Italy expelled two Russian diplomats on Wednesday after police said they had arrested an Italian navy captain caught passing documents to a Russian official in return for money at a clandestine meeting.&nbsp;

The Italian, a captain of a frigate, and the Russian, a military official accredited at the embassy, were accused of 'serious crimes tied to spying and state security' after their meeting on Tuesday night, Italian Carabinieri police said.&nbsp;

The suspects were not identified.&nbsp;

Italy immediately summoned the Russian ambassador Sergey Razov and expelled two Russian officials believed to be involved in what Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio called an 'extremely grave matter'.&nbsp;

The Italian navy captain was taken into custody. Officials did not say whether the Russian army official, who had met him was one of the two, who were expelled.

Meanwhile, Britain on Wednesday said it 'stands in solidarity'&nbsp;with Italy over its expulsion of two Russian officials accused over a spy scandal, calling Moscow's actions 'malign and destabilising'.

"The UK stands in solidarity with Italy and its actions today, exposing and taking action against Russia's malign and destabilising activity that is designed to undermine our NATO ally," Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab wrote on Twitter.

Russia's Interfax news agency quoted a Russian lawmaker as saying Moscow would reciprocate for the expulsions, standard practice in such cases.&nbsp;

However, statements from Moscow suggested Russia was keen to play down the incident. The Russian Foreign Ministry was quoted as saying that it regretted the expulsions, but that they did not threaten bilateral relations.&nbsp;

Earlier, the Kremlin said it did not have information about the circumstances of the case but hoped the two countries would maintain positive and constructive ties.&nbsp;

The incident was the latest in a series of spying accusations in recent months against Russians in European countries. Bulgaria expelled Russian officials on suspicion of spying in March, and the Netherlands did so in December.&nbsp;

NATO documents were among the files that the Italian passed to the Russian official, Ansa news agency said, raising potential security worries for other members of the Western military alliance.&nbsp;

The arrests were ordered by Rome prosecutors following a long investigation carried out by the Italian intelligence with the support of the military, the police force said.&nbsp;

Police did not specify where the arrests had taken place. No further comment would be made until a magistrate approves the arrest, they said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Italy expelled two Russian diplomats on Wednesday after police said they had arrested an Italian navy captain caught passing documents to a Russian official in return for money at a clandestine meeting.

Italy expelled two Russian diplomats on Wednesday after police said they had arrested an Italian navy captain caught passing documents to a Russian official in return for money at a clandestine meeting. The Italian, a captain of a frigate, and the Russian, a military official accredited at the embassy, were accused of 'serious crimes tied to spying and state security' after their meeting on Tuesday night, Italian Carabinieri police said. The suspects were not identified. Italy immediately summoned the Russian ambassador Sergey Razov and expelled two Russian officials believed to be involved in what Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio called an 'extremely grave matter'. The Italian navy captain was taken into custody. Officials did not say whether the Russian army official, who had met him was one of the two, who were expelled. Meanwhile, Britain on Wednesday said it 'stands in solidarity' with Italy over its expulsion of two Russian officials accused over a spy scandal, calling Moscow's actions 'malign and destabilising'. "The UK stands in solidarity with Italy and its actions today, exposing and taking action against Russia's malign and destabilising activity that is designed to undermine our NATO ally," Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab wrote on Twitter. Russia's Interfax news agency quoted a Russian lawmaker as saying Moscow would reciprocate for the expulsions, standard practice in such cases. However, statements from Moscow suggested Russia was keen to play down the incident. The Russian Foreign Ministry was quoted as saying that it regretted the expulsions, but that they did not threaten bilateral relations. Earlier, the Kremlin said it did not have information about the circumstances of the case but hoped the two countries would maintain positive and constructive ties. The incident was the latest in a series of spying accusations in recent months against Russians in European countries. Bulgaria expelled Russian officials on suspicion of spying in March, and the Netherlands did so in December. NATO documents were among the files that the Italian passed to the Russian official, Ansa news agency said, raising potential security worries for other members of the Western military alliance. The arrests were ordered by Rome prosecutors following a long investigation carried out by the Italian intelligence with the support of the military, the police force said. Police did not specify where the arrests had taken place. No further comment would be made until a magistrate approves the arrest, they said. (With inputs from agencies)

Italy expels two Russian diplomats, arrests navy captain for spying  

Three men have been arrested for masterminding the kidnapping of two Italians who were held captive in Syria for three years, Italian police said Tuesday.

Over the course of 2016, the three who were arrested -- all from the northern Brescia province -- had convinced two businessmen from the area to travel to Turkey.

One of the two, Alessandro Sandrini, was convinced to go with the offer of faking his own kidnapping during the trip, and earn ransom money.&nbsp;

The other businessman, Sergio Zanotti, made the journey after being promised a business deal involving Iraqi currency.

Once in Turkey, both businessmen were captured for real near the Syrian border and taken to Syria, where they were held captive by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a jihadist group.

According to a police statement, the three men who were arrested had associates in Turkey who carried out the kidnapping and handed the two Italians over to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.&nbsp;

Zanotti left Italy in April 2016 and remained a prisoner until April 2019. Sandrini arrived in Turkey in October 2016 and was freed in May 2019.&nbsp;

Media reports, which quoted investigative sources, said Sandrini was charged for fraud and simulating a crime, as part of the same probe that led to Tuesday's arrests.

Police said a third businessman was approached about making the trip to Turkey, but pulled out at the last minute, refusing to board his plane.

Three men have been arrested for masterminding the kidnapping of two Italians who were held captive in Syria for three years, Italian police said Tuesday. Over the course of 2016, the three who were arrested -- all from the northern Brescia province -- had convinced two businessmen from the area to travel to Turkey.

Three men have been arrested for masterminding the kidnapping of two Italians who were held captive in Syria for three years, Italian police said Tuesday. Over the course of 2016, the three who were arrested -- all from the northern Brescia province -- had convinced two businessmen from the area to travel to Turkey. One of the two, Alessandro Sandrini, was convinced to go with the offer of faking his own kidnapping during the trip, and earn ransom money. The other businessman, Sergio Zanotti, made the journey after being promised a business deal involving Iraqi currency. Once in Turkey, both businessmen were captured for real near the Syrian border and taken to Syria, where they were held captive by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a jihadist group. According to a police statement, the three men who were arrested had associates in Turkey who carried out the kidnapping and handed the two Italians over to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Zanotti left Italy in April 2016 and remained a prisoner until April 2019. Sandrini arrived in Turkey in October 2016 and was freed in May 2019. Media reports, which quoted investigative sources, said Sandrini was charged for fraud and simulating a crime, as part of the same probe that led to Tuesday's arrests. Police said a third businessman was approached about making the trip to Turkey, but pulled out at the last minute, refusing to board his plane.

Three held in Italy over fake kidnapping that turned real 

Pope Francis led Palm Sunday services in an almost empty St Peter's Basilica because of coronavirus restrictions for the second consecutive year and said the devil is taking advantage of the pandemic.&nbsp;

In pre-coronavirus times, Palm Sunday, which marks the start of Holy Week and leads to Easter, tens of thousands of people would pack St Peter's Square holding olive branches and intricately woven palm fronds in an outdoor ceremony.&nbsp;

Instead, only about 120 members of the faithful participated in Sunday's Mass, joining the pope and about 30 cardinals in a secondary wing of the huge basilica.&nbsp;

"Last year, we were shocked. This year, we are more under pressure and the economic crisis has become heavy," Francis said, in his traditional Sunday noon address after the Mass.&nbsp;

Italy is in the midst of another national lockdown, which is due to end after Easter. On Wednesday, the pope ordered cardinals and other clerics to take pay cuts to save the jobs of other employees.&nbsp;

"The Devil is taking advantage of the crisis to sow distrust, desperation and discord," he said, adding that the pandemic had brought physical, psychological and spiritual suffering.&nbsp;

Since he was elected in 2013, Francis has made clear that he believes the devil to be real, saying in a 2018 document that it was mistaken to consider him a myth.&nbsp;

In both his homily during the Mass and his comments afterward, Francis said the pandemic made it more important than ever to look after those in difficulty, the poor and the suffering.&nbsp;

Nearly everyone, who took part in the Mass, except the pope and the choir, wore masks.&nbsp;

In a small-scale version of a traditional Palm Sunday service, the 84-year-old pope and the cardinals processed to the altar holding palm fronds.&nbsp;

Palm Sunday commemorates the day the gospels say Jesus rode into Jerusalem and was hailed by the people, only to be crucified five days later.&nbsp;

During the Mass, the pope had a pronounced limp. He suffers from sciatica, which causes pain in his legs when it flares up.&nbsp;

The remainder of the pope's Holy Week services - Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter next Sunday, will also take place with a limited number of participants.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Pope Francis led Palm Sunday services in an almost empty St Peter's Basilica because of coronavirus restrictions for the second consecutive year and said the devil is taking advantage of the pandemic.

Pope Francis led Palm Sunday services in an almost empty St Peter's Basilica because of coronavirus restrictions for the second consecutive year and said the devil is taking advantage of the pandemic. In pre-coronavirus times, Palm Sunday, which marks the start of Holy Week and leads to Easter, tens of thousands of people would pack St Peter's Square holding olive branches and intricately woven palm fronds in an outdoor ceremony. Instead, only about 120 members of the faithful participated in Sunday's Mass, joining the pope and about 30 cardinals in a secondary wing of the huge basilica. "Last year, we were shocked. This year, we are more under pressure and the economic crisis has become heavy," Francis said, in his traditional Sunday noon address after the Mass. Italy is in the midst of another national lockdown, which is due to end after Easter. On Wednesday, the pope ordered cardinals and other clerics to take pay cuts to save the jobs of other employees. "The Devil is taking advantage of the crisis to sow distrust, desperation and discord," he said, adding that the pandemic had brought physical, psychological and spiritual suffering. Since he was elected in 2013, Francis has made clear that he believes the devil to be real, saying in a 2018 document that it was mistaken to consider him a myth. In both his homily during the Mass and his comments afterward, Francis said the pandemic made it more important than ever to look after those in difficulty, the poor and the suffering. Nearly everyone, who took part in the Mass, except the pope and the choir, wore masks. In a small-scale version of a traditional Palm Sunday service, the 84-year-old pope and the cardinals processed to the altar holding palm fronds. Palm Sunday commemorates the day the gospels say Jesus rode into Jerusalem and was hailed by the people, only to be crucified five days later. During the Mass, the pope had a pronounced limp. He suffers from sciatica, which causes pain in his legs when it flares up. The remainder of the pope's Holy Week services - Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter next Sunday, will also take place with a limited number of participants. (With inputs from agencies)

On Palm Sunday, Pope says devil taking advantage of pandemic 

&nbsp;Former champions Germany, England and Italy got off to winning starts in their World Cup qualifying campaigns on Thursday but Spain were held to a 1-1 home draw by Greece.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-draw-1-1-against-oman-as-blue-tigers-play-a-record-10-debutants-373173" hreflang="en">India draw 1-1 against Oman as Blue Tigers play a record 10 debutants</a>

Four-times winners Germany enjoyed a 3-0 win over Group J rivals Iceland in Duisburg thanks to goals from Leon Goretzka, Kai Havertz and Ilkay Gundogan.

The German team followed the example of Norway on Wednesday in making a protest before the start of the game, lining up in Tee-shirts spelling out "Human Rights". The 2022 World Cup finals will be held in Qatar, who have been criticised by human rights groups.

"We want to make it clear to society that we are not ignoring this but say clearly what the conditions are," Goretzka told RTL television.

After the Norway protest, FIFA said it would not be sanctioning the team, saying it supported free speech.

The Germans took the lead after a delightful move as Joshua Kimmich found Serge Gnabry with a perfectly weighted pass and he touched it back for Goretzka to volley home in the third minute.

Havertz made it 2-0 after another defence-splitting pass from Kimmich released Leroy Sane who squared it back for the Chelsea forward to curl in a low shot.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored twice and Ollie Watkins marked his debut with a goal as England crushed San Marino 5-0 at Wembley.

San Marino, who have never won a competitive game, held out for 13 minutes before James Ward-Prowse opened his England account with a smart finish and Calvert-Lewin made it 2-0 with a header.

Raheem Sterling made it 3-0 just after the half-hour mark at which point it seemed England might run riot.

But San Marino's mostly part-time players dug deep with Calvert-Lewin's second goal the only addition to the score until substitute Watkins slotted in late on as England moved top of Group I.

In Parma, Roberto Mancini's Italy had a tougher task but also made a positive start with a 2-0 win over Northern Ireland in Group C.

Two goals inside the first 39 minutes from Domenico Berardi and Ciro Immobile settled Italy's nerves as they look to banish the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

Northern Ireland rallied in the second half, forcing Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma into several saves.

FRUSTRATING NIGHT

A frustrating night for Spain in Granada began promisingly when Alvaro Morata opened the scoring for the hosts after 32 minutes, moments after Dani Olmo had rattled the crossbar.

However, shortly before the hour mark, substitute Inigo Martinez - on for captain Sergio Ramos - was penalised for a rash tackle on Greek midfielder Giorgos Masouras.

Anastasios Bakasetas smashed the ball in from the spot to stun Luis Enrique's side.

Robert Lewandowski struck a thunderous 83rd-minute equaliser as Poland fought back to earn a 3-3 draw with Hungary in a pulsating Group I game in Budapest.

Hungary led 2-0 thanks to goals from Roland Sallai and Adam Szalai before a triple substitute inspired a rapid revival from Paulo Sousa's side with Krzysztof Piatek and Kamil Jozwiak making an instant impact.

Piatek connected with a low cross from Gregorz Krychowiak to beat Peter Gulacsi and moments later Hungary's defence crumbled, allowing Jozwiak to slot the ball into the net.

Hungary regained the lead through Willi Orban only for Bayern Munich forward Lewandowski to earn his side a point with a rasping drive.

Jonas Wind inspired Denmark to a 2-0 win over Israel in Tel Aviv, with his flick setting up Martin Braithwaite for a clever chip for the opener. Wind volleyed the second after the break, his third goal for his country in his fifth appearance.

Scotland twice came from behind to snatch a 2-2 draw with Austria in Group F.

A spectacular overhead kick from John McGinn five minutes from time salvaged a potentially vital point for the Scots, who like Austria last qualified for the World Cup in 1998.

Former champions Germany, England and Italy got off to winning starts in their World Cup qualifying campaigns on Thursday but Spain were held to a 1-1 home draw by Greece.

Former champions Germany, England and Italy got off to winning starts in their World Cup qualifying campaigns on Thursday but Spain were held to a 1-1 home draw by Greece. ALSO READ: India draw 1-1 against Oman as Blue Tigers play a record 10 debutants Four-times winners Germany enjoyed a 3-0 win over Group J rivals Iceland in Duisburg thanks to goals from Leon Goretzka, Kai Havertz and Ilkay Gundogan. The German team followed the example of Norway on Wednesday in making a protest before the start of the game, lining up in Tee-shirts spelling out "Human Rights". The 2022 World Cup finals will be held in Qatar, who have been criticised by human rights groups. "We want to make it clear to society that we are not ignoring this but say clearly what the conditions are," Goretzka told RTL television. After the Norway protest, FIFA said it would not be sanctioning the team, saying it supported free speech. The Germans took the lead after a delightful move as Joshua Kimmich found Serge Gnabry with a perfectly weighted pass and he touched it back for Goretzka to volley home in the third minute. Havertz made it 2-0 after another defence-splitting pass from Kimmich released Leroy Sane who squared it back for the Chelsea forward to curl in a low shot. Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored twice and Ollie Watkins marked his debut with a goal as England crushed San Marino 5-0 at Wembley. San Marino, who have never won a competitive game, held out for 13 minutes before James Ward-Prowse opened his England account with a smart finish and Calvert-Lewin made it 2-0 with a header. Raheem Sterling made it 3-0 just after the half-hour mark at which point it seemed England might run riot. But San Marino's mostly part-time players dug deep with Calvert-Lewin's second goal the only addition to the score until substitute Watkins slotted in late on as England moved top of Group I. In Parma, Roberto Mancini's Italy had a tougher task but also made a positive start with a 2-0 win over Northern Ireland in Group C. Two goals inside the first 39 minutes from Domenico Berardi and Ciro Immobile settled Italy's nerves as they look to banish the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. Northern Ireland rallied in the second half, forcing Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma into several saves. FRUSTRATING NIGHT A frustrating night for Spain in Granada began promisingly when Alvaro Morata opened the scoring for the hosts after 32 minutes, moments after Dani Olmo had rattled the crossbar. However, shortly before the hour mark, substitute Inigo Martinez - on for captain Sergio Ramos - was penalised for a rash tackle on Greek midfielder Giorgos Masouras. Anastasios Bakasetas smashed the ball in from the spot to stun Luis Enrique's side. Robert Lewandowski struck a thunderous 83rd-minute equaliser as Poland fought back to earn a 3-3 draw with Hungary in a pulsating Group I game in Budapest. Hungary led 2-0 thanks to goals from Roland Sallai and Adam Szalai before a triple substitute inspired a rapid revival from Paulo Sousa's side with Krzysztof Piatek and Kamil Jozwiak making an instant impact. Piatek connected with a low cross from Gregorz Krychowiak to beat Peter Gulacsi and moments later Hungary's defence crumbled, allowing Jozwiak to slot the ball into the net. Hungary regained the lead through Willi Orban only for Bayern Munich forward Lewandowski to earn his side a point with a rasping drive. Jonas Wind inspired Denmark to a 2-0 win over Israel in Tel Aviv, with his flick setting up Martin Braithwaite for a clever chip for the opener. Wind volleyed the second after the break, his third goal for his country in his fifth appearance. Scotland twice came from behind to snatch a 2-2 draw with Austria in Group F. A spectacular overhead kick from John McGinn five minutes from time salvaged a potentially vital point for the Scots, who like Austria last qualified for the World Cup in 1998.

Germany, England, Italy win but Spain held in World Cup qualifying

Italy's Neosperience has developed a way to detect Covid-19 infections by analysing a person's speech or cough, the software company said, sending its shares up more than 13% on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Neosperience President Dario Melpignano said the system, which detects sounds characteristic of the respiratory disease, was more than 80% accurate.&nbsp;

The project was developed with partners and by using artificial intelligence embedded in a cloud platform called Neosperience Health Cloud, which has already been used to analyse chest X-rays, the company said in a statement.&nbsp;

Neosperience's shares, listed on the Aim section of the Milan Bourse, were automatically suspended after rising 13.5% to 6.50 euros per share.&nbsp;

"It's just the beginning of a project that has incredible potential because the processing of this sort of data can be effectively used as a screening test," said Alessandro Nizardo Chailly, the chief executive of Neosperience's partner Capsula.&nbsp;

The recording and analysis model could help to detect and diagnose a wide range of pathogens, added Capsula's scientific adviser Giuseppe Andreoni.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Italy's Neosperience has developed a way to detect Covid-19 infections by analysing a person's speech or cough, the software company said, sending its shares up more than 13% on Tuesday.

Italy's Neosperience has developed a way to detect Covid-19 infections by analysing a person's speech or cough, the software company said, sending its shares up more than 13% on Tuesday. Neosperience President Dario Melpignano said the system, which detects sounds characteristic of the respiratory disease, was more than 80% accurate. The project was developed with partners and by using artificial intelligence embedded in a cloud platform called Neosperience Health Cloud, which has already been used to analyse chest X-rays, the company said in a statement. Neosperience's shares, listed on the Aim section of the Milan Bourse, were automatically suspended after rising 13.5% to 6.50 euros per share. "It's just the beginning of a project that has incredible potential because the processing of this sort of data can be effectively used as a screening test," said Alessandro Nizardo Chailly, the chief executive of Neosperience's partner Capsula. The recording and analysis model could help to detect and diagnose a wide range of pathogens, added Capsula's scientific adviser Giuseppe Andreoni. (With inputs from agencies)

Italy's software company finds way to detect Covid-19 from sound 

Thousands of Italian parents, children and teachers protested in squares up and down the country on Sunday against what they call the unnecessary closure of schools to try to curb Covid-19 infections.&nbsp;

The protests, the first of any significance against Mario Draghi's national unity government that took office last month, were held in more than 35 squares nationwide including Rome's Piazza del Popolo and Milan's central Piazza Duomo.&nbsp;

Demonstrators in Rome wore dunce's caps to indicate the impact of the closures on students' education, while in Milan pupils' messages and placards were propped against their school rucksacks placed on the ground.&nbsp;

Numbers at each venue were limited due to coronavirus restrictions on gatherings.&nbsp;

"Open schools, whatever it takes," read one placard held aloft by a child in Rome, in reference to Draghi's famous promise to save the euro when he was European Central Bank chief in 2012.&nbsp;

Most Italian schools for all ages have been closed since March 15, when Draghi ramped up efforts to control the virus, with students attending lessons online from home.&nbsp;

"We are asking for one thing: that our schools be given the status of essential public services and immediately reopened," the Rome arm of the 'Open Schools' national network that organised the demonstrations said in a statement.&nbsp;

Since Italy's outbreak began 13 months ago, schools have closed and re-opened at various times depending on age groups and local infection levels, but overall there has been less face-to-face schooling than in most other European countries.&nbsp;

The latest closures were the last straw for millions of parents forced to work from home or pay for child care.&nbsp;

The government says the closures are needed due to rising infection rates, and particularly, the increasing prevalence of the variant first discovered in the UK, in which contagion is high among younger age groups.&nbsp;

Draghi promised on Friday that schools would be the first thing to reopen when current Covid restrictions are eased.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Thousands of Italian parents, children and teachers protested in squares up and down the country on Sunday against what they call the unnecessary closure of schools to try to curb Covid-19 infections.

Thousands of Italian parents, children and teachers protested in squares up and down the country on Sunday against what they call the unnecessary closure of schools to try to curb Covid-19 infections. The protests, the first of any significance against Mario Draghi's national unity government that took office last month, were held in more than 35 squares nationwide including Rome's Piazza del Popolo and Milan's central Piazza Duomo. Demonstrators in Rome wore dunce's caps to indicate the impact of the closures on students' education, while in Milan pupils' messages and placards were propped against their school rucksacks placed on the ground. Numbers at each venue were limited due to coronavirus restrictions on gatherings. "Open schools, whatever it takes," read one placard held aloft by a child in Rome, in reference to Draghi's famous promise to save the euro when he was European Central Bank chief in 2012. Most Italian schools for all ages have been closed since March 15, when Draghi ramped up efforts to control the virus, with students attending lessons online from home. "We are asking for one thing: that our schools be given the status of essential public services and immediately reopened," the Rome arm of the 'Open Schools' national network that organised the demonstrations said in a statement. Since Italy's outbreak began 13 months ago, schools have closed and re-opened at various times depending on age groups and local infection levels, but overall there has been less face-to-face schooling than in most other European countries. The latest closures were the last straw for millions of parents forced to work from home or pay for child care. The government says the closures are needed due to rising infection rates, and particularly, the increasing prevalence of the variant first discovered in the UK, in which contagion is high among younger age groups. Draghi promised on Friday that schools would be the first thing to reopen when current Covid restrictions are eased. (With inputs from agencies)

Italian parents, children protest against Covid school closures 

France, Germany and Italy have joined a growing list of nations that have suspended the use of AstraZeneca's COVID jabs. Are European powers politicising vaccines, or is there solid science behind the move? WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: France, Germany suspend AstraZeneca jabs

France, Italy and Germany became the latest major European countries to block Astrazeneca's Covid-19 vaccines over reports of dangerous blood clots in some recipients.

News Alert: Italy, Germany, France suspends AstraZeneca jabs

Piedmont region in northern region said on Sunday that it was stopping the use of a batch of AstrazZeneca COVID vaccine. This step has been taken after a teacher died following receiving vaccine on Saturday.

The region, around the northern city of Turin, had initially suspended all AstraZeneca vaccines in order to identify and isolate the batch from which the jab administered to the teacher, from the town of Biella, came.

The regional government said that the decision to suspend use was a precautionary measure. Piedmont is awaiting the results of checks which will verify whether there is a connection between the death and the vaccination

The statement did not specify what batch it had banned nor did it say how the teacher died. Italian newspapers reported it was batch ABV5811. A source close to the regional government confirmed it was batch ABV5811.

The regional government's statement said that the Piedmont region was also awaiting decisions from Italy's medicine's agency Aifa and a regional health commission on the issue.

"It is an act of extreme prudence, while we verify whether there is a connection. There have been no critical issues with the administration of vaccines to date," Luigi Genesio Icardi, head of regional health services, said in the statement.

Italy's medicine authority Aifa on Thursday banned the use of doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine belonging to the ABV2856 batch. Sources told Reuters the decision had been taken after the deaths of two men in Sicily.

Aifa had said that the ban was precautionary, adding that no link had been established between the vaccine and subsequent "serious adverse events".

(With AFP inputs)

Piedmont region in northern region said on Sunday that it was stopping the use of a batch of AstrazZeneca COVID vaccine. This step has been taken after a teacher died following receiving vaccine on Saturday.

Piedmont region in northern region said on Sunday that it was stopping the use of a batch of AstrazZeneca COVID vaccine. This step has been taken after a teacher died following receiving vaccine on Saturday. The region, around the northern city of Turin, had initially suspended all AstraZeneca vaccines in order to identify and isolate the batch from which the jab administered to the teacher, from the town of Biella, came. The regional government said that the decision to suspend use was a precautionary measure. Piedmont is awaiting the results of checks which will verify whether there is a connection between the death and the vaccination The statement did not specify what batch it had banned nor did it say how the teacher died. Italian newspapers reported it was batch ABV5811. A source close to the regional government confirmed it was batch ABV5811. The regional government's statement said that the Piedmont region was also awaiting decisions from Italy's medicine's agency Aifa and a regional health commission on the issue. "It is an act of extreme prudence, while we verify whether there is a connection. There have been no critical issues with the administration of vaccines to date," Luigi Genesio Icardi, head of regional health services, said in the statement. Italy's medicine authority Aifa on Thursday banned the use of doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine belonging to the ABV2856 batch. Sources told Reuters the decision had been taken after the deaths of two men in Sicily. Aifa had said that the ban was precautionary, adding that no link had been established between the vaccine and subsequent "serious adverse events". (With AFP inputs)

Piedmont region in Italy stops use of AstraZeneca vaccine batch

Most of Italy, including its capital Rome and its financial centre Milan, will have curbs on business and movement intensified from Monday as the government ramps up its efforts to stem a steady rise in coronavirus cases.

Italy toughens COVID restrictions, imposes Easter lockdown

A nationwide lockdown will be imposed in Italy over Easter weekend for the second year running, said Reuters citing draft decree law. As per the draft decree law, non-essential shops will be shuttered across the nation from April 3-5. Citizens will only be allowed to leave their homes for work, health or emergency reasons.

However, a number of regions including wealthy Lombardy, which is centred on Italy's financial capital Milan, look certain to be placed under full lockdown from Monday because of the recent jump in infections and hospitalisations.

"I hope that this will be the last sacrifice asked of our citizens," said Lombardy President Attilio Fontana.

Italy has seen rise in infections by 10 per cent this week compared with the week before. The officials have warned that situation is deteriorating. Italy was the first western country that was hit hard at the start of the pandemic.

It was not immediately clear how the decree would affect churchgoers in the Catholic country. However, it was expected to be similar to provisions last Christmas when people were allowed to go to churches in their neighbourhoods.

A Vatican source said Pope Francis' Easter Eve Mass likely would be held a few hours earlier so that faithful could get home in time for Italy's 10 p.m. curfew and that the pontiff's Holy Week activities before Easter would be held in the Vatican with a limited number of participants.

Unlike last year, the new decree, which was expected to be approved by Prime Minister Mario Draghi's cabinet later on Friday, allows for limited visits to friends and relatives over the Easter holiday - for example to see elderly parents.

But the decree also imposes tougher curbs for the country's low-risk "yellow" regions as of Monday, severely limiting movement between towns and closing restaurants and bars.

Italy has reported more than 100,000 deaths from the disease since discovering its first cases 13 months ago, the seventh-highest toll worldwide.

(With Reuters inputs)

A nationwide lockdown will be imposed in Italy over Easter weekend for the second year running, said Reuters citing draft decree law. As per the draft decree law, non-essential shops will be shuttered across the nation from April 3-5.

A nationwide lockdown will be imposed in Italy over Easter weekend for the second year running, said Reuters citing draft decree law. As per the draft decree law, non-essential shops will be shuttered across the nation from April 3-5. Citizens will only be allowed to leave their homes for work, health or emergency reasons. However, a number of regions including wealthy Lombardy, which is centred on Italy's financial capital Milan, look certain to be placed under full lockdown from Monday because of the recent jump in infections and hospitalisations. "I hope that this will be the last sacrifice asked of our citizens," said Lombardy President Attilio Fontana. Italy has seen rise in infections by 10 per cent this week compared with the week before. The officials have warned that situation is deteriorating. Italy was the first western country that was hit hard at the start of the pandemic. It was not immediately clear how the decree would affect churchgoers in the Catholic country. However, it was expected to be similar to provisions last Christmas when people were allowed to go to churches in their neighbourhoods. A Vatican source said Pope Francis' Easter Eve Mass likely would be held a few hours earlier so that faithful could get home in time for Italy's 10 p.m. curfew and that the pontiff's Holy Week activities before Easter would be held in the Vatican with a limited number of participants. Unlike last year, the new decree, which was expected to be approved by Prime Minister Mario Draghi's cabinet later on Friday, allows for limited visits to friends and relatives over the Easter holiday - for example to see elderly parents. But the decree also imposes tougher curbs for the country's low-risk "yellow" regions as of Monday, severely limiting movement between towns and closing restaurants and bars. Italy has reported more than 100,000 deaths from the disease since discovering its first cases 13 months ago, the seventh-highest toll worldwide. (With Reuters inputs)

Italy to impose nationwide COVID lockdown over Easter weekend: Report

Italy plans to launch a fund worth up to $47.8 billion this month to help its companies hit by the COVID-19 crisis raise capital and strengthen their balance sheets.

World Business Watch: Italy set to launch fund for virus-hit firms

With the aim to save her grandson from the world of drugs, an Italian grandma has unknowingly helped the police dismantle a mafia drug ring.

This Italian grandma visited the Carabinieri police station pleading to help them save her grandson from drugs. However, it turned out to be a big tip that helped bust a drug mafia ring, operating in the southern Calabria region.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/man-accidentally-breeds-python-with-3-smiley-faces-sold-for-6000-369420" hreflang="en">Man accidentally breeds Python with 3 smiley faces; Sold for $6,000</a>

"The grandmother went to the Carabinieri (police) to ask them to save her grandson who was being devoured by the world of drugs," Colonel Piero Sutera, commander of the local Carabinieri police force told the media. in a press conference.

Carabinieri police were able to arrest 18 people on suspicion of drug dealing in the nearby areas of the Calabrian district of Cetraro.&nbsp;

The arrested people are being suspected to be a part of the "Muto" clan, which is one of the most infamous groups in &nbsp;'Ndrangheta, an organised crime syndicate considered one of the world's most powerful, whose main business is drug trafficking.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-chinas-ban-on-taiwans-pineapples-inspires-creative-dishes-369457" hreflang="en">China's ban on Taiwan's pineapples inspires creative dishes</a>

Local police also acquired large amounts of cocaine that has allegedly been moved by the clan. It was acquired through a broker operating on the other side of Calabria.

The police have also alleged that the group was involved in extorting entrepreneurs dealing in the tourism sector, one of whom had contacted the police for help.

"People have suffered and seen the arrogance of these criminals who insisted on extorting money," anti-mafia prosecutor Nicola Gratteri told local media.

Gratteri also reported that some of the extorted money went to clan members who are behind bars and also to their family members.

With the aim to save her grandson from the world of drugs, an Italian grandma has unknowingly helped the police dismantle a mafia drug ring. This Italian grandma visited the Carabinieri police station pleading to help them save her grandson from drugs.

With the aim to save her grandson from the world of drugs, an Italian grandma has unknowingly helped the police dismantle a mafia drug ring. This Italian grandma visited the Carabinieri police station pleading to help them save her grandson from drugs. However, it turned out to be a big tip that helped bust a drug mafia ring, operating in the southern Calabria region. Also read | Man accidentally breeds Python with 3 smiley faces; Sold for $6,000 "The grandmother went to the Carabinieri (police) to ask them to save her grandson who was being devoured by the world of drugs," Colonel Piero Sutera, commander of the local Carabinieri police force told the media. in a press conference. Carabinieri police were able to arrest 18 people on suspicion of drug dealing in the nearby areas of the Calabrian district of Cetraro. The arrested people are being suspected to be a part of the "Muto" clan, which is one of the most infamous groups in 'Ndrangheta, an organised crime syndicate considered one of the world's most powerful, whose main business is drug trafficking. Also read | China's ban on Taiwan's pineapples inspires creative dishes Local police also acquired large amounts of cocaine that has allegedly been moved by the clan. It was acquired through a broker operating on the other side of Calabria. The police have also alleged that the group was involved in extorting entrepreneurs dealing in the tourism sector, one of whom had contacted the police for help. "People have suffered and seen the arrogance of these criminals who insisted on extorting money," anti-mafia prosecutor Nicola Gratteri told local media. Gratteri also reported that some of the extorted money went to clan members who are behind bars and also to their family members.

Italian grandma helps bust drug ring while saving grandson

Italy's coronavirus death toll passed the 100,000 mark on Monday and Prime Minister Mario Draghi warned that the situation was worsening again with a jump in hospitalisations.

Italy's coronavirus death toll passes 100,000, situation worsening

The European Union has come out in support of Italy's decision to block the supply of the AstraZeneca Vaccine to Australia on Saturday. The EU internal market commissioner said that the block has to make sure that the company deliver what it expects.

Italy bans the supply of the AstraZeneca Vaccine to Australia

Italy blocked the export of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine to Australia, a move coordinated with the European Union authorities. This is perhaps the first such export ban under an EU vaccine monitoring scheme.

Italy blocks export of AstraZeneca vaccines doses to Australia

Australia has asked the European Commission to review a decision by Italy to block a shipment of AstraZeneca's Covid vaccine.

Italy, supported by the European Commission, had barred the planned export of around 250,000 doses of AstraZeneca's vaccine after the drug manufacturer failed to meet its European Union contract commitments.

Australia has ordered 53.8 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, which was developed in conjunction with the University of Oxford. Local pharmaceutical company CSL Ltd has secured the rights to manufacture 50 million of those doses in Australia and expects to release the first batch near the end of March.

"Australia has raised the issue with the European Commission through multiple channels, and in particular we have asked the European Commission to review this decision," Australian Health Minister Greg Hunt told reporters in Melbourne.

Australia has already received 300,000 doses of AstraZeneca's Covid vaccine, which would last until local production of the vaccine ramps up.

Australia began its inoculation programme two weeks ago, vaccinating frontline health staff and senior citizens with Pfizer's jab though doses of that vaccine are limited amid tight global supplies.

While seeking the European Commission's intervention, Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he could understand reasons for Italy's objection.

"In Italy people are dying at the rate of 300 a day. And so I can certainly understand the high level of anxiety that would exist in Italy and in many countries across Europe," Morrison told reporters in Sydney.

Italy's move came just days after Prime Minister Mario Draghi, who took office last month, told fellow EU leaders that the bloc needed to speed up vaccinations and crack down on pharma companies that failed to deliver on promised supplies.

EU countries started inoculations at the end of December, but are moving at a far slower pace than many other nations, with officials blaming the slow progress in part on supply problems with key manufacturers.

(with inputs)

Australia has asked the European Commission to review a decision by Italy to block a shipment of AstraZeneca's Covid vaccine. Italy, supported by the European Commission, had barred the planned export of around 250,000 doses of AstraZeneca's vaccine after the drug manufacturer failed to meet its European Union contract commitments.

Australia has asked the European Commission to review a decision by Italy to block a shipment of AstraZeneca's Covid vaccine. Italy, supported by the European Commission, had barred the planned export of around 250,000 doses of AstraZeneca's vaccine after the drug manufacturer failed to meet its European Union contract commitments. Australia has ordered 53.8 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, which was developed in conjunction with the University of Oxford. Local pharmaceutical company CSL Ltd has secured the rights to manufacture 50 million of those doses in Australia and expects to release the first batch near the end of March. "Australia has raised the issue with the European Commission through multiple channels, and in particular we have asked the European Commission to review this decision," Australian Health Minister Greg Hunt told reporters in Melbourne. Australia has already received 300,000 doses of AstraZeneca's Covid vaccine, which would last until local production of the vaccine ramps up. Australia began its inoculation programme two weeks ago, vaccinating frontline health staff and senior citizens with Pfizer's jab though doses of that vaccine are limited amid tight global supplies. While seeking the European Commission's intervention, Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he could understand reasons for Italy's objection. "In Italy people are dying at the rate of 300 a day. And so I can certainly understand the high level of anxiety that would exist in Italy and in many countries across Europe," Morrison told reporters in Sydney. Italy's move came just days after Prime Minister Mario Draghi, who took office last month, told fellow EU leaders that the bloc needed to speed up vaccinations and crack down on pharma companies that failed to deliver on promised supplies. EU countries started inoculations at the end of December, but are moving at a far slower pace than many other nations, with officials blaming the slow progress in part on supply problems with key manufacturers. (with inputs)

Australia asks European Commission to review Italy's vaccine block

The Italian government has blocked the Australia-bound shipment of Oxford-AstraZeneca <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine's </a>250,000 doses.&nbsp;

Italy blamed the export ban on the doses produced in an Italian facility on the shortage of vaccines in Europe and a better situation in Australia when it comes to dealing with Covid-19.&nbsp;

By taking such a measure, Italy has become the first EU nation to use the group's new regulations permitting vaccine exports to be stopped if the company providing them has failed to meet its obligations to the EU.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/australia-begins-inoculation-with-pizer-jab-365177/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, Australia has played down the impact of Italy's decision,&nbsp;with the Australian prime minister saying that the situation is under control in the country, while Italy needs vaccine more as they are facing "an unbridled crisis situation".&nbsp;

"This particular shipment was not one we'd counted on for the rollout, and so we will continue unabated," Australian PM Scott Morrison said.&nbsp;

"They are in an unbridled crisis situation. That is not the situation in Australia."&nbsp;

Earlier, the Australian health ministry's spokesperson also said that the country is just losing "one shipment" from Italy.

Canberra has already received a supply of 300,000 doses of AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine and they will first be used on Friday on the frontline workers.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-pm-mario-draghi-sets-out-plan-to-rebuild-virus-hit-country-364400">Italy PM Mario Draghi sets out plan to rebuild virus-hit country</a>

The current stock of AstraZeneca and Pfizer-BioNTech's vaccine in Australia is expected to last until domestic production ramps up.&nbsp;

"Domestic production starts with one million (doses) per week of deliveries from late March and is on track," the Australian health ministry spokesperson added.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the EU has faced a lot of criticism for its slow rollout of vaccines and in January, then Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said it is "unacceptable" on the delay of vaccine supplies by both AstraZeneca and Pfizer.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The Italian government has blocked the Australia-bound shipment of Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine's 250,000 doses. Italy blamed the export ban on the doses produced in an Italian facility on the shortage of vaccines in Europe and a better situation in Australia when it comes to dealing with Covid-19.

The Italian government has blocked the Australia-bound shipment of Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine's 250,000 doses. Italy blamed the export ban on the doses produced in an Italian facility on the shortage of vaccines in Europe and a better situation in Australia when it comes to dealing with Covid-19. By taking such a measure, Italy has become the first EU nation to use the group's new regulations permitting vaccine exports to be stopped if the company providing them has failed to meet its obligations to the EU. Watch | However, Australia has played down the impact of Italy's decision, with the Australian prime minister saying that the situation is under control in the country, while Italy needs vaccine more as they are facing "an unbridled crisis situation". "This particular shipment was not one we'd counted on for the rollout, and so we will continue unabated," Australian PM Scott Morrison said. "They are in an unbridled crisis situation. That is not the situation in Australia." Earlier, the Australian health ministry's spokesperson also said that the country is just losing "one shipment" from Italy. Canberra has already received a supply of 300,000 doses of AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine and they will first be used on Friday on the frontline workers. Also read | Italy PM Mario Draghi sets out plan to rebuild virus-hit country The current stock of AstraZeneca and Pfizer-BioNTech's vaccine in Australia is expected to last until domestic production ramps up. "Domestic production starts with one million (doses) per week of deliveries from late March and is on track," the Australian health ministry spokesperson added. Meanwhile, the EU has faced a lot of criticism for its slow rollout of vaccines and in January, then Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said it is "unacceptable" on the delay of vaccine supplies by both AstraZeneca and Pfizer.

Italy blocks export of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine shipment to Australia

The Genoa Aquarium in Italy, one of Europe's largest aquarium is gradually letting the visitors back in. The marine animals are as excited as the visitors as they welcome the reopening of the aquarium.

The Genoa Aquarium in Italy reopens after months

The famous canals of Venice in Italy nearly dried up on Friday (February 26) as exceptionally low tide took the water out of the famed waterways. Traditional gondolas and boats could be seen almost beached. The water levels reached -48 cm. This created an unusual landscape.

Venice, the city famous for art, architecture and canals has always had fragile balance between low and high tides that create large variations in sea levels. Venice is built on a collection of small islands within a saltwater lagoon off the north-eastern coast of Italy.

Venice's floods, "acqua alta" in Italian, are caused by a combination of factors, exacerbated by climate change -- from rising sea levels and unusually high tides to land subsidence that has caused the ground level of the city to sink.

In December last year, such an 'acqua alta' event had caused flooding in Venice. Images of famous <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/venice-submerged-way-too-much-this-time-348484#st-marks-square-under-water-348477">St Mark's square under water</a> did rounds at that time.

(With Reuters inputs)

The famous canals of Venice in Italy nearly dried up on Friday (February 26) as exceptionally low tide took the water out of the famed waterways. Traditional gondolas and boats could be seen almost beached.

The famous canals of Venice in Italy nearly dried up on Friday (February 26) as exceptionally low tide took the water out of the famed waterways. Traditional gondolas and boats could be seen almost beached. The water levels reached -48 cm. This created an unusual landscape. Venice, the city famous for art, architecture and canals has always had fragile balance between low and high tides that create large variations in sea levels. Venice is built on a collection of small islands within a saltwater lagoon off the north-eastern coast of Italy. Venice's floods, "acqua alta" in Italian, are caused by a combination of factors, exacerbated by climate change -- from rising sea levels and unusually high tides to land subsidence that has caused the ground level of the city to sink. In December last year, such an 'acqua alta' event had caused flooding in Venice. Images of famous St Mark's square under water did rounds at that time. (With Reuters inputs)

Venice: Exceptionally low tide almost dries up the canals

Who is an employee? It may seem a simple question but it's not. In 2016, two Uber drivers in the United Kingdom took the app-based cab service to court.&nbsp;

These two drivers told the court that they worked for Uber but it said, the drivers did not work for the company and that they were self-employed. Is that something to fight over? Actually, it is.&nbsp;

The moment you employ someone, you are expected to give him or her employment benefits like minimum wage, annual leaves, insurance. These vary depending on a country's labour laws.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-who-is-an-employee-366305/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In UK, there are three categories of employment status, employees, workers and self-employed contractors. Employees have the maximum protection as they enjoy the most benefits. Self-employed contractors have the least. So, when this case came up in court. Uber stuck to its claim and so did the two drivers. There was a four-year-long legal battle and then UK's top court said, uber drivers should be treated as workers and not self-employed. It meant that they are entitled to a minimum wage and a holiday pay.&nbsp;

It happened on the February 19. It was just the beginning of Uber's troubles. Four days later, the company was fined in Italy. Again, over the same employment debate.&nbsp;

Uber, and food delivery apps were told their couriers delivery personnel are employees. They should be treated as employees. Four companies were fined 733 million euros for breaching labour safety rules. The companies were told to pay the couriers delivery personnel, social security and insurance also give them adequate clothing, helmets, masks, scooters or bicycles, etc.&nbsp;

The decision of two courts in Italy and Britain to declare Uber drivers and food app couriers as employees is important for the whole world as it sets a precedent.&nbsp;

It's only a matter of time before such a case comes up in another country. It is important now as it ensures that there is no exploitation.&nbsp;

App-based cabs, and food delivery services have been around for some time now in India. They have generated employment for thousands of people. Many have migrated from rural areas to drive cabs in cities. Driving an Ola or an Uber was very lucrative a few years ago. Several people quit their desk jobs to drive cabs but the story slowly changed over the years. In 2017, some drivers approached a Delhi court as they said, the apps were exploiting them by not treating them as employees.&nbsp;

Soon, a video emerged of a Zomato delivery agent tasting food that he was tasked with delivering. While we all cringed, we overlooked the desperation in the video. &nbsp;

In India, a food delivery agent employed by a Zomato or a Swiggy barely earns a few thousand rupees a month. They work long shifts in polluted cities during extreme weather and yet they enjoy no benefits, such as sick leaves, insurance, etc. &nbsp;&nbsp;

They are called independent self-employed workers but they do not enjoy the benefit of that status. In other words, they cannot take up multiple jobs. The app-based cab drivers can, but the food couriers can't. When the pandemic struck many of these workers were fired without notice or compensation.&nbsp;

Their companies blamed the coronavirus but fingers were really pointing at the downside of gig economy. That's independent working. Today, the gig economy is worth over $3.7 trillion.&nbsp;

Freelancing, working multiple jobs and working from home have been trendy since the pandemic struck but what we don't realise is that such jobs have no cushions, no benefits.&nbsp;

The latest rulings by the courts in the UK and Italy have also put employers in a fix. Not only will they have to shell out more resources, they will also have to figure out how the resources are allocated. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Many cab drivers work for multiple service providers. How do you determine which company is supposed to give them employment benefits? Also, will the drivers be able to serve the rest of the companies once they are categorised as employees?&nbsp;

Will the end result be in favour of the drivers or will it create further troubles for them?&nbsp;

What the industry needs right now is to come up with a new model to ensure- that while companies survive those working are also not exploited.&nbsp;

Who is an employee? It may seem a simple question but it's not. In 2016, two Uber drivers in the United Kingdom took the app-based cab service to court. These two drivers told the court that they worked for Uber but it said, the drivers did not work for the company and that they were self-employed.

Who is an employee? It may seem a simple question but it's not. In 2016, two Uber drivers in the United Kingdom took the app-based cab service to court. These two drivers told the court that they worked for Uber but it said, the drivers did not work for the company and that they were self-employed. Is that something to fight over? Actually, it is. The moment you employ someone, you are expected to give him or her employment benefits like minimum wage, annual leaves, insurance. These vary depending on a country's labour laws. In UK, there are three categories of employment status, employees, workers and self-employed contractors. Employees have the maximum protection as they enjoy the most benefits. Self-employed contractors have the least. So, when this case came up in court. Uber stuck to its claim and so did the two drivers. There was a four-year-long legal battle and then UK's top court said, uber drivers should be treated as workers and not self-employed. It meant that they are entitled to a minimum wage and a holiday pay. It happened on the February 19. It was just the beginning of Uber's troubles. Four days later, the company was fined in Italy. Again, over the same employment debate. Uber, and food delivery apps were told their couriers delivery personnel are employees. They should be treated as employees. Four companies were fined 733 million euros for breaching labour safety rules. The companies were told to pay the couriers delivery personnel, social security and insurance also give them adequate clothing, helmets, masks, scooters or bicycles, etc. The decision of two courts in Italy and Britain to declare Uber drivers and food app couriers as employees is important for the whole world as it sets a precedent. It's only a matter of time before such a case comes up in another country. It is important now as it ensures that there is no exploitation. App-based cabs, and food delivery services have been around for some time now in India. They have generated employment for thousands of people. Many have migrated from rural areas to drive cabs in cities. Driving an Ola or an Uber was very lucrative a few years ago. Several people quit their desk jobs to drive cabs but the story slowly changed over the years. In 2017, some drivers approached a Delhi court as they said, the apps were exploiting them by not treating them as employees. Soon, a video emerged of a Zomato delivery agent tasting food that he was tasked with delivering. While we all cringed, we overlooked the desperation in the video. In India, a food delivery agent employed by a Zomato or a Swiggy barely earns a few thousand rupees a month. They work long shifts in polluted cities during extreme weather and yet they enjoy no benefits, such as sick leaves, insurance, etc. They are called independent self-employed workers but they do not enjoy the benefit of that status. In other words, they cannot take up multiple jobs. The app-based cab drivers can, but the food couriers can't. When the pandemic struck many of these workers were fired without notice or compensation. Their companies blamed the coronavirus but fingers were really pointing at the downside of gig economy. That's independent working. Today, the gig economy is worth over $3.7 trillion. Freelancing, working multiple jobs and working from home have been trendy since the pandemic struck but what we don't realise is that such jobs have no cushions, no benefits. The latest rulings by the courts in the UK and Italy have also put employers in a fix. Not only will they have to shell out more resources, they will also have to figure out how the resources are allocated. Many cab drivers work for multiple service providers. How do you determine which company is supposed to give them employment benefits? Also, will the drivers be able to serve the rest of the companies once they are categorised as employees? Will the end result be in favour of the drivers or will it create further troubles for them? What the industry needs right now is to come up with a new model to ensure- that while companies survive those working are also not exploited.

Courts set precedent to ensure exploitation of employees ends 

A thermal baths spa in the city of Pisa, where a day to unwind and relaxation is not possible due to Covid restrictions, is using its thermal water to treat recovering coronavirus patients who are having respiratory and motion difficulties.

Spa uses thermal water to help recovering Covid patients

The bodies of the Italian ambassador and police officer have arrived in Italy. Italy's ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo Luka Attanasio and Officer Vittorio Lacovacci were shot while driving the World Food Programme convoy.

Envoy, Officer were assassinated, bodies reach in Italy

Italy on Wednesday asked the United Nations for a probe into the killing of its envoy to the Democratic Republic of Congo.&nbsp;

"We have formally asked WFP (World Food Programme) and the UN to open an investigation to clarify what happened, the reasons behind the security arrangements used and who was responsible for these decisions," Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio told parliament.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/italian-ambassador-to-dr-congo-dies-in-attack-365565/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He said "clear and exhaustive answers" are awaited.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hutu-rebels-blame-drc-rwanda-armies-for-italian-ambassadors-killing-365717">Hutu rebels blame DRC, Rwanda armies for Italian ambassador's killing</a>

Italian ambassador Luca Attanasio, his Italian bodyguard Vittorio Iacovacci, and Congolese driver Moustapha Milambo died after a World Food Programme (WFP) convoy was ambushed on Monday.&nbsp;

The body of both the Italians, draped in Italian flags, reached Rome late on Tuesday, with the Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi receiving them at the Rome airport.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The DRC's interior ministry on Monday blamed "members of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR)" for the killings.

FDLR is a Rwandan Hutu rebel group that has plagued the region for over 25 years.&nbsp;

However, the Rwandan rebel group denied the allegation and, instead blamed the Rwandan army and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) for the act in a statement.&nbsp;

Italy on Wednesday asked the United Nations for a probe into the killing of its envoy to the Democratic Republic of Congo. "We have formally asked WFP (World Food Programme) and the UN to open an investigation to clarify what happened, the reasons behind the security arrangements used and who was responsible for these decisions," Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio told parliament.

Italy on Wednesday asked the United Nations for a probe into the killing of its envoy to the Democratic Republic of Congo. "We have formally asked WFP (World Food Programme) and the UN to open an investigation to clarify what happened, the reasons behind the security arrangements used and who was responsible for these decisions," Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio told parliament. Watch | He said "clear and exhaustive answers" are awaited. Also read | Hutu rebels blame DRC, Rwanda armies for Italian ambassador's killing Italian ambassador Luca Attanasio, his Italian bodyguard Vittorio Iacovacci, and Congolese driver Moustapha Milambo died after a World Food Programme (WFP) convoy was ambushed on Monday. The body of both the Italians, draped in Italian flags, reached Rome late on Tuesday, with the Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi receiving them at the Rome airport. The DRC's interior ministry on Monday blamed "members of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR)" for the killings. FDLR is a Rwandan Hutu rebel group that has plagued the region for over 25 years. However, the Rwandan rebel group denied the allegation and, instead blamed the Rwandan army and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) for the act in a statement.

Italy urges UN to probe killing of Italian envoy in DR Congo

Italian ambassador to DR Congo Luca Attanasio has been killed in an attack on UN convoy. The Italian President has confirmed the death of its ambassador to DR Congo and denounces the 'cowardly' attack.

Your Story: Italian ambassador to DR Congo dies in attack on UN convoy

It's been exactly one year since a quiet and nondescript town in Italy became the centre of the world's attention. The first case of COVID-19 in Italy was reported here and soon a nationwide lockdown was imposed. But how has the sleepy Italian town fed in the year of the pandemic?

Your Story: One year of COVID-19 in Italy, what has changed in Codogno?

Entering the gate of the Codogno cemetery, with its four massive pillars and "Resurrection" written in Latin overhead, the ravages of coronavirus are not immediately apparent.

But beyond the scores of kneeling marble angels and ornamental graves, a newer cloister of simple granite crypts bear witness to the onslaught of what was then a terrifying new virus on this modest northern Italian city.

In a ceremony on Sunday, Codogno will mark one year since it recorded the first locally acquired case of Covid-19 in Italy, in what became the first major outbreak in Europe.

The virus tore through the wider Lombardy region, marking Italy as the new epicentre of the global pandemic that has now claimed more than two million lives -- including almost 100,000 in Italy.

February 23, February 24, February 28, read the dates on the shiny grey crypts. Underneath engraved names, and sometimes the image of a smiling face, the dates gain momentum: March 1, March 5, March 10, 13, 17...

The surge in cases took everyone by surprise, said Roberto Codazzi, 58, the cemetery's deputy custodian.

"In two months, we saw what we usually had in a year," he told AFP.

With his colleague, Codazzi saw the intensity of the virus on display after Friday, February 21 -- when a 38-year-old man known as "Patient 1" was identified at the city's hospital after a doctor broke protocol to test him for coronavirus.

On Saturday, there were already bodies lined up outside the cemetery for burial.

'Who will be next?'

Today in Codogno, a small city of 15,000 people, talk of Covid-19 centres on shuttered businesses, rent to pay and the umpteenth restriction on normal life. 
Yet few can hear the sound of a siren without a pang.

Emy Cavalli, the third-generation owner of the Central Bar on the main plaza, recalled the eerie, early days of the lockdown imposed on Codogno and 10 other northern communities after the first case was identified, immediately followed by the first two confirmed coronavirus deaths in Italy, one of them a 77-year-old woman outside Codogno.

"I remember how silent it was," said Cavalli. "Every three minutes you heard the sound of an ambulance.

"We asked ourselves, 'Who will it be? Who will be next?'"

Within a month, Codogno's death toll more than tripled, with 154 deaths in March versus 49 in the same period a year earlier, Mayor Francesco Passerini told AFP.

"They couldn't keep up," Passerini said of the cemetery workers, who were eventually reinforced by the civil protection unit.

Caskets awaiting burial were stored in a shuttered church, the cemetery was shut to the public and funeral notices were printed without dates to discourage potential mourners from breaking the quarantine to pay their respects.&nbsp;

The daily coffins awaiting custodian Codazzi frequently brought an unwelcome shock: "I said, 'Oh no, I know him! I just saw him a week ago.'"&nbsp;

Codogno's Red Cross unit -- with experience in Iraq and beyond -- was zigzagging the territory, with almost 500 ambulance trips in March alone.

"When they call us, we don't know what we're going to find," said the head of emergency services, Luciano Parmigiani.

Meanwhile, family doctor Andrea Lozzi was working day and night to keep his patients out of the hospital, from which too often they never returned.

Lozzi -- whose name locals evoke with reverence for his tireless work -- declines all interviews, explaining to AFP: "You have to put your hands into your work, and not your mouth."

But the doctor's Facebook page -- a mix of medical advice and an occasional lost cat notice &nbsp;-- paints a picture of how Codogno slowly managed to emerge from the worst.

"WHAT SATISFACTION! Today I could finally say to four of my patients, 'Ok, you did it, you're healed!'" wrote Lozzi on March 11, after weeks of house calls.

A month after the first case, he wrote, "We don't know how far we have to go, but we know we will make it!"

Four days later, Lozzi said he believed the virus had begun to wane in Codogno.&nbsp;

'Journey of suffering'

The early lockdown likely helped. &nbsp;

By the time Codogno's situation began to improve, attention had turned to the worst-hit province of Bergamo some 70 kilometres (43 miles) north, where images of army convoys transporting coffins broadcast the horror of Italy's outbreak to the world.

As the country's death toll spiralled to 4,825 one month after Codogno's first case, some questioned whether a March 8 lockdown of populous Lombardy -- and Italy one day later -- had come too late, while scores of nursing home fatalities spurred allegations of mismanagement by health authorities.

On March 25, Mattia Maestri, Codogno's "Patient 1", was released from hospital, cured.

Two months later, President Sergio Mattarella visited Codogno's cemetery, recalling the place "where our journey of suffering began". A marble plaque remembers the dead.&nbsp;

In his office at the Red Cross, as workers finish building a memorial outside, Parmigiani scrolls through an operations log from those first weeks in 2020.

He points to where the numbers begin to decline, and pauses: "We managed to fight something no one even knew what it was."

Entering the gate of the Codogno cemetery, with its four massive pillars and "Resurrection" written in Latin overhead, the ravages of coronavirus are not immediately apparent.

Entering the gate of the Codogno cemetery, with its four massive pillars and "Resurrection" written in Latin overhead, the ravages of coronavirus are not immediately apparent. But beyond the scores of kneeling marble angels and ornamental graves, a newer cloister of simple granite crypts bear witness to the onslaught of what was then a terrifying new virus on this modest northern Italian city. In a ceremony on Sunday, Codogno will mark one year since it recorded the first locally acquired case of Covid-19 in Italy, in what became the first major outbreak in Europe. The virus tore through the wider Lombardy region, marking Italy as the new epicentre of the global pandemic that has now claimed more than two million lives -- including almost 100,000 in Italy. February 23, February 24, February 28, read the dates on the shiny grey crypts. Underneath engraved names, and sometimes the image of a smiling face, the dates gain momentum: March 1, March 5, March 10, 13, 17... The surge in cases took everyone by surprise, said Roberto Codazzi, 58, the cemetery's deputy custodian. "In two months, we saw what we usually had in a year," he told AFP. With his colleague, Codazzi saw the intensity of the virus on display after Friday, February 21 -- when a 38-year-old man known as "Patient 1" was identified at the city's hospital after a doctor broke protocol to test him for coronavirus. On Saturday, there were already bodies lined up outside the cemetery for burial. 'Who will be next?' Today in Codogno, a small city of 15,000 people, talk of Covid-19 centres on shuttered businesses, rent to pay and the umpteenth restriction on normal life. Yet few can hear the sound of a siren without a pang. Emy Cavalli, the third-generation owner of the Central Bar on the main plaza, recalled the eerie, early days of the lockdown imposed on Codogno and 10 other northern communities after the first case was identified, immediately followed by the first two confirmed coronavirus deaths in Italy, one of them a 77-year-old woman outside Codogno. "I remember how silent it was," said Cavalli. "Every three minutes you heard the sound of an ambulance. "We asked ourselves, 'Who will it be? Who will be next?'" Within a month, Codogno's death toll more than tripled, with 154 deaths in March versus 49 in the same period a year earlier, Mayor Francesco Passerini told AFP. "They couldn't keep up," Passerini said of the cemetery workers, who were eventually reinforced by the civil protection unit. Caskets awaiting burial were stored in a shuttered church, the cemetery was shut to the public and funeral notices were printed without dates to discourage potential mourners from breaking the quarantine to pay their respects. The daily coffins awaiting custodian Codazzi frequently brought an unwelcome shock: "I said, 'Oh no, I know him! I just saw him a week ago.'" Codogno's Red Cross unit -- with experience in Iraq and beyond -- was zigzagging the territory, with almost 500 ambulance trips in March alone. "When they call us, we don't know what we're going to find," said the head of emergency services, Luciano Parmigiani. Meanwhile, family doctor Andrea Lozzi was working day and night to keep his patients out of the hospital, from which too often they never returned. Lozzi -- whose name locals evoke with reverence for his tireless work -- declines all interviews, explaining to AFP: "You have to put your hands into your work, and not your mouth." But the doctor's Facebook page -- a mix of medical advice and an occasional lost cat notice -- paints a picture of how Codogno slowly managed to emerge from the worst. "WHAT SATISFACTION! Today I could finally say to four of my patients, 'Ok, you did it, you're healed!'" wrote Lozzi on March 11, after weeks of house calls. A month after the first case, he wrote, "We don't know how far we have to go, but we know we will make it!" Four days later, Lozzi said he believed the virus had begun to wane in Codogno. 'Journey of suffering' The early lockdown likely helped. By the time Codogno's situation began to improve, attention had turned to the worst-hit province of Bergamo some 70 kilometres (43 miles) north, where images of army convoys transporting coffins broadcast the horror of Italy's outbreak to the world. As the country's death toll spiralled to 4,825 one month after Codogno's first case, some questioned whether a March 8 lockdown of populous Lombardy -- and Italy one day later -- had come too late, while scores of nursing home fatalities spurred allegations of mismanagement by health authorities. On March 25, Mattia Maestri, Codogno's "Patient 1", was released from hospital, cured. Two months later, President Sergio Mattarella visited Codogno's cemetery, recalling the place "where our journey of suffering began". A marble plaque remembers the dead. In his office at the Red Cross, as workers finish building a memorial outside, Parmigiani scrolls through an operations log from those first weeks in 2020. He points to where the numbers begin to decline, and pauses: "We managed to fight something no one even knew what it was."

One year on, Italian city in first coronavirus crosshairs remembers

The mafia life has been cool in public perception for decades. Movies like The Godfather have made the image immortal. The boss gets what he wants or he makes an offer noone can refuse. For those who don't know what this is, the 'offer' means certain death for the person not bending to the mafia's will.

Well this Italian mafia boss didn't have the liberty make an offer but he made a request, fought legal battle when it was denied, and had his way in the end.

Domenico Strisciuglio, 48, is serving 20-year prison sentence since 1999 for his crimes. He has been given liberty to watch TV in his prison cell. But the boss requested a CD player. The request was denied.

Strisciuglio decided to approach the courts against this refusal. On Thursday, judges in Sassari agreed that listening to music formed part of mafia boss's constitutionally guaranteed rights. The court held that buying a CD player amounted to Strisciuglio engaging in a cultural activity. The judges said that “denying this ordinary habit would result in a useless restriction of the rights of the detainees” as per La Repubblica.

Italy strengthened its jail laws after bloody fighting between mafia gangs in 1980s and 1990s. During this period, two anti-mafia magistrates were murdered by the mafia.&nbsp;

Strisciuglio's request was denied under these laws. But now, he has won the legal fight.

This is not his first legal victory. In 2019, judges allowed him to watch TV after midnight. There are no reports as of now on him gearing up for a legal battle to demand more gadgets.

The mafia life has been cool in public perception for decades. Movies like The Godfather have made the image immortal. The boss gets what he wants or he makes an offer noone can refuse.

The mafia life has been cool in public perception for decades. Movies like The Godfather have made the image immortal. The boss gets what he wants or he makes an offer noone can refuse. For those who don't know what this is, the 'offer' means certain death for the person not bending to the mafia's will. Well this Italian mafia boss didn't have the liberty make an offer but he made a request, fought legal battle when it was denied, and had his way in the end. Domenico Strisciuglio, 48, is serving 20-year prison sentence since 1999 for his crimes. He has been given liberty to watch TV in his prison cell. But the boss requested a CD player. The request was denied. Strisciuglio decided to approach the courts against this refusal. On Thursday, judges in Sassari agreed that listening to music formed part of mafia boss's constitutionally guaranteed rights. The court held that buying a CD player amounted to Strisciuglio engaging in a cultural activity. The judges said that “denying this ordinary habit would result in a useless restriction of the rights of the detainees” as per La Repubblica. Italy strengthened its jail laws after bloody fighting between mafia gangs in 1980s and 1990s. During this period, two anti-mafia magistrates were murdered by the mafia. Strisciuglio's request was denied under these laws. But now, he has won the legal fight. This is not his first legal victory. In 2019, judges allowed him to watch TV after midnight. There are no reports as of now on him gearing up for a legal battle to demand more gadgets.

Request they couldn't refuse: Mafia boss wins legal fight to play music in jail

In Pics: Mount Etna erupts in spectacular manner

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said on Wednesday that he will use "all means" to fight coronavirus pandmic and that it presented Italy with an opportunity to rebuild as it did after Second World War. This was his first speech since taking office. Mario Draghi, the former chief of European Central Bank said that the pandemic was his top priority in a long list of issues requiring urgent attention.

"The government will carry out reforms but will also tackle the emergency," he told the Senate, the upper house of parliament, where he has almost unanimous support for his new government of national unity.

The 73-year-old, parachuted in after the previous centre-left government collapsed, has been dubbed "Super Mario" since promising to do "whatever it takes" to save the euro during the 2012 debt crisis.

On Wednesday he promised to fight "with all means" the pandemic that has left more than 94,000 Italians dead and sparked a deep recession, with the economy contracting almost nine percent last year.

"Today we have, as did the governments of the immediate post-war period, the possibility -- or rather the responsibility -- to start a new reconstruction," Draghi said in his almost hour-long address.

Draghi's new government invlves wide range of parties from Silvio Berlusconi's &nbsp;Forza Italia along with leftist the populist Five Star Movement (M5S) and Matteo Salvini's eurosceptic, far-right League

Draghi was sworn in on Saturday as Italy's 30th prime minister. This ended month-long political crisis sparkes by implosion of former PM Giuseppe Conte's coalition.

On Wednesday, Draghi said it was a time of "intense emotion" personally to take over with Italy in such a "dramatic situation".

There is an increased concern about the new coronavirus variant in Italy. This has sparked a series of mini-lockdowns in towns across Italy, Draghi emphasised the importance of speeding up vaccinations.

Long-awaited overhaul

Another immediate challenge is drawing up a plan to spend what Draghi has previously called the "extraordinary resources" offered by the EU. 
Italy expects to receive more than 200 billion euros ($240 billion) from the EU's post-coronavirus recovery fund, but in return, it is expected to commit to potentially difficult or unpopular reforms.

"These resources will have to be spent with an aim to improve the growth potential of our economy," Draghi said.

He promised reform to Italy's stifling bureaucracy, labyrinthine tax code and snail-paced justice system, as well as a focus on education, closing the gap on female employment and fighting climate change.

In a second speech on Wednesday evening, he also pleaded for a revival of a failed policy: forcing EU countries to each take a share of the migrants arriving from across the Mediterranean, after years of Italy shouldering much of the burden.

"As a concrete measure of solidarity, Italy -- supported equally by certain Mediterranean countries -- proposes a mechanism of obligatory redistribution of migrants," he said.

Draghi has assembled a cabinet comprising a mix of politicians and technocrats, with key portfolios linked to the EU reform agenda given to technocrats.

Late Wednesday, the Senate passed a vote of confidence -- 262 in favour, 40 against and two absentations -- in &nbsp;Draghi's government. There will be another vote in the lower Chamber of Deputies on Thursday.

(With AFP inputs)

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said on Wednesday that he will use "all means" to fight coronavirus pandmic and that it presented Italy with an opportunity to rebuild as it did after Second World War.

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said on Wednesday that he will use "all means" to fight coronavirus pandmic and that it presented Italy with an opportunity to rebuild as it did after Second World War. This was his first speech since taking office. Mario Draghi, the former chief of European Central Bank said that the pandemic was his top priority in a long list of issues requiring urgent attention. "The government will carry out reforms but will also tackle the emergency," he told the Senate, the upper house of parliament, where he has almost unanimous support for his new government of national unity. The 73-year-old, parachuted in after the previous centre-left government collapsed, has been dubbed "Super Mario" since promising to do "whatever it takes" to save the euro during the 2012 debt crisis. On Wednesday he promised to fight "with all means" the pandemic that has left more than 94,000 Italians dead and sparked a deep recession, with the economy contracting almost nine percent last year. "Today we have, as did the governments of the immediate post-war period, the possibility -- or rather the responsibility -- to start a new reconstruction," Draghi said in his almost hour-long address. Draghi's new government invlves wide range of parties from Silvio Berlusconi's Forza Italia along with leftist the populist Five Star Movement (M5S) and Matteo Salvini's eurosceptic, far-right League Draghi was sworn in on Saturday as Italy's 30th prime minister. This ended month-long political crisis sparkes by implosion of former PM Giuseppe Conte's coalition. On Wednesday, Draghi said it was a time of "intense emotion" personally to take over with Italy in such a "dramatic situation". There is an increased concern about the new coronavirus variant in Italy. This has sparked a series of mini-lockdowns in towns across Italy, Draghi emphasised the importance of speeding up vaccinations. Long-awaited overhaul Another immediate challenge is drawing up a plan to spend what Draghi has previously called the "extraordinary resources" offered by the EU. Italy expects to receive more than 200 billion euros ($240 billion) from the EU's post-coronavirus recovery fund, but in return, it is expected to commit to potentially difficult or unpopular reforms. "These resources will have to be spent with an aim to improve the growth potential of our economy," Draghi said. He promised reform to Italy's stifling bureaucracy, labyrinthine tax code and snail-paced justice system, as well as a focus on education, closing the gap on female employment and fighting climate change. In a second speech on Wednesday evening, he also pleaded for a revival of a failed policy: forcing EU countries to each take a share of the migrants arriving from across the Mediterranean, after years of Italy shouldering much of the burden. "As a concrete measure of solidarity, Italy -- supported equally by certain Mediterranean countries -- proposes a mechanism of obligatory redistribution of migrants," he said. Draghi has assembled a cabinet comprising a mix of politicians and technocrats, with key portfolios linked to the EU reform agenda given to technocrats. Late Wednesday, the Senate passed a vote of confidence -- 262 in favour, 40 against and two absentations -- in Draghi's government. There will be another vote in the lower Chamber of Deputies on Thursday. (With AFP inputs)

Italy PM Mario Draghi sets out plan to rebuild virus-hit country

The ski community in Italy's northern Lombardy region on Monday (February 15) said they found the late notice by the government to keep ski resorts closed was completely "disrespectful."

Ski community angered by "disrespectful" short notice on resort closure

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