Sudan's security forces dispersed demonstrators and rounded up more than 100 people in the capital of Khartoum, in the latest crackdown on pro-democracy protesters after a military coup.

Sudan Coup: Over 100 people rounded up in Khartoum

A state of Emergency has been declared in Ethiopia, as rebel forces march towards the capital. Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed has promised to 'bury the enemy'. The rebels say their forces are 'unstoppable'. Why is Ethiopia at war with itself? Palki Sharma explains.

Gravitas: Why is Ethiopia at war with itself?

The Chinese government has told families to keep daily necessities in stock in case of emergencies, after COVID-19 outbreaks and unusually heavy rains that caused a surge in vegetable prices raised concerns about supply shortages.

China urges families to keep stocks of daily necessities ahead of winter

At least seven people have been killed and over 140 have been wounded as thousands took to the streets in protest after Sudan’s military seized power from a transitional government.

Sudan Coup: 7 killed, 140 injured in protests

Egypt's state of emergency will be lifted for the first time in years, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said on Monday.

Egypt imposed a state of emergency in April 2017 after deadly bombings of churches and has since routinely extended it at three-month intervals, despite an improved security situation.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudans-general-declares-state-of-emergency-dissolves-government-423880">Sudan's general declares state of emergency, dissolves government</a>

"Egypt has become&nbsp;an oasis of security and stability in the region," Sisi wrote in a Facebook post. "Hence it was decided, for the first time in years, to cancel the extension of the state of emergency in all areas of the country."

The state of emergency granted authorities sweeping powers to make arrests and crack down on what they call enemies of the state.

It was applied during the extension of a clamp-down on political dissent under Sisi that has swept up liberal as well as Islamist critics over the past few years.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/egyptian-man-waits-6-months-after-swallowing-a-mobile-phone-422423">Egyptian man waits 6 months after swallowing a mobile phone</a>

Egypt's security forces have also been battling an insurgency by militants linked to Islamic State in northern Sinai, although they have recently consolidated their position in the area.&nbsp;

Prominent Egyptian activist Hossam Bahgat welcomed the decision, saying it would stop the use of emergency state security courts, although it would not apply to some high-profile cases already referred to such courts.

Egypt's state of emergency will be lifted for the first time in years, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said on Monday. Egypt imposed a state of emergency in April 2017 after deadly bombings of churches and has since routinely extended it at three-month intervals, despite an improved security situation.

Egypt's state of emergency will be lifted for the first time in years, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said on Monday. Egypt imposed a state of emergency in April 2017 after deadly bombings of churches and has since routinely extended it at three-month intervals, despite an improved security situation. Also Read | Sudan's general declares state of emergency, dissolves government "Egypt has become an oasis of security and stability in the region," Sisi wrote in a Facebook post. "Hence it was decided, for the first time in years, to cancel the extension of the state of emergency in all areas of the country." The state of emergency granted authorities sweeping powers to make arrests and crack down on what they call enemies of the state. It was applied during the extension of a clamp-down on political dissent under Sisi that has swept up liberal as well as Islamist critics over the past few years. Also read | Egyptian man waits 6 months after swallowing a mobile phone Egypt's security forces have also been battling an insurgency by militants linked to Islamic State in northern Sinai, although they have recently consolidated their position in the area. Prominent Egyptian activist Hossam Bahgat welcomed the decision, saying it would stop the use of emergency state security courts, although it would not apply to some high-profile cases already referred to such courts.

Egypt's President Sisi ends state of emergency for the first time in years

Sudan’s General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan has declared an emergency and dissolved the government. The move led to clashes between protesters and the military, reportedly killing 7 and injuring 140.

Sudan Coup: Protests rage into second day after military takeover

With winter looming, German health officials and experts have raised concerns about a new surge of coronavirus cases.

Infections in Germany,&nbsp;about 12,775 daily on average have increased by 57% in the past two weeks, according to a New York Times database. Deaths on average in the same period have increased by 11%.

The surge comes as many European countries slowly lifted lockdowns this summer after months of restrictions driven by variants of the virus.

A national state of emergency is currently in place in Germany,&nbsp;which allows the government to unilaterally impose restrictions on states but it is set to expire Nov. 25. The order can be extended by a parliamentary vote, and some state officials are advocating that lawmakers do so.

Germany’s health minister, Jens Spahn, though, noted the country’s high vaccination rate and said the emergency order could be lifted while other rules are put in place, like mask mandates and proof of vaccination. About 70% of the population has received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-should-adopt-emergency-mode-as-new-covid-outbreaks-are-predicted-experts-423645">Also read |&nbsp;China should adopt 'emergency mode' as new Covid outbreaks are predicted: Experts</a>

Pandemic restrictions in Germany are set individually by the country’s 16 states, and in general, masks are required on public transportation and in stores. Since August, visitors to Germany have had to show proof of vaccination, recovery from infection or a recent negative test for entry to indoor public spaces, like restaurants, salons and gyms. Clubs in Berlin, famed for its hedonistic nightlife, reopened last month for the first time in over a year.

Cases are also resurging in Britain, where the government lifted virtually all restrictions in July, arguing that a rapid vaccination rollout had helped mitigate rates of hospitalisations and deaths. In June, the country reported as few as 2,000 cases a day, but last week, it reported an average of 47,209 new cases a day, a 30% increase over the average two weeks ago.

The British government has rejected calls for an immediate reintroduction of some coronavirus restrictions, but it has also said that rules could be put back in place if a vaccine booster program did little to stop the spread. Health experts are cautioning that while vaccines do help prevent serious illness, they alone will not be enough to stop the upward trajectory of infection rates.

“Relying on the vaccine program to kind of take care of the problem is not going be a solution, I’m afraid,” Adam Finn, a member of a government vaccination committee, told the BBC on Sunday. “It is really time that everyone got the message that they can’t just go back to normal if they want to avoid further restrictions later in the year.”

With winter looming, German health officials and experts have raised concerns about a new surge of coronavirus cases. Infections in Germany, about 12,775 daily on average have increased by 57% in the past two weeks, according to a New York Times database.

With winter looming, German health officials and experts have raised concerns about a new surge of coronavirus cases. Infections in Germany, about 12,775 daily on average have increased by 57% in the past two weeks, according to a New York Times database. Deaths on average in the same period have increased by 11%. The surge comes as many European countries slowly lifted lockdowns this summer after months of restrictions driven by variants of the virus. A national state of emergency is currently in place in Germany, which allows the government to unilaterally impose restrictions on states but it is set to expire Nov. 25. The order can be extended by a parliamentary vote, and some state officials are advocating that lawmakers do so. Germany’s health minister, Jens Spahn, though, noted the country’s high vaccination rate and said the emergency order could be lifted while other rules are put in place, like mask mandates and proof of vaccination. About 70% of the population has received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine. Also read | China should adopt 'emergency mode' as new Covid outbreaks are predicted: Experts Pandemic restrictions in Germany are set individually by the country’s 16 states, and in general, masks are required on public transportation and in stores. Since August, visitors to Germany have had to show proof of vaccination, recovery from infection or a recent negative test for entry to indoor public spaces, like restaurants, salons and gyms. Clubs in Berlin, famed for its hedonistic nightlife, reopened last month for the first time in over a year. Cases are also resurging in Britain, where the government lifted virtually all restrictions in July, arguing that a rapid vaccination rollout had helped mitigate rates of hospitalisations and deaths. In June, the country reported as few as 2,000 cases a day, but last week, it reported an average of 47,209 new cases a day, a 30% increase over the average two weeks ago. The British government has rejected calls for an immediate reintroduction of some coronavirus restrictions, but it has also said that rules could be put back in place if a vaccine booster program did little to stop the spread. Health experts are cautioning that while vaccines do help prevent serious illness, they alone will not be enough to stop the upward trajectory of infection rates. “Relying on the vaccine program to kind of take care of the problem is not going be a solution, I’m afraid,” Adam Finn, a member of a government vaccination committee, told the BBC on Sunday. “It is really time that everyone got the message that they can’t just go back to normal if they want to avoid further restrictions later in the year.”

Cases grow in Germany, as a national state of emergency is set to expire next month

Australia's east coast has been hit by a severe hailstorm, country's Coffs Harbour has been declared a disaster zone. Hailstorms have damaged houses in the cities and some parts also witnessed flooding.

Hailstorms batter Australia, emergency crews receive hundreds call from residents

As Ecuador reels from its worst prison massacre, President, Guillermo Lasso, has proclaimed a state of emergency in the country, which is dealing with an increase in drug-related violence, and has ordered the mobilisation of police and military forces on the streets.

"On Ecuador's streets, there is only one enemy: drug trafficking," claimed the right-wing leader, adding that "in recent years, Ecuador has gone from being a drug-trafficking country to one that also consumes narcotics."&nbsp;

"Starting immediately, our Armed Forces and police will be felt with force in the streets because we are decreeing a state of emergency throughout the national territory," said the president in a speech broadcast by the state channel EcuadorTV.

Lasso appointed a new defence minister earlier Monday, as the country grapples with a huge jail issue.

The most recent prison tragedy in Ecuador claimed the lives of 119 prisoners.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a recent run of narcotics seizures, fueled in part by enhanced enforcement, supports police concerns that Ecuador is a hub for South American arms trafficking.

During a cocaine bust in Guayaquil in August, police recovered 10 heavy-caliber guns.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

As Ecuador reels from its worst prison massacre, President, Guillermo Lasso, has proclaimed a state of emergency in the country, which is dealing with an increase in drug-related violence, and has ordered the mobilisation of police and military forces on the streets.

As Ecuador reels from its worst prison massacre, President, Guillermo Lasso, has proclaimed a state of emergency in the country, which is dealing with an increase in drug-related violence, and has ordered the mobilisation of police and military forces on the streets. "On Ecuador's streets, there is only one enemy: drug trafficking," claimed the right-wing leader, adding that "in recent years, Ecuador has gone from being a drug-trafficking country to one that also consumes narcotics." "Starting immediately, our Armed Forces and police will be felt with force in the streets because we are decreeing a state of emergency throughout the national territory," said the president in a speech broadcast by the state channel EcuadorTV. Lasso appointed a new defence minister earlier Monday, as the country grapples with a huge jail issue. The most recent prison tragedy in Ecuador claimed the lives of 119 prisoners. Meanwhile, a recent run of narcotics seizures, fueled in part by enhanced enforcement, supports police concerns that Ecuador is a hub for South American arms trafficking. During a cocaine bust in Guayaquil in August, police recovered 10 heavy-caliber guns. (With inputs from agencies)

Ecuador declares emergency over drug violence, orders troops onto streets

The WHO's technical advisory group will meet on October 26 to consider the emergency use listing of India's Covaxin which is being used in the country's nationwide anti-COVID-19 vaccination programme, according to the global health agency's chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan.

Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech, which has developed Covaxin, had submitted EOI (Expression of Interest) to the World Health Organisation on April 19 for its vaccine.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-development-finance-corporation-chief-to-visit-india-to-boost-vaccine-manufacturing-421167">US Development Finance Corporation chief to visit India to boost vaccine manufacturing</a>

Swaminathan, the WHO's Chief Scientist, said on Twitter on Sunday that the technical advisory group will meet on October 26 to consider the Emergency Use Listing (EUL) for Covaxin. @WHO has been working closely with @BharatBiotech to complete the dossier. Our goal is to have a broad portfolio of vaccines approved for emergency use and to expand access to populations everywhere," she said in the tweet.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The technical advisory group will meet on Oct 26th to consider EUL for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Covaxin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Covaxin</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/WHO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WHO</a> has been working closely with <a href="https://twitter.com/BharatBiotech?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BharatBiotech</a> to complete the dossier. Our goal is to have a broad portfolio of vaccines approved for emergency use &amp; to expand access to populations everywhere <a href="https://t.co/lqQIyqItF9">https://t.co/lqQIyqItF9</a>
— Soumya Swaminathan (@doctorsoumya) <a href="https://twitter.com/doctorsoumya/status/1449756927496495112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Earlier this month, the WHO said that Bharat Biotech has been submitting data to WHO on a rolling basis and submitted additional information at the WHO's request on September 27.

The WHO experts are currently reviewing this information and if it addresses all questions raised, the WHO assessment will be finalised next week."

The Geneva-based WHO said it began rolling data of the vaccine on July 6. Rolling data allows the WHO to start its review right away, as information continues to come in to accelerate the overall review process.

According to the WHO, submissions for pre-qualification or listing under the emergency use procedure are confidential.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-lab-suspended-after-false-negative-covid-tests-420952">&nbsp;UK lab suspended after false negative Covid tests</a>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

If a product submitted for assessment is found to meet the criteria for listing, the WHO will publish the results widely.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Duration of the emergency use listing process depends on the quality of the data submitted by the vaccine manufacturer and on the data meeting the WHO's criteria, according to the agency.

The indigenously-developed Bharat Biotech's Covaxin is one of the six vaccines that have received emergency use authorisation from India's drug regulator Drugs Controller General of India (DGCI) and is being used in the nationwide anti-COVID-19 inoculation programme along with Covishield and Sputnik V.

Bharat Biotech recently said it has submitted all data pertaining to Covaxin to the WHO for the EUL and is awaiting feedback from the global health watchdog.

"#COVAXIN clinical trial data was fully compiled and available in June 2021. All Data

submitted for Emergency Use Listing (EUL) Application to World Health Organization in early July. We have responded to any clarifications sought by #WHO and are awaiting further feedback," Bharat Biotech had tweeted last month.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moderna-racing-for-profits-keeps-covid-vaccine-out-of-reach-of-poor-419518">Moderna, racing for profits, keeps Covid vaccine out of reach of poor</a>

"We are diligently working with the WHO to obtain EUL at the earliest,&nbsp;the company had said on Tuesday.

India, the world's largest producer of vaccines overall, suspended exports of COVID-19 vaccines in April to focus on inoculating its own population following a sudden spike in infections.

Last month, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced that India will resume the supplies abroad.

According to Johns Hopkins University, the coronavirus has claimed 4,897,386 lives along with 240,559,605 confirmed cases across the world so far.

The WHO's technical advisory group will meet on October 26 to consider the emergency use listing of India's Covaxin which is being used in the country's nationwide anti-COVID-19 vaccination programme, according to the global health agency's chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan.

The WHO's technical advisory group will meet on October 26 to consider the emergency use listing of India's Covaxin which is being used in the country's nationwide anti-COVID-19 vaccination programme, according to the global health agency's chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan. Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech, which has developed Covaxin, had submitted EOI (Expression of Interest) to the World Health Organisation on April 19 for its vaccine. Also Read | US Development Finance Corporation chief to visit India to boost vaccine manufacturing Swaminathan, the WHO's Chief Scientist, said on Twitter on Sunday that the technical advisory group will meet on October 26 to consider the Emergency Use Listing (EUL) for Covaxin. @WHO has been working closely with @BharatBiotech to complete the dossier. Our goal is to have a broad portfolio of vaccines approved for emergency use and to expand access to populations everywhere," she said in the tweet. The technical advisory group will meet on Oct 26th to consider EUL for #Covaxin. @WHO has been working closely with @BharatBiotech to complete the dossier. Our goal is to have a broad portfolio of vaccines approved for emergency use & to expand access to populations everywhere https://t.co/lqQIyqItF9 — Soumya Swaminathan (@doctorsoumya) October 17, 2021 × Earlier this month, the WHO said that Bharat Biotech has been submitting data to WHO on a rolling basis and submitted additional information at the WHO's request on September 27. The WHO experts are currently reviewing this information and if it addresses all questions raised, the WHO assessment will be finalised next week." The Geneva-based WHO said it began rolling data of the vaccine on July 6. Rolling data allows the WHO to start its review right away, as information continues to come in to accelerate the overall review process. According to the WHO, submissions for pre-qualification or listing under the emergency use procedure are confidential. Also Read | UK lab suspended after false negative Covid tests If a product submitted for assessment is found to meet the criteria for listing, the WHO will publish the results widely. Duration of the emergency use listing process depends on the quality of the data submitted by the vaccine manufacturer and on the data meeting the WHO's criteria, according to the agency. The indigenously-developed Bharat Biotech's Covaxin is one of the six vaccines that have received emergency use authorisation from India's drug regulator Drugs Controller General of India (DGCI) and is being used in the nationwide anti-COVID-19 inoculation programme along with Covishield and Sputnik V. Bharat Biotech recently said it has submitted all data pertaining to Covaxin to the WHO for the EUL and is awaiting feedback from the global health watchdog. "#COVAXIN clinical trial data was fully compiled and available in June 2021. All Data submitted for Emergency Use Listing (EUL) Application to World Health Organization in early July. We have responded to any clarifications sought by #WHO and are awaiting further feedback," Bharat Biotech had tweeted last month. Also Read | Moderna, racing for profits, keeps Covid vaccine out of reach of poor "We are diligently working with the WHO to obtain EUL at the earliest, the company had said on Tuesday. India, the world's largest producer of vaccines overall, suspended exports of COVID-19 vaccines in April to focus on inoculating its own population following a sudden spike in infections. Last month, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced that India will resume the supplies abroad. According to Johns Hopkins University, the coronavirus has claimed 4,897,386 lives along with 240,559,605 confirmed cases across the world so far.

WHO to meet next week to consider emergency use listing of India's Covaxin

Two people have survived days without water in Australia's hot and dusty outback, police said Monday, ending a frenzied five-day air and land rescue effort.

Twenty-one-year-old Shaun Emitja and 14-year-old Mahesh Patrick were reported missing on Tuesday in the Harts Range area of central Australia.

They had failed to return to the remote community of Hermannsburg after a weekend away.

After their blue Nissan Navara was found abandoned and bogged down in a dirt track, police scoured the countryside using a helicopter and expert trackers.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-koalas-line-up-for-chlamydia-vaccine-in-new-trial-421354">Australian koalas line up for chlamydia vaccine in new trial</a>

The pair were feared to be in grave danger given a lack of water and the area's extreme temperatures of more than 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in what is still the southern hemisphere's spring.

But Northern Territory police said Monday that the two men -- who had become separated -- were found alive and well by an "absolute miracle".

Officers said teenager Patrick was found in bushland late on Friday and was treated for dehydration and sore feet from walking in the remote environment.

Emitja was not found until a day later. "He is undergoing health checks but appears well," police said.

It is believed the pair survived without fresh water or provisions.

Two people have survived days without water in Australia's hot and dusty outback, police said Monday, ending a frenzied five-day air and land rescue effort. Twenty-one-year-old Shaun Emitja and 14-year-old Mahesh Patrick were reported missing on Tuesday in the Harts Range area of central Australia.

Two people have survived days without water in Australia's hot and dusty outback, police said Monday, ending a frenzied five-day air and land rescue effort. Twenty-one-year-old Shaun Emitja and 14-year-old Mahesh Patrick were reported missing on Tuesday in the Harts Range area of central Australia. They had failed to return to the remote community of Hermannsburg after a weekend away. After their blue Nissan Navara was found abandoned and bogged down in a dirt track, police scoured the countryside using a helicopter and expert trackers. Also Read | Australian koalas line up for chlamydia vaccine in new trial The pair were feared to be in grave danger given a lack of water and the area's extreme temperatures of more than 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in what is still the southern hemisphere's spring. But Northern Territory police said Monday that the two men -- who had become separated -- were found alive and well by an "absolute miracle". Officers said teenager Patrick was found in bushland late on Friday and was treated for dehydration and sore feet from walking in the remote environment. Emitja was not found until a day later. "He is undergoing health checks but appears well," police said. It is believed the pair survived without fresh water or provisions.

'Miracle' pair found alive after days in Australian outback

The World Health Organization is likely to delay its approval for the Covaxin shot, once again, till October 5 this time. According to a report by the ANI news agency, the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation (SAGE) will be meeting on October 5 to decide on granting the EUA to Covaxin.

The SAGE session of the specialised agency of the United Nations will recommend EUA based on the clinical on Covaxin from Phase 1, 2, and 3 trials.

The session will also consider the post-marketing studies on safety, immunogenicity, efficacy, and effectiveness. Also, it will review updates on global, regional, and country-level plans for vaccine safety monitoring.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deepening-partnership-with-india-eu-steps-up-engagement-in-indo-pacific-with-new-plan-413844">Also read |&nbsp;Deepening partnership with India: EU steps up engagement in Indo Pacific with new plan</a>

Based on the assessment, the WHO will then consider the available pieces of evidence to determine EUA.

The Phase-3 clinical trials of Covaxin demonstrated an efficacy rate of 77.8 per cent.

All the relevant trial data has been submitted to WHO for EUL.

“We have responded to any clarifications sought by WHO and are awaiting further feedback. As a responsible manufacturer with several prequalified vaccines, we do not find it appropriate to speculate or comment on the approval process and its timelines,” said Bharat Biotech in a statement.

The World Health Organization is likely to delay its approval for the Covaxin shot, once again, till October 5 this time. According to a report by the ANI news agency, the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation (SAGE) will be meeting on October 5 to decide on granting the EUA to Covaxin.

The World Health Organization is likely to delay its approval for the Covaxin shot, once again, till October 5 this time. According to a report by the ANI news agency, the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation (SAGE) will be meeting on October 5 to decide on granting the EUA to Covaxin. The SAGE session of the specialised agency of the United Nations will recommend EUA based on the clinical on Covaxin from Phase 1, 2, and 3 trials. The session will also consider the post-marketing studies on safety, immunogenicity, efficacy, and effectiveness. Also, it will review updates on global, regional, and country-level plans for vaccine safety monitoring. Also read | Deepening partnership with India: EU steps up engagement in Indo Pacific with new plan Based on the assessment, the WHO will then consider the available pieces of evidence to determine EUA. The Phase-3 clinical trials of Covaxin demonstrated an efficacy rate of 77.8 per cent. All the relevant trial data has been submitted to WHO for EUL. “We have responded to any clarifications sought by WHO and are awaiting further feedback. As a responsible manufacturer with several prequalified vaccines, we do not find it appropriate to speculate or comment on the approval process and its timelines,” said Bharat Biotech in a statement.

Covaxin's wait continues as WHO delays emergency use again

Recently, as several countries opened up their borders for refugees from Afghanistan and other war-struck countries, concerns of the safety of immigrants rose.

The US has been welcoming thousands of immigrants, but recent reports have alleged that immigrant children are being ill-treated in shelters.

A recent report in a local media house, Buzzfeed News, alleged that immigrant children who have been housed at an emergency shelter were burned after they were asked to bath in scalding water. It also alleges that these kids were having their blood drawn without any explanation and are also being threatened with deportation if they refuse to do as instructed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-200-indigenous-children-went-missing-or-died-after-entering-a-hospital-in-quebec-411863">At least 200 indigenous children went missing or died in Canada</a>

This complaint has been lodged by a whistleblower, and is third such complaint filed in the recent past about the same shelter located in Fort Bliss, which is an army base near El Paso, Texas.

This shelter houses thousands of immigrant children who are being harboured in this shelter since they arrived in the US without their parents. While the shelter is taken care of by experts of Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the base has been infamous for inhumane living conditions.

A few months ago, the same shelter was called out for rising Covid cases as whistleblowers alleged that the contractors and caretakers were practising inhumane ways of taking care of these children.

After the report, a HHS spokesperson said the incident was ‘old’ and had already been taken care of and the HHS is making sure children are safe and happy.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/suicide-is-still-a-crime-in-at-least-20-countries-worldwide-research-411901">Suicide is still a crime in at least 20 countries worldwide: Research</a>

"In the aftermath of our disclosures, HHS asserts that the fundamental failures our clients identified are 'old' and have been 'fixed,'" the whistleblower report states. "To the contrary, the problems are ongoing, systemic, and repeated...with tragic consequences. It is true these are old issues; it is not true they have been fixed."

The whistleblower claimed many children in the shelter are suffering from dehydration, possible gas leak environment, gastrointestinal issues and more due to the inhumane living conditions. The person also alleged that girls were being asked to shower in the presence of male staffers who had busied themselves in lice removal process of other students.

It has also been alleged that only two out of twenty people from the mental health team are licensed and trained to perform the work. Many children have also claimed that they have not been able to get in contact with their case managers since they have arrived at the shelter.

Recently, as several countries opened up their borders for refugees from Afghanistan and other war-struck countries, concerns of the safety of immigrants rose. The US has been welcoming thousands of immigrants, but recent reports have alleged that immigrant children are being ill-treated in shelters.

Recently, as several countries opened up their borders for refugees from Afghanistan and other war-struck countries, concerns of the safety of immigrants rose. The US has been welcoming thousands of immigrants, but recent reports have alleged that immigrant children are being ill-treated in shelters. A recent report in a local media house, Buzzfeed News, alleged that immigrant children who have been housed at an emergency shelter were burned after they were asked to bath in scalding water. It also alleges that these kids were having their blood drawn without any explanation and are also being threatened with deportation if they refuse to do as instructed. Also read | At least 200 indigenous children went missing or died in Canada This complaint has been lodged by a whistleblower, and is third such complaint filed in the recent past about the same shelter located in Fort Bliss, which is an army base near El Paso, Texas. This shelter houses thousands of immigrant children who are being harboured in this shelter since they arrived in the US without their parents. While the shelter is taken care of by experts of Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the base has been infamous for inhumane living conditions. A few months ago, the same shelter was called out for rising Covid cases as whistleblowers alleged that the contractors and caretakers were practising inhumane ways of taking care of these children. After the report, a HHS spokesperson said the incident was ‘old’ and had already been taken care of and the HHS is making sure children are safe and happy. Also read | Suicide is still a crime in at least 20 countries worldwide: Research "In the aftermath of our disclosures, HHS asserts that the fundamental failures our clients identified are 'old' and have been 'fixed,'" the whistleblower report states. "To the contrary, the problems are ongoing, systemic, and repeated...with tragic consequences. It is true these are old issues; it is not true they have been fixed." The whistleblower claimed many children in the shelter are suffering from dehydration, possible gas leak environment, gastrointestinal issues and more due to the inhumane living conditions. The person also alleged that girls were being asked to shower in the presence of male staffers who had busied themselves in lice removal process of other students. It has also been alleged that only two out of twenty people from the mental health team are licensed and trained to perform the work. Many children have also claimed that they have not been able to get in contact with their case managers since they have arrived at the shelter.

Immigrant children burned by scalding water and threatened in US' emergency shelter: Reports

The acting President of Myanmar's shadow government Duwa Lashi La has called for revolt “in every village, town, and city in the entire country at the same time” and declared what he called a ”state of emergency.”

Myanmar's shadow government calls for revolt against military coup

Japan's government on Friday proposed&nbsp;states of&nbsp;emergency&nbsp;through August&nbsp;31 in three prefectures near Olympic host Tokyo and the western prefecture of Osaka, as&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;cases spike to records, overshadowing the Summer Games.

Existing&nbsp;states of&nbsp;emergency&nbsp;for Tokyo - its fourth since the pandemic began - and southern Okinawa island should also be extended to Aug. 31, Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, who is spearheading&nbsp;Japan's pandemic response, told a panel of experts in announcing the proposed expansion.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is expected to formally announce the move later on Friday after the experts approved it.

Japan&nbsp;has avoided a devastating&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;outbreak, but is now struggling to contain the highly transmissible Delta variant, with daily cases nationwide topping 10,000 for the first time on Thursday, media reported.

Japan&nbsp;has imposed a series of "state&nbsp;of&nbsp;emergency" declarations, but the orders are mostly voluntary, unlike other countries which impose strict lockdowns.

Many people have grown weary of the stay-home requests, with some bars refusing to adhere to service restrictions, and&nbsp;Japan's vaccination rollout lags.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-thought-i-had-won-the-bout-couldnt-believe-that-i-lost-says-mc-mary-kom-401541">Also read |&nbsp;Tokyo Olympics: 'Thought I had won the bout, couldn't believe that I lost', says MC Mary Kom</a>

Health Minister Norihisa Tamura said the country had entered a new "extremely frightening" stage as cases are spiking even though the movement of people was not increasing, and said the highly transmissible Delta variant was a big factor.

"I think that people cannot see ahead and, worrying how long this situation will last, they find it unbearable that they cannot return to normal daily life," he told the panel.

The surge in&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;cases is bad news for Suga, whose support rates are already at their lowest since he took office last September and who faces a ruling party leadership race and general election later this year.

Tokyo announced a record 3,865 daily infections on Thursday, up from 3,177 a day earlier. The surge is beginning to strain the medical system, with 64% of Tokyo's hospital beds available for serious&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;cases already filled as of Wednesday.

Suga and&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;organisers have denied there is any link between the July 23-August 8 Summer Games and the recent sharp spike in cases.

Unlike the voluntary restrictions and low vaccination rates elsewhere in&nbsp;Japan, the Olympic village in Tokyo for athletes and coaches boasts more than 80% vaccination, testing is compulsory and movement is stringently curtailed.

Athletes and other attendees from around the world must follow strict rules to prevent any spread of the virus within the "Olympic bubble" or to the wider city. Spectators are banned from most venues.

Organisers said on Friday reported 27 new Games-related&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;cases including three athletes, bringing the total Games-linked infections since July 1 to 220.

But experts worry holding the Games has sent a confusing message to the public about the need to limit activities.

Less than 30% of residents of&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;are fully vaccinated. Nishimura repeated that all those who want to get vaccinated should be able to do so by October or November.

Japan's government on Friday proposed states of emergency through August 31 in three prefectures near Olympic host Tokyo and the western prefecture of Osaka, as COVID-19 cases spike to records, overshadowing the Summer Games.

Japan's government on Friday proposed states of emergency through August 31 in three prefectures near Olympic host Tokyo and the western prefecture of Osaka, as COVID-19 cases spike to records, overshadowing the Summer Games. Existing states of emergency for Tokyo - its fourth since the pandemic began - and southern Okinawa island should also be extended to Aug. 31, Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, who is spearheading Japan's pandemic response, told a panel of experts in announcing the proposed expansion. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is expected to formally announce the move later on Friday after the experts approved it. Japan has avoided a devastating COVID-19 outbreak, but is now struggling to contain the highly transmissible Delta variant, with daily cases nationwide topping 10,000 for the first time on Thursday, media reported. Japan has imposed a series of "state of emergency" declarations, but the orders are mostly voluntary, unlike other countries which impose strict lockdowns. Many people have grown weary of the stay-home requests, with some bars refusing to adhere to service restrictions, and Japan's vaccination rollout lags. Also read | Tokyo Olympics: 'Thought I had won the bout, couldn't believe that I lost', says MC Mary Kom Health Minister Norihisa Tamura said the country had entered a new "extremely frightening" stage as cases are spiking even though the movement of people was not increasing, and said the highly transmissible Delta variant was a big factor. "I think that people cannot see ahead and, worrying how long this situation will last, they find it unbearable that they cannot return to normal daily life," he told the panel. The surge in COVID-19 cases is bad news for Suga, whose support rates are already at their lowest since he took office last September and who faces a ruling party leadership race and general election later this year. Tokyo announced a record 3,865 daily infections on Thursday, up from 3,177 a day earlier. The surge is beginning to strain the medical system, with 64% of Tokyo's hospital beds available for serious COVID-19 cases already filled as of Wednesday. Suga and Olympics organisers have denied there is any link between the July 23-August 8 Summer Games and the recent sharp spike in cases. Unlike the voluntary restrictions and low vaccination rates elsewhere in Japan, the Olympic village in Tokyo for athletes and coaches boasts more than 80% vaccination, testing is compulsory and movement is stringently curtailed. Athletes and other attendees from around the world must follow strict rules to prevent any spread of the virus within the "Olympic bubble" or to the wider city. Spectators are banned from most venues. Organisers said on Friday reported 27 new Games-related COVID-19 cases including three athletes, bringing the total Games-linked infections since July 1 to 220. But experts worry holding the Games has sent a confusing message to the public about the need to limit activities. Less than 30% of residents of Japan are fully vaccinated. Nishimura repeated that all those who want to get vaccinated should be able to do so by October or November.

Japan to expand state of emergency as COVID-19 shadows Olympics

Ecuador on Thursday declared a state of emergency in its penitentiary system after riots at two prisons left 22 dead and 57 wounded.

President Guillermo Lasso issued the order "to mobilise all necessary human and economic resources to re-establish order" in Ecuador's prisons.

Lasso said the military would be in charge of controlling the prison perimeter and entry, while police officers would control the inside.

Until now civilians trained as prison guards were in charge of indoor security.

Prison authorities earlier suspended all activities "that could put the penitentiary population and administrative personnel at risk."

Outside visits were cancelled at some prisons.

Among the wounded in the riots at prisons in Guayas, in southwestern Ecuador, and Cotopaxi, in the centre of the country, were eight police officers. An earlier toll had reported 21 deaths.

Fourteen inmates died in Cotopaxi, including one who died in the hospital, and five police officers were wounded, government minister Alexandra Vela said.

In Guayas there were eight prisoner deaths and three wounded police officers.

Amid the chaos and unrest a police officer was raped, Vela said.

The same two penitentiaries were involved in a wave of riots that broke out in February. In a single day, 79 inmates died in clashes between rival gangs vying for control.

In those riots, inmates were decapitated and burnt in violence that exposed the power of prison gangs and shocked the South American nation.

Severe overcrowding

Cotopaxi Governor Oswaldo Coronel said "high-caliber firearms" and explosives were used during the riots "which has caused a large amount of destruction inside" the prisons.

Several Cotopaxi prisoners also managed to escape at dawn. Police have not said how many slipped out, but did say that they managed to re-capture 78 of them.

President Lasso, who took office just in May, fired the head of the SNAI prisons management body and replaced him with a reserve army colonel.

Ecuador's prison system has about 60 facilities designed for 29,000 inmates but is burdened by overcrowding and staffing shortages.

About&nbsp;38,000 detainees are watched over by 1,500 guards, a shortfall of some 2,500, according to experts.

Ecuador's human rights ombudsman says there were 103 killings in Ecuador's prisons in 2020.&nbsp;

In an attempt to counter the violence, former president Lenin Moreno declared a state of emergency several times, including for three months in 2020.

Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, Ecuador has used alternative sentences for minor offences as a means of easing its prison population, which reduced overcrowding from 42 percent to 30 percent.

Ecuador on Thursday declared a state of emergency in its penitentiary system after riots at two prisons left 22 dead and 57 wounded. President Guillermo Lasso issued the order "to mobilise all necessary human and economic resources to re-establish order" in Ecuador's prisons.

Ecuador on Thursday declared a state of emergency in its penitentiary system after riots at two prisons left 22 dead and 57 wounded. President Guillermo Lasso issued the order "to mobilise all necessary human and economic resources to re-establish order" in Ecuador's prisons. Lasso said the military would be in charge of controlling the prison perimeter and entry, while police officers would control the inside. Until now civilians trained as prison guards were in charge of indoor security. Prison authorities earlier suspended all activities "that could put the penitentiary population and administrative personnel at risk." Outside visits were cancelled at some prisons. Among the wounded in the riots at prisons in Guayas, in southwestern Ecuador, and Cotopaxi, in the centre of the country, were eight police officers. An earlier toll had reported 21 deaths. Fourteen inmates died in Cotopaxi, including one who died in the hospital, and five police officers were wounded, government minister Alexandra Vela said. In Guayas there were eight prisoner deaths and three wounded police officers. Amid the chaos and unrest a police officer was raped, Vela said. The same two penitentiaries were involved in a wave of riots that broke out in February. In a single day, 79 inmates died in clashes between rival gangs vying for control. In those riots, inmates were decapitated and burnt in violence that exposed the power of prison gangs and shocked the South American nation. Severe overcrowding Cotopaxi Governor Oswaldo Coronel said "high-caliber firearms" and explosives were used during the riots "which has caused a large amount of destruction inside" the prisons. Several Cotopaxi prisoners also managed to escape at dawn. Police have not said how many slipped out, but did say that they managed to re-capture 78 of them. President Lasso, who took office just in May, fired the head of the SNAI prisons management body and replaced him with a reserve army colonel. Ecuador's prison system has about 60 facilities designed for 29,000 inmates but is burdened by overcrowding and staffing shortages. About 38,000 detainees are watched over by 1,500 guards, a shortfall of some 2,500, according to experts. Ecuador's human rights ombudsman says there were 103 killings in Ecuador's prisons in 2020. In an attempt to counter the violence, former president Lenin Moreno declared a state of emergency several times, including for three months in 2020. Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, Ecuador has used alternative sentences for minor offences as a means of easing its prison population, which reduced overcrowding from 42 percent to 30 percent.

Ecuador declares emergency after 22 killed in prison riots

Malnutrition is being deemed as Afghanistan's silent emergency. As per data released by UNICEF, Afghanistan has one of the world’s highest rates of stunting in children under five, that is 41 per cent.

The rate of wasting, the extreme manifestation of severe acute malnutrition, in Afghanistan is extremely high at 9.5 per cent.&nbsp;

A total of one in three adolescent girls suffers from anaemia, while only half of the Afghan babies are exclusively breastfed in their first six months. Also, only 12 per cent of Afghan children aged 6-24 months receive the right variety of food in the quantity needed for their age.

The pandemic has further contributed to the problem as there is an increase in the number of wasted children in Afghanistan and this situation remains a priority.

Not just children but the mothers are equally malnourished. Harmful diets of the mother results in a harmful cycle – malnourished infants grow up to become stunted mothers, generation after generation. "This is a cycle we must break", says UNICEF.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-ranks-94-in-hunger-index-experts-blame-poor-implementation-siloed-approach-336085">Also read | India ranks 94 in Hunger Index; experts blame poor implementation, siloed approach</a>

Afghanistan’s health system still faces several challenges. Some cultural practices and preferences related to food limit the potential development of the next generation of Afghanistan leaders.&nbsp;

Knowledge of good diets is still limited. Over the next year, UNICEF will support the Government in rolling out an intensive information campaign. Also, nutrition services are part of all government health services however there are areas that are less accessible for regular services leaving some children at high risk.&nbsp;

UNICEF is helping by providing health and nutrition mobile services, however, these could be expanded further.&nbsp;

Mothers are not aware of their own nutritional needs. "We need to improve their knowledge of, and access to, a healthy diet for themselves and their families", says UNICEF. The organization aims at supporting the government in training and supporting nutrition counsellors, community health workers, midwives and other health workers can teach families how to make small improvements in their eating habits that can result in big health gains.

Malnutrition is being deemed as Afghanistan's silent emergency. As per data released by UNICEF, Afghanistan has one of the world’s highest rates of stunting in children under five, that is 41 per cent.

Malnutrition is being deemed as Afghanistan's silent emergency. As per data released by UNICEF, Afghanistan has one of the world’s highest rates of stunting in children under five, that is 41 per cent. The rate of wasting, the extreme manifestation of severe acute malnutrition, in Afghanistan is extremely high at 9.5 per cent. A total of one in three adolescent girls suffers from anaemia, while only half of the Afghan babies are exclusively breastfed in their first six months. Also, only 12 per cent of Afghan children aged 6-24 months receive the right variety of food in the quantity needed for their age. The pandemic has further contributed to the problem as there is an increase in the number of wasted children in Afghanistan and this situation remains a priority. Not just children but the mothers are equally malnourished. Harmful diets of the mother results in a harmful cycle – malnourished infants grow up to become stunted mothers, generation after generation. "This is a cycle we must break", says UNICEF. Also read | India ranks 94 in Hunger Index; experts blame poor implementation, siloed approach Afghanistan’s health system still faces several challenges. Some cultural practices and preferences related to food limit the potential development of the next generation of Afghanistan leaders. Knowledge of good diets is still limited. Over the next year, UNICEF will support the Government in rolling out an intensive information campaign. Also, nutrition services are part of all government health services however there are areas that are less accessible for regular services leaving some children at high risk. UNICEF is helping by providing health and nutrition mobile services, however, these could be expanded further. Mothers are not aware of their own nutritional needs. "We need to improve their knowledge of, and access to, a healthy diet for themselves and their families", says UNICEF. The organization aims at supporting the government in training and supporting nutrition counsellors, community health workers, midwives and other health workers can teach families how to make small improvements in their eating habits that can result in big health gains.

Malnutrition now termed as Afghanistan's 'silent emergency'

Olympic host city Tokyo entered a new state of emergency on Monday, less than two weeks before the Games begin amid worries about whether the measures can stem a rise in COVID-19 cases.

Organizers last week announced that spectators would be banned from nearly all venues. Spectators from abroad were already banned months ago, and officials are now asking residents to watch the Games on TV to keep the movement of people, which could spread contagion, to a minimum.

Opinion polls have consistently shown the Japanese public is concerned about going ahead with the Games during the pandemic.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's handling of the pandemic - including an initially slow vaccination rollout - has eroded his support. The issue is especially sensitive ahead of a national election and a ruling party leadership race due later this year.

"We would ask people to support athletes from home," Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said on a Sunday TV program.

The Games, postponed from last year because of the pandemic, run from July 23 to August 8, while the state of emergency - the capitals fourth - lasts until August 22, shortly before the Paralympics begin.

The government and organizers had long seen the Games as a chance to display Japan's recovery from a devastating 2011 earthquake and nuclear crisis.

On Saturday, the governor of Fukushima prefecture, the site of the nuclear disaster, said spectators would also be banned from softball and baseball games there, reversing an earlier decision.

RISING TOKYO INFECTIONS

World No. 1 tennis player Novak Djokovic said on Sunday he was "50-50" about competing at the Tokyo&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;following the organizers' decision to ban fans from attending and limits on the number of people he can take to the Games.

Some of the sport's biggest names, including Rafa Nadal, Dominic Thiem, Stan Wawrinka, Nick Kyrgios, Serena Williams, and Simona Halep have already said that they will skip the Games.

Japan has recorded more than 815,440 COVID-19 cases and nearly 15,000 deaths.

Recent rises in Tokyo have been particularly worrisome amid a vaccination rollout that got off to a slow start and has faced supply glitches after speeding up. Only about 28% of the population has received at least one shot of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Tokyo recorded 502 new cases on Sunday, the 23rd straight day of week-on-week gains, and experts worry that the public has grown weary of restrictions, mostly voluntary, on activities.

The coronavirus curbs include asking restaurants to close early and to stop serving alcohol in exchange for a government subsidy, measures that have hit the eateries hard and caused many to complain of unfairness as the Games are set to go ahead.

Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, who is also in charge of the pandemic response, sparked outrage when he suggested late on Thursday he would ask banks to put pressure on eateries that do not comply with the stricter measures.

In an about-face, the government's top spokesperson Kato said on Friday it had decided banks would not be asked to press restaurants and bars that do not follow the government request to stop serving alcohol under the emergency restrictions.

On Monday, "Anyone but LDP or Komeito" was trending on Twitter, a reference to voting for political parties other than Suga's ruling Liberal Democratic Party or its junior coalition partner, the Komeito, in the coming parliamentary election.

"I'm not a restaurateur, but this administration that couldn't come up with effective anti-coronavirus steps despite having a year to get ready for the&nbsp;Olympics... is no good," said one angry Twitter user.

Olympic host city Tokyo entered a new state of emergency on Monday, less than two weeks before the Games begin amid worries about whether the measures can stem a rise in COVID-19 cases.

Olympic host city Tokyo entered a new state of emergency on Monday, less than two weeks before the Games begin amid worries about whether the measures can stem a rise in COVID-19 cases. Organizers last week announced that spectators would be banned from nearly all venues. Spectators from abroad were already banned months ago, and officials are now asking residents to watch the Games on TV to keep the movement of people, which could spread contagion, to a minimum. Opinion polls have consistently shown the Japanese public is concerned about going ahead with the Games during the pandemic. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's handling of the pandemic - including an initially slow vaccination rollout - has eroded his support. The issue is especially sensitive ahead of a national election and a ruling party leadership race due later this year. "We would ask people to support athletes from home," Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said on a Sunday TV program. The Games, postponed from last year because of the pandemic, run from July 23 to August 8, while the state of emergency - the capitals fourth - lasts until August 22, shortly before the Paralympics begin. The government and organizers had long seen the Games as a chance to display Japan's recovery from a devastating 2011 earthquake and nuclear crisis. On Saturday, the governor of Fukushima prefecture, the site of the nuclear disaster, said spectators would also be banned from softball and baseball games there, reversing an earlier decision. RISING TOKYO INFECTIONS World No. 1 tennis player Novak Djokovic said on Sunday he was "50-50" about competing at the Tokyo Olympics following the organizers' decision to ban fans from attending and limits on the number of people he can take to the Games. Some of the sport's biggest names, including Rafa Nadal, Dominic Thiem, Stan Wawrinka, Nick Kyrgios, Serena Williams, and Simona Halep have already said that they will skip the Games. Japan has recorded more than 815,440 COVID-19 cases and nearly 15,000 deaths. Recent rises in Tokyo have been particularly worrisome amid a vaccination rollout that got off to a slow start and has faced supply glitches after speeding up. Only about 28% of the population has received at least one shot of a COVID-19 vaccine. Tokyo recorded 502 new cases on Sunday, the 23rd straight day of week-on-week gains, and experts worry that the public has grown weary of restrictions, mostly voluntary, on activities. The coronavirus curbs include asking restaurants to close early and to stop serving alcohol in exchange for a government subsidy, measures that have hit the eateries hard and caused many to complain of unfairness as the Games are set to go ahead. Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, who is also in charge of the pandemic response, sparked outrage when he suggested late on Thursday he would ask banks to put pressure on eateries that do not comply with the stricter measures. In an about-face, the government's top spokesperson Kato said on Friday it had decided banks would not be asked to press restaurants and bars that do not follow the government request to stop serving alcohol under the emergency restrictions. On Monday, "Anyone but LDP or Komeito" was trending on Twitter, a reference to voting for political parties other than Suga's ruling Liberal Democratic Party or its junior coalition partner, the Komeito, in the coming parliamentary election. "I'm not a restaurateur, but this administration that couldn't come up with effective anti-coronavirus steps despite having a year to get ready for the Olympics... is no good," said one angry Twitter user.

Tokyo enters 4th COVID-19 emergency as Olympics approach

Cuba&nbsp;on Friday approved its home-grown Abdala vaccine for emergency use, the first Latin American coronavirus jab to reach this stage and a possible lifeline for a region trying to battle a killer pandemic with modest means.

The country's CECMED health regulator gave the go-ahead after Abdala's makers last month announced the vaccine candidate was more than 92 per cent effective at preventing Covid-19 disease after three doses.

Cuba&nbsp;is working on five coronavirus vaccines, and in May started immunizing its population using two of them -- Abdala and Soberana 2 -- even before they received approval.&nbsp;

By this week, 6.8 million of&nbsp;Cuba's 11.2 million people have received at least one dose of either vaccine, while 1.6 million have the required three doses.

The country has not bought or sought vaccines from elsewhere and aims to immunize its population before the end of the year.

In June, the state-run BioCubaFarma laboratory said Abdala "shows the efficacy of 92.28 per cent in its three-dose scheme."

The World Health Organization has set a 50-per cent efficacy threshold for coronavirus vaccines to qualifying for an approved global roll-out, though individual countries can green-light jabs without the UN stamp for domestic use.

The CECMED said approval of Abdala was based on its analysis that it met requirements for "quality, safety and effectiveness."

And Aica Laboratories, where the vaccine is produced, said there had been "a rigorous process of evaluation of the dossier and... inspections of the plants involved."

Under American sanctions, communist&nbsp;Cuba&nbsp;has a long tradition of making its own vaccines, dating back to the 1980s.

Nearly 80 per cent of its inoculations are produced locally.

Soberana 2 next?

On Thursday, the Finlay Institute which makes Soberana 2 said it, too, showed efficacy exceeding 91 per cent after three doses.

Eduardo Martinez, president of BioCubaFarma, said Soberana 2 will be submitted to the regulatory authority in the coming days for its own emergency approval.

Cuba&nbsp;has recorded more than 224,000 COVID-19 cases among its population of 11.2 million and some 1,450 deaths.&nbsp;

It has seen a recent spike in infections, with a new daily infection record reported Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/covid-19-us-sending-15-million-covid-vaccine-doses-to-nepal-500000-to-bhutan-white-house-397107">Also read |&nbsp;COVID-19: US sending 1.5 million Covid vaccine doses to Nepal, 500,000 to Bhutan — White House</a>

On Wednesday, authorities sent an urgent deployment of doctors and medical equipment to the province of Matanzas -- where foreign tourists have continued to visit -- after hospitals there reached capacity.

A local company has been commissioned to make more hospital beds for Matanzas and there is a social media campaign to raise donations.&nbsp;

Elsewhere in Latin America, the situation remains worrying.

Brazil has the world's second-highest death toll -- more than 530,000. Colombia recently crossed the grim threshold of 100,000 coronavirus deaths and Peru is now the country with the world's highest death toll per capita.

Mexico, whose recorded death toll of 234,000 is the fourth-highest in the world, said Tuesday it is battling a fresh pandemic wave.

A locally produced vaccine offers a glimpse of hope for Latin America and the Caribbean, a region which the UN says has fully vaccinated just over 13.6 per cent of its population compared to 34.9 per cent in the European Union and 46.3 per cent in North America.

The region comprises a third of the world's coronavirus death toll despite representing just 8.4 per cent of the global population.

Venezuela has signed a contract to purchase 12 million doses of Abdala and has already started using the Cuban jab in its vaccination campaign.

Argentina's health minister visited the island in May to discuss a possible vaccine deal and Mexico has expressed interest.

There is no requirement for the WHO to approve such bilateral vaccine deals.

Abdala and Soberana 2 are recombinant protein vaccines that work by recreating the "spikes" on the surface of the coronavirus and introducing it to the body, training the immune system to recognize intruders and fight back in case of a real infection.

Recombinant vaccines, unlike some coronavirus shots already in use, do not need extreme refrigeration.

Cuba on Friday approved its home-grown Abdala vaccine for emergency use, the first Latin American coronavirus jab to reach this stage and a possible lifeline for a region trying to battle a killer pandemic with modest means.

Cuba on Friday approved its home-grown Abdala vaccine for emergency use, the first Latin American coronavirus jab to reach this stage and a possible lifeline for a region trying to battle a killer pandemic with modest means. The country's CECMED health regulator gave the go-ahead after Abdala's makers last month announced the vaccine candidate was more than 92 per cent effective at preventing Covid-19 disease after three doses. Cuba is working on five coronavirus vaccines, and in May started immunizing its population using two of them -- Abdala and Soberana 2 -- even before they received approval. By this week, 6.8 million of Cuba's 11.2 million people have received at least one dose of either vaccine, while 1.6 million have the required three doses. The country has not bought or sought vaccines from elsewhere and aims to immunize its population before the end of the year. In June, the state-run BioCubaFarma laboratory said Abdala "shows the efficacy of 92.28 per cent in its three-dose scheme." The World Health Organization has set a 50-per cent efficacy threshold for coronavirus vaccines to qualifying for an approved global roll-out, though individual countries can green-light jabs without the UN stamp for domestic use. The CECMED said approval of Abdala was based on its analysis that it met requirements for "quality, safety and effectiveness." And Aica Laboratories, where the vaccine is produced, said there had been "a rigorous process of evaluation of the dossier and... inspections of the plants involved." Under American sanctions, communist Cuba has a long tradition of making its own vaccines, dating back to the 1980s. Nearly 80 per cent of its inoculations are produced locally. Soberana 2 next? On Thursday, the Finlay Institute which makes Soberana 2 said it, too, showed efficacy exceeding 91 per cent after three doses. Eduardo Martinez, president of BioCubaFarma, said Soberana 2 will be submitted to the regulatory authority in the coming days for its own emergency approval. Cuba has recorded more than 224,000 COVID-19 cases among its population of 11.2 million and some 1,450 deaths. It has seen a recent spike in infections, with a new daily infection record reported Friday. Also read | COVID-19: US sending 1.5 million Covid vaccine doses to Nepal, 500,000 to Bhutan — White House On Wednesday, authorities sent an urgent deployment of doctors and medical equipment to the province of Matanzas -- where foreign tourists have continued to visit -- after hospitals there reached capacity. A local company has been commissioned to make more hospital beds for Matanzas and there is a social media campaign to raise donations. Elsewhere in Latin America, the situation remains worrying. Brazil has the world's second-highest death toll -- more than 530,000. Colombia recently crossed the grim threshold of 100,000 coronavirus deaths and Peru is now the country with the world's highest death toll per capita. Mexico, whose recorded death toll of 234,000 is the fourth-highest in the world, said Tuesday it is battling a fresh pandemic wave. A locally produced vaccine offers a glimpse of hope for Latin America and the Caribbean, a region which the UN says has fully vaccinated just over 13.6 per cent of its population compared to 34.9 per cent in the European Union and 46.3 per cent in North America. The region comprises a third of the world's coronavirus death toll despite representing just 8.4 per cent of the global population. Venezuela has signed a contract to purchase 12 million doses of Abdala and has already started using the Cuban jab in its vaccination campaign. Argentina's health minister visited the island in May to discuss a possible vaccine deal and Mexico has expressed interest. There is no requirement for the WHO to approve such bilateral vaccine deals. Abdala and Soberana 2 are recombinant protein vaccines that work by recreating the "spikes" on the surface of the coronavirus and introducing it to the body, training the immune system to recognize intruders and fight back in case of a real infection. Recombinant vaccines, unlike some coronavirus shots already in use, do not need extreme refrigeration.

Cuba approves emergency use of home-grown COVID-19 vaccine

At a meeting with experts, Japanese government officials proposed a plan to issue a state of emergency in Tokyo from next Monday to August 22, fearing an ongoing COVID-19 surge will multiply during the Olympic games.

Japan to declare virus emergency lasting through Tokyo Olympics

Hong Kong authorities have used a new national security law to target dissent and justify 'censorship, harassment, arrests and prosecutions that violate human rights', Amnesty International said on Wednesday, a year after the law was implemented. 
 
Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law in June last year that sets out punishment for anything it deems as subversion, secession, colluding with foreign forces and terrorism with up to life in prison, setting the city on a more authoritarian path. 
 
Authorities have said the law would affect an 'extremely small minority' of people and that it had restored stability after months of often-violent protests in 2019. They have said rights and freedoms in the former British colony remain protected but they are not absolute. 
 
Most high-profile democratic politicians and activists have been arrested under the new law or for protest-related charges, or are in self-exile.

"In one year, the National Security Law has put Hong Kong on a rapid path to becoming a police state and created a human rights emergency for the people living there," said Amnesty International's Asia-Pacific Regional Director Yamini Mishra. 
 
"Ultimately, this sweeping and repressive legislation threatens to make the city a human rights wasteland increasingly resembling mainland China." 
 
The Hong Kong government did not immediately respond to requests for comment. 
 
Authorities have said all arrests have been lawful and no one was above the law, regardless of their occupation. 
 
In its 47-page report, the international human rights group cited analysis of court judgements, court hearing notes and interviews with activists, concluding the legislation has been used 'to carry out a wide range of human rights violations'. 
 
Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule in 1997 with the promise of a high degree of autonomy from Beijing and that wide-ranging rights and freedoms would be protected for at least 50 years. 
 
Mishra said the law "has infected every part of Hong Kong society and fomented a climate of fear that forces residents to think twice about what they say, what they tweet and how they live their lives". 
 
More than 100 people were arrested and more than 60 charged in the first year under the security law, according to a tally by Reuters. 
 
"Hong Kong's NSL has been used as a false pretext to curb dissent," the rights group said, referring to the security law. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong authorities have used a new national security law to target dissent and justify 'censorship, harassment, arrests and prosecutions that violate human rights', Amnesty International said on Wednesday, a year after the law was implemented.

Hong Kong authorities have used a new national security law to target dissent and justify 'censorship, harassment, arrests and prosecutions that violate human rights', Amnesty International said on Wednesday, a year after the law was implemented. Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law in June last year that sets out punishment for anything it deems as subversion, secession, colluding with foreign forces and terrorism with up to life in prison, setting the city on a more authoritarian path. Authorities have said the law would affect an 'extremely small minority' of people and that it had restored stability after months of often-violent protests in 2019. They have said rights and freedoms in the former British colony remain protected but they are not absolute. Most high-profile democratic politicians and activists have been arrested under the new law or for protest-related charges, or are in self-exile. "In one year, the National Security Law has put Hong Kong on a rapid path to becoming a police state and created a human rights emergency for the people living there," said Amnesty International's Asia-Pacific Regional Director Yamini Mishra. "Ultimately, this sweeping and repressive legislation threatens to make the city a human rights wasteland increasingly resembling mainland China." The Hong Kong government did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Authorities have said all arrests have been lawful and no one was above the law, regardless of their occupation. In its 47-page report, the international human rights group cited analysis of court judgements, court hearing notes and interviews with activists, concluding the legislation has been used 'to carry out a wide range of human rights violations'. Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule in 1997 with the promise of a high degree of autonomy from Beijing and that wide-ranging rights and freedoms would be protected for at least 50 years. Mishra said the law "has infected every part of Hong Kong society and fomented a climate of fear that forces residents to think twice about what they say, what they tweet and how they live their lives". More than 100 people were arrested and more than 60 charged in the first year under the security law, according to a tally by Reuters. "Hong Kong's NSL has been used as a false pretext to curb dissent," the rights group said, referring to the security law. (With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong security law is 'a human rights emergency': Amnesty

The head of UNICEF on Monday asked G7 countries to donate supplies to the COVAX vaccine-sharing scheme as an emergency measure to address a severe shortfall caused by disruption to Indian vaccine exports.&nbsp;

India has curbed exports of the AstraZeneca vaccine made by its Serum Institute, which had been pledged to COVAX, to be used by the country as it battles a massive second wave of infections.&nbsp;

UN agency UNICEF, which is in charge of supplying coronavirus vaccines through COVAX, estimates the supply shortfall at 140 million doses by the end of May and about 190 million by the end of June.&nbsp;

"Sharing immediately available excess doses is a minimum, essential and emergency stop-gap measure, and it is needed right now," said UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore, adding that this could help to prevent vulnerable countries from becoming the next global hotspot.&nbsp;

As G7 leaders prepare to meet in Britain next month, the head of the World Health Organization last week denounced the 'moral catastrophe' of vaccine inequity, urging wealthy countries to donate doses rather than use them for children, who are less vulnerable to severe disease.&nbsp;

Citing new research from scientific information and analytics company Airfinity, UNICEF's Fore said that G7 countries could donate about 153 million doses if they shared only 20% of their available supply over June, July and August.&nbsp;

This could be done while still meeting commitments to vaccinate their own populations, she said, without providing further detail.&nbsp;

COVAX, run jointly by the WHO and the GAVI vaccine alliance, relies heavily on the AstraZeneca shot, which accounts for the bulk of the vaccines earmarked for early rollout as it seeks to provide two billion doses this year. &nbsp;

UNICEF said that other manufacturing limitations outside India had also slowed supply of COVAX doses but those delays are expected to be resolved by the end of June.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

The head of UNICEF on Monday asked G7 countries to donate supplies to the COVAX vaccine-sharing scheme as an emergency measure to address a severe shortfall caused by disruption to Indian vaccine exports.

The head of UNICEF on Monday asked G7 countries to donate supplies to the COVAX vaccine-sharing scheme as an emergency measure to address a severe shortfall caused by disruption to Indian vaccine exports. India has curbed exports of the AstraZeneca vaccine made by its Serum Institute, which had been pledged to COVAX, to be used by the country as it battles a massive second wave of infections. UN agency UNICEF, which is in charge of supplying coronavirus vaccines through COVAX, estimates the supply shortfall at 140 million doses by the end of May and about 190 million by the end of June. "Sharing immediately available excess doses is a minimum, essential and emergency stop-gap measure, and it is needed right now," said UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore, adding that this could help to prevent vulnerable countries from becoming the next global hotspot. As G7 leaders prepare to meet in Britain next month, the head of the World Health Organization last week denounced the 'moral catastrophe' of vaccine inequity, urging wealthy countries to donate doses rather than use them for children, who are less vulnerable to severe disease. Citing new research from scientific information and analytics company Airfinity, UNICEF's Fore said that G7 countries could donate about 153 million doses if they shared only 20% of their available supply over June, July and August. This could be done while still meeting commitments to vaccinate their own populations, she said, without providing further detail. COVAX, run jointly by the WHO and the GAVI vaccine alliance, relies heavily on the AstraZeneca shot, which accounts for the bulk of the vaccines earmarked for early rollout as it seeks to provide two billion doses this year. UNICEF said that other manufacturing limitations outside India had also slowed supply of COVAX doses but those delays are expected to be resolved by the end of June. (With inputs from agencies)

G7 urged to donate 'emergency' supplies to vaccine-sharing scheme 

Japan on Friday declared state of emergency in three more prefectures that are hit hard by COVID-19 pandemic. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga made an announcement in this regard. It is being viewed as a surprise move that reflects growing concern on spread of coronavirus.

Japan is grappling with surge of more infectious virus strain just 10 weeks before the Tokyo Olympics. The Olympics are due to start on July 23.

Hokkaido, Okayama and Hiroshima will join Tokyo, Osaka and four other prefectures on Sunday (May 16) under a state of emergency until May 31, Suga told a news conference, adding that this was due to a rapid increase of cases in those areas.

The government had originally decided on a more targetted "quasi-emergency" for five additional prefectures.

"We took experts' opinion into consideration," Suga said on the need for a state of emergency in the prefectures, adding that a stronger message had been needed.

The latest measures bring 19 of Japan's 47 prefectures, home to about 70% of the population, under curbs such as an 8 p.m. closing deadline for eateries and a ban on alcohol at most bars and restaurants.

The decision also came just over two months before the Olympics, postponed for a year due to the pandemic and now set to start on July 23. Suga reiterated that the Olympics could be held while ensuring the safety of both athletes and Japanese nationals, and that the government was considering measures on restricting the movements of foreign journalist."

(With inputs from agencies)

Japan on Friday declared state of emergency in three more prefectures that are hit hard by COVID-19 pandemic. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga made an announcement in this regard.

Japan on Friday declared state of emergency in three more prefectures that are hit hard by COVID-19 pandemic. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga made an announcement in this regard. It is being viewed as a surprise move that reflects growing concern on spread of coronavirus. Japan is grappling with surge of more infectious virus strain just 10 weeks before the Tokyo Olympics. The Olympics are due to start on July 23. Hokkaido, Okayama and Hiroshima will join Tokyo, Osaka and four other prefectures on Sunday (May 16) under a state of emergency until May 31, Suga told a news conference, adding that this was due to a rapid increase of cases in those areas. The government had originally decided on a more targetted "quasi-emergency" for five additional prefectures. "We took experts' opinion into consideration," Suga said on the need for a state of emergency in the prefectures, adding that a stronger message had been needed. The latest measures bring 19 of Japan's 47 prefectures, home to about 70% of the population, under curbs such as an 8 p.m. closing deadline for eateries and a ban on alcohol at most bars and restaurants. The decision also came just over two months before the Olympics, postponed for a year due to the pandemic and now set to start on July 23. Suga reiterated that the Olympics could be held while ensuring the safety of both athletes and Japanese nationals, and that the government was considering measures on restricting the movements of foreign journalist." (With inputs from agencies)

Japan widens COVID-19 emergency to three more prefectures

Spain has lifted a state of emergency in place since October to fight the pandemic, allowing Spaniards to travel between regions for the first time in months.

"It's like New Year's," said 28-year-old Oriol Corbella in Barcelona, where the lifting of the curfew was met with shouts, applause and music.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Spain to open tourism, but only for 'Covid passport' holders">Spain to open tourism, but only for 'Covid passport' holders</a>

"We're getting a bit of normality back, of freedom, but we have to keep in mind that the virus is still around," he added.

"I was fed up with not being able to get out of Madrid," jewellery designer Blaca Valls told AFP on Saturday, echoing the relief of many in the country over the easing of restrictions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Spain to enforce quarantine on travellers from India">Spain to enforce quarantine on travellers from India</a>

"I felt frustrated, locked down, with no freedom," added the 46-year-old who plans to go to Galicia, in northwest Spain, next weekend to celebrate a birthday.

Argentina Enriquez, a 37-year-old Mexican student, said she was impatiently waiting to head to the countryside to enjoy barbecues with friends, play the guitar and go for walks.

"Just being together... a lot of emotions," she said.

Although the emergency measure, which expired at midnight (2200 GMT Saturday) will lead to more freedoms, it is a headache for the country's 17 regional governments responsible for health care.

The state of emergency provided them with a legal framework to impose measures -- such as nighttime curfews or a ban on non-essential travel between regions -- that limited freedoms.

Except for a few days over Christmas when the restrictions were lifted, people have not been able to travel to other regions, go on holiday, or see family.

Discouraged by the surge in infections after Christmas, the authorities did not loosen internal travel restrictions during Easter week, normally a peak travel period in Spain.

But what really angered Spaniards was the fact that foreign tourists were able to pour into the country on holiday while they were banned from travelling to the beach or visiting loved ones.

While intra-regional travel bans have ended and curfews have been lifted, not all of the restrictions are being relaxed in Spain, one of Europe's hardest-hit nations with nearly 79,000 deaths and 3.5 million infections.

Regions can still restrict opening hours and impose capacity limits in bars and restaurants.

They can also seek court approval for stricter measures such as reimposing curfews, capping the number allowed at home gatherings or extending a ban on internal travel.

But the courts have offered different rulings, leading to a patchwork of measures across the country.

A court in the eastern Valencia region approved a midnight-to-6:00 am curfew, while the top court in the northern Basque Country said the area could not keep its nighttime curfew.

To avoid this scenario, several regions have lobbied Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's government to extend the emergency.

But his administration has refused, saying the measures could not remain in place indefinitely, pointing out that the infection rate was stable and that Spain's vaccination programme was progressing rapidly.

Even so, it passed a decree allowing regions the right to appeal to the Supreme Court if a local court strikes down a proposed measure.&nbsp;

At the head of a minority government, Sanchez had faced an uphill struggle to cobble together enough support to approve an extension of the state of emergency.

State-owned rail operator&nbsp;Renfe says ticket sales for next week are up 13 percent over the last seven days.

But after more than a year of restrictions, and with the weather turning hot and sunny, the authorities have warned people against letting down their guard.&nbsp;

Spaniards must be careful "not to get the wrong impression about what ending the state of emergency means... it doesn't mean an end to the restrictions," the health ministry's emergencies coordinator Fernando Simon said on Thursday.

Everyone must continue to behave responsibly, he insisted.

"Nothing can be ruled out in terms of the evolution of the pandemic."

Spain has lifted a state of emergency in place since October to fight the pandemic, allowing Spaniards to travel between regions for the first time in months. "It's like New Year's," said 28-year-old Oriol Corbella in Barcelona, where the lifting of the curfew was met with shouts, applause and music.

Spain has lifted a state of emergency in place since October to fight the pandemic, allowing Spaniards to travel between regions for the first time in months. "It's like New Year's," said 28-year-old Oriol Corbella in Barcelona, where the lifting of the curfew was met with shouts, applause and music. Also read | Spain to open tourism, but only for 'Covid passport' holders "We're getting a bit of normality back, of freedom, but we have to keep in mind that the virus is still around," he added. "I was fed up with not being able to get out of Madrid," jewellery designer Blaca Valls told AFP on Saturday, echoing the relief of many in the country over the easing of restrictions. Also read | Spain to enforce quarantine on travellers from India "I felt frustrated, locked down, with no freedom," added the 46-year-old who plans to go to Galicia, in northwest Spain, next weekend to celebrate a birthday. Argentina Enriquez, a 37-year-old Mexican student, said she was impatiently waiting to head to the countryside to enjoy barbecues with friends, play the guitar and go for walks. "Just being together... a lot of emotions," she said. Although the emergency measure, which expired at midnight (2200 GMT Saturday) will lead to more freedoms, it is a headache for the country's 17 regional governments responsible for health care. The state of emergency provided them with a legal framework to impose measures -- such as nighttime curfews or a ban on non-essential travel between regions -- that limited freedoms. Except for a few days over Christmas when the restrictions were lifted, people have not been able to travel to other regions, go on holiday, or see family. Discouraged by the surge in infections after Christmas, the authorities did not loosen internal travel restrictions during Easter week, normally a peak travel period in Spain. But what really angered Spaniards was the fact that foreign tourists were able to pour into the country on holiday while they were banned from travelling to the beach or visiting loved ones. While intra-regional travel bans have ended and curfews have been lifted, not all of the restrictions are being relaxed in Spain, one of Europe's hardest-hit nations with nearly 79,000 deaths and 3.5 million infections. Regions can still restrict opening hours and impose capacity limits in bars and restaurants. They can also seek court approval for stricter measures such as reimposing curfews, capping the number allowed at home gatherings or extending a ban on internal travel. But the courts have offered different rulings, leading to a patchwork of measures across the country. A court in the eastern Valencia region approved a midnight-to-6:00 am curfew, while the top court in the northern Basque Country said the area could not keep its nighttime curfew. To avoid this scenario, several regions have lobbied Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's government to extend the emergency. But his administration has refused, saying the measures could not remain in place indefinitely, pointing out that the infection rate was stable and that Spain's vaccination programme was progressing rapidly. Even so, it passed a decree allowing regions the right to appeal to the Supreme Court if a local court strikes down a proposed measure. At the head of a minority government, Sanchez had faced an uphill struggle to cobble together enough support to approve an extension of the state of emergency. State-owned rail operator Renfe says ticket sales for next week are up 13 percent over the last seven days. But after more than a year of restrictions, and with the weather turning hot and sunny, the authorities have warned people against letting down their guard. Spaniards must be careful "not to get the wrong impression about what ending the state of emergency means... it doesn't mean an end to the restrictions," the health ministry's emergencies coordinator Fernando Simon said on Thursday. Everyone must continue to behave responsibly, he insisted. "Nothing can be ruled out in terms of the evolution of the pandemic."

COVID 19 : Spain ends Covid state of emergency

Japan declared "short and powerful" states of emergency for Tokyo, Osaka and two other prefectures as the country struggles to contain a resurgent coronavirus pandemic three months before the Olympics.

Japan announces COVID emergency in Tokyo

Ethiopia has declared a state of emergency in the southern part of Amhara regional state as violence breaks out in various towns.&nbsp;

Last three days saw deadly armed violence in the town of Ataye and several other areas in Oromia special zones, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement on Sunday.&nbsp;

Ethiopia's military was deploying troops to quell violence between the country's two largest ethnic groups that have left hundreds dead in recent weeks.&nbsp;

The decision underscores persistent insecurity extending beyond Ethiopia's war-hit Tigray region ahead of national elections planned for June.&nbsp;

"A command post has been established in relation to the security problem that has occurred in North Shoa zone and Oromo special zone of Amhara regional state," the military said in a statement. &nbsp;

"The command post will help ensure the supremacy of the law on destructive forces that are disturbing the peace in these areas."&nbsp;

The Amhara region is dominated by the ethnic Amhara group, Ethiopia's second-largest, but the Oromo special zone is populated mainly by Oromos, the numerically dominant group.&nbsp;

Ethiopia's chief ombudsman, Endale Haile, said earlier this month that the violence in Amhara had killed more than 300 people over several days in March.&nbsp;

Jemal Hassen Mohammed, chief administrator of the Jile-Temuga area in the Oromo special zone, said it began March 19 after an ethnic Oromo imam was shot dead outside a mosque, sparking clashes between Amhara security forces and ethnic Oromo civilians.&nbsp;

The Amhara Association of America, a US-based lobbying group, said more than 100 ethnic Amharas had been killed in North Shoa zone by members of the Oromo Liberation Army rebel group.&nbsp;

Further violence has been reported in the area as recently as this weekend, though updated casualty information was not available on Sunday. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Ethiopia has declared a state of emergency in the southern part of Amhara regional state as violence breaks out in various towns. Last three days saw deadly armed violence in the town of Ataye and several other areas in Oromia special zones, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement on Sunday.

Ethiopia has declared a state of emergency in the southern part of Amhara regional state as violence breaks out in various towns. Last three days saw deadly armed violence in the town of Ataye and several other areas in Oromia special zones, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement on Sunday. Ethiopia's military was deploying troops to quell violence between the country's two largest ethnic groups that have left hundreds dead in recent weeks. The decision underscores persistent insecurity extending beyond Ethiopia's war-hit Tigray region ahead of national elections planned for June. "A command post has been established in relation to the security problem that has occurred in North Shoa zone and Oromo special zone of Amhara regional state," the military said in a statement. "The command post will help ensure the supremacy of the law on destructive forces that are disturbing the peace in these areas." The Amhara region is dominated by the ethnic Amhara group, Ethiopia's second-largest, but the Oromo special zone is populated mainly by Oromos, the numerically dominant group. Ethiopia's chief ombudsman, Endale Haile, said earlier this month that the violence in Amhara had killed more than 300 people over several days in March. Jemal Hassen Mohammed, chief administrator of the Jile-Temuga area in the Oromo special zone, said it began March 19 after an ethnic Oromo imam was shot dead outside a mosque, sparking clashes between Amhara security forces and ethnic Oromo civilians. The Amhara Association of America, a US-based lobbying group, said more than 100 ethnic Amharas had been killed in North Shoa zone by members of the Oromo Liberation Army rebel group. Further violence has been reported in the area as recently as this weekend, though updated casualty information was not available on Sunday. (With inputs from agencies)

Ethiopia declares state of emergency in Amhara, deploys troops to quell ethnic violence 

Amid fears of waste water reservoir overflowing in Tampa, authorities in Florida have declared an emergency and announced that they are making progress in preventing an environmental catastrophe to take place.

Florida declares state of emergency amid fears of waste water reservoir overflowing

Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga pledged on Sunday to do his utmost to prevent a resurgence of the coronavirus ahead of the Olympic torch relay and his upcoming visit to Washington.&nbsp;

Suga was addressing his ruling Liberal Democratic Party's annual convention, just hours ahead of the planned lifting of a virus state of emergency in the Tokyo region.&nbsp;

Suga said after the state of emergency is lifted is 'an extremely important time' for virus prevention.&nbsp;

"We must not put our guards down ... To prevent the infections from rebounding," he said.&nbsp;

Suga on Thursday announced that the months-long emergency measures for Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba and Saitama would end at midnight on Sunday, a move underscoring his government's eagerness to minimise burdens on businesses and keep the economy going, despite concerns raised by experts about the potential for an upsurge.&nbsp;

The lifting of the measure comes just days before the Olympic torch relay starts from Fukushima, northeast of Tokyo and the site of the 2011 nuclear crisis, as a symbol of reconstruction.&nbsp;

Suga renewed his pledge to achieve the Olympics in July as 'a proof of the victory against the coronavirus', after its one-year postponement due to the pandemic. Olympic officials decided on Saturday to bar spectators from abroad.&nbsp;

"We will deliver courage and hope from Japan to the world," Suga said.&nbsp;

Suga also wants to keep the infections low ahead of his planned Washington visit in early April for his first in-person summit with President Joe Biden. He will be the first foreign leader to meet in person, underscoring the importance of the Japan-US Alliance.&nbsp;

Suga, who received the first shot of a Covid-19 vaccine last week, said he looks forward to discussing pandemic measures, as well as cooperation in dealing with China's growing influence in the region.&nbsp;

"We would still face ups and downs, but we will surely find a light ahead of us," Suga said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga pledged on Sunday to do his utmost to prevent a resurgence of the coronavirus ahead of the Olympic torch relay and his upcoming visit to Washington.

Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga pledged on Sunday to do his utmost to prevent a resurgence of the coronavirus ahead of the Olympic torch relay and his upcoming visit to Washington. Suga was addressing his ruling Liberal Democratic Party's annual convention, just hours ahead of the planned lifting of a virus state of emergency in the Tokyo region. Suga said after the state of emergency is lifted is 'an extremely important time' for virus prevention. "We must not put our guards down ... To prevent the infections from rebounding," he said. Suga on Thursday announced that the months-long emergency measures for Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba and Saitama would end at midnight on Sunday, a move underscoring his government's eagerness to minimise burdens on businesses and keep the economy going, despite concerns raised by experts about the potential for an upsurge. The lifting of the measure comes just days before the Olympic torch relay starts from Fukushima, northeast of Tokyo and the site of the 2011 nuclear crisis, as a symbol of reconstruction. Suga renewed his pledge to achieve the Olympics in July as 'a proof of the victory against the coronavirus', after its one-year postponement due to the pandemic. Olympic officials decided on Saturday to bar spectators from abroad. "We will deliver courage and hope from Japan to the world," Suga said. Suga also wants to keep the infections low ahead of his planned Washington visit in early April for his first in-person summit with President Joe Biden. He will be the first foreign leader to meet in person, underscoring the importance of the Japan-US Alliance. Suga, who received the first shot of a Covid-19 vaccine last week, said he looks forward to discussing pandemic measures, as well as cooperation in dealing with China's growing influence in the region. "We would still face ups and downs, but we will surely find a light ahead of us," Suga said. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan PM pledges to prevent coronavirus' resurgence as emergency measures end 

Hawaii Governor David Ige declared an emergency in the US state after heavy rains brought floods, landslides and fear of dam failures, and authorities ordered the evacuation of several thousand people from communities threatened by rising waters.&nbsp;

The move came after a dam overflowed on the island of Maui, forcing evacuations and destroying homes, with the dam's 'unsatisfactory' condition leading to it being scheduled for removal this year, the land department has said.&nbsp;

"The emergency proclamation makes state general funds available that can be used quickly and efficiently to help those impacted by the severe weather," Ige said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Poor weather was expected to run until Friday, he added, and flood advisories stayed in place for a second day.&nbsp;

The emergency declaration covers the counties of Hawaii, Maui, Kalawao, Oahu and Kauai, the governor's office said in a statement, while the disaster relief period runs until May 8.&nbsp;

The Honolulu Department of Emergency Management directed people to leave Haleiwa, a community of a few thousand people to the north of state capital Honolulu.&nbsp;

Hawaii News Now reported that two people were swept away in raging waters on Tuesday. One of them, a 27-year-old man, was rescued by authorities. A search for the other would resume on Wednesday, according to the report.&nbsp;

There were no other immediate reports of injuries or casualties.&nbsp;

In Maui, heavy rains damaged roads, leaving them impassable, with one bridge completely washed out and another displaced, the governor's office said.&nbsp;

State emergency management officials had said the rains led to the cresting of the Kaupakalua dam in the northern region of Haiku, prompting authorities to open evacuation shelters and urge people not to return home.&nbsp;

Six homes were heavily damaged or destroyed, said Maui mayor Michael Victorino.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Hawaii Governor David Ige declared an emergency in the US state after heavy rains brought floods, landslides and fear of dam failures, and authorities ordered the evacuation of several thousand people from communities threatened by rising waters.

Hawaii Governor David Ige declared an emergency in the US state after heavy rains brought floods, landslides and fear of dam failures, and authorities ordered the evacuation of several thousand people from communities threatened by rising waters. The move came after a dam overflowed on the island of Maui, forcing evacuations and destroying homes, with the dam's 'unsatisfactory' condition leading to it being scheduled for removal this year, the land department has said. "The emergency proclamation makes state general funds available that can be used quickly and efficiently to help those impacted by the severe weather," Ige said on Tuesday. Poor weather was expected to run until Friday, he added, and flood advisories stayed in place for a second day. The emergency declaration covers the counties of Hawaii, Maui, Kalawao, Oahu and Kauai, the governor's office said in a statement, while the disaster relief period runs until May 8. The Honolulu Department of Emergency Management directed people to leave Haleiwa, a community of a few thousand people to the north of state capital Honolulu. Hawaii News Now reported that two people were swept away in raging waters on Tuesday. One of them, a 27-year-old man, was rescued by authorities. A search for the other would resume on Wednesday, according to the report. There were no other immediate reports of injuries or casualties. In Maui, heavy rains damaged roads, leaving them impassable, with one bridge completely washed out and another displaced, the governor's office said. State emergency management officials had said the rains led to the cresting of the Kaupakalua dam in the northern region of Haiku, prompting authorities to open evacuation shelters and urge people not to return home. Six homes were heavily damaged or destroyed, said Maui mayor Michael Victorino. (With inputs from agencies)

After heavy rains cause havoc, Hawaii declares emergency, orders evacuations 

We've all had co-passengers from hell at least once. The types are varied and the ruckus they cause can be endless. While we may want to exclude crying infants from this list to be a bit sensitive, grown-ups present their own tantrums. All is fine till such a behaviour remains an annoying oddity. But taking this to an extreme may prove to be problematic for the person involved.

A Delhi-bound Air France flight had to make an emergency landing in Bulgaria because of a 'disruptive' Indian passenger.

The passenger, an Indian citizen, began to act up soon after take-off, quarrelling with other passengers, assaulting a flight attendant and pummelling the cockpit's door, said Ivailo Angelov, an official at the National Investigation Agency. He was quoted by Reuters.

The person's behaviour was so aggressive that captain of the plane had to request for an emergency landing in Sofia, Bulgaria. The man was taken off the aircraft and now he has been charged with endangering flight safety.

If convicted, the man can face up to 10 years in prison.

The Air France flight resumed its journey to New Delhi.

"We are investigating both his actions and his motives," Angelov told reporters. "There is no reasonable explanation for his behaviour," Angelov said

(With Reuters inputs)

We've all had co-passengers from hell at least once. The types are varied and the ruckus they cause can be endless. While we may want to exclude crying infants from this list to be a bit sensitive, grown-ups present their own tantrums.

We've all had co-passengers from hell at least once. The types are varied and the ruckus they cause can be endless. While we may want to exclude crying infants from this list to be a bit sensitive, grown-ups present their own tantrums. All is fine till such a behaviour remains an annoying oddity. But taking this to an extreme may prove to be problematic for the person involved. A Delhi-bound Air France flight had to make an emergency landing in Bulgaria because of a 'disruptive' Indian passenger. The passenger, an Indian citizen, began to act up soon after take-off, quarrelling with other passengers, assaulting a flight attendant and pummelling the cockpit's door, said Ivailo Angelov, an official at the National Investigation Agency. He was quoted by Reuters. The person's behaviour was so aggressive that captain of the plane had to request for an emergency landing in Sofia, Bulgaria. The man was taken off the aircraft and now he has been charged with endangering flight safety. If convicted, the man can face up to 10 years in prison. The Air France flight resumed its journey to New Delhi. "We are investigating both his actions and his motives," Angelov told reporters. "There is no reasonable explanation for his behaviour," Angelov said (With Reuters inputs)

Air France flight makes emergency landing due to 'disruptive' Indian passenger

From engine fault to passenger's mistakingly&nbsp;opening doors, we have heard several reasons for a plane to make an emergency landing. However, this time it was a pilot under attack and the culprit cannot defend itself.

A passenger plane was forced to return to the airport of Khartoum, Sudan's capital city after an angry cat attacked the pilots in the cockpit.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-am-not-a-cat-lawyer-shows-up-as-kitty-during-zoom-court-hearing-362557">&nbsp;'I am not a cat': Lawyer shows up as kitty during Zoom court hearing</a>

After almost half an hour of the takeoff from the Khartoum International Airport, the unexpected passenger got into the cockpit and started attacking the pilots.

Clearly not a fan of flying, the ferocious cat launched attacks at the whole crew. When everybody failed to control the cat, the pilot gave up and decided to turn around to make an emergency landing, as reported by a local media house Al-Sudani.

Also watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/saved-from-garbage-plant-russian-cat-lands-on-its-feet-in-ministers-chair-352562">Saved from garbage plant, Russian cat lands on its feet in minister's chair</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/saved-from-garbage-plant-russian-cat-lands-on-its-feet-in-ministers-chair-352562/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The commercial flight was a Sudanese Tarco airline bound for Qatar’s capital, Doha.

While everybody landed safely and nobody was hurt, it is still unclear that how did the ferocious cat get into the cockpit. As of now, it is being assumed that the ct sneaked into the passenger flight while the crew might have opened the plane to clean or during the engineering review.

As per local reports, the aircraft was parked at a hangar on the&nbsp;Khartoum airport and is being assumed that the cat sneaked into the aircraft in that hangar.

From engine fault to passenger's mistakingly opening doors, we have heard several reasons for a plane to make an emergency landing. However, this time it was a pilot under attack and the culprit cannot defend itself.

From engine fault to passenger's mistakingly opening doors, we have heard several reasons for a plane to make an emergency landing. However, this time it was a pilot under attack and the culprit cannot defend itself. A passenger plane was forced to return to the airport of Khartoum, Sudan's capital city after an angry cat attacked the pilots in the cockpit. Also read | 'I am not a cat': Lawyer shows up as kitty during Zoom court hearing After almost half an hour of the takeoff from the Khartoum International Airport, the unexpected passenger got into the cockpit and started attacking the pilots. Clearly not a fan of flying, the ferocious cat launched attacks at the whole crew. When everybody failed to control the cat, the pilot gave up and decided to turn around to make an emergency landing, as reported by a local media house Al-Sudani. Also watch | Saved from garbage plant, Russian cat lands on its feet in minister's chair The commercial flight was a Sudanese Tarco airline bound for Qatar’s capital, Doha. While everybody landed safely and nobody was hurt, it is still unclear that how did the ferocious cat get into the cockpit. As of now, it is being assumed that the ct sneaked into the passenger flight while the crew might have opened the plane to clean or during the engineering review. As per local reports, the aircraft was parked at a hangar on the Khartoum airport and is being assumed that the cat sneaked into the aircraft in that hangar.

Sudanese plane makes emergency landing after a cat hijacks cockpit

emergency

Emergency, News on Emergency, stories on Emergency, articles on Emergency, Emergency stories at Wion, Emergency news, Emergency latest news