Pfizer's kid-size COVID-19 injection received final approval from US health regulators on Tuesday, paving the way for a substantial extension of the country's vaccination campaign to include children as young as 5.

The Food and Drug Administration has previously approved the injections for children aged 5 to 11.&nbsp;

The dosages given to teenagers and adults are just a third of what is given to teens and adults.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, on the other hand, makes explicit recommendations on who should receive FDA-approved vaccines. 
 
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Dr Rochelle Walensky, director of the CDC, made the news just hours after an advisory council unanimously recommended that Pfizer's vaccines should be made available to the 28 million children in that age bracket.&nbsp;

During a day of live-streamed deliberations, the CDC assembled a panel of independent experts to analyse the existing data on the state of the outbreak in children, the efficiency of Pfizer's vaccine, and its likely adverse effects.&nbsp;

Since the FDA approval, "there hasn't been a moment that teams have not been picking, packing and shipping vaccines," Jeff Zients, the White House pandemic coordinator, said Monday. 
 
Watch | Rise in COVID-19 cases among children in Israel trigger noticeable jump

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/rise-in-covid-19-cases-among-children-in-israel-trigger-noticeable-jump-419987/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We are planning on some vaccinations towards the end of this week," he said, adding that the programme will be "really hitting full strength the week of November 8."

Last week, FDA officials debated whether every young kid required vaccination.

COVID-19-infected children are more likely to develop high-risk diseases, including obesity or diabetes.

However, otherwise healthy youngsters can get critically ill, and the CDC's advisors eventually advised the injections for all of them, including those who had already recovered from a COVID-19 infection.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Pfizer's kid-size COVID-19 injection received final approval from US health regulators on Tuesday, paving the way for a substantial extension of the country's vaccination campaign to include children as young as 5.

Pfizer's kid-size COVID-19 injection received final approval from US health regulators on Tuesday, paving the way for a substantial extension of the country's vaccination campaign to include children as young as 5. The Food and Drug Administration has previously approved the injections for children aged 5 to 11. The dosages given to teenagers and adults are just a third of what is given to teens and adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, on the other hand, makes explicit recommendations on who should receive FDA-approved vaccines. Also Read: As vaccine mandate deadline looms, New York City braces for workers’ shortage Dr Rochelle Walensky, director of the CDC, made the news just hours after an advisory council unanimously recommended that Pfizer's vaccines should be made available to the 28 million children in that age bracket. During a day of live-streamed deliberations, the CDC assembled a panel of independent experts to analyse the existing data on the state of the outbreak in children, the efficiency of Pfizer's vaccine, and its likely adverse effects. Since the FDA approval, "there hasn't been a moment that teams have not been picking, packing and shipping vaccines," Jeff Zients, the White House pandemic coordinator, said Monday. Watch | Rise in COVID-19 cases among children in Israel trigger noticeable jump "We are planning on some vaccinations towards the end of this week," he said, adding that the programme will be "really hitting full strength the week of November 8." Last week, FDA officials debated whether every young kid required vaccination. COVID-19-infected children are more likely to develop high-risk diseases, including obesity or diabetes. However, otherwise healthy youngsters can get critically ill, and the CDC's advisors eventually advised the injections for all of them, including those who had already recovered from a COVID-19 infection. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19 vaccine for children: US gives final nod to Pfizer jabs for 5-11 age group

US Vice President Kamala Harris on Saturday received a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot. Harris received her third dose of the Moderna vaccine at the White House and encouraged everyone to get the booster "when you are eligible."

"What we have said from the beginning: It's safe and free," she said.&nbsp;Harris highlighted that over 90 per cent of Americans in intensive care units or who have died of COVID-19 are unvaccinated.

"So let’s get vaccinated and we will get through the pandemic," she said.

Harris got vaccinated against the deadly virus on live television in December 2020. She got vaccinated a week after US President Joe Biden took a shot of the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine on December 21, 2020.&nbsp;

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He was administered the vaccine at Christiana Care Hospital in Newark, Delaware. After saying "I'm ready", he rolled up the sleeve on his left arm and later assured Americans that "there's nothing to worry about".

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved Moderna booster shots to be administered six months after the second dose to people aged 65 or older.&nbsp;

The shot can also be administered to people aged 18-64 who are either at high risk of severe COVID-19 or with frequent exposure to the virus because of their job.&nbsp;

US Vice President Kamala Harris on Saturday received a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot. Harris received her third dose of the Moderna vaccine at the White House and encouraged everyone to get the booster "when you are eligible.

US Vice President Kamala Harris on Saturday received a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot. Harris received her third dose of the Moderna vaccine at the White House and encouraged everyone to get the booster "when you are eligible." "What we have said from the beginning: It's safe and free," she said. Harris highlighted that over 90 per cent of Americans in intensive care units or who have died of COVID-19 are unvaccinated. "So let’s get vaccinated and we will get through the pandemic," she said. Harris got vaccinated against the deadly virus on live television in December 2020. She got vaccinated a week after US President Joe Biden took a shot of the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine on December 21, 2020. Also read | G20 leaders agree on historic corporate tax deal He was administered the vaccine at Christiana Care Hospital in Newark, Delaware. After saying "I'm ready", he rolled up the sleeve on his left arm and later assured Americans that "there's nothing to worry about". The US Food and Drug Administration has approved Moderna booster shots to be administered six months after the second dose to people aged 65 or older. The shot can also be administered to people aged 18-64 who are either at high risk of severe COVID-19 or with frequent exposure to the virus because of their job.

'When you are eligible': Kamala Harris gets COVID-19 booster shot urging people to do the same

Military forces&nbsp;shot&nbsp;dead&nbsp;two&nbsp;people&nbsp;during&nbsp;nationwide&nbsp;protests&nbsp;in&nbsp;Sudan&nbsp;on Saturday, a&nbsp;doctors&nbsp;committee said, as hundreds of thousands of&nbsp;people&nbsp;demanded the restoration of a civilian-led government after a military&nbsp;coup.

In Khartoum, security forces used tear gas and gunfire to try to disperse a huge crowd after protesters had been setting up a stage and discussing the possibility of a sit-in, said a Reuters witness.

The Central Committee of&nbsp;Sudanese&nbsp;Doctors&nbsp;said&nbsp;two&nbsp;protesters were&nbsp;shot&nbsp;dead&nbsp;by troops in the capital Khartoum's twin city of Omdurman&nbsp;during&nbsp;demonstrations. It said 38&nbsp;people&nbsp;were injured, including some by gunfire.

An eyewitness in Omdurman said they heard gunshots and saw&nbsp;people&nbsp;being carried away bleeding from the direction of the parliament building.

A representative of&nbsp;Sudan's military was not immediately available to comment on the reports of deaths in one of the country's largest demonstrations.

Protesters carried&nbsp;Sudanese flags and chanted "Military rule can't be praised" and "This country is ours, and our government is civilian" as they marched in neighbourhoods across Khartoum.

People&nbsp;also took to the streets in cities in central, eastern, northern and western&nbsp;Sudan. Crowds swelled to the hundreds of thousands in Khartoum, said a Reuters witness.

"The&nbsp;people&nbsp;have delivered their message, that retreat is impossible and power belongs to the&nbsp;people," said protester Haitham Mohamed.

The demonstrations marked the biggest challenge to General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan since he ousted Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok's cabinet on Monday.

"This has been a miscalculation from the start and misunderstanding of the level of commitment, bravery, and concern the street has about the future of&nbsp;Sudan," said Jonas Horner of the International Crisis Group.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudanese-vow-to-keep-up-protests-after-deadly-clashes-425110">Also read |&nbsp;Sudanese vow to keep up protests after deadly clashes</a>

The United States and the World Bank have frozen assistance to&nbsp;Sudan, where an economic crisis has seen shortages of food and medicine and where nearly a third of the population are in need of urgent humanitarian support.

Civilian-appointed cabinet ministers supported the&nbsp;protests&nbsp;in a statement, and said the military "will not find free&nbsp;Sudanese or true democratic revolutionary forces to be their partners in power."

In central Khartoum there was a heavy military deployment of armed troops that included the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

Security forces had blocked roads leading to the defence ministry complex and the airport.

At least 13 protesters have been killed in clashes with security forces this week, raising fears of a full-blown crackdown.

In local neighbourhoods, protest groups blocked roads overnight with stones, bricks, tree branches and plastic pipes to try to keep the security forces out.

Neighbourhood resistance committees

Unlike in previous&nbsp;protests, many&nbsp;people&nbsp;carried pictures of Hamdok, who remains popular despite an economic crisis that had worsened under his rule. "Hamdok is supported by the&nbsp;people. If Hamdok takes the country that's okay," said Mohamed, a member of a neighbourhood resistance committee.

With internet and phone lines restricted by the authorities, opponents of the&nbsp;coup&nbsp;mobilised for the protest using fliers, SMS messages, graffiti, and neighbourhood rallies.

Neighbourhood-based resistance committees, active since the uprising against&nbsp;deposed President Omar al-Bashir that began in December 2018, have been central to organising despite the arrests of key politicians.

Protesters carried pictures of Burhan, his deputy General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, and Bashir covered in red.

"Close a street, close a bridge, Burhan we're coming straight to you," they chanted.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-challenges-indigenous-children-compensation-in-favour-of-negotiating-425351">Also read |&nbsp;Canada challenges indigenous children compensation; in favour of negotiating</a>

Burhan has said he removed the cabinet to avert civil war after civilian politicians stoked hostility to the armed forces.

He&nbsp;says he is still committed to a democratic transition, including elections in July 2023.

"Rule is based on a combination of consent and coercion," said&nbsp;Sudanese analyst Magdi El Gizouli. "Burhan has no consent and is unable to coerce the multitudes on the street into submission."

Military forces shot dead two people during nationwide protests in Sudan on Saturday, a doctors committee said, as hundreds of thousands of people demanded the restoration of a civilian-led government after a military coup.

Military forces shot dead two people during nationwide protests in Sudan on Saturday, a doctors committee said, as hundreds of thousands of people demanded the restoration of a civilian-led government after a military coup. In Khartoum, security forces used tear gas and gunfire to try to disperse a huge crowd after protesters had been setting up a stage and discussing the possibility of a sit-in, said a Reuters witness. The Central Committee of Sudanese Doctors said two protesters were shot dead by troops in the capital Khartoum's twin city of Omdurman during demonstrations. It said 38 people were injured, including some by gunfire. An eyewitness in Omdurman said they heard gunshots and saw people being carried away bleeding from the direction of the parliament building. A representative of Sudan's military was not immediately available to comment on the reports of deaths in one of the country's largest demonstrations. Protesters carried Sudanese flags and chanted "Military rule can't be praised" and "This country is ours, and our government is civilian" as they marched in neighbourhoods across Khartoum. People also took to the streets in cities in central, eastern, northern and western Sudan. Crowds swelled to the hundreds of thousands in Khartoum, said a Reuters witness. "The people have delivered their message, that retreat is impossible and power belongs to the people," said protester Haitham Mohamed. The demonstrations marked the biggest challenge to General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan since he ousted Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok's cabinet on Monday. "This has been a miscalculation from the start and misunderstanding of the level of commitment, bravery, and concern the street has about the future of Sudan," said Jonas Horner of the International Crisis Group. Also read | Sudanese vow to keep up protests after deadly clashes The United States and the World Bank have frozen assistance to Sudan, where an economic crisis has seen shortages of food and medicine and where nearly a third of the population are in need of urgent humanitarian support. Civilian-appointed cabinet ministers supported the protests in a statement, and said the military "will not find free Sudanese or true democratic revolutionary forces to be their partners in power." In central Khartoum there was a heavy military deployment of armed troops that included the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. Security forces had blocked roads leading to the defence ministry complex and the airport. At least 13 protesters have been killed in clashes with security forces this week, raising fears of a full-blown crackdown. In local neighbourhoods, protest groups blocked roads overnight with stones, bricks, tree branches and plastic pipes to try to keep the security forces out. Neighbourhood resistance committees Unlike in previous protests, many people carried pictures of Hamdok, who remains popular despite an economic crisis that had worsened under his rule. "Hamdok is supported by the people. If Hamdok takes the country that's okay," said Mohamed, a member of a neighbourhood resistance committee. With internet and phone lines restricted by the authorities, opponents of the coup mobilised for the protest using fliers, SMS messages, graffiti, and neighbourhood rallies. Neighbourhood-based resistance committees, active since the uprising against deposed President Omar al-Bashir that began in December 2018, have been central to organising despite the arrests of key politicians. Protesters carried pictures of Burhan, his deputy General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, and Bashir covered in red. "Close a street, close a bridge, Burhan we're coming straight to you," they chanted. Also read | Canada challenges indigenous children compensation; in favour of negotiating Burhan has said he removed the cabinet to avert civil war after civilian politicians stoked hostility to the armed forces. He says he is still committed to a democratic transition, including elections in July 2023. "Rule is based on a combination of consent and coercion," said Sudanese analyst Magdi El Gizouli. "Burhan has no consent and is unable to coerce the multitudes on the street into submission."

Two people shot dead during huge protests against Sudan coup

In what is the first COVID-19 shot for young children in the United States, the health regulator of the country authorised the Pfizer Inc and BioNTech SE coronavirus vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 years on Friday. &nbsp;

The move looks to make the vaccine available to 28 million children in the US. Several of them are back in school for in-person learning. &nbsp;

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The decision comes as a panel of advisers to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) voted overwhelmingly to recommend the authorisation on Tuesday. &nbsp;

To consider recommendations on how the vaccine should be used in the age group, an advisory panel to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is scheduled to meet next week. The CDC director will have the final say. &nbsp;

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Till now, only a handful other countries, including China, Cuba and the United Arab Emirates, have cleared Covid vaccines for children in this age group. &nbsp;

A 10-microgram dose of Pfizer's vaccine in young children, which is lower than the 30 micrograms in the usual vaccine for children above the age of 12 and older, has been authorised by the FDA. &nbsp;

The vaccine showed 90.7% efficacy against coronavirus in a clinical trial of children aged 5 to 11, said Pfizer and BioNTech. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In what is the first COVID-19 shot for young children in the United States, the health regulator of the country authorised the Pfizer Inc and BioNTech SE coronavirus vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 years on Friday.

In what is the first COVID-19 shot for young children in the United States, the health regulator of the country authorised the Pfizer Inc and BioNTech SE coronavirus vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 years on Friday. The move looks to make the vaccine available to 28 million children in the US. Several of them are back in school for in-person learning. Also Read: As vaccine mandate deadline looms, New York City braces for workers’ shortage The decision comes as a panel of advisers to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) voted overwhelmingly to recommend the authorisation on Tuesday. To consider recommendations on how the vaccine should be used in the age group, an advisory panel to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is scheduled to meet next week. The CDC director will have the final say. Also Read: Closed under Covid lockdown, Auckland tops Lonely Planet’s list of cities to visit in 2022 Till now, only a handful other countries, including China, Cuba and the United Arab Emirates, have cleared Covid vaccines for children in this age group. A 10-microgram dose of Pfizer's vaccine in young children, which is lower than the 30 micrograms in the usual vaccine for children above the age of 12 and older, has been authorised by the FDA. The vaccine showed 90.7% efficacy against coronavirus in a clinical trial of children aged 5 to 11, said Pfizer and BioNTech. (With inputs from agencies)

First Covid shot authorised by FDA in US for kids aged 5 to 11 years

Britain MP Chris Bryant has revealed that people stranded in Afghanistan who have connections to the UK have faced horrors including being raped, shot, and tortured after missing out on evacuations out of the Taliban-controlled country.

'Shot, raped and tortured': UK MP reveals horrors faced by stranded Afghans

Every adult in the United Kingdom has been offered a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, the health ministry said on Sunday, ahead of the end of legal restrictions in England on Monday. 
 
Prime Minister Boris Johnson's target was for every adult, who wanted to a shot to be able to get one by July 19. 
 
So far, 87.8% of adults have received a first shot of COVID-19 vaccine, with the government also meeting a target to give two-thirds of adults two doses of vaccine by Monday. 
 
Johnson is proceeding with the full re-opening of the economy despite a fresh surge of cases fuelled by the highly transmissible Delta variant. New infections are running at their highest level since January. 
 
Some scientists have expressed concern about the re-opening given the high case rates, the substantial proportion of the population which is not yet fully vaccinated and the projected increases in hospitalisations and deaths. 
 
Johnson`s health minister, Sajid Javid, on Saturday said he had tested positive for COVID-19 and was self-isolating. 
 
Johnson argues that the vaccine rollout has substantially weakened the link between COVID cases and deaths, and that summer is the best time to reopen the economy since pressures on the health service are lower 
 
"Thank you again to everyone coming forward, and to those helping others to get jabbed. You are the reason we are able to cautiously ease restrictions next week, and return closer towards normal life," Johnson said in a statement.

Every adult in the United Kingdom has been offered a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, the health ministry said on Sunday, ahead of the end of legal restrictions in England on Monday.

Every adult in the United Kingdom has been offered a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, the health ministry said on Sunday, ahead of the end of legal restrictions in England on Monday. Prime Minister Boris Johnson's target was for every adult, who wanted to a shot to be able to get one by July 19. So far, 87.8% of adults have received a first shot of COVID-19 vaccine, with the government also meeting a target to give two-thirds of adults two doses of vaccine by Monday. Johnson is proceeding with the full re-opening of the economy despite a fresh surge of cases fuelled by the highly transmissible Delta variant. New infections are running at their highest level since January. Some scientists have expressed concern about the re-opening given the high case rates, the substantial proportion of the population which is not yet fully vaccinated and the projected increases in hospitalisations and deaths. Johnson`s health minister, Sajid Javid, on Saturday said he had tested positive for COVID-19 and was self-isolating. Johnson argues that the vaccine rollout has substantially weakened the link between COVID cases and deaths, and that summer is the best time to reopen the economy since pressures on the health service are lower "Thank you again to everyone coming forward, and to those helping others to get jabbed. You are the reason we are able to cautiously ease restrictions next week, and return closer towards normal life," Johnson said in a statement.

All adults in Britain offered a COVID-19 shot ahead of Monday reopening

Two protesters were shot dead and four were wounded in clashes with security forces in&nbsp;Ghana's southern Ashanti region, police and a health official said Wednesday.

The protesters were demonstrating against the death of a youth activist, Ibrahim "Kaaka" Mohammed, when they were confronted by police and soldiers on Tuesday in the town of Ejura.

"Two people died during the clashes," said police spokesman Godwin Ahianyo.

Police were investigating the incident and calm had been restored to the area, he said.&nbsp;

A health official confirmed that two people died and four were injured.

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"One died before arrival. We tried to resuscitate the other but he died later," said Manyee Mensah, medical superintendent at the Ejura Government Hospital.

"Currently, we have four injured persons... One is in a critical condition but the other three are stable," Mensah told AFP by phone.

Gunmen killed Mohammed, an outspoken critic of the government on social media, near his house in a suburb of Ejura on Sunday.

Police said they had arrested two suspects in connection with his death.&nbsp;

"We’re on top of issues and I want to assure the public everything is under control," Ahianyo said.

President Nana Akufo-Addo ordered a government report on the incident within 10 days.

The statement from his office said the president was "deeply saddened" by the deaths of Mohammed and two others, assumed to be the protesters.&nbsp;

Akufo-Addo won a second term last December, but with only a small majority in parliament, and has been under pressure from political opponents.

Faced with mounting public debt and severely hit by the coronavirus pandemic, the government introduced new taxes in a bid to boost the economy.

An increase in the price of fuel led to knock-on hikes to some essential goods and services.

Parts of&nbsp;Ghana&nbsp;have also suffered from power outages in recent months, and there has been in increase in daylight robberies in the capital Accra.&nbsp;

In response, a number of Ghanaians have taken to Twitter to demand change, using the hashtag #FixTheCountry.

Citing Covid-19 restrictions, police secured a court injunction&nbsp;and blocked a planned protest in May, but discontent has continued to simmer.&nbsp;

Two protesters were shot dead and four were wounded in clashes with security forces in Ghana's southern Ashanti region, police and a health official said Wednesday.

Two protesters were shot dead and four were wounded in clashes with security forces in Ghana's southern Ashanti region, police and a health official said Wednesday. The protesters were demonstrating against the death of a youth activist, Ibrahim "Kaaka" Mohammed, when they were confronted by police and soldiers on Tuesday in the town of Ejura. "Two people died during the clashes," said police spokesman Godwin Ahianyo. Police were investigating the incident and calm had been restored to the area, he said. A health official confirmed that two people died and four were injured. Also Read | 'Unstoppable': 182 unmarked graves found at third Canadian school "One died before arrival. We tried to resuscitate the other but he died later," said Manyee Mensah, medical superintendent at the Ejura Government Hospital. "Currently, we have four injured persons... One is in a critical condition but the other three are stable," Mensah told AFP by phone. Gunmen killed Mohammed, an outspoken critic of the government on social media, near his house in a suburb of Ejura on Sunday. Police said they had arrested two suspects in connection with his death. "We’re on top of issues and I want to assure the public everything is under control," Ahianyo said. President Nana Akufo-Addo ordered a government report on the incident within 10 days. The statement from his office said the president was "deeply saddened" by the deaths of Mohammed and two others, assumed to be the protesters. Akufo-Addo won a second term last December, but with only a small majority in parliament, and has been under pressure from political opponents. Faced with mounting public debt and severely hit by the coronavirus pandemic, the government introduced new taxes in a bid to boost the economy. An increase in the price of fuel led to knock-on hikes to some essential goods and services. Parts of Ghana have also suffered from power outages in recent months, and there has been in increase in daylight robberies in the capital Accra. In response, a number of Ghanaians have taken to Twitter to demand change, using the hashtag #FixTheCountry. Citing Covid-19 restrictions, police secured a court injunction and blocked a planned protest in May, but discontent has continued to simmer.

Two protesters shot dead in Ghana

The UK is currently moving through its domestic priority lists for COVID-19 vaccines and therefore, has no surplus doses to share with countries in need such as India at this stage, Downing Street said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

In reference to India's devastating second wave of the pandemic, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesperson said the process is kept under constant review, while the country sends an assistance package made up of 495 oxygen concentrators, 120 non-invasive ventilators and 20 manual ventilators to India to meet the supply shortages over the course of the week. &nbsp;

The first tranche of 100 ventilators and 95 oxygen concentrators arrived in New Delhi early on Tuesday.&nbsp;

"We committed in February to sending excess doses from the UK's supply to the COVAX procurement pool and to countries in need, once they are available," the UK PM's spokesperson said.&nbsp;

"Right now, we are moving through the UK prioritisation list for our domestic rollout and don't have surplus doses, but we keep this under constant review. We recognise that no one is safe until we're all safe in this pandemic which is why the UK has contributed GBP 548 million to COVAX and sent vital medical supplies to India," the spokesperson said.&nbsp;

The COVAX facility refers to the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access global initiative aimed at equitable access to vaccines led by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), and the World Health Organisation (WHO).&nbsp;

The latest update from Downing Street comes as it emerged that the US is to export around 60 million doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, with India expected to be among the biggest recipients of the consignment after talks between US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

With 3,23,144 people testing positive for the coronavirus in a day, India's infection tally climbed to 1,76,36,307 on Tuesday. The death toll mounted to 1,97,894 with 2,771 new fatalities.&nbsp;

Several efforts are on within the Indian diaspora in the UK to fundraise for essential supplies, such as oxygen concentrators and coordinate distribution of across India's struggling hospitals through a series of emergency appeals, including by charities such as the British Asian Trust and British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO). &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

The UK is currently moving through its domestic priority lists for COVID-19 vaccines and therefore, has no surplus doses to share with countries in need such as India at this stage, Downing Street said on Tuesday.

The UK is currently moving through its domestic priority lists for COVID-19 vaccines and therefore, has no surplus doses to share with countries in need such as India at this stage, Downing Street said on Tuesday. In reference to India's devastating second wave of the pandemic, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesperson said the process is kept under constant review, while the country sends an assistance package made up of 495 oxygen concentrators, 120 non-invasive ventilators and 20 manual ventilators to India to meet the supply shortages over the course of the week. The first tranche of 100 ventilators and 95 oxygen concentrators arrived in New Delhi early on Tuesday. "We committed in February to sending excess doses from the UK's supply to the COVAX procurement pool and to countries in need, once they are available," the UK PM's spokesperson said. "Right now, we are moving through the UK prioritisation list for our domestic rollout and don't have surplus doses, but we keep this under constant review. We recognise that no one is safe until we're all safe in this pandemic which is why the UK has contributed GBP 548 million to COVAX and sent vital medical supplies to India," the spokesperson said. The COVAX facility refers to the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access global initiative aimed at equitable access to vaccines led by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), and the World Health Organisation (WHO). The latest update from Downing Street comes as it emerged that the US is to export around 60 million doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, with India expected to be among the biggest recipients of the consignment after talks between US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. With 3,23,144 people testing positive for the coronavirus in a day, India's infection tally climbed to 1,76,36,307 on Tuesday. The death toll mounted to 1,97,894 with 2,771 new fatalities. Several efforts are on within the Indian diaspora in the UK to fundraise for essential supplies, such as oxygen concentrators and coordinate distribution of across India's struggling hospitals through a series of emergency appeals, including by charities such as the British Asian Trust and British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO). (With inputs from agencies)

No surplus vaccine doses to send to India right now, says UK 

Israel's Health Ministry said on Sunday it is examining a small number of cases of heart inflammation in people, who had received Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine, though it has not yet drawn any conclusions.&nbsp;

Pfizer said it has not observed a higher rate of the condition than would normally be expected in the general population.&nbsp;

Israel's pandemic response coordinator, Nachman Ash, said that a preliminary study showed "tens of incidents" of myocarditis occurring among more than 5 million vaccinated people, primarily after the second dose. &nbsp;

Ash said it was unclear whether this was unusually high and whether it was connected to the vaccine.&nbsp;

Most of the cases were reported among people up to age 30.&nbsp;

"The Health Ministry is currently examining whether there is an excess in morbidity (disease rate) and whether it can be attributed to the vaccines," Ash said.&nbsp;

Ash, who spoke about the issue in a radio interview and during a news conference, referred to it as a "question mark", and emphasised that the Health Ministry has yet to draw any conclusions.&nbsp;

Determining a link, he said, would be difficult because myocarditis, a condition that often goes away without complications, can be caused by a variety of viruses and a similar number of cases were reported in previous years.&nbsp;

Pfizer, asked by Reuters about the review, said it is in regular contact with Israel’s Health Ministry to review data on its vaccine.&nbsp;

The company said it "is aware of the Israeli observations of myocarditis that occurred predominantly in a population of young men who received the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine".&nbsp;

"Adverse events are regularly and thoroughly reviewed and we have not observed a higher rate of myocarditis than what would be expected in the general population. A causal link to the vaccine has not been established," the company said.&nbsp;

"There is no evidence at this time to conclude that myocarditis is a risk associated with the use of Pfizer/BNT COVID-19 vaccine."&nbsp;

Israel has been a world leader in its vaccination rollout, with close to 60% of its 9.3 million population having received the Pfizer vaccine. Its nationwide database has already showed the vaccine to be highly effective in preventing the symptoms and severe illness associated with COVID-19.&nbsp;

Since January, shortly after the vaccine campaign began, daily infections dropped from a peak of more than 10,000 to just 129 before the weekend.&nbsp;

Nadav Davidovitch, director of the school of public health at Israel's Ben Gurion University, said that even if a correlation between the myocarditis cases and the vaccine were established, it did not appear to be serious enough to stop administering the vaccine.&nbsp;

"It's a situation that should be looked into, and we need to wait for a final report, but in an interim analysis it seems the risk of getting sick from COVID-19 is much higher than from the vaccine's adverse events, and the risk of peri/myo-carditis following the vaccine is low and temporary," he said.&nbsp;

Israel's Health Ministry said on Sunday it is examining a small number of cases of heart inflammation in people, who had received Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine, though it has not yet drawn any conclusions.

Israel's Health Ministry said on Sunday it is examining a small number of cases of heart inflammation in people, who had received Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine, though it has not yet drawn any conclusions. Pfizer said it has not observed a higher rate of the condition than would normally be expected in the general population. Israel's pandemic response coordinator, Nachman Ash, said that a preliminary study showed "tens of incidents" of myocarditis occurring among more than 5 million vaccinated people, primarily after the second dose. Ash said it was unclear whether this was unusually high and whether it was connected to the vaccine. Most of the cases were reported among people up to age 30. "The Health Ministry is currently examining whether there is an excess in morbidity (disease rate) and whether it can be attributed to the vaccines," Ash said. Ash, who spoke about the issue in a radio interview and during a news conference, referred to it as a "question mark", and emphasised that the Health Ministry has yet to draw any conclusions. Determining a link, he said, would be difficult because myocarditis, a condition that often goes away without complications, can be caused by a variety of viruses and a similar number of cases were reported in previous years. Pfizer, asked by Reuters about the review, said it is in regular contact with Israel’s Health Ministry to review data on its vaccine. The company said it "is aware of the Israeli observations of myocarditis that occurred predominantly in a population of young men who received the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine". "Adverse events are regularly and thoroughly reviewed and we have not observed a higher rate of myocarditis than what would be expected in the general population. A causal link to the vaccine has not been established," the company said. "There is no evidence at this time to conclude that myocarditis is a risk associated with the use of Pfizer/BNT COVID-19 vaccine." Israel has been a world leader in its vaccination rollout, with close to 60% of its 9.3 million population having received the Pfizer vaccine. Its nationwide database has already showed the vaccine to be highly effective in preventing the symptoms and severe illness associated with COVID-19. Since January, shortly after the vaccine campaign began, daily infections dropped from a peak of more than 10,000 to just 129 before the weekend. Nadav Davidovitch, director of the school of public health at Israel's Ben Gurion University, said that even if a correlation between the myocarditis cases and the vaccine were established, it did not appear to be serious enough to stop administering the vaccine. "It's a situation that should be looked into, and we need to wait for a final report, but in an interim analysis it seems the risk of getting sick from COVID-19 is much higher than from the vaccine's adverse events, and the risk of peri/myo-carditis following the vaccine is low and temporary," he said.

Israel examining heart inflammation cases in people, who received Pfizer COVID-19 shot 

Getting registered on the CoWIN web portal and taking an appointment to get a COVID-19 vaccine jab would be mandatory for those aged between 18 and 45 years as walk-ins will not be allowed initially, official sources said on Sunday.&nbsp;

Those above 45 years can still avail the facility of on-site registration to get vaccinated, they said.&nbsp;

As India witnesses a sudden surge in coronavirus cases, it has decided to allow everyone above 18 years of age to get vaccinated from May 1.&nbsp;

"An increased demand is expected once the vaccination is opened for all. For the purpose of crowd control, registering on CoWIN portal and making an appointment to get a vaccine will be mandatory for those aged between 18 and 45 years. Walks-in will not be allowed in the beginning so that there is no chaos," an official said.&nbsp;

Registration for vaccination for all those aged above 18 will begin on the CoWIN platform and Aarogya Setu App from April 28. The inoculation process and documents to be provided to get the jab remains the same.&nbsp;

From May 1, the present system of private COVID-19 vaccination centres receiving doses from the government and charging up to Rs 250 per dose from people will cease to exist and private hospitals will procure directly from vaccine manufacturers.&nbsp;

According to the Liberalised Pricing and Accelerated National COVID-19 Vaccination Strategy, COVID-19 vaccination will continue to be free for eligible population groups comprising healthcare workers, frontline workers and population above 45 years of age in government vaccination centres that receive doses from the Centre.&nbsp;

Vaccine manufacturers would make an advance declaration of the price for 50 per cent supply that would be available to state governments in the open market before May 1. Based on this price, states, private hospitals, industrial establishments may procure vaccine doses from manufacturers.&nbsp;

Private hospitals would have to procure their supplies of COVID-19 vaccine exclusively from the 50 per cent supply earmarked, other than the Government of India channel.&nbsp;

"While the Centre has liberalised the vaccination policy, it does not mean that vaccines will be sold in pharmacists or chemist shops in the open market," Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan had clarified on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The price charged for vaccination by private hospitals would be monitored, he said, adding, "The present dispensation where private Covid vaccination centres receive doses from the government and can charge up to Rs 250 per dose will cease to exist."&nbsp;

Vaccine manufacturers would supply 50 per cent of their monthly Central Drugs Laboratory (CDL) released doses to the Centre and would be free to supply the rest to state governments.&nbsp;

All immunisations will be part of the National Vaccination Programme, will be captured on CoWIN platform along with stocks and price per vaccination applicable in all vaccination centres, will comply with adverse event following immunization management and reporting, and all other prescribed norms.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Getting registered on the CoWIN web portal and taking an appointment to get a COVID-19 vaccine jab would be mandatory for those aged between 18 and 45 years as walk-ins will not be allowed initially, official sources said on Sunday.

Getting registered on the CoWIN web portal and taking an appointment to get a COVID-19 vaccine jab would be mandatory for those aged between 18 and 45 years as walk-ins will not be allowed initially, official sources said on Sunday. Those above 45 years can still avail the facility of on-site registration to get vaccinated, they said. As India witnesses a sudden surge in coronavirus cases, it has decided to allow everyone above 18 years of age to get vaccinated from May 1. "An increased demand is expected once the vaccination is opened for all. For the purpose of crowd control, registering on CoWIN portal and making an appointment to get a vaccine will be mandatory for those aged between 18 and 45 years. Walks-in will not be allowed in the beginning so that there is no chaos," an official said. Registration for vaccination for all those aged above 18 will begin on the CoWIN platform and Aarogya Setu App from April 28. The inoculation process and documents to be provided to get the jab remains the same. From May 1, the present system of private COVID-19 vaccination centres receiving doses from the government and charging up to Rs 250 per dose from people will cease to exist and private hospitals will procure directly from vaccine manufacturers. According to the Liberalised Pricing and Accelerated National COVID-19 Vaccination Strategy, COVID-19 vaccination will continue to be free for eligible population groups comprising healthcare workers, frontline workers and population above 45 years of age in government vaccination centres that receive doses from the Centre. Vaccine manufacturers would make an advance declaration of the price for 50 per cent supply that would be available to state governments in the open market before May 1. Based on this price, states, private hospitals, industrial establishments may procure vaccine doses from manufacturers. Private hospitals would have to procure their supplies of COVID-19 vaccine exclusively from the 50 per cent supply earmarked, other than the Government of India channel. "While the Centre has liberalised the vaccination policy, it does not mean that vaccines will be sold in pharmacists or chemist shops in the open market," Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan had clarified on Wednesday. The price charged for vaccination by private hospitals would be monitored, he said, adding, "The present dispensation where private Covid vaccination centres receive doses from the government and can charge up to Rs 250 per dose will cease to exist." Vaccine manufacturers would supply 50 per cent of their monthly Central Drugs Laboratory (CDL) released doses to the Centre and would be free to supply the rest to state governments. All immunisations will be part of the National Vaccination Programme, will be captured on CoWIN platform along with stocks and price per vaccination applicable in all vaccination centres, will comply with adverse event following immunization management and reporting, and all other prescribed norms. (With inputs from agencies)

CoWIN registration must for those between 18 and 45 years to get vaccine shot 

A Texas police officer was shot multiple times during a traffic stop early on Wednesday and police were searching for suspects, authorities said.&nbsp;

The shooting happened at about 4:15 am. Wednesday in Burleson, about 45 miles (70 kilometres) southwest of Dallas, the police department said on Twitter.&nbsp;

Police said the officer was taken to a Fort Worth hospital and his condition wasn't immediately known.&nbsp;

The shooting is at least the fourth involving a Texas law enforcement officer in recent weeks.&nbsp;

An Austin police officer was shot and wounded on Friday, while a state trooper was shot and wounded during a manhunt for a man accused of opening fire on a cabinet business. And late last month, a state trooper was fatally shot during a traffic stop near Mexia, about 75 miles (120 kilometres) southeast of Dallas. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, massive protests have broken out near the US city of Minneapolis after a policeman fatally shot a young Black man near where George Floyd was killed last year.&nbsp;

The man has been identified as 20-year-old Daunte Wright.&nbsp;

Police in a Minneapolis suburb said an officer fatally shot a driver Sunday, leading to clashes between protesters and law enforcement.&nbsp;

Hundreds of people gathered outside the police station in Brooklyn Center, northwest of Minneapolis. Police fired tear gas and flashbangs at the demonstrators, according to videojournalists at the scene.&nbsp;

The mother of Daunte Wright, a 20-year-old Black man, told a crowd earlier Sunday evening that he called her to say he had been pulled over by police, local media reported.&nbsp;

Katie Wright said she heard officers tell her son to put his phone down, and then one of the officers ended the call. Soon after, her son's girlfriend told her he had been shot.&nbsp;

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension confirmed that it is "investigating an officer-involved shooting incident" in Brooklyn Center.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A Texas police officer was shot multiple times during a traffic stop early on Wednesday and police were searching for suspects, authorities said. The shooting happened at about 4:15 am.

A Texas police officer was shot multiple times during a traffic stop early on Wednesday and police were searching for suspects, authorities said. The shooting happened at about 4:15 am. Wednesday in Burleson, about 45 miles (70 kilometres) southwest of Dallas, the police department said on Twitter. Police said the officer was taken to a Fort Worth hospital and his condition wasn't immediately known. The shooting is at least the fourth involving a Texas law enforcement officer in recent weeks. An Austin police officer was shot and wounded on Friday, while a state trooper was shot and wounded during a manhunt for a man accused of opening fire on a cabinet business. And late last month, a state trooper was fatally shot during a traffic stop near Mexia, about 75 miles (120 kilometres) southeast of Dallas. Meanwhile, massive protests have broken out near the US city of Minneapolis after a policeman fatally shot a young Black man near where George Floyd was killed last year. The man has been identified as 20-year-old Daunte Wright. Police in a Minneapolis suburb said an officer fatally shot a driver Sunday, leading to clashes between protesters and law enforcement. Hundreds of people gathered outside the police station in Brooklyn Center, northwest of Minneapolis. Police fired tear gas and flashbangs at the demonstrators, according to videojournalists at the scene. The mother of Daunte Wright, a 20-year-old Black man, told a crowd earlier Sunday evening that he called her to say he had been pulled over by police, local media reported. Katie Wright said she heard officers tell her son to put his phone down, and then one of the officers ended the call. Soon after, her son's girlfriend told her he had been shot. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension confirmed that it is "investigating an officer-involved shooting incident" in Brooklyn Center. (With inputs from agencies)

US cop shot multiple times during traffic stop in Texas 

One person was shot dead and another injured on Monday in front of a hospital in Paris, a police source told Reuters, adding that the attacker had then fled on a motorcycle. &nbsp;

The source said the injured person was now being treated inside the hospital, the Henry Dunant, which is also a Covid-19 vaccination centre. The motive for the shootings remains unknown.&nbsp;

BFM television said the person killed was a man and the injured person was a woman, who worked as a security official at the hospital, which is located in the upmarket 16th arrondissement.&nbsp;

The vaccination centre at the hospital was operating at the time of the shootings.&nbsp;

Television stations showed dozens of police officers securing the area.&nbsp;

One person was shot dead and another injured on Monday in front of a hospital in Paris, a police source told Reuters, adding that the attacker had then fled on a motorcycle.

One person was shot dead and another injured on Monday in front of a hospital in Paris, a police source told Reuters, adding that the attacker had then fled on a motorcycle. The source said the injured person was now being treated inside the hospital, the Henry Dunant, which is also a Covid-19 vaccination centre. The motive for the shootings remains unknown. BFM television said the person killed was a man and the injured person was a woman, who worked as a security official at the hospital, which is located in the upmarket 16th arrondissement. The vaccination centre at the hospital was operating at the time of the shootings. Television stations showed dozens of police officers securing the area.

One person shot dead in front of Paris hospital, says police source 

A lawyer part of current US President Donald Trump's campaign&nbsp;is facing widespread flak for his extreme comments directed at former head of a federal cyber-security agency. Chris Krebs (pictured above), the former head of Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (Cisa) had dismissed claims of fraud in US Presidential Election 2020. Joe DiGenova, the lawyer associated with the Trump campaign, said that Krebs should be "taken out at dawn and shot".

Donald Trump is yet to concede in spite of Joe Biden having a clear lead in the electoral college. Trump has mounted a legal offensive to challenge the validity of US election results.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-probes-pardon-bribery-scheme-no-govt-official-under-investigation-346798">US probes pardon bribery scheme; no govt official under investigation</a> 
 
DiGenova, the Trump campaign lawyer made the extreme comments on The Howie Carr show, a podcast on Youtube. After Digenova made the remarks about Krebs, the host did not challenge his assertions.

Chris Krebs was fired as the head of Cisa not long after he said that US Elections were "most secure".

Although Trump has mounted number of lawsuits against election results, he or his team have not been able to produce substantial evidence and have suffered defeats in various courts.

A lawyer part of current US President Donald Trump's campaign is facing widespread flak for his extreme comments directed at former head of a federal cyber-security agency.

A lawyer part of current US President Donald Trump's campaign is facing widespread flak for his extreme comments directed at former head of a federal cyber-security agency. Chris Krebs (pictured above), the former head of Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (Cisa) had dismissed claims of fraud in US Presidential Election 2020. Joe DiGenova, the lawyer associated with the Trump campaign, said that Krebs should be "taken out at dawn and shot". Donald Trump is yet to concede in spite of Joe Biden having a clear lead in the electoral college. Trump has mounted a legal offensive to challenge the validity of US election results. Also Read | US probes pardon bribery scheme; no govt official under investigation DiGenova, the Trump campaign lawyer made the extreme comments on The Howie Carr show, a podcast on Youtube. After Digenova made the remarks about Krebs, the host did not challenge his assertions. Chris Krebs was fired as the head of Cisa not long after he said that US Elections were "most secure". Although Trump has mounted number of lawsuits against election results, he or his team have not been able to produce substantial evidence and have suffered defeats in various courts.

Ex-US Election cybersecurity chief should be taken out and shot, says Trump lawyer

Brazil's shot put champion Darlan Romani is not letting lockdown get in the way of preparations for the Tokyo Olympics, using an unused plot of land in a residential area of Sao Paulo state to keep up his winning form.

Nothing weighs down Brazil shot putter as he improvises Olympic training in lockdown

The first-ever NBA title for the Toronto Raptors brought out violence as well as celebration Monday afternoon. Toronto police confirmed via their Twitter account that two victims suffered “serious but not life-threatening injuries,” after a shooting at Nathan Phillips Square amidst the Raptors’ NBA championship parade.

Shots fired during Toronto Raptors' NBA championship parade

An Israeli soldier fatally shot a Palestinian man who tried to stab a fellow soldier in the occupied West Bank on Monday, the Israeli military said.

The Palestinian health ministry confirmed the man was killed. There was no further comment from Palestinian officials.

"The assailant arrived by vehicle from the city of Nablus, exited the vehicle and attempted to stab an IDF (Israel Defence Forces) soldier who was at a nearby check post. Another soldier responded by firing towards the terrorist and neutralized him," the military said, adding that none of the troops were hurt.

Peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians broke down in 2014. A bid by the administration of US President Donald Trump to restart negotiations has so far shown little progress.

The Palestinians seek statehood in East Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, territories that Israel captured in the 1967 Middle East war. The Palestinians have limited self-rule in the West Bank, most of which is controlled by Israel.

An Israeli soldier fatally shot a Palestinian man who tried to stab a fellow soldier in the occupied West Bank on Monday, the Israeli military said. The Palestinian health ministry confirmed the man was killed.

An Israeli soldier fatally shot a Palestinian man who tried to stab a fellow soldier in the occupied West Bank on Monday, the Israeli military said. The Palestinian health ministry confirmed the man was killed. There was no further comment from Palestinian officials. "The assailant arrived by vehicle from the city of Nablus, exited the vehicle and attempted to stab an IDF (Israel Defence Forces) soldier who was at a nearby check post. Another soldier responded by firing towards the terrorist and neutralized him," the military said, adding that none of the troops were hurt. Peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians broke down in 2014. A bid by the administration of US President Donald Trump to restart negotiations has so far shown little progress. The Palestinians seek statehood in East Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, territories that Israel captured in the 1967 Middle East war. The Palestinians have limited self-rule in the West Bank, most of which is controlled by Israel.

Palestinian shot dead while trying to stab Israeli soldier: Army

Three members of a family were among five people shot dead by suspected ULFA (Independent) while two others were injured at Kheroni in Assam's Tinsukia district Thursday night, police said.

A group of assailants with sophisticated weapons came to this village near Dhola-Sadiya bridge and called out five-six people from their house around 8 pm, they said.

They then opened indiscriminate fire upon those people before fleeing under the cover of darkness, a police officer said.

Police suspect the gunmen belonged to the ULFA (Independent) faction as they were in battle fatigue.

Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal condemned "the killing of innocent people" and conveyed his sympathy to the bereaved families.

"Strong action will be taken against the perpetrators of this dastardly violence. We will not tolerate such cowardly act," he told PTI.

Sonowal said he has directed state ministers Keshav Mahanta and Tapan Gogoi along with DGP Kuladhar Saikia to rush to the spot.

"We will not spare the culprits of the killings and they will be brought to book," he said.

The chief minister appealed to the people of Assam to maintain peace and harmony.

He also directed all deputy commissioners and SPs to remain alert. 
According to Tinsukia Superintendent of Police Mukdhajyoti Mahanta, the bodies have been taken to the Sadia Civil Hospital for postmortem.

Industries and Commerce Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary, former chief minister Tarun Gogoi, opposition Congress state president Ripun Bora, AIUDF general secretary Aminul Islam and the Assam Sahitya Sabha were among those who also denounced the incident.

Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, in a Twitter post, wondered if the attack was related to developments around the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

"Is this the outcome of recent NRC development," she questioned. 
Banerjee strongly condemned the incident and offered condolences to the families of the deceased.

"Terrible news coming out of Assam. We strongly condemn the brutal attack in Tinsukia... We have no words to express our deep sorrow to the grieving families. The perpetrators must be punished at the very earliest," she added.&nbsp;

Three members of a family were among five people shot dead by suspected ULFA (Independent) while two others were injured at Kheroni in Assam's Tinsukia district Thursday night, police said.

Three members of a family were among five people shot dead by suspected ULFA (Independent) while two others were injured at Kheroni in Assam's Tinsukia district Thursday night, police said. A group of assailants with sophisticated weapons came to this village near Dhola-Sadiya bridge and called out five-six people from their house around 8 pm, they said. They then opened indiscriminate fire upon those people before fleeing under the cover of darkness, a police officer said. Police suspect the gunmen belonged to the ULFA (Independent) faction as they were in battle fatigue. Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal condemned "the killing of innocent people" and conveyed his sympathy to the bereaved families. "Strong action will be taken against the perpetrators of this dastardly violence. We will not tolerate such cowardly act," he told PTI. Sonowal said he has directed state ministers Keshav Mahanta and Tapan Gogoi along with DGP Kuladhar Saikia to rush to the spot. "We will not spare the culprits of the killings and they will be brought to book," he said. The chief minister appealed to the people of Assam to maintain peace and harmony. He also directed all deputy commissioners and SPs to remain alert. According to Tinsukia Superintendent of Police Mukdhajyoti Mahanta, the bodies have been taken to the Sadia Civil Hospital for postmortem. Industries and Commerce Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary, former chief minister Tarun Gogoi, opposition Congress state president Ripun Bora, AIUDF general secretary Aminul Islam and the Assam Sahitya Sabha were among those who also denounced the incident. Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, in a Twitter post, wondered if the attack was related to developments around the National Register of Citizens (NRC). "Is this the outcome of recent NRC development," she questioned. Banerjee strongly condemned the incident and offered condolences to the families of the deceased. "Terrible news coming out of Assam. We strongly condemn the brutal attack in Tinsukia... We have no words to express our deep sorrow to the grieving families. The perpetrators must be punished at the very earliest," she added.

5 shot in Assam; strong action against perpetrators, says CM

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Sunday visited the spot&nbsp;where the Apple executive, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/apple-employee-dead-after-being-allegedly-shot-police-168410">Vivek Tiwari</a>, was fatally shot by a cop in Lucknow on Friday.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VivekTiwari?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VivekTiwari</a> death case: Special Investigation Team (SIT) arrives at the spot of the incident in Lucknow's Gomti Nagar extension. <a href="https://t.co/KqFCEr1xs6">pic.twitter.com/KqFCEr1xs6</a>
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ADG Lucknow Zone Rajiv Krishna and other senior police officials also met Tiwari's family.

Tiwari was allegedly shot by police-constable Prashant Chaudhary at Gomti Nagar area in Lucknow on Friday when he was asked to stop his car.

Tiwari was subsequently taken to Lohia hospital in the city where he succumbed to injuries.

The beleaguered police constable on Saturday said that the gun went off accidentally. He also alleged that&nbsp;Tiwari had hit him with his car three times.

Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav Saturday demanded the resignation of the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh over the death of multi-national company executive.

"What else can we expect from UP's BJP government? Numerous fake encounters are taking place in the state," Yadav told media persons at Shahdol in Madhya Pradesh.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Sunday visited the spot where the Apple executive, Vivek Tiwari, was fatally shot by a cop in Lucknow on Friday. #VivekTiwari death case: Special Investigation Team (SIT) arrives at the spot of the incident in Lucknow's Gomti Nagar extension.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Sunday visited the spot where the Apple executive, Vivek Tiwari, was fatally shot by a cop in Lucknow on Friday. #VivekTiwari death case: Special Investigation Team (SIT) arrives at the spot of the incident in Lucknow's Gomti Nagar extension. pic.twitter.com/KqFCEr1xs6 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) September 30, 2018 × ADG Lucknow Zone Rajiv Krishna and other senior police officials also met Tiwari's family. Tiwari was allegedly shot by police-constable Prashant Chaudhary at Gomti Nagar area in Lucknow on Friday when he was asked to stop his car. Tiwari was subsequently taken to Lohia hospital in the city where he succumbed to injuries. The beleaguered police constable on Saturday said that the gun went off accidentally. He also alleged that Tiwari had hit him with his car three times. Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav Saturday demanded the resignation of the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh over the death of multi-national company executive. "What else can we expect from UP's BJP government? Numerous fake encounters are taking place in the state," Yadav told media persons at Shahdol in Madhya Pradesh.

Lucknow Apple executive death: SIT begins probe, visits crime spot

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-interior-minister-ahsan-iqbal-was-an-easy-target-says-primary-suspect-after-assassination-attempt-135300">Pakistan Interior minister Ahsan Iqbal </a>was discharged from the services hospital on Monday, a week after he was shot at a rally in Narowal.&nbsp

During his stay at the hospital, Iqbal underwent two operations. One was aimed at removing the bullet from his lower torso and the other to mend his broken elbow bone, Geo TV reported.

In a video message, Iqbal thanked the hospital authorities for providing him with the best medical treatment.

"I chose a government hospital, and the way I was treated, it restored my faith in the public health sector," he said.

Calling for achieving peace and harmony in the country, Iqbal added, "The bullet in my body will keep on reminding me that we need to make Pakistan a centre of peace and harmony. We need to struggle to remove the menace of hate from the country."

Also watch:&nbsp<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistans-interior-minister-ahsan-iqbal-out-of-danger-after-being-shot-at-election-rally-135058">Pakistan's interior minister Ahsan Iqbal 'out of danger' after being shot at </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistans-interior-minister-ahsan-iqbal-out-of-danger-after-being-shot-at-election-rally-135058">election</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistans-interior-minister-ahsan-iqbal-out-of-danger-after-being-shot-at-election-rally-135058"> rally</a>

The primary suspect, Abid Hussain, responsible for the assassination bid at Iqbal, reportedly said that Iqbal was an "easy target" and "belonged to his area," reports said.&nbsp

Abid fired a shot at Iqbal from a distance of 15 yards as he entered his vehicle to leave the rally venue tehsil Kanjrur. He was later arrested and is now on a 10-day physical remand. He also confessed that he had purchased a gun from a person for Rs 15,000. A 30-bore pistol was recovered from the arrested Abid.

Iqbal, 59, a senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader, was hit by the bullet on his right shoulder in the attack

The suspect fired a shot at Iqbal from a distance of 15 yards as he entered his vehicle to leave the rally venue tehsil Kanjrur

Pakistan Interior minister Ahsan Iqbal was discharged from the services hospital on Monday, a week after he was shot at a rally in Narowal. During his stay at the hospital, Iqbal underwent two operations. One was aimed at removing the bullet from his lower torso and the other to mend his broken elbow bone, Geo TV reported. In a video message, Iqbal thanked the hospital authorities for providing him with the best medical treatment. "I chose a government hospital, and the way I was treated, it restored my faith in the public health sector," he said. Calling for achieving peace and harmony in the country, Iqbal added, "The bullet in my body will keep on reminding me that we need to make Pakistan a centre of peace and harmony. We need to struggle to remove the menace of hate from the country." Also watch: Pakistan's interior minister Ahsan Iqbal 'out of danger' after being shot at election rally The primary suspect, Abid Hussain, responsible for the assassination bid at Iqbal, reportedly said that Iqbal was an "easy target" and "belonged to his area," reports said. Abid fired a shot at Iqbal from a distance of 15 yards as he entered his vehicle to leave the rally venue tehsil Kanjrur. He was later arrested and is now on a 10-day physical remand. He also confessed that he had purchased a gun from a person for Rs 15,000. A 30-bore pistol was recovered from the arrested Abid. Iqbal, 59, a senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader, was hit by the bullet on his right shoulder in the attack

Pakistan interior minister Ahsan Iqbal released from hospital after assassination bid

A 14-year-old boy from California was accused of shooting and wounding a student at a high school in Southern California on Friday before he ran away arrested in a supermarket later.&nbsp;

As per reports, the teenager used a rifle to shoot the student and then dumped the gun in a desert before he was caught.&nbsp;

The shooting happened on the campus of Highland High School in Palmdale, California, around 7 a.m. PT, even as some students still were arriving at school.

The former student, who transferred in recent months, took out an SKS-style carbine and fired about 10 shots, video of the incident appears to show, reports state.&nbsp;

The victim has been shifted to a hospital for recovery. The school had been on lockdown for several hours after which the student reunited with their parents.

“We are incredibly grateful for the actions of Highland High School teachers and staff and our first responders who courageously protected the lives of our students today,” Brett Neal, an assistant superintendent for the school district, said in a statement. “We know that every second is important in a situation like this and we couldn’t be more thankful.”

Initial reports of a possible school mass shooting drew immediate attention from major news outlets and cable TV networks. It underscored the national debate over gun control and gun rights that intensified after the February shooting deaths of 17 students and staff members at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

&nbsp;

The shooting happened on the campus of Highland High School in Palmdale, California, around 7 a.m. PT, even as some students still were arriving at school

A 14-year-old boy from California was accused of shooting and wounding a student at a high school in Southern California on Friday before he ran away arrested in a supermarket later. As per reports, the teenager used a rifle to shoot the student and then dumped the gun in a desert before he was caught. The shooting happened on the campus of Highland High School in Palmdale, California, around 7 a.m. PT, even as some students still were arriving at school. The former student, who transferred in recent months, took out an SKS-style carbine and fired about 10 shots, video of the incident appears to show, reports state. The victim has been shifted to a hospital for recovery. The school had been on lockdown for several hours after which the student reunited with their parents. “We are incredibly grateful for the actions of Highland High School teachers and staff and our first responders who courageously protected the lives of our students today,” Brett Neal, an assistant superintendent for the school district, said in a statement. “We know that every second is important in a situation like this and we couldn’t be more thankful.” Initial reports of a possible school mass shooting drew immediate attention from major news outlets and cable TV networks. It underscored the national debate over gun control and gun rights that intensified after the February shooting deaths of 17 students and staff members at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

California shooting: Teenager used rifle, fired 10 shots in total

The primary suspect,&nbsp;Abid Hussain,&nbsp;who was responsible for the assassination bid at Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal,&nbsp;reportedly said that Iqbal was an "easy target" and "belonged to his area," reports said.&nbsp;

Abid fired a shot at Iqbal from a distance of 15 yards as he entered his vehicle to leave the rally venue tehsil Kanjrur. He was later arrested and is now on a 10-day physical remand. He also confessed that he had purchased a gun from a person for Rs 15,000.&nbsp;A 30-bore pistol was recovered from the arrested Abid.

The police have also arrested an accomplice, and have registered the FIR of the incident at Shah Ghareeb Police Station, reports said.

Pakistan's Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal underwent two successful consecutive surgeries on Monday after being shot in an apparent assassination bid by a religious fanatic during an election rally in Punjab province, as another suspect has been taken into custody.

Iqbal, 59, a senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader, was hit by the bullet on his right shoulder in the attack on Sunday.

An official at the Services Hospital here said that the surgery was successful and Iqbal is recovering well.

"Iqbal is out of danger and recovering fast," he added.

Hussain belongs to the religious outfit - Tehreek-e-Labbaik Yarasoolallah Pakistan (TLYP), according to preliminary investigation.

"The suspect who opened fire on the interior minister belongs to the TLYP. We know the motive of this attack but I want to tell that this is a very dangerous game being played against the PML-N," Information Minister Marrium Aurengzeb said. Talking to reporters she said "this politics of hatred" should be stopped now.

A senior police officer said that the suspect told investigators that he opened fire on the minister to take revenge on the ruling PML-N for trying to delete the clause related to the Khatm-e-Nabuwat (the finality of Prophet Muhammad) from the Constitution.&nbsp;

The suspect, during questioning, told police that he received ‘orders’ to kill the interior minister in a dream and wrote down his thoughts in a diary over the past three or four months.

Iqbal, 59, a senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader, was hit by the bullet on his right shoulder in the attack on Sunday

The primary suspect, Abid Hussain, who was responsible for the assassination bid at Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal, reportedly said that Iqbal was an "easy target" and "belonged to his area," reports said. Abid fired a shot at Iqbal from a distance of 15 yards as he entered his vehicle to leave the rally venue tehsil Kanjrur. He was later arrested and is now on a 10-day physical remand. He also confessed that he had purchased a gun from a person for Rs 15,000. A 30-bore pistol was recovered from the arrested Abid. The police have also arrested an accomplice, and have registered the FIR of the incident at Shah Ghareeb Police Station, reports said. Pakistan's Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal underwent two successful consecutive surgeries on Monday after being shot in an apparent assassination bid by a religious fanatic during an election rally in Punjab province, as another suspect has been taken into custody. Iqbal, 59, a senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader, was hit by the bullet on his right shoulder in the attack on Sunday. An official at the Services Hospital here said that the surgery was successful and Iqbal is recovering well. "Iqbal is out of danger and recovering fast," he added. Hussain belongs to the religious outfit - Tehreek-e-Labbaik Yarasoolallah Pakistan (TLYP), according to preliminary investigation. "The suspect who opened fire on the interior minister belongs to the TLYP. We know the motive of this attack but I want to tell that this is a very dangerous game being played against the PML-N," Information Minister Marrium Aurengzeb said. Talking to reporters she said "this politics of hatred" should be stopped now. A senior police officer said that the suspect told investigators that he opened fire on the minister to take revenge on the ruling PML-N for trying to delete the clause related to the Khatm-e-Nabuwat (the finality of Prophet Muhammad) from the Constitution. The suspect, during questioning, told police that he received ‘orders’ to kill the interior minister in a dream and wrote down his thoughts in a diary over the past three or four months.

Pak Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal was an 'easy target', says, primary suspect after assassination attempt

Motorcycle-borne assailants today shot dead two local Shiv Sena leaders hours after the result of a civic bypoll in the area was announced, police said

The deceased have been identified as Sanjay Kotkar and Vasant Anand Thube.

The incident happened at around 5:15 pm in the Shahunagar area of Kedgaon here and commercial establishments downed shutters soon amidst stray cases of stone-pelting, the official added.

"Sanjay Kotkar (35) and Vasant Anand Thube (40) were killed after they were shot from point blank range by two men on a motorcycle," a police official said.

"The CCTV of the area is being scoured and we are in the process of identifying the shooters," he said.

A local Shiv Sena leader said that the incident was related to the largescale support the Sena had received in the civic bypoll for Ward 32 (Kedgaon) of the Ahmednagar Municipal Corporation.

The result of the bypoll was announced on Saturday by state election commission officials.

The Congress' Vishal Kotkar defeated the Sena's Vijay Pathare by a thin margin of 454 votes.&nbsp;

The deceased have been identified as Sanjay Kotkar and Vasant Anand Thube

Motorcycle-borne assailants today shot dead two local Shiv Sena leaders hours after the result of a civic bypoll in the area was announced, police said The deceased have been identified as Sanjay Kotkar and Vasant Anand Thube. The incident happened at around 5:15 pm in the Shahunagar area of Kedgaon here and commercial establishments downed shutters soon amidst stray cases of stone-pelting, the official added. "Sanjay Kotkar (35) and Vasant Anand Thube (40) were killed after they were shot from point blank range by two men on a motorcycle," a police official said. "The CCTV of the area is being scoured and we are in the process of identifying the shooters," he said. A local Shiv Sena leader said that the incident was related to the largescale support the Sena had received in the civic bypoll for Ward 32 (Kedgaon) of the Ahmednagar Municipal Corporation. The result of the bypoll was announced on Saturday by state election commission officials. The Congress' Vishal Kotkar defeated the Sena's Vijay Pathare by a thin margin of 454 votes.

2 Shiv Sena leaders shot dead in Ahmednagar following bypoll result

A French policeman, who was shot by an Islamist gunman Friday after swapping himself for a hostage in a siege at a supermarket in the southwest town of Trebes, has been hailed as a hero.

The policeman was among a group of officers who rushed to the scene after the attacker, who claimed allegiance to the Islamic State group, stormed the store and fired on shoppers and staff before taking them hostage.

The man, identified as 26-year-old Redouane Lakdim, shot dead two people at the supermarket after earlier opening fire on passengers in a car, killing one of them, and injuring a police officer in nearby Carcassonne.

Speaking at the scene Interior Minister Gerard Collomb said a police team immediately intervened after the start of the siege at around 11 a.m.

&quot;They managed to get some of the people out,&quot; he said, but the attacker kept one hostage back as a human shield.

A senior officer then offered to take the hostage&#39;s place and remained holed up with Lakdim while negotiations to end the standoff continued.

The officer &quot;left his telephone on the table&quot;, to allow police that had surrounded the building in the sleepy town of 5,000 inhabitants listen in, Collomb said.

&quot;When we heard shots the GIGN (an elite police force) intervened,&quot; the minister said, adding that the policeman was &quot;seriously injured&quot;.

Collomb praised the officer for his &quot;courage&quot; and &quot;act of heroism&quot;.

An officer from the police SWAT team was also hurt in the operation to kill the gunman.

Over the course of his rampage Ladkim killed three people and injured at least three others.

The injured included the driver of the hijacked car as well as a police officer out jogging with colleagues in Carcassonne.

The policeman was among a group of officers who rushed to the scene after the attacker, who claimed allegiance to the Islamic State group, stormed the store and fired on shoppers and staff before taking them hostage

A French policeman, who was shot by an Islamist gunman Friday after swapping himself for a hostage in a siege at a supermarket in the southwest town of Trebes, has been hailed as a hero. The policeman was among a group of officers who rushed to the scene after the attacker, who claimed allegiance to the Islamic State group, stormed the store and fired on shoppers and staff before taking them hostage. The man, identified as 26-year-old Redouane Lakdim, shot dead two people at the supermarket after earlier opening fire on passengers in a car, killing one of them, and injuring a police officer in nearby Carcassonne. Speaking at the scene Interior Minister Gerard Collomb said a police team immediately intervened after the start of the siege at around 11 a.m. "They managed to get some of the people out," he said, but the attacker kept one hostage back as a human shield. A senior officer then offered to take the hostage's place and remained holed up with Lakdim while negotiations to end the standoff continued. The officer "left his telephone on the table", to allow police that had surrounded the building in the sleepy town of 5,000 inhabitants listen in, Collomb said. "When we heard shots the GIGN (an elite police force) intervened," the minister said, adding that the policeman was "seriously injured". Collomb praised the officer for his "courage" and "act of heroism". An officer from the police SWAT team was also hurt in the operation to kill the gunman. Over the course of his rampage Ladkim killed three people and injured at least three others. The injured included the driver of the hijacked car as well as a police officer out jogging with colleagues in Carcassonne.

'Heroic' French cop shot after swapping himself for hostage: Minister

Most of the 39 <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/39-indians-missing-in-iraq-dead-sushma-swaraj-36459" target="_blank">Indians killed in Iraq</a> were shot in the head, news reports quoted an Iraqi official as saying on Thursday.&nbsp;

The bodies of the 39 Indians, most of them from Punjab, were recovered from a mound in Badush village near Mosul. India&#39;s External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had on Wednesday informed Parliament about the deaths of the 39 Indians.&nbsp;

News reports Thursday said Iraq&#39;s Department of Forensic Medicine, part of the Ministry of Health, had conducted DNA tests on the bodies. The reports quoted a Dr Zaid Ali Abbas, the head of the department, as saying over the phone from Baghdad that &quot;most of the bodies had gunshot wounds on the head&quot;.&nbsp;

Abbas added that the 39 Indians had died over a year ago. And that when the remains arrived, they were only skeleton and bone. &quot;They had no muscle or tissue.&quot;&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/want-to-meet-mamata-for-government-job-mosul-victims-wife-36704" target="_blank">Want to meet Mamata for </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/want-to-meet-mamata-for-government-job-mosul-victims-wife-36704" target="_blank">government</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/want-to-meet-mamata-for-government-job-mosul-victims-wife-36704" target="_blank"> job: Mosul victim&#39;s wife</a>

The 39 Indians were kidnapped in 2014. On Wednesday Swaraj said they had been killed by ISIS.&nbsp;

Minister of State for External Affairs General (retd) VK Singh has flown to Mosul to bring back the bodies.&nbsp;

The government has come under much flak for its handling of the case. The families of the 39 killed have said they heard about the deaths when Swaraj made her speech in Parliament, and that they were <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-information-was-given-to-us-sister-of-indian-killed-in-iraq-36478" target="_blank">not told beforehand</a>.&nbsp;

The opposition meanwhile has said the government knew about the deaths beforehand but had been <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/39-indians-killed-in-iraq-as-family-members-opposition-attack-government-vk-singh-says-no-one-was-misled-36480" target="_blank">misleading</a> the public.&nbsp;

The head of Iraq's Department of Forensic Medicine, Dr Zaid Ali Abbas, added that the 39 Indians were killed over a year ago

Most of the 39 Indians killed in Iraq were shot in the head, news reports quoted an Iraqi official as saying on Thursday. The bodies of the 39 Indians, most of them from Punjab, were recovered from a mound in Badush village near Mosul. India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had on Wednesday informed Parliament about the deaths of the 39 Indians. News reports Thursday said Iraq's Department of Forensic Medicine, part of the Ministry of Health, had conducted DNA tests on the bodies. The reports quoted a Dr Zaid Ali Abbas, the head of the department, as saying over the phone from Baghdad that "most of the bodies had gunshot wounds on the head". Abbas added that the 39 Indians had died over a year ago. And that when the remains arrived, they were only skeleton and bone. "They had no muscle or tissue." Also read: Want to meet Mamata for government job: Mosul victim's wife The 39 Indians were kidnapped in 2014. On Wednesday Swaraj said they had been killed by ISIS. Minister of State for External Affairs General (retd) VK Singh has flown to Mosul to bring back the bodies. The government has come under much flak for its handling of the case. The families of the 39 killed have said they heard about the deaths when Swaraj made her speech in Parliament, and that they were not told beforehand. The opposition meanwhile has said the government knew about the deaths beforehand but had been misleading the public.

39 missing Indians killed in Iraq: Most were shot in the head, says Iraqi official

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