Google has bowed to pressure from rivals and will let them compete for free to be the default search engine on Android devices in Europe, widening a pledge to EU antitrust regulators two years ago.

World Business Watch: Google loosens search engine grip on Android devices in Europe

It is a Jam-Packed schedule for the US President Joe Biden as he heads to Europe. This will be his first foreign trip as the American President. Watch this report to know more.

United States President Joe Biden's schedule for first foreign trip

After successfully rolling out vaccines all over the world, Moderna is now seeking approval for the usage of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus vaccines</a> for teenagers in the European&nbsp;Union (EU) and Canada.

"We are pleased to announce that we have submitted for conditional marketing approval of our <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">COVID-19 vaccine</a> with the European Medicines Agency for use in adolescents in the European Union," Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-made-commitment-to-send-vaccines-to-india-says-us-nsa-389471" hreflang="en">Joe Biden made commitment to send vaccines to India, says US NSA</a>

The US pharmaceutical company is also planning to file for emergency approval in the US with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

"We are encouraged that the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine was highly effective at preventing Covid-19 and SARS-CoV-2 infection in adolescents," Bancel said. "We have filed for authorization with Health Canada and we will file for an Emergency Use Authorization with the US FDA and regulatory agencies around the world for this important younger age population."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-plans-to-offer-vaccinations-to-visiting-foreigners-for-a-fee-389619" hreflang="en">Putin plans to offer vaccinations to visiting foreigners for a fee</a>

It has come after a few countries started vaccinating children from the age of 18 and above. The decision has been taken to make sure the transmission rate decreases in children.

Moderna is a two-shot vaccine against coronavirus and is 90 per cent effective against symptomatic COVID-19 and 95 per cent effective against severe disease.

(With inputs from agencies)

After successfully rolling out vaccines all over the world, Moderna is now seeking approval for the usage of coronavirus vaccines for teenagers in the European Union (EU) and Canada.

After successfully rolling out vaccines all over the world, Moderna is now seeking approval for the usage of coronavirus vaccines for teenagers in the European Union (EU) and Canada. "We are pleased to announce that we have submitted for conditional marketing approval of our COVID-19 vaccine with the European Medicines Agency for use in adolescents in the European Union," Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel said. Also read | Joe Biden made commitment to send vaccines to India, says US NSA The US pharmaceutical company is also planning to file for emergency approval in the US with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). "We are encouraged that the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine was highly effective at preventing Covid-19 and SARS-CoV-2 infection in adolescents," Bancel said. "We have filed for authorization with Health Canada and we will file for an Emergency Use Authorization with the US FDA and regulatory agencies around the world for this important younger age population." Also read | Putin plans to offer vaccinations to visiting foreigners for a fee It has come after a few countries started vaccinating children from the age of 18 and above. The decision has been taken to make sure the transmission rate decreases in children. Moderna is a two-shot vaccine against coronavirus and is 90 per cent effective against symptomatic COVID-19 and 95 per cent effective against severe disease. (With inputs from agencies)

Moderna awaiting approval of coronavirus vaccine for teens in EU, Canada

US Electric car maker Tesla revised its application for a planned gigafactory in Europe to include details for plans to produce battery cells on-site and an expansion of other production lines.

World Business Watch: Tesla revises plans for German gigafactory with more details on product lines

Denmark's parliament has passed a law that will allow them to relocate asylum seekers outside Europe, despite criticism from rights groups and the United Nations.

Denmark passes law to move asylum centers outside the Europe

France, Germany and other European countries demanded answers following reports the US spied on its allies using Danish underwater cables. The report was published by Denmark's National broadcaster DR News in collaboration with other European media outlets.

Europe demands answers after US-Danish spying claims

Europe's drug regulator has approved the Pfizer vaccine for children aged between 12 to 15 years old. Now this is a significant step in protecting children from future waves of COVID.

Coronavirus Update: European Union backs Pfizer jab for 12-15-year-old

Two riders from the Yakutsk region in Russia's Siberia are on a year-long horseback journey to Moscow, and aim to trek further into Europe.

Ride of their life: Siberian horsemen saddle up for transcontinental trek

Rate of COVID-19 infections in Europe has begin to ease. Europe is starting to reopen cities and beaches.

Rate of COVID-19 infections in Europe begin to ease

The European Union was one of the first blocks to announce assistance as India battles the deadly second wave of COVID-19. Since then leading EU countries have shared critical supplies like oxygen, ventilators and equipment with India. What lessons can India and rest of the world learn from Europe? What role can EU now play in assisting India with its pandemic response? Palki Sharma discusses with following guests: - Daniela Sezonov Tane; Romania's Ambassador to India - Adam Burakowski; Poland's Ambassador to India - Vincenzo De Luca; Italy' Ambassador to India - Freddy Svane; Denmark's Ambassador to India

Ambassadors' Roundtable: Fighting the pandemic | Prompt assistance to India from EU

Post-pandemic Europe: Countries you can visit this summer

The oldest sparring partners of Europe are at it again. They've fought over colonies, they have fought over the seas. And now they are fighting over fish.

It does sound trivial but there's big money in fishing. And right now the stakes could not be higher.

So how did Europe's iron brothers come to a standoff? And where do things go from here? Why are Britain and France sparring?

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Because of the most shoddy bit of deal-making in modern history: Brexit.

Last week, Britain and the EU ratified a post-Brexit agreement. It talks about a new fishing regime in the English channel. This is the waterway that separates Britain from France.

Before Brexit, fishing rights weren't an issue. All EU states shared one common fishing area. But the whole point of Brexit was to change this system. So Britain took back control of its waters. The new agreement allows french fishermen to keep using the channel.

But there is a condition. They can't be first timers. The fishermen must have a history of fishing in British waters.

Now the French say&nbsp;their rights are still being restricted. Not in mainland Britain, But in a crown dependency to the south, the island of Jersey.

Jersey is very close to France, just 22 kilometres away from it. Its distance from mainland Britain is almost 140 kilometres.

A little over 100,000 people live here. And they have their own parliament under the Queen of England. The UK government is responsible for Jersey's defence.

Last Friday, Jersey granted 41 fishing permits. But the fishermen say the permits violated the Brexit agreement. They say additional requirements were added at the last minute. So what did they do?

They gathered their boats and swarmed Jersey. By Thursday morning, 25 French trawlers had arrived. They were threatening to block Jersey's Saint Hellier port.

"We're not happy with the licensing restrictions they handed out to us, we should have had licences to fish as we wished without any restrictions, restrictions on the species. But they impose a restriction on days, some boats will only be able to fish one type of fish when they used to fish three or four," said French fisherman, Laurent Blondel.

But they were not alone in these waters. Britain has deployed two Royal Navy ships to Jersey. HMS Seven and HMS Taymer. They are both armed with two large guns and a short-range anti-aircraft weapon.

What exactly is their mission? Right now, nothing. Downing Street says the ships are there to observe.

Boris Johnson has pledged his unwavering support to Jersey. He says any blockade would be unjustified, but so are naval deployments.

That too over fish.

These are men with fishing nets and harpoons. Hardly a mission for the Royal Navy.

And what about the French? How have they reacted, or over-reacted?

"As you know, the agreement provides for retaliatory measures and these measures of retaliation we are ready to use. Europe, France, has means – they are inscribed in the agreement. In so far as jersey is concerned, I'll remind you, for example, of electricity transportation via undersea cable. So we have the means and even if I regret that we could get to this point, we'll get there if we must," said Annick Girardin, French maritime minister.

The minister is talking about cutting off electricity to Jersey. Most of the island's power comes from France. Almost 95 per cent. It is delivered through three underwater cables.

France is threatening to turn off this tap. They have also deployed a naval patrol of their own.

If this was the Red Sea or the Gulf, we would be having a different discussion.

But this is the English channel. The chances of France and England having a skirmish are practically nil.

But it does reveal the lack of political maturity in Europe. Thursday was election day in Britain. Local body elections.

Some critics say Boris Johnson wanted to flex his muscles ahead of voting. In France, Macron is up for reelection next year. He wants the fishermen on his side. But above all, this standoff is a direct outcome of shoddy dealmaking. The UK just wanted Brexit to be over.

The result was this a lot of contentious issues were ignored. You see, striking a deal and implementing it, are two different things.

And this is just the start of Britain's worries. Because to the north, an even bigger standoff awaits. That of Northern Ireland.

But that's a discussion for another time.

The oldest sparring partners of Europe are at it again. They've fought over colonies, they have fought over the seas. And now they are fighting over fish. It does sound trivial but there's big money in fishing.

The oldest sparring partners of Europe are at it again. They've fought over colonies, they have fought over the seas. And now they are fighting over fish. It does sound trivial but there's big money in fishing. And right now the stakes could not be higher. So how did Europe's iron brothers come to a standoff? And where do things go from here? Why are Britain and France sparring? × Because of the most shoddy bit of deal-making in modern history: Brexit. Last week, Britain and the EU ratified a post-Brexit agreement. It talks about a new fishing regime in the English channel. This is the waterway that separates Britain from France. Before Brexit, fishing rights weren't an issue. All EU states shared one common fishing area. But the whole point of Brexit was to change this system. So Britain took back control of its waters. The new agreement allows french fishermen to keep using the channel. But there is a condition. They can't be first timers. The fishermen must have a history of fishing in British waters. Now the French say their rights are still being restricted. Not in mainland Britain, But in a crown dependency to the south, the island of Jersey. Jersey is very close to France, just 22 kilometres away from it. Its distance from mainland Britain is almost 140 kilometres. A little over 100,000 people live here. And they have their own parliament under the Queen of England. The UK government is responsible for Jersey's defence. Last Friday, Jersey granted 41 fishing permits. But the fishermen say the permits violated the Brexit agreement. They say additional requirements were added at the last minute. So what did they do? They gathered their boats and swarmed Jersey. By Thursday morning, 25 French trawlers had arrived. They were threatening to block Jersey's Saint Hellier port. "We're not happy with the licensing restrictions they handed out to us, we should have had licences to fish as we wished without any restrictions, restrictions on the species. But they impose a restriction on days, some boats will only be able to fish one type of fish when they used to fish three or four," said French fisherman, Laurent Blondel. But they were not alone in these waters. Britain has deployed two Royal Navy ships to Jersey. HMS Seven and HMS Taymer. They are both armed with two large guns and a short-range anti-aircraft weapon. What exactly is their mission? Right now, nothing. Downing Street says the ships are there to observe. Boris Johnson has pledged his unwavering support to Jersey. He says any blockade would be unjustified, but so are naval deployments. That too over fish. These are men with fishing nets and harpoons. Hardly a mission for the Royal Navy. And what about the French? How have they reacted, or over-reacted? "As you know, the agreement provides for retaliatory measures and these measures of retaliation we are ready to use. Europe, France, has means – they are inscribed in the agreement. In so far as jersey is concerned, I'll remind you, for example, of electricity transportation via undersea cable. So we have the means and even if I regret that we could get to this point, we'll get there if we must," said Annick Girardin, French maritime minister. The minister is talking about cutting off electricity to Jersey. Most of the island's power comes from France. Almost 95 per cent. It is delivered through three underwater cables. France is threatening to turn off this tap. They have also deployed a naval patrol of their own. If this was the Red Sea or the Gulf, we would be having a different discussion. But this is the English channel. The chances of France and England having a skirmish are practically nil. But it does reveal the lack of political maturity in Europe. Thursday was election day in Britain. Local body elections. Some critics say Boris Johnson wanted to flex his muscles ahead of voting. In France, Macron is up for reelection next year. He wants the fishermen on his side. But above all, this standoff is a direct outcome of shoddy dealmaking. The UK just wanted Brexit to be over. The result was this a lot of contentious issues were ignored. You see, striking a deal and implementing it, are two different things. And this is just the start of Britain's worries. Because to the north, an even bigger standoff awaits. That of Northern Ireland. But that's a discussion for another time.

Britain and France fight over fish

One of Europe's largest airline Air France- KLM has posted a wider first quarter operating loss. Air France-KLM sales are showing little sign so far of the travel recovery it still hopes to see by summer, with the group also confirming it's intention to raise more capital within months.

World Business Watch: Air France-KLM falls further into red as European recovery lags

Napoleon Bonaparte finds a mention in every history book. There was a time he ruled much of Continental Europe, but he died far away from home, isolated, and in exile. Was he a hero or was he Europe's most divisive ruler?

Gravitas: Who was Napoleon Bonaparte

US tech giant Microsoft on Thursday pledged to store all European cloud-based client data in Europe amid unease on the continent over the reach of US legislation on personal data collection.

Microsoft's European clients have long been concerned over the legal status of data they store with US companies in the cloud and the extent to which they could be scrutinised by US authorities.

Those worries came to a head last July when the European Court of Justice struck down the EU-US Privacy Shield, a framework allowing firms to transfer personal data to the United States in compliance with Brussels' General Data Protection Regulation.

The court found the mechanism did not adequately protect EU data from US authorities over which Europe has neither control nor right of redress.

In a blog post on Thursday, Microsoft president Brad Smith said: "If you are a commercial or public sector customer in the EU, we will go beyond our existing data storage commitments and enable you to process and store all your data in the EU.

"In other words, we will not need to move your data outside the EU."

He said the commitment -- dubbed the EU Data Boundary for the Microsoft Cloud -- would apply across all of Microsoft's core cloud services -– Azure, Microsoft 365, and Dynamics 365 and would take effect by the end of next year.

US tech giant Microsoft on Thursday pledged to store all European cloud-based client data in Europe amid unease on the continent over the reach of US legislation on personal data collection.

US tech giant Microsoft on Thursday pledged to store all European cloud-based client data in Europe amid unease on the continent over the reach of US legislation on personal data collection. Microsoft's European clients have long been concerned over the legal status of data they store with US companies in the cloud and the extent to which they could be scrutinised by US authorities. Those worries came to a head last July when the European Court of Justice struck down the EU-US Privacy Shield, a framework allowing firms to transfer personal data to the United States in compliance with Brussels' General Data Protection Regulation. The court found the mechanism did not adequately protect EU data from US authorities over which Europe has neither control nor right of redress. In a blog post on Thursday, Microsoft president Brad Smith said: "If you are a commercial or public sector customer in the EU, we will go beyond our existing data storage commitments and enable you to process and store all your data in the EU. "In other words, we will not need to move your data outside the EU." He said the commitment -- dubbed the EU Data Boundary for the Microsoft Cloud -- would apply across all of Microsoft's core cloud services -– Azure, Microsoft 365, and Dynamics 365 and would take effect by the end of next year.

Microsoft pledges to store European cloud data in Europe

Air travel in the US hit its highest mark since COVID-19 took hold more than 13 months ago, while European Union officials are proposing to ease restrictions on visitors to the continent as the vaccine sends new cases and deaths tumbling in more affluent countries.&nbsp;

The improving picture in many places contrasts with the worsening disaster in India.&nbsp;

In the US, the average number of new cases per day fell below 50,000 for the first time since October. &nbsp;

And nearly 1.67 million people were screened at US Airport checkpoints on Sunday, according to the Transportation Security Administration, the highest number since mid-March of last year.&nbsp;

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation giving him sweeping powers to invalidate local emergency measures put in place during the outbreak. &nbsp;

While the law doesn't go into effect until July, the Republican governor said he will issue an executive order to more quickly get rid of local mask mandates.&nbsp;

"I think this creates a structure that's going to be a little bit more respectful, I think, of people's businesses, jobs, schools and personal freedom," he said.&nbsp;

Las Vegas is bustling again after casino capacity limits were raised Saturday to 80% and person-to-person distancing was dropped to 3 feet (0.9 meters). &nbsp;

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that New York City's subways will begin running all night again and capacity restrictions on most businesses will end statewide in mid-May. &nbsp;

And Los Angeles County reported no coronavirus deaths on Sunday and Monday, some of which may be attributable to a lag in reporting but was nevertheless a hopeful sign that could move the county to allow an increase in capacity at events and venues, and indoor-service at bars.&nbsp;

EU officials also announced a proposal on Monday to relax restrictions on travel to the 27-nation bloc this summer, though the final decision is up to its member countries.&nbsp;

"Time to revive EU tourism industry and for cross-border friendships to rekindle safely," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said. “We propose to welcome again vaccinated visitors and those from countries with a good health situation."&nbsp;

Air travel in the US hit its highest mark since COVID-19 took hold more than 13 months ago, while European Union officials are proposing to ease restrictions on visitors to the continent as the vaccine sends new cases and deaths tumbling in more affluent countries.

Air travel in the US hit its highest mark since COVID-19 took hold more than 13 months ago, while European Union officials are proposing to ease restrictions on visitors to the continent as the vaccine sends new cases and deaths tumbling in more affluent countries. The improving picture in many places contrasts with the worsening disaster in India. In the US, the average number of new cases per day fell below 50,000 for the first time since October. And nearly 1.67 million people were screened at US Airport checkpoints on Sunday, according to the Transportation Security Administration, the highest number since mid-March of last year. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation giving him sweeping powers to invalidate local emergency measures put in place during the outbreak. While the law doesn't go into effect until July, the Republican governor said he will issue an executive order to more quickly get rid of local mask mandates. "I think this creates a structure that's going to be a little bit more respectful, I think, of people's businesses, jobs, schools and personal freedom," he said. Las Vegas is bustling again after casino capacity limits were raised Saturday to 80% and person-to-person distancing was dropped to 3 feet (0.9 meters). New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that New York City's subways will begin running all night again and capacity restrictions on most businesses will end statewide in mid-May. And Los Angeles County reported no coronavirus deaths on Sunday and Monday, some of which may be attributable to a lag in reporting but was nevertheless a hopeful sign that could move the county to allow an increase in capacity at events and venues, and indoor-service at bars. EU officials also announced a proposal on Monday to relax restrictions on travel to the 27-nation bloc this summer, though the final decision is up to its member countries. "Time to revive EU tourism industry and for cross-border friendships to rekindle safely," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said. “We propose to welcome again vaccinated visitors and those from countries with a good health situation."

COVID-19: Restrictions easing in US, Europe amid disaster in India 

The European Commission on Monday proposed easing of COVID-19 travel restrictions to essentially allow foreigners into the European Union. Current restrictions allow people from only seven countries to enter the European Union including Australia and Singapore.

People from seven countries are allowed to enter the 27-nation bloc for vacations or other non-essential travel regardless of inoculation. But even then, everyone may be subjected to tests and quarantine.&nbsp;

The new proposals put forward on Monday require member countries approval before they come into force. The new rules would allow everyone who is fully vaccinated to enter the bloc. It will also take into consideration the “epidemiological situation” in countries before allowing foreigners in.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/eu-inches-closer-to-covid-certificate-for-travel-381467" hreflang="en">EU inches closer to Covid certificate for travel</a>

According to the data from Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the new rules would allow people from many countries including Russia and Britain to visit the EU. US citizens though would not be allowed.

"The Commission proposes to allow entry to the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;for non-essential reasons not only for all persons coming from countries with a good epidemiological situation but also all people who have received the last recommended dose of an&nbsp;EU-authorised vaccine," the statement read.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/india-covid-crisis-eu-envoy-ugo-astuto-says-robust-response-by-team-europe-381810" hreflang="en">India Covid crisis: EU Envoy Ugo Astuto says 'robust response' by Team Europe</a>

The Commission is also offering an “emergency break” to limit the possibility of new variants popping up in EU countries. These provisions would allow quick restrictions on travel in countries where the situation deteriorates quickly.

"This could be extended to vaccines having completed the WHO emergency use listing process. In addition, the Commission proposes to raise... the threshold related to the number of new COVID-19 cases used to determine a list of countries from which all travel should be permitted”, the statement added.

The countries will discuss the proposal on Tuesday and suggests reciprocity should be taken into account while allowing non-essential travel from some countries.

(With inputs from agencies)

The European Commission on Monday proposed easing of COVID-19 travel restrictions to essentially allow foreigners into the European Union. Current restrictions allow people from only seven countries to enter the European Union including Australia and Singapore.

The European Commission on Monday proposed easing of COVID-19 travel restrictions to essentially allow foreigners into the European Union. Current restrictions allow people from only seven countries to enter the European Union including Australia and Singapore. People from seven countries are allowed to enter the 27-nation bloc for vacations or other non-essential travel regardless of inoculation. But even then, everyone may be subjected to tests and quarantine. The new proposals put forward on Monday require member countries approval before they come into force. The new rules would allow everyone who is fully vaccinated to enter the bloc. It will also take into consideration the “epidemiological situation” in countries before allowing foreigners in. Also read: EU inches closer to Covid certificate for travel According to the data from Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the new rules would allow people from many countries including Russia and Britain to visit the EU. US citizens though would not be allowed. "The Commission proposes to allow entry to the EU for non-essential reasons not only for all persons coming from countries with a good epidemiological situation but also all people who have received the last recommended dose of an EU-authorised vaccine," the statement read. Also read: India Covid crisis: EU Envoy Ugo Astuto says 'robust response' by Team Europe The Commission is also offering an “emergency break” to limit the possibility of new variants popping up in EU countries. These provisions would allow quick restrictions on travel in countries where the situation deteriorates quickly. "This could be extended to vaccines having completed the WHO emergency use listing process. In addition, the Commission proposes to raise... the threshold related to the number of new COVID-19 cases used to determine a list of countries from which all travel should be permitted”, the statement added. The countries will discuss the proposal on Tuesday and suggests reciprocity should be taken into account while allowing non-essential travel from some countries. (With inputs from agencies)

EU plans to open up countries to more foreign tourists this summer

More than&nbsp;600&nbsp;migrants&nbsp;hoping to reach Europe from&nbsp;Libya&nbsp;have been stopped since Friday, the&nbsp;navy&nbsp;said, as the International Organization for Migration warned&nbsp;Libya&nbsp;was "not a safe port".

Three groups of illegal&nbsp;migrants&nbsp;were intercepted at sea on Friday and Saturday by&nbsp;Libya's coastguard and units in charge of securing ports, the&nbsp;navy&nbsp;said in a statement, released overnight Saturday to Sunday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/migrant-boat-with-130-aboard-capsizes-off-libya-ngo-379556">Migrant boat with 130 aboard capsizes off Libya: NGO</a>

It said the 638 people were mostly citizens from sub-Saharan African nations trying to reach Europe, and they were brought to a naval base in the capital Tripoli ahead of handing them&nbsp;over&nbsp;to an anti-immigration squad run by the interior ministry.

The&nbsp;navy&nbsp;said a first group of 334&nbsp;migrants, who were on board four inflatable boats, were "rescued" on Friday.&nbsp;

Two other groups, of 132 and 172 people, were assisted separately on Friday and Saturday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-mediterranean-migrants-tragedy-a-time-for-shame-pope-380150">Latest Mediterranean migrants tragedy a time for shame: Pope</a>

The&nbsp;navy&nbsp;did not say if the boats were sinking or had technical problems.

International agencies have repeatedly denounced the return to&nbsp;Libya&nbsp;of&nbsp;migrants&nbsp;intercepted at sea, due to the chaotic situation in the country and poor conditions in detention centres.

The IOM repeated its concerns late Saturday.

"Today, 172&nbsp;migrants, including women and children, were&nbsp;returned&nbsp;to&nbsp;Libya&nbsp;by the coast guard," it said.

"Our teams provided emergency assistance to more than&nbsp;600&nbsp;migrants&nbsp;intercepted&nbsp;over&nbsp;the past 48 hours, it added.

"We reiterate that&nbsp;Libya&nbsp;is not a safe port".

Libya&nbsp;is a major route for&nbsp;migrants&nbsp;trying to reach Europe via the Mediterranean, and traffickers have thrived in the lawlessness that followed the 2011 overthrow of dictator Moamer Kadhafi.

More than 600 migrants hoping to reach Europe from Libya have been stopped since Friday, the navy said, as the International Organization for Migration warned Libya was "not a safe port".

More than 600 migrants hoping to reach Europe from Libya have been stopped since Friday, the navy said, as the International Organization for Migration warned Libya was "not a safe port". Three groups of illegal migrants were intercepted at sea on Friday and Saturday by Libya's coastguard and units in charge of securing ports, the navy said in a statement, released overnight Saturday to Sunday. Also read | Migrant boat with 130 aboard capsizes off Libya: NGO It said the 638 people were mostly citizens from sub-Saharan African nations trying to reach Europe, and they were brought to a naval base in the capital Tripoli ahead of handing them over to an anti-immigration squad run by the interior ministry. The navy said a first group of 334 migrants, who were on board four inflatable boats, were "rescued" on Friday. Two other groups, of 132 and 172 people, were assisted separately on Friday and Saturday. Also read | Latest Mediterranean migrants tragedy a time for shame: Pope The navy did not say if the boats were sinking or had technical problems. International agencies have repeatedly denounced the return to Libya of migrants intercepted at sea, due to the chaotic situation in the country and poor conditions in detention centres. The IOM repeated its concerns late Saturday. "Today, 172 migrants, including women and children, were returned to Libya by the coast guard," it said. "Our teams provided emergency assistance to more than 600 migrants intercepted over the past 48 hours, it added. "We reiterate that Libya is not a safe port". Libya is a major route for migrants trying to reach Europe via the Mediterranean, and traffickers have thrived in the lawlessness that followed the 2011 overthrow of dictator Moamer Kadhafi.

Over 600 Europe-bound migrants returned to Libya: Navy

Spanish Police on Sunday announced the interception of a tug boat carrying seven tonnes of hashish. Reportedly, a gang was attempting to smuggle the seven tonnes of hashish into the Spain. This interception marked one of the largest drug busts in the country this year.

The drugs were being carried by three members of a gang in mid-April. The police had stopped a converted tug boat in the sea off the southern coast of Spain. It had 200 packets of hashish, Reuters reported the police as saying.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/myanmar-drug-surge-worry-for-neighbours-including-india-381602" hreflang="en">Myanmar drug surge worry for neighbours including India</a>

The drugs gang was being under the radar of Spanish, Dutch, and French police since March 2020. Reportedly, the group had previously smuggled large quantities of hashish into different countries in Europe. The police have not specified which countries yet.

"This is one of the biggest operations against drugs (gangs) this year, with more than seven tonnes of hashish seized, which reduces the activity of criminal organizations based in the Straits of Gibraltar," the Civil Guard announced in a statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/us-lifts-barriers-to-prescribing-addiction-treatment-drug-380949" hreflang="en">US lifts barriers to prescribing addiction treatment drug&nbsp;</a>

The police also said that the gang operates out of the southern city of Huelva. Even then, the nationalities of those arrested have not been revealed. On Sunday, May 2, the police released video footage of the boat which was carrying the drugs which were seized last month.

Spanish Police on Sunday announced the interception of a tug boat carrying seven tonnes of hashish. Reportedly, a gang was attempting to smuggle the seven tonnes of hashish into the Spain.

Spanish Police on Sunday announced the interception of a tug boat carrying seven tonnes of hashish. Reportedly, a gang was attempting to smuggle the seven tonnes of hashish into the Spain. This interception marked one of the largest drug busts in the country this year. The drugs were being carried by three members of a gang in mid-April. The police had stopped a converted tug boat in the sea off the southern coast of Spain. It had 200 packets of hashish, Reuters reported the police as saying. Also read: Myanmar drug surge worry for neighbours including India The drugs gang was being under the radar of Spanish, Dutch, and French police since March 2020. Reportedly, the group had previously smuggled large quantities of hashish into different countries in Europe. The police have not specified which countries yet. "This is one of the biggest operations against drugs (gangs) this year, with more than seven tonnes of hashish seized, which reduces the activity of criminal organizations based in the Straits of Gibraltar," the Civil Guard announced in a statement. Also read: US lifts barriers to prescribing addiction treatment drug The police also said that the gang operates out of the southern city of Huelva. Even then, the nationalities of those arrested have not been revealed. On Sunday, May 2, the police released video footage of the boat which was carrying the drugs which were seized last month.

Spanish police bust gang trying to smuggle 7 tonnes of hashish into Europe

BioNTech said that it expected its COVID-19 vaccine, jointly developed with Pfizer, to be available to 12 to 15-year-olds in Europe from June. The German firm's CEO Ugur Sahin asserted that it was 'in the final stretches' of preparing its submission for European regulatory approval.

BioNTech eyes COVID-19 vaccine for 12-15-year-olds from June in Europe

Tech friendly: Couple moves into Europe's first 3D-Printed house

With Germany's Green party leading the polls ahead of September's general&nbsp;elections, the ecologists' would-be successor to Angela Merkel has become increasingly&nbsp;targeted&nbsp;by internet trolls and&nbsp;fake&nbsp;news in recent weeks.

From wild claims about CO2-emitting cats and dogs to George Soros photo collages, 40-year-old Annalena Baerbock has been the subject of a dizzying array of&nbsp;fake&nbsp;news, conspiracy theories and online attacks since she was announced as the&nbsp;Greens' chancellor candidate in mid-April.&nbsp;

The latest polls have the&nbsp;Greens&nbsp;either ahead of or level with Merkel's ruling conservatives, as the once fringe party further establishes itself as a leading electoral force in Europe's biggest economy.

Baerbock herself also consistently polls higher than her conservative and centre-left rivals in the race to succeed Merkel, who will leave office after 16 years this autumn.

Yet her popularity has also brought about unwanted attention and a glut of&nbsp;fake&nbsp;news stories aimed at discrediting Baerbock as she bids to become Germany's first Green chancellor.

False claims&nbsp;

Among the false stories circulating about Baerbock is the bizarre claim that she wants to ban household pets in order to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.&nbsp;

Another&nbsp;fake&nbsp;story firmly denied by the party claimed that she defied rules on mask-wearing and social-distancing by embracing colleagues upon her nomination earlier this month.

Baerbock has also been presented as a "model student" of Hungarian billionaire George Soros, a hate figure for the European far-right and anti-Semitic conspiracy theorists, in a mocked-up social media graphic, shared among others by a far-right MP.

More serious online attacks include a purported photo of Baerbock which in fact shows a similar-looking naked model.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Greens' campaign manager Michael Kellner said that the attempts to discredit Baerbock had "taken on a&nbsp;new&nbsp;dimension", that "women are&nbsp;targeted&nbsp;more heavily by online attacks than men, and that is also true of our candidate".&nbsp;

Other false claims about the party include reports of a proposed ban on barbecues, as well as plans to disarm the police and enforce the teaching of the Quran in schools.&nbsp;

While such reports are patently absurd, they are potentially damaging to Baerbock and her party as they bid to spring a surprise victory in September.

"She has a very real chance, but the coming weeks are going to be very important because Baerbock's public image is still taking shape," Thorsten Faas, a political scientist&nbsp;at Berlin's Free University told AFP.

In a bid to fight back against the flood of false information, the party has launched a&nbsp;new&nbsp;"online fire service" to report&nbsp;fake&nbsp;news stories.&nbsp;

Russian disinformation&nbsp;

Yet stemming the tide is no easy job, with many of those who peddle disinformation now using private messaging services such as WhatsApp and Telegram rather than public platforms such as Facebook.

The pandemic and ongoing restrictions on public life will also make it harder for the campaign to push through their own narratives at public events.&nbsp;

Miro Dittrich of Germany's Amadeu-Antonio anti-racism foundation claims that lockdown has "played a role" in the spread of&nbsp;fake&nbsp;news.&nbsp;

"People are isolated from their social environment and are spending a lot more time online," he said.&nbsp;

Another factor is Russia, which has made Germany a primary target of its efforts to spread disinformation in Europe.&nbsp;

According to the European anti-disinformation platform EUvsDisinfo, Germany has been the target of 700 Russian disinformation cases since 2015, compared to 300 aimed at France and 170 at Italy.&nbsp;

As an outspoken critic of the controversial Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline between Germany and Russia, Baerbock may well become a target of such attacks during the&nbsp;election&nbsp;campaign.

With Germany's Green party leading the polls ahead of September's general elections, the ecologists' would-be successor to Angela Merkel has become increasingly targeted by internet trolls and fake news in recent weeks.

With Germany's Green party leading the polls ahead of September's general elections, the ecologists' would-be successor to Angela Merkel has become increasingly targeted by internet trolls and fake news in recent weeks. From wild claims about CO2-emitting cats and dogs to George Soros photo collages, 40-year-old Annalena Baerbock has been the subject of a dizzying array of fake news, conspiracy theories and online attacks since she was announced as the Greens' chancellor candidate in mid-April. The latest polls have the Greens either ahead of or level with Merkel's ruling conservatives, as the once fringe party further establishes itself as a leading electoral force in Europe's biggest economy. Baerbock herself also consistently polls higher than her conservative and centre-left rivals in the race to succeed Merkel, who will leave office after 16 years this autumn. Yet her popularity has also brought about unwanted attention and a glut of fake news stories aimed at discrediting Baerbock as she bids to become Germany's first Green chancellor. False claims Among the false stories circulating about Baerbock is the bizarre claim that she wants to ban household pets in order to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Another fake story firmly denied by the party claimed that she defied rules on mask-wearing and social-distancing by embracing colleagues upon her nomination earlier this month. Baerbock has also been presented as a "model student" of Hungarian billionaire George Soros, a hate figure for the European far-right and anti-Semitic conspiracy theorists, in a mocked-up social media graphic, shared among others by a far-right MP. More serious online attacks include a purported photo of Baerbock which in fact shows a similar-looking naked model. The Greens' campaign manager Michael Kellner said that the attempts to discredit Baerbock had "taken on a new dimension", that "women are targeted more heavily by online attacks than men, and that is also true of our candidate". Other false claims about the party include reports of a proposed ban on barbecues, as well as plans to disarm the police and enforce the teaching of the Quran in schools. While such reports are patently absurd, they are potentially damaging to Baerbock and her party as they bid to spring a surprise victory in September. "She has a very real chance, but the coming weeks are going to be very important because Baerbock's public image is still taking shape," Thorsten Faas, a political scientist at Berlin's Free University told AFP. In a bid to fight back against the flood of false information, the party has launched a new "online fire service" to report fake news stories. Russian disinformation Yet stemming the tide is no easy job, with many of those who peddle disinformation now using private messaging services such as WhatsApp and Telegram rather than public platforms such as Facebook. The pandemic and ongoing restrictions on public life will also make it harder for the campaign to push through their own narratives at public events. Miro Dittrich of Germany's Amadeu-Antonio anti-racism foundation claims that lockdown has "played a role" in the spread of fake news. "People are isolated from their social environment and are spending a lot more time online," he said. Another factor is Russia, which has made Germany a primary target of its efforts to spread disinformation in Europe. According to the European anti-disinformation platform EUvsDisinfo, Germany has been the target of 700 Russian disinformation cases since 2015, compared to 300 aimed at France and 170 at Italy. As an outspoken critic of the controversial Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline between Germany and Russia, Baerbock may well become a target of such attacks during the election campaign.

German Greens' election hopeful targeted by fake news

Europe can achieve herd immunity against the coronavirus within the next four months, the head of German pharmaceutical company BioNTech SE said on April 28.

Europe could reach Herd Immunity against COVID by August

In a stark warning to European nations, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Thursday that relaxing Covid measures can create a "perfect storm" similar to the pandemic situation in India.

New infections and deaths are soaring in India. Experts have indicated that the massive wave can in part be blamed on mass gatherings.

Head of WHO Europe said countries should not make the mistake of relaxing restrictions too soon.

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"When personal protective measures are being relaxed, when there are mass gatherings, when there are more contagious variants and the vaccination coverage is still low this can create a perfect storm in any country," Hans Kluge, head of WHO Europe told reporters Thursday.

"It is very important to realise that the situation in India can happen anywhere."

The coronavirus variant first detected in India is sweeping the country. There hasn't been any confirmation from the WHO whether the variant is more transmissible or more deadly than other coronavirus strains.

Kluge asked European nations to keep in mind that "individual and collective public health and social measures remain dominant factors in shaping the pandemic's course".

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/medical-oxygen-why-it-is-lacking-and-how-it-is-made-381323">Medical oxygen: Why it is lacking and how it is made</a>

He further said that though number of new cases in the region fell "significantly" last week for the first time in two months, "infection rates across the region remain extremely high".

He said vaccines were on the rise in the European region, with seven percent of the population now fully inoculated.&nbsp;

The WHO said this means that more people in Europe have now received the vaccine than the number of people who have been infected with the disease.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a stark warning to European nations, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Thursday that relaxing Covid measures can create a "perfect storm" similar to the pandemic situation in India.

In a stark warning to European nations, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Thursday that relaxing Covid measures can create a "perfect storm" similar to the pandemic situation in India. New infections and deaths are soaring in India. Experts have indicated that the massive wave can in part be blamed on mass gatherings. Head of WHO Europe said countries should not make the mistake of relaxing restrictions too soon. × "When personal protective measures are being relaxed, when there are mass gatherings, when there are more contagious variants and the vaccination coverage is still low this can create a perfect storm in any country," Hans Kluge, head of WHO Europe told reporters Thursday. "It is very important to realise that the situation in India can happen anywhere." The coronavirus variant first detected in India is sweeping the country. There hasn't been any confirmation from the WHO whether the variant is more transmissible or more deadly than other coronavirus strains. Kluge asked European nations to keep in mind that "individual and collective public health and social measures remain dominant factors in shaping the pandemic's course". Also Read | Medical oxygen: Why it is lacking and how it is made He further said that though number of new cases in the region fell "significantly" last week for the first time in two months, "infection rates across the region remain extremely high". He said vaccines were on the rise in the European region, with seven percent of the population now fully inoculated. The WHO said this means that more people in Europe have now received the vaccine than the number of people who have been infected with the disease. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid crisis like in India could 'happen anywhere', warns WHO

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