant JN.1 is more contagious, but is it a cause for worry?</a>&nbsp;<h2>Active cases cross 1,000</h2>&nbsp;India has recorded 1010 active cases according to the data released by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on Monday (May 26). Maximum cases reported are in Kerala, with over 400 active cases. Maharashtra, Delhi, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu have also seen a rise in cases.&nbsp;So far, six deaths have been reported, three in Maharashtra, two in Kerala, and one in Karnataka. However, the ministry said that more details are awaited before the deaths can be attributed to COVID-19.&nbsp;Delhi has reported 104 active cases with a sudden rise in cases within a week. A senior Delhi Government health official confirmed the figures but said that the situation remains under control and authorities are closely monitoring any potential surge.&nbsp;On Friday (May 23), the Delhi government issued an advisory directing hospitals to prepare for any possible surges. The hospitals have been advised to ensure the availability of beds, essential drugs, functional equipment like ventilators and BiPAP machines.

According to health officials, a 34-year-old pregnant woman and her mother in Itanagar have tested positive.

Arunachal Pradesh reported its first case of COVID-19 in the current wave on Wednesday (May 28), as the total number of active cases in India has surged to 1000. According to health officials, a 34-year-old pregnant woman and her mother in Itanagar have tested positive. The woman is undergoing treatment in the hospital for fever and mild cough, while her mother is in isolation as she remains asymptomatic. State Surveillance Officer Lobsang Jampa urged people to remain calm, saying that the new strain of the virus is not as severe as the previous variants. “The health department is closely monitoring the situation and taking all necessary precautions to prevent further spread of the virus,” he said. Also read | COVID-19 variant JN.1 is more contagious, but is it a cause for worry? Active cases cross 1,000 India has recorded 1010 active cases according to the data released by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on Monday (May 26). Maximum cases reported are in Kerala, with over 400 active cases. Maharashtra, Delhi, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu have also seen a rise in cases. So far, six deaths have been reported, three in Maharashtra, two in Kerala, and one in Karnataka. However, the ministry said that more details are awaited before the deaths can be attributed to COVID-19. Delhi has reported 104 active cases with a sudden rise in cases within a week. A senior Delhi Government health official confirmed the figures but said that the situation remains under control and authorities are closely monitoring any potential surge. On Friday (May 23), the Delhi government issued an advisory directing hospitals to prepare for any possible surges. The hospitals have been advised to ensure the availability of beds, essential drugs, functional equipment like ventilators and BiPAP machines.

According to health officials, a 34-year-old pregnant woman and her mother in Itanagar have tested positive.

Arunachal Pradesh records first COVID-19 case, total active infections over 1,000 in India

Donald Trump's Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr announced on Tuesday (May 27) that the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is all set to remove COVID-19 booster shots for children and pregnant women from its recommended immunisation. The US health secretary announced the decision on the social media platform X.&nbsp;"Hi everybody, I'm Robert F Kennedy Jr, your HHS secretary, and I am here today with NIH Director Dr Jay Bhattacharya and FDA Commissioner Dr Marty Makary. I couldn't be more pleased to announce that, as of today, the Covid vaccine for healthy children and healthy pregnant women has been removed from the CDC," Kennedy said.&nbsp;Kennedy claimed that former US president Joe Biden last year “urged healthy children to get yet another Covid shot despite the lack of any clinical data to support the repeat booster strategy in children”.&nbsp;In the video announcement, Bhattacharya said the announcement was “common sense and good science”.&nbsp;Dorit Reiss, a law professor at the University of California San Francisco who has closely followed attempts to circumscribe access to COVID-19 vaccines, told The Guardian, “The secretary has never been involved in making COVID-19 vaccine recommendations - any vaccine recommendations."&nbsp;"I am surprised at the open contempt they are showing to the process and not even pretend to do it in a substantive and deliberative way,” Reiss added.&nbsp;“If only because I would think they want to make it as litigation proof as they can," the professor added.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Trump's Health Secretary RFK Jr drops COVID-19 boosters for kids, pregnant women from CDC list

Donald Trump's Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr announced on Tuesday (May 27) that the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is all set to remove COVID-19 booster shots for children and pregnant women from its recommended immunisation. The US health secretary announced the decision on the social media platform X. "Hi everybody, I'm Robert F Kennedy Jr, your HHS secretary, and I am here today with NIH Director Dr Jay Bhattacharya and FDA Commissioner Dr Marty Makary. I couldn't be more pleased to announce that, as of today, the Covid vaccine for healthy children and healthy pregnant women has been removed from the CDC," Kennedy said. Kennedy claimed that former US president Joe Biden last year “urged healthy children to get yet another Covid shot despite the lack of any clinical data to support the repeat booster strategy in children”. In the video announcement, Bhattacharya said the announcement was “common sense and good science”. Dorit Reiss, a law professor at the University of California San Francisco who has closely followed attempts to circumscribe access to COVID-19 vaccines, told The Guardian, “The secretary has never been involved in making COVID-19 vaccine recommendations - any vaccine recommendations." "I am surprised at the open contempt they are showing to the process and not even pretend to do it in a substantive and deliberative way,” Reiss added. “If only because I would think they want to make it as litigation proof as they can," the professor added.

Donald Trump's Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr announced on Tuesday (May 27) that the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is all set to remove COVID-19 booster shots for children and pregnant women from its recommended immunisation.&nbsp;

'Common sense'? Trump's Health Secretary RFK Jr drops COVID-19 boosters for kids, pregnant women from CDC list

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