The number of people forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution and human rights abuses has doubled in the past decade to reach 82.4 million at the end of last year, the United Nations said on Friday.

"In the year of COVID, in a year in which movement was practically impossible for most of us... 3 million more people have been forcibly displaced," UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi told Reuters.

Nearly 70 per cent of those affected are from just five countries - Syria, Venezuela, Afghanistan, South Sudan and Myanmar - according to the annual report on forced displacement by the UN Refugee Agency UNHCR.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-speeds-visas-for-vulnerable-afghans-as-pullout-looms-but-congress-wants-more-391762">US speeds visas for vulnerable Afghans as pullout looms, but Congress wants more</a>

"Trends have unfortunately continued. So if we had to work to update the figures... for the first six months of 2021, we will probably see a further increase from that 82.4 million," said Grandi. Around 42 per cent of those displaced were children.

He said the increase in those uprooted from their homes was partly fueled by new flashpoints, including northern Mozambique, West Africa's Sahel region, and Ethiopia's Tigray, along with flare-ups in long-running conflicts in Afghanistan and Somalia.

The United Nations is also preparing for a likely further displacement of civilians in Afghanistan after US&nbsp;and international troops leave the country in September, Grandi said&nbsp;earlier this week.

Amid a rise in populism and nationalism in global politics, Grandi called on world leaders to "stop demonizing people" that are forced to move.

"To say that the only way to address this population flow is by building walls or pushing people back at sea is morally despicable or unspeakable. These are human beings," Grandi said. "Whatever the motive for the flight or for the movement human beings deserve full dignity like everybody else."

Former US&nbsp;President Donald Trump took a hardline approach on border security and immigration. Grandi, who recently visited Washington, praised new President Joe Biden's pledge to "restore a US asylum system that is both effective and humane."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-to-allow-up-to-62500-refugees-into-us-after-criticism-over-delay-382707">Biden to allow up to 62,500 refugees into US after criticism over delay</a>

"It's very important that that pledge is carried out," he said. "The attitude that I heard in Washington is people that are in need of international protection will be given international protection, but we must make the system more effective otherwise abuses will happen, numbers will skyrocket."

The UNHCR report found that in 2020 just 34,400 refugees were formally resettled globally - one-third of the previous year. They were resettled in the United States,&nbsp;Canada&nbsp;and Europe.

The number of people forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution and human rights abuses has doubled in the past decade to reach 82.4 million at the end of last year, the United Nations said on Friday.

The number of people forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution and human rights abuses has doubled in the past decade to reach 82.4 million at the end of last year, the United Nations said on Friday. "In the year of COVID, in a year in which movement was practically impossible for most of us... 3 million more people have been forcibly displaced," UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi told Reuters. Nearly 70 per cent of those affected are from just five countries - Syria, Venezuela, Afghanistan, South Sudan and Myanmar - according to the annual report on forced displacement by the UN Refugee Agency UNHCR. Also read | US speeds visas for vulnerable Afghans as pullout looms, but Congress wants more "Trends have unfortunately continued. So if we had to work to update the figures... for the first six months of 2021, we will probably see a further increase from that 82.4 million," said Grandi. Around 42 per cent of those displaced were children. He said the increase in those uprooted from their homes was partly fueled by new flashpoints, including northern Mozambique, West Africa's Sahel region, and Ethiopia's Tigray, along with flare-ups in long-running conflicts in Afghanistan and Somalia. The United Nations is also preparing for a likely further displacement of civilians in Afghanistan after US and international troops leave the country in September, Grandi said earlier this week. Amid a rise in populism and nationalism in global politics, Grandi called on world leaders to "stop demonizing people" that are forced to move. "To say that the only way to address this population flow is by building walls or pushing people back at sea is morally despicable or unspeakable. These are human beings," Grandi said. "Whatever the motive for the flight or for the movement human beings deserve full dignity like everybody else." Former US President Donald Trump took a hardline approach on border security and immigration. Grandi, who recently visited Washington, praised new President Joe Biden's pledge to "restore a US asylum system that is both effective and humane." Also read | Biden to allow up to 62,500 refugees into US after criticism over delay "It's very important that that pledge is carried out," he said. "The attitude that I heard in Washington is people that are in need of international protection will be given international protection, but we must make the system more effective otherwise abuses will happen, numbers will skyrocket." The UNHCR report found that in 2020 just 34,400 refugees were formally resettled globally - one-third of the previous year. They were resettled in the United States, Canada and Europe.

Amid pandemic, number of people forced to flee homes has risen, says UN

Mass killings are about to unfold in the forests of Zimbabwe as the most empathetic species on earth is under threat.

More than 500 elephants will be put on sale in the days to come and they will be used for trophy hunting, with each elephant priced at $10,000 dollars. This appalling decision has been taken despite two elephant species in Africa being declared critically endangered.

As world leaders make tall promises of protecting the climate, this is something they must pay attention to and understand the role these mammals play in maintaining the balance of forest ecosystems.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-500-elephants-put-on-sale-for-hunting-379596">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-500-elephants-put-on-sale-for-hunting-379596/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Elephants are the most empathetic mammals on Earth as they maintain the balance of fragile ecosystems but for decades elephants have been the most poached species in the world.

The horror of what is about to happen to them in Zimbabwe calls for global action as Zimbabwe is about to start selling rights to shoot 500 elephants this year where they would be priced at around $10,000 each.

This abominable decision has been taken even though the African forest elephant was declared critically endangered a few weeks back.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Environmentalists raise concern as African elephants see massive decline">Environmentalists raise concern as African elephants see massive decline</a>

Zimbabwe is taking this drastic step because the pandemic has hit the country's economy hard and the entire tourism which generates most of the national revenue has collapsed.

The country's parks and wildlife management authority has said in its defence, 'we eat what we kill. We have a bad need for money and we are not supported by the central government.'

The Animal Rights Organisations say they don't understand the consequences and according to one of the advocacy firms, these surviving mammals who witness the gunning down of their family members could mete out vengeance on helpless local villagers.

This is a reality that has played out time and again across Africa. Thus, Zimbabwe is not the only country indulging in trophy hunting.

In December 2020, Namibia put 170 high-value elephants up for sale and they defended their move by citing an explosion in the elephant population. They claim that the money from this hunting spree is also used to fund conservation efforts but activists say the practice is motivated by greed and the money is never accounted for.

Now they are calling for more traditional measures such as photo safaris, but whether it will amuse the human beings or not is still a question.

Mass killings are about to unfold in the forests of Zimbabwe as the most empathetic species on earth is under threat. More than 500 elephants will be put on sale in the days to come and they will be used for trophy hunting, with each elephant priced at $10,000 dollars.

Mass killings are about to unfold in the forests of Zimbabwe as the most empathetic species on earth is under threat. More than 500 elephants will be put on sale in the days to come and they will be used for trophy hunting, with each elephant priced at $10,000 dollars. This appalling decision has been taken despite two elephant species in Africa being declared critically endangered. As world leaders make tall promises of protecting the climate, this is something they must pay attention to and understand the role these mammals play in maintaining the balance of forest ecosystems. Watch | Elephants are the most empathetic mammals on Earth as they maintain the balance of fragile ecosystems but for decades elephants have been the most poached species in the world. The horror of what is about to happen to them in Zimbabwe calls for global action as Zimbabwe is about to start selling rights to shoot 500 elephants this year where they would be priced at around $10,000 each. This abominable decision has been taken even though the African forest elephant was declared critically endangered a few weeks back. Also read | Environmentalists raise concern as African elephants see massive decline Zimbabwe is taking this drastic step because the pandemic has hit the country's economy hard and the entire tourism which generates most of the national revenue has collapsed. The country's parks and wildlife management authority has said in its defence, 'we eat what we kill. We have a bad need for money and we are not supported by the central government.' The Animal Rights Organisations say they don't understand the consequences and according to one of the advocacy firms, these surviving mammals who witness the gunning down of their family members could mete out vengeance on helpless local villagers. This is a reality that has played out time and again across Africa. Thus, Zimbabwe is not the only country indulging in trophy hunting. In December 2020, Namibia put 170 high-value elephants up for sale and they defended their move by citing an explosion in the elephant population. They claim that the money from this hunting spree is also used to fund conservation efforts but activists say the practice is motivated by greed and the money is never accounted for. Now they are calling for more traditional measures such as photo safaris, but whether it will amuse the human beings or not is still a question.

Zimbabwe allows hunting endangered elephants to raise tourism money in pandemic

&nbsp;Berlin became the first of next year`s big European film festivals to bow to the coronavirus pandemic, announcing it would hold a reduced, online-only programme in March, a month later than usual, with an audience event in June. 
 
The festival, now in its 71st year, occupies a distinct position in the cinema calendar, with its trade component, the European Film Market (EMF), shaping how films and series are sold around the world and launching that year`s co-production as studio executives meet filmmakers. 
 
The organisers said on Friday that the film trading event would be held online, depriving Berlin of the traditional show of studio top brass snaking in limos between city centre hotels. The main film prizes would also be awarded at this time. 
 
Asked if the film market could hold its own in an era where giant streamers like Netflix, Amazon and Apple had the biggest commissioning budgets, artistic director Carlo Chatrian said the EMF still had a distinct European role. 
 
"Europe should go with its own system, which is different in the sense that it works more as a cooperation," he said. "We hope the EMF will really help that." 
 
An audience-focused film screening event will be held in the summer, targeting not pros and the press, but the general public. Alone among the major festivals, Berlin admits the public to its screenings. 
 
"We expect to invite the filmmakers and we`ll have one or two stars, but it will be an event for the public and not for the international professional visitors, or for the international press. So it will have a different character," said festival chief executive Mariette Wissenbeek. 
 
"What we need and what the festival can provide is a gathering moment," Chatrian added. "And of course, when the gathering is not possible, the festival has to find a different way to exist."

Berlin became the first of next year`s big European film festivals to bow to the coronavirus pandemic, announcing it would hold a reduced, online-only programme in March, a month later than usual, with an audience event in June.

Berlin became the first of next year`s big European film festivals to bow to the coronavirus pandemic, announcing it would hold a reduced, online-only programme in March, a month later than usual, with an audience event in June. The festival, now in its 71st year, occupies a distinct position in the cinema calendar, with its trade component, the European Film Market (EMF), shaping how films and series are sold around the world and launching that year`s co-production as studio executives meet filmmakers. The organisers said on Friday that the film trading event would be held online, depriving Berlin of the traditional show of studio top brass snaking in limos between city centre hotels. The main film prizes would also be awarded at this time. Asked if the film market could hold its own in an era where giant streamers like Netflix, Amazon and Apple had the biggest commissioning budgets, artistic director Carlo Chatrian said the EMF still had a distinct European role. "Europe should go with its own system, which is different in the sense that it works more as a cooperation," he said. "We hope the EMF will really help that." An audience-focused film screening event will be held in the summer, targeting not pros and the press, but the general public. Alone among the major festivals, Berlin admits the public to its screenings. "We expect to invite the filmmakers and we`ll have one or two stars, but it will be an event for the public and not for the international professional visitors, or for the international press. So it will have a different character," said festival chief executive Mariette Wissenbeek. "What we need and what the festival can provide is a gathering moment," Chatrian added. "And of course, when the gathering is not possible, the festival has to find a different way to exist."

Berlin rejigs film festival for pandemic times

The anti-vaccination movement (or commonly known as anti-vaxxers) are quite famous in the US. Turns out, their philosophy has also crossed the pond.

A new study claims that only half of Britain’s population would be up for getting vaccinated against COVID-19.

53% may get vaccinated

The shocking data reveals that 53 per cent of Britons would most likely get vaccinated against COVID-19, if one gets circulated soon.

Only half the population of Britain definitely would accept being vaccinated against Covid-19. That is the shock conclusion of a group of scientists and pollsters who have found that only 53% of a test group of citizens said they would be certain or very likely to allow themselves to be given a vaccine against the disease if one becomes available.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/russia-to-register-worlds-first-covid-19-vaccine-next-week-318832" hreflang="en">Russia to register world's first COVID-19 vaccine next week</a>

The research, undertaken by King’s College London and Ipsos Mori claims&nbsp; one in six Britons (16 per cent) will most definitely not accept a vaccine.

In addition, one in five (20 per cent) of the respondents claimed that they would be “fairly likely” to get vaccinated once it comes out.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/health-experts-rattled-by-anti-vaxxers-anti-vaccination-protests-across-europe-300821/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Other factors come into play

The corollary parameters of the study ascertained that those who rejected the vaccine were also more likely to be sceptic of science and the real-life impact of COVID-19.

Those who answered with likely to refuse the vaccine also constituted the group least likely to don a mask, and further claimed that most of their coronavirus related information came from WhatsApp and various social media outlets.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/serum-institute-to-get-150-million-from-gates-foundation-for-covid-19-vaccine-318947" hreflang="en">Serum Institute to get $150 million from Gates Foundation for COVID-19 vaccine</a>

Age was also an important factor. 22 per cent of the responders within the groups of 16-24 and 25-34 said they would not arbitrarily accept vaccination, while only 11 per cent of those aged 55-75 echoed this sentiment. This may partly owing to the fact that the virus is more fatal among old people.

The study took into account 22,37 responses from the UK, between the age of 16-75, and was conducted online in July.

The lead author of the study, Bobby Duffy believes conspiracies and misperceptions surrounding vaccines may be influencing people’s intentions.

The authors of the study also believe that governments should undertake measures to dispel false notions surrounding COVID-19 and the vaccination projects that are underway.

The anti-vaccination movement (or commonly known as anti-vaxxers) are quite famous in the US. Turns out, their philosophy has also crossed the pond. A new study claims that only half of Britain’s population would be up for getting vaccinated against COVID-19.

The anti-vaccination movement (or commonly known as anti-vaxxers) are quite famous in the US. Turns out, their philosophy has also crossed the pond. A new study claims that only half of Britain’s population would be up for getting vaccinated against COVID-19. 53% may get vaccinated The shocking data reveals that 53 per cent of Britons would most likely get vaccinated against COVID-19, if one gets circulated soon. Only half the population of Britain definitely would accept being vaccinated against Covid-19. That is the shock conclusion of a group of scientists and pollsters who have found that only 53% of a test group of citizens said they would be certain or very likely to allow themselves to be given a vaccine against the disease if one becomes available. Also read: Russia to register world's first COVID-19 vaccine next week The research, undertaken by King’s College London and Ipsos Mori claims one in six Britons (16 per cent) will most definitely not accept a vaccine. In addition, one in five (20 per cent) of the respondents claimed that they would be “fairly likely” to get vaccinated once it comes out. Other factors come into play The corollary parameters of the study ascertained that those who rejected the vaccine were also more likely to be sceptic of science and the real-life impact of COVID-19. Those who answered with likely to refuse the vaccine also constituted the group least likely to don a mask, and further claimed that most of their coronavirus related information came from WhatsApp and various social media outlets. Also read: Serum Institute to get $150 million from Gates Foundation for COVID-19 vaccine Age was also an important factor. 22 per cent of the responders within the groups of 16-24 and 25-34 said they would not arbitrarily accept vaccination, while only 11 per cent of those aged 55-75 echoed this sentiment. This may partly owing to the fact that the virus is more fatal among old people. The study took into account 22,37 responses from the UK, between the age of 16-75, and was conducted online in July. The lead author of the study, Bobby Duffy believes conspiracies and misperceptions surrounding vaccines may be influencing people’s intentions. The authors of the study also believe that governments should undertake measures to dispel false notions surrounding COVID-19 and the vaccination projects that are underway.

Only half of Britain's population would get vaccinated against coronavirus: Study

Pope Francis on Saturday urged politicians to divert funds from weapons to research to avoid such pandemics in the future.

The request was made in the outdoor prayer service with about 130 people, largest gathering in the Vatican in nearly three months. Majority of these people&nbsp;had been directly affected by the pandemic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-says-coronavirus-vaccine-must-be-shared-worldwide-296424">Also read:&nbsp;Pope says coronavirus vaccine must be shared worldwide</a>

The prayer gathering took place in&nbsp;the Vatican gardens. The devotees, who&nbsp;prayed the rosary,&nbsp; joined in large numbers through video from about 50 Catholic shrines around the world. A large screen in the gardens showed video links with about 25 locations.

Pope Francis, who maintained enough distance from everyone but was spotted without a facemask,&nbsp;in his closing prayer, said the national leaders should take a far-sighted attitude, help the most needy and establish&nbsp;long-term economic and social solutions.

He prayed that the Madonna would "touch (leaders') consciences so that enormous sums spent to possess more armaments and to perfect them be instead destined to the promotion of sufficient research to prevent such catastrophes in the future".

For the last few months, Pope Francis has been delivering his address through video messages with no audience present, due to the pandemic. St. Peter's Basilica and St. Peter's Square were fully reopened on May 18 as Italy entered the second phase of easing restrictions.

On Sunday, Francis will say a Mass with only about 50 people inside the basilica but will later deliver his Sunday message from his window overlooking the square for the first time since early March.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Pope Francis on Saturday urged politicians to divert funds from weapons to research to avoid such pandemics in the future. The request was made in the outdoor prayer service with about 130 people, largest gathering in the Vatican in nearly three months.

Pope Francis on Saturday urged politicians to divert funds from weapons to research to avoid such pandemics in the future. The request was made in the outdoor prayer service with about 130 people, largest gathering in the Vatican in nearly three months. Majority of these people had been directly affected by the pandemic. Also read: Pope says coronavirus vaccine must be shared worldwide The prayer gathering took place in the Vatican gardens. The devotees, who prayed the rosary, joined in large numbers through video from about 50 Catholic shrines around the world. A large screen in the gardens showed video links with about 25 locations. Pope Francis, who maintained enough distance from everyone but was spotted without a facemask, in his closing prayer, said the national leaders should take a far-sighted attitude, help the most needy and establish long-term economic and social solutions. He prayed that the Madonna would "touch (leaders') consciences so that enormous sums spent to possess more armaments and to perfect them be instead destined to the promotion of sufficient research to prevent such catastrophes in the future". For the last few months, Pope Francis has been delivering his address through video messages with no audience present, due to the pandemic. St. Peter's Basilica and St. Peter's Square were fully reopened on May 18 as Italy entered the second phase of easing restrictions. On Sunday, Francis will say a Mass with only about 50 people inside the basilica but will later deliver his Sunday message from his window overlooking the square for the first time since early March. (With inputs from Reuters)

Direct funding towards research to avoid another pandemic: Pope Francis

Hungary and Slovenia are working on a road map towards reopening of their borders after coronavirus pandemic forced European nations to seal internal borders to avoid spread. As per Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto post on his Facebook, these borders are scheduled to reopen by June 1.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-initiate-independent-evaluation-at-earliest-appropriate-moment-who-chief-on-coronvirus-pandemic-299468" hreflang="en">WHO chief pledges independent evaluation on COVID-19 at 'appropriate moment'</a>

Hungary has started easing coronavirus measures from Monday onwards. The citizens are urged to wear masks while visiting shops and travelling in public transport.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-always-transparent-about-coronavirus-says-president-xi-during-world-health-assembly-video-conference-299439">China always transparent about COVID-19: President Xi at WHO video conference</a>

Foreign Minister Szijjarto wrote: "Restarting our economies is not possible without restarting international cooperation. Therefore, without jeopardising the protection of health, which is a priority, an easing of restrictive measures imposed at the borders is needed."

The two European Union member states share an annual trade of more than 2.5 billion euros.&nbsp;

According to a Reuters survey, A phased reopening is the government's strategy to head off deeper and more lasting harm to the economy, which is expected to shrink by about 4 per cent this year.

Hungary has reported 3,535 cases of the novel coronavirus, this includes 462 deaths and 1,400 recoveries, whereas, Slovenia has reported 1,466 cases and 104 deaths.&nbsp;

According to Szijjarto, both countries imposed lockdown to curb coronavirus spread and have allowed a gradual restart of economic activity.

"Taking all this into account, we have started working on a gradual phase-out of measures restricting border crossings, setting June 1 as a target date," Szijjarto wrote.

Hungary and Slovenia are working on a road map towards reopening of their borders after coronavirus pandemic forced European nations to seal internal borders to avoid spread.

Hungary and Slovenia are working on a road map towards reopening of their borders after coronavirus pandemic forced European nations to seal internal borders to avoid spread. As per Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto post on his Facebook, these borders are scheduled to reopen by June 1. Also read: WHO chief pledges independent evaluation on COVID-19 at 'appropriate moment' Hungary has started easing coronavirus measures from Monday onwards. The citizens are urged to wear masks while visiting shops and travelling in public transport. Also read: China always transparent about COVID-19: President Xi at WHO video conference Foreign Minister Szijjarto wrote: "Restarting our economies is not possible without restarting international cooperation. Therefore, without jeopardising the protection of health, which is a priority, an easing of restrictive measures imposed at the borders is needed." The two European Union member states share an annual trade of more than 2.5 billion euros. According to a Reuters survey, A phased reopening is the government's strategy to head off deeper and more lasting harm to the economy, which is expected to shrink by about 4 per cent this year. Hungary has reported 3,535 cases of the novel coronavirus, this includes 462 deaths and 1,400 recoveries, whereas, Slovenia has reported 1,466 cases and 104 deaths. According to Szijjarto, both countries imposed lockdown to curb coronavirus spread and have allowed a gradual restart of economic activity. "Taking all this into account, we have started working on a gradual phase-out of measures restricting border crossings, setting June 1 as a target date," Szijjarto wrote.

Hungary and Slovenia to reopen borders on June 1: Hungarian Foreign Minister

The European Union has pushed for gradual reopening of internal borders--which are shut due to the coronavirus pandemic. The commission has expressed that it was not too late to salvage the summer season for tourism and has also recommended a phased approach to reopen the borders.

EU recommendations for tourism &amp; travel 
- overall strategy on the recovery of tourism in 2020 
- coordinated, gradual and safe lifting of restrictions 
- a framework to ensure the safety of passengers &amp; personnel 
- use vouchers as an attractive alternative for travellers 
- ensure health protocols are followed in all public spaces&nbsp;

In Europe, the tourism sector accounts for about 10 per cent of the whole bloc's economy. But, with inevitable lockdown--the sector has suffered an unimaginable loss.

Now, the EU has urged member nations to adopt unrestricted free movement once again and has envisaged a framework to revive the travel and tourism business across the continent. 
&nbsp; 
EU commission executive vice-president, Margrethe Vestager, said: "People need of course to be able to travel between European countries. So we're giving guidance on how to gradually re-open transport links without risking the health of travellers or transport workers. Third (point): travellers and workers, they need to know that the places that the tourists visit are safe. Hotels, restaurants, beaches, other tourist sights, they need to be run in a way that minimizes the risk of passing on the coronavirus."

Potential travel corridors of EU 
- Austria to reopen border with Germany and Czech soon 
- Estonia, Latvia &amp; Lithuania to reopen each other's border 
- Greece to reopen borders with Cyprus, Austria &amp; Germany &nbsp; 
- Israel, non-EU member likely to open its border for Greece

Countries like Italy, Spain, and France--which are battered by coronavirus pandemic are also some of the major tourist destinations in Europe.

The governments of these three countries are already strategising an exit plan for lockdown and likely to restart operations soon.

Austria and Germany plan to fully reopen their border and Switzerland with an exception of Italy will start free travel on June 15.

Authorities in Spain are planning to keep the country's borders closed until July. In Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel said that the aim was to eliminate border controls from June 15 across the Schengen area. However, experts have warned about a possible second wave of infections.

EU transport commissioner, Adina Valean, about compensations offered by companies over cancelled travel or holidays due to the COVID-19 pandemic said: "Of course, we are the guardians of the (European Union) treaty and we are looking at how (European Union) member states are implementing legislation (on customers' right) and if this situation of infringing the European law would emerge in various member states, of course, we are determined to take steps but this would be I would say a different letter, a letter of infringement, a different letter from the one I'm going to send with (European justice) commissioner (Didier) Reynders tomorrow."

Most EU member nations have imposed emergency border control rules and have adopted strict social distancing measures.

More than 6 million people in the are currently jobless and the tourism sector is at the brink of collapse.

As of now, the deadly virus has infected more than 1.6 million and has killed over 157,000 in Europe.

The European Union has pushed for gradual reopening of internal borders--which are shut due to the coronavirus pandemic. The commission has expressed that it was not too late to salvage the summer season for tourism and has also recommended a phased approach to reopen the borders.

The European Union has pushed for gradual reopening of internal borders--which are shut due to the coronavirus pandemic. The commission has expressed that it was not too late to salvage the summer season for tourism and has also recommended a phased approach to reopen the borders. EU recommendations for tourism & travel - overall strategy on the recovery of tourism in 2020 - coordinated, gradual and safe lifting of restrictions - a framework to ensure the safety of passengers & personnel - use vouchers as an attractive alternative for travellers - ensure health protocols are followed in all public spaces In Europe, the tourism sector accounts for about 10 per cent of the whole bloc's economy. But, with inevitable lockdown--the sector has suffered an unimaginable loss. Now, the EU has urged member nations to adopt unrestricted free movement once again and has envisaged a framework to revive the travel and tourism business across the continent. EU commission executive vice-president, Margrethe Vestager, said: "People need of course to be able to travel between European countries. So we're giving guidance on how to gradually re-open transport links without risking the health of travellers or transport workers. Third (point): travellers and workers, they need to know that the places that the tourists visit are safe. Hotels, restaurants, beaches, other tourist sights, they need to be run in a way that minimizes the risk of passing on the coronavirus." Potential travel corridors of EU - Austria to reopen border with Germany and Czech soon - Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania to reopen each other's border - Greece to reopen borders with Cyprus, Austria & Germany - Israel, non-EU member likely to open its border for Greece Countries like Italy, Spain, and France--which are battered by coronavirus pandemic are also some of the major tourist destinations in Europe. The governments of these three countries are already strategising an exit plan for lockdown and likely to restart operations soon. Austria and Germany plan to fully reopen their border and Switzerland with an exception of Italy will start free travel on June 15. Authorities in Spain are planning to keep the country's borders closed until July. In Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel said that the aim was to eliminate border controls from June 15 across the Schengen area. However, experts have warned about a possible second wave of infections. EU transport commissioner, Adina Valean, about compensations offered by companies over cancelled travel or holidays due to the COVID-19 pandemic said: "Of course, we are the guardians of the (European Union) treaty and we are looking at how (European Union) member states are implementing legislation (on customers' right) and if this situation of infringing the European law would emerge in various member states, of course, we are determined to take steps but this would be I would say a different letter, a letter of infringement, a different letter from the one I'm going to send with (European justice) commissioner (Didier) Reynders tomorrow." Most EU member nations have imposed emergency border control rules and have adopted strict social distancing measures. More than 6 million people in the are currently jobless and the tourism sector is at the brink of collapse. As of now, the deadly virus has infected more than 1.6 million and has killed over 157,000 in Europe.

European Union push forward to reopen internal borders

The Japanese government has decided to authorise remdesivir which is an antiviral drug to treat the coronavirus patients.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gilead-starts-clinical-trials-of-remdesivir-with-us-lawmakers-curious-about-selling-price-297278">Gilead starts clinical trials of Remdesivir with US lawmakers curious about selling price</a>

Japan has become the second country after the United States to authorise the drug as an emergency dose to treat the patients in severe cases.&nbsp;

"Remdesivir was approved under exceptional measures," a health, labour and welfare ministry official said.

"It was our country's first such approval for the treatment of coronavirus patients," the official told AFP.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the government was ready to show the drug a green signal to a Gilead Sciences developed drug.&nbsp;

Remdesvir, a drug administered by injection, was developed to treat Ebola and some patients who enrolled in clinical trials around the world.&nbsp;

"The Japanese approval of remdesivir is in recognition of the urgent need to treat critically ill patients in Japan. It is a reflection of the exceptional circumstances of this pandemic," said Merdad Parsey, chief medical officer at Gilead Sciences.

In the US, Remdesivir is undergoing clinical trials. America's top health expert Dr Anthony Fauci says it can block the virus.

As for Avigan, formed by Japanese firm Fujifilm Toyama Chemical, top government spokesman Yoshihide Suga said the government "aims to approve it this month" if a clinical test involving 100 patients proves efficient.

The drug, whose generic name is favipiravir, was certified for use in Japan in 2014 but only in flu outbreaks that are not being effectively addressed by existing medications.

It is not available on the market and can only be manufactured and distributed at the request of the Japanese government.

Favipiravir, which can be taken as a pill, works by blocking the ability of a virus to replicate inside a cell. It can be said that Favipiravir is Japan's answer to Remdesivir.

The Japanese government has decided to authorise remdesivir which is an antiviral drug to treat the coronavirus patients. Also read: Gilead starts clinical trials of Remdesivir with US lawmakers curious about selling price Japan has become the second country after the United States to authorise the drug as an emergency dose to treat the patients in severe cases.

The Japanese government has decided to authorise remdesivir which is an antiviral drug to treat the coronavirus patients. Also read: Gilead starts clinical trials of Remdesivir with US lawmakers curious about selling price Japan has become the second country after the United States to authorise the drug as an emergency dose to treat the patients in severe cases. "Remdesivir was approved under exceptional measures," a health, labour and welfare ministry official said. "It was our country's first such approval for the treatment of coronavirus patients," the official told AFP. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the government was ready to show the drug a green signal to a Gilead Sciences developed drug. Remdesvir, a drug administered by injection, was developed to treat Ebola and some patients who enrolled in clinical trials around the world. "The Japanese approval of remdesivir is in recognition of the urgent need to treat critically ill patients in Japan. It is a reflection of the exceptional circumstances of this pandemic," said Merdad Parsey, chief medical officer at Gilead Sciences. In the US, Remdesivir is undergoing clinical trials. America's top health expert Dr Anthony Fauci says it can block the virus. As for Avigan, formed by Japanese firm Fujifilm Toyama Chemical, top government spokesman Yoshihide Suga said the government "aims to approve it this month" if a clinical test involving 100 patients proves efficient. The drug, whose generic name is favipiravir, was certified for use in Japan in 2014 but only in flu outbreaks that are not being effectively addressed by existing medications. It is not available on the market and can only be manufactured and distributed at the request of the Japanese government. Favipiravir, which can be taken as a pill, works by blocking the ability of a virus to replicate inside a cell. It can be said that Favipiravir is Japan's answer to Remdesivir.

Japan follows United States, authorises remdesivir to help COVID-19 patients in critical stages

As the coronavirus cases continue to increase in the US, one can assume that the anxiety levels may be soaring among the citizens. However, according to a survey by The University of Southern California, the researchers found out that Americans are actually spending more time with their partners and children than they did earlier.

Americans, who are known for dining out and spending time out in the world, are now&nbsp;taking "advantage"&nbsp;of the coronavirus lockdown and rediscovering their hobbies and creative dreams.&nbsp;

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A total of 1000 people took part in a survey titled the "Coronavirus Disruption Project". In this online survey, they were questioned about changes in their lives since the onset of the coronavirus.

The relationship between parents and children seems to have improved in a lot of households, for which the researchers give credit to the changed rules such as relaxed bedtime and TV hours.&nbsp;

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Talking about improved relationships, almost 35 per cent Americans also said their relationship with their spouse or partner has become better now in the lockdown.

The reason behind this can also be a decrease in the bar activities, leading to drunken nights. The report revealed that out of things that Americans missed, which included visiting friends and relatives, and going out to eat, only 20 per cent Americans missed going to bars. The reduction in the alcohol intake can also be credited to the crashing economy.

As the lockdown has been lifted in certain areas of the country, at least 42 per cent people want to work from home more after the pandemic ends, as they prefer to get rid of their long commutes, and love their relaxed way of dressing rather than the formals.

"For all the silliness, and we probably need a dress etiquette for Zoom... bosses are finding that Zoom works a good chunk of the time," said&nbsp;Jeffrey Cole, the study center's director

More than one-third of Americans reported buying food online for the first time,&nbsp;and 39 per cent intend to continue purchasing more products online once the coronavirus ends.

As the coronavirus cases continue to increase in the US, one can assume that the anxiety levels may be soaring among the citizens. However, according to a survey by The University of Southern California, the researchers found out that Americans are actually spending more time with their partners and children than they did earlier.

As the coronavirus cases continue to increase in the US, one can assume that the anxiety levels may be soaring among the citizens. However, according to a survey by The University of Southern California, the researchers found out that Americans are actually spending more time with their partners and children than they did earlier. Americans, who are known for dining out and spending time out in the world, are now taking "advantage" of the coronavirus lockdown and rediscovering their hobbies and creative dreams. Also read: WhatsApp sues Israeli firm over 'deep involvement' in hacking phones A total of 1000 people took part in a survey titled the "Coronavirus Disruption Project". In this online survey, they were questioned about changes in their lives since the onset of the coronavirus. The relationship between parents and children seems to have improved in a lot of households, for which the researchers give credit to the changed rules such as relaxed bedtime and TV hours. Also read: Explainer: NSO spygate row - How Pegasus broke into WhatsApp Talking about improved relationships, almost 35 per cent Americans also said their relationship with their spouse or partner has become better now in the lockdown. The reason behind this can also be a decrease in the bar activities, leading to drunken nights. The report revealed that out of things that Americans missed, which included visiting friends and relatives, and going out to eat, only 20 per cent Americans missed going to bars. The reduction in the alcohol intake can also be credited to the crashing economy. As the lockdown has been lifted in certain areas of the country, at least 42 per cent people want to work from home more after the pandemic ends, as they prefer to get rid of their long commutes, and love their relaxed way of dressing rather than the formals. "For all the silliness, and we probably need a dress etiquette for Zoom... bosses are finding that Zoom works a good chunk of the time," said Jeffrey Cole, the study center's director More than one-third of Americans reported buying food online for the first time, and 39 per cent intend to continue purchasing more products online once the coronavirus ends.

Relationship with spouse better now in lockdown, US survey reveals

Microsoft founder Bill Gates talks about the current situation of Coronavirus pandemic. Bill Gates warns the world that this virus knows no borders. He said we can't win until we generate a global vaccine for this. Bill Gates also said in Ted Talk humanity will beat this pandemic

Bill Gates Warns:Virus knows no borders,no victory before a global vaccination