Soon, tourists will have the option of choosing a hotel in Spain not only based on the hotel view&nbsp;or size of the pool, but also the working conditions of the employees.

Las&nbsp;Kellys, the tireless chambermaids' organisation in Spain, is setting up its own booking platform after failing to convince Booking.com and TripAdvisor to include working conditions alongside hotel ratings.

As of last week, the crowdfunding campaign had reached its minimum goal of €60,000 and is on track to reach the maximum of €90,000.

Las Kellys spokesperson Vania Arana says they want to usher in a new era of tourism that puts humanity above economic interests.

The organisation's criteria for a quality hotel include adhering to health and safety regulations, having an equal pay policy, employing vulnerable people, and employing chambermaids in-house.

The movement was sparked when Hotels, particularly the major chains, increasingly began outsourcing their staff to agencies.&nbsp;Under national pay agreements, these agencies employ people as cleaners, a job that pays less than chambermaids.

Earlier, hotel chambermaids were considered staff and were protected by an agreement guaranteeing&nbsp;a monthly wage of €1,200 (£1,025) for a 40-hour week, as well as sick leave and maternity benefits.

While outsourced contracts have the appearance of offering the same wages and conditions, they also contain terms and conditions like how many rooms need to be finished within a six-hour shift, typically between 25 and 30, which is humanly impossible.

In the event that workers do not meet their quotas, they get fired. So, in order to meet their quotas, the workers&nbsp;take on unpaid overtime, resulting in an hourly wage of €3 or €4 that is far below the minimum wage.

This pandemic, which forced hotels to close, highlighted the precarious working conditions of these women. Many of the agencies that handled outsourced work simply closed the company without applying for the furlough scheme, said Arana.

It was only through food bank donations and the generosity of churches and community groups that the women survived.

When people are looking for hotels, Arana says they should look for one where there are good working conditions and exploitation is not an issue. She adds that the only effect of outsourcing is sickness, an enormous amount of work, and, ultimately, poverty.

Soon, tourists will have the option of choosing a hotel in Spain not only based on the hotel view or size of the pool, but also the working conditions of the employees.

Soon, tourists will have the option of choosing a hotel in Spain not only based on the hotel view or size of the pool, but also the working conditions of the employees. Las Kellys, the tireless chambermaids' organisation in Spain, is setting up its own booking platform after failing to convince Booking.com and TripAdvisor to include working conditions alongside hotel ratings. As of last week, the crowdfunding campaign had reached its minimum goal of €60,000 and is on track to reach the maximum of €90,000. Las Kellys spokesperson Vania Arana says they want to usher in a new era of tourism that puts humanity above economic interests. The organisation's criteria for a quality hotel include adhering to health and safety regulations, having an equal pay policy, employing vulnerable people, and employing chambermaids in-house. The movement was sparked when Hotels, particularly the major chains, increasingly began outsourcing their staff to agencies. Under national pay agreements, these agencies employ people as cleaners, a job that pays less than chambermaids. Earlier, hotel chambermaids were considered staff and were protected by an agreement guaranteeing a monthly wage of €1,200 (£1,025) for a 40-hour week, as well as sick leave and maternity benefits. While outsourced contracts have the appearance of offering the same wages and conditions, they also contain terms and conditions like how many rooms need to be finished within a six-hour shift, typically between 25 and 30, which is humanly impossible. In the event that workers do not meet their quotas, they get fired. So, in order to meet their quotas, the workers take on unpaid overtime, resulting in an hourly wage of €3 or €4 that is far below the minimum wage. This pandemic, which forced hotels to close, highlighted the precarious working conditions of these women. Many of the agencies that handled outsourced work simply closed the company without applying for the furlough scheme, said Arana. It was only through food bank donations and the generosity of churches and community groups that the women survived. When people are looking for hotels, Arana says they should look for one where there are good working conditions and exploitation is not an issue. She adds that the only effect of outsourcing is sickness, an enormous amount of work, and, ultimately, poverty.

Against exploitation; Hotel booking app in Spain will show staff working conditions

The Spanish government has revealed that they have officially ended their evacuation process in Afghanistan following the arrival of the last two military flights in Dubai.

Spain ends evacuations from Kabul, Britain to complete operations today

The world’s largest mammals, blue whales, have finally returned to Atlantic coast of Spain after an interval of more than 40 years. &nbsp;&nbsp;

A marine biologist Bruno Díaz, who is also head of the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute in O Grove, Galicia, spotted the first one off the coast of Galicia in north-west Spain in 2017.

Watch |&nbsp;Solar Orbiter spacecraft captures Venus glare

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/solar-orbiter-spacecraft-captures-venus-glare-408247/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Another whale was spotted in 2018, another in the following year. In 2020, two whales were seen. Just a week ago, a different one was sited off Islas Cíes, near O Grove. &nbsp;&nbsp;

“It was not yet clear whether the climate crisis was leading the creatures to change their habits and return to an area where they were hunted almost to extinction,” Díaz said.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-italian-town-is-selling-houses-for-less-than-a-burgers-price-408223" hreflang="en">This Italian town is selling houses for less than a burger's price</a>&nbsp;

The biologist said, “I believe the moratorium on whaling has been a key factor. In the 1970s, just before the ban was introduced, an entire generation of blue whales disappeared. Now, more than 40 years later, we’re seeing the return of the descendants of the few that survived.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

A centuries-old whaling industry used to thrive in Galicia through a dozen whaling ports. Until 1986, Spain did not ban whaling. Till the ban could come up, the blue whale was all but extinct in the region. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The world’s largest mammals, blue whales, have finally returned to Atlantic coast of Spain after an interval of more than 40 years. A marine biologist Bruno Díaz, who is also head of the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute in O Grove, Galicia, spotted the first one off the coast of Galicia in north-west Spain in 2017.

The world’s largest mammals, blue whales, have finally returned to Atlantic coast of Spain after an interval of more than 40 years. A marine biologist Bruno Díaz, who is also head of the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute in O Grove, Galicia, spotted the first one off the coast of Galicia in north-west Spain in 2017. Watch | Solar Orbiter spacecraft captures Venus glare × Another whale was spotted in 2018, another in the following year. In 2020, two whales were seen. Just a week ago, a different one was sited off Islas Cíes, near O Grove. “It was not yet clear whether the climate crisis was leading the creatures to change their habits and return to an area where they were hunted almost to extinction,” Díaz said. Also Read: This Italian town is selling houses for less than a burger's price The biologist said, “I believe the moratorium on whaling has been a key factor. In the 1970s, just before the ban was introduced, an entire generation of blue whales disappeared. Now, more than 40 years later, we’re seeing the return of the descendants of the few that survived.” A centuries-old whaling industry used to thrive in Galicia through a dozen whaling ports. Until 1986, Spain did not ban whaling. Till the ban could come up, the blue whale was all but extinct in the region.

After a 40-year hiatus, blue whales return to Atlantic coast of Spain     

With the Taliban warning the US of “consequences” if the August 31 deadline for evacuation process is delayed, the United Kingdom and Spain have said it would be impossible to evacuate all Afghans who worked with the western forces within the deadline.

Spanish defence minister Margarita Robles said the country will try to evacuate as many people as possible. “But there are people who will be left behind due to the dramatic situation on the ground”, she was quoted as saying by local media.

Earlier in the day, her UK counterpart Ben Wallace, too, issued a similar warning.

“Not everyone would be evacuated before the August 31 deadline agreed with the Taliban,” the BBC quoted Wallace as saying.

“We have taken out 2,000 people in the last 24 hours and 10,000 since April,” Wallace said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-taliban-evade-wions-question-on-secret-meeting-between-mullah-baradar-and-cia-chief-408084">Watch | Taliban evade WION’s question on secret meeting between Mullah Baradar and CIA chief</a>

On Tuesday, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said his group “will not accept” any extensions&nbsp;to the August 31 deadline set by United States President Biden for ending the airlift operation in Kabul.

Meanwhile, CIA Director William Burns was alleged to have secretly met Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar in Kabul on Monday to hold talks on extending the evacuation deadline, the Washington Post reported.

(With inputs from agencies)

With the Taliban warning the US of “consequences” if the August 31 deadline for evacuation process is delayed, the United Kingdom and Spain have said it would be impossible to evacuate all Afghans who worked with the western forces within the deadline.

With the Taliban warning the US of “consequences” if the August 31 deadline for evacuation process is delayed, the United Kingdom and Spain have said it would be impossible to evacuate all Afghans who worked with the western forces within the deadline. Spanish defence minister Margarita Robles said the country will try to evacuate as many people as possible. “But there are people who will be left behind due to the dramatic situation on the ground”, she was quoted as saying by local media. Earlier in the day, her UK counterpart Ben Wallace, too, issued a similar warning. “Not everyone would be evacuated before the August 31 deadline agreed with the Taliban,” the BBC quoted Wallace as saying. “We have taken out 2,000 people in the last 24 hours and 10,000 since April,” Wallace said. Watch | Taliban evade WION’s question on secret meeting between Mullah Baradar and CIA chief On Tuesday, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said his group “will not accept” any extensions to the August 31 deadline set by United States President Biden for ending the airlift operation in Kabul. Meanwhile, CIA Director William Burns was alleged to have secretly met Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar in Kabul on Monday to hold talks on extending the evacuation deadline, the Washington Post reported. (With inputs from agencies)

Not everyone will get out of Afghanistan within August 31 deadline, warn UK, Spain

With the Taliban warning the US of “consequences” if the August 31 deadline for evacuation process is delayed, the United Kingdom and Spain have said it would be impossible to evacuate all Afghans who worked with the western forces within the deadline.

Spanish defence minister Margarita Robles said the country will try to evacuate as many people as possible. “But there are people who will be left behind due to the dramatic situation on the ground”, she was quoted as saying by local media.

Earlier in the day, her UK counterpart Ben Wallace, too, issued a similar warning.

“Not everyone would be evacuated before the August 31 deadline agreed with the Taliban,” the BBC quoted Wallace as saying.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-taliban-evade-wions-question-on-secret-meeting-between-mullah-baradar-and-cia-chief-408084">Watch | Taliban evade WION’s question on secret meeting between Mullah Baradar and CIA chief</a>

“We have taken out 2,000 people in the last 24 hours and 10,000 since April,” Wallace said.

On Tuesday, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said his group “will not accept” any extensions&nbsp;to the August 31 deadline set by United States President Biden for ending the airlift operation in Kabul.

Meanwhile, CIA Director William Burns was alleged to have secretly met Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar in Kabul on Monday to hold talks on extending the evacuation deadline, the Washington Post reported.

(With inputs from agencies)

With the Taliban warning the US of “consequences” if the August 31 deadline for evacuation process is delayed, the United Kingdom and Spain have said it would be impossible to evacuate all Afghans who worked with the western forces within the deadline. Spanish defence minister Margarita Robles said the country will try to evacuate as many people as possible. “But there are people who will be left behind due to the dramatic situation on the ground”, she was quoted as saying by local media. Earlier in the day, her UK counterpart Ben Wallace, too, issued a similar warning. “Not everyone would be evacuated before the August 31 deadline agreed with the Taliban,” the BBC quoted Wallace as saying. Watch | Taliban evade WION’s question on secret meeting between Mullah Baradar and CIA chief “We have taken out 2,000 people in the last 24 hours and 10,000 since April,” Wallace said. On Tuesday, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said his group “will not accept” any extensions to the August 31 deadline set by United States President Biden for ending the airlift operation in Kabul. Meanwhile, CIA Director William Burns was alleged to have secretly met Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar in Kabul on Monday to hold talks on extending the evacuation deadline, the Washington Post reported. (With inputs from agencies)

A woman has been found clinging to an upturned inflatable dinghy, &nbsp;about 138 miles off the Canary Islands.&nbsp;

She is the only survivor of a migrant tragedy feared to have claimed 52 lives.

The woman was spotted in a poor state by a passing merchant ship. Emergency services immediately flew her to safety.

Also, two bodies were found by the coastguard and the woman told officials that more than 50 other people were on board.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/powerful-storm-threatens-us-east-coast-407347">Also read |&nbsp;Powerful storm threatens US east coast</a>

More than 8,000 migrants have reached Spain's Canary Islands this year.

As per the estimates by the UN migration officials, more than 350 people have died this year trying to reach Spain's Canary Islands.&nbsp;

However, walking borders believes it could be higher than 2,000.

This week 47 people were feared to have died off the coast of Mauritania when a boat lost power and drifted for almost two weeks until it was spotted by coastguards.

A woman has been found clinging to an upturned inflatable dinghy, about 138 miles off the Canary Islands. She is the only survivor of a migrant tragedy feared to have claimed 52 lives.

A woman has been found clinging to an upturned inflatable dinghy, about 138 miles off the Canary Islands. She is the only survivor of a migrant tragedy feared to have claimed 52 lives. The woman was spotted in a poor state by a passing merchant ship. Emergency services immediately flew her to safety. Also, two bodies were found by the coastguard and the woman told officials that more than 50 other people were on board. Also read | Powerful storm threatens US east coast More than 8,000 migrants have reached Spain's Canary Islands this year. As per the estimates by the UN migration officials, more than 350 people have died this year trying to reach Spain's Canary Islands. However, walking borders believes it could be higher than 2,000. This week 47 people were feared to have died off the coast of Mauritania when a boat lost power and drifted for almost two weeks until it was spotted by coastguards.

Spain: Sole survivor rescued in dinghy in Atlantic

Morocco&nbsp;wants to&nbsp;keep&nbsp;open&nbsp;a&nbsp;pipeline&nbsp;supplying Algerian&nbsp;gas&nbsp;via the kingdom to consumers in Europe, a senior official has said, despite a downturn in relations between the North African rivals.

The operating contract for the Moroccan section of the Maghreb-Europe&nbsp;Gas&nbsp;Pipeline, which links fields in Algeria with Spain, runs out in October.

There had been concern its renewal might fall foul of the latest spat between the two countries.

"Morocco's desire to retain this export route has been expressed clearly and consistently at all levels for more than three years," the head of the National Office for Hydrocarbons and Mines, Amina Benkhadra, told state media.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/handling-with-care-us-military-comforts-infants-at-kabul-airport-amid-facilitating-evacuations-407393">Also read |&nbsp;‘Handling with care’: US military comforts infants at Kabul airport amid facilitating evacuations</a>

"We have said so verbally and in writing, publicly and in private discussions, always with the same clarity and the same consistency," she said Wednesday.

Relations between Rabat and Algiers have been strained for decades amid deep differences over the Western Sahara, a disputed but largely Moroccan-controlled territory where Algiers supports a longstanding independence movement.

The border between the two countries has been closed since 1994.

The situation further deteriorated this week when Algeria said it would "review" relations after accusing&nbsp;Morocco&nbsp;of complicity in deadly forest fires that killed at least 90 people.

Algerian authorities have blamed the fires on widespread arson, singling out the independence movement in the mainly Berber region of Kabylie, which was hardest hit.

Morocco wants to keep open a pipeline supplying Algerian gas via the kingdom to consumers in Europe, a senior official has said, despite a downturn in relations between the North African rivals.

Morocco wants to keep open a pipeline supplying Algerian gas via the kingdom to consumers in Europe, a senior official has said, despite a downturn in relations between the North African rivals. The operating contract for the Moroccan section of the Maghreb-Europe Gas Pipeline, which links fields in Algeria with Spain, runs out in October. There had been concern its renewal might fall foul of the latest spat between the two countries. "Morocco's desire to retain this export route has been expressed clearly and consistently at all levels for more than three years," the head of the National Office for Hydrocarbons and Mines, Amina Benkhadra, told state media. Also read | ‘Handling with care’: US military comforts infants at Kabul airport amid facilitating evacuations "We have said so verbally and in writing, publicly and in private discussions, always with the same clarity and the same consistency," she said Wednesday. Relations between Rabat and Algiers have been strained for decades amid deep differences over the Western Sahara, a disputed but largely Moroccan-controlled territory where Algiers supports a longstanding independence movement. The border between the two countries has been closed since 1994. The situation further deteriorated this week when Algeria said it would "review" relations after accusing Morocco of complicity in deadly forest fires that killed at least 90 people. Algerian authorities have blamed the fires on widespread arson, singling out the independence movement in the mainly Berber region of Kabylie, which was hardest hit.

Morocco says keen to keep Algeria-Spain gas pipeline open

A Spanish court on Thursday lifted a coronavirus curfew imposed on most of Catalonia, including the capital Barcelona, leaving it in place in just a fraction of the northeastern region.

Catalonia's government in mid-July imposed a nightly curfew between 1:00 am and 6:00 am in most municipalities to fight a surge in virus cases, and the region's top court then gave the green light to extend it three times.

But on Friday, faced with a request by the regional government to keep the curfew in place in 148 municipalities, the High Court of Justice of Catalonia said the measure was "not justified" in 129 of them, because infection rates there had improved.

"In these circumstances, the measures are not so much justified on health grounds, but for reasons of security or public order," the court said in its ruling.

Also read :&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/delta-poses-a-greater-threat-new-zealand-pm-jacinda-ardern-defends-lockdown-call-406553" hreflang="en">'Delta poses a greater threat': New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern defends lockdown call</a>

The Catalan government said in a statement it was "analysing" the court's ruling, but added it "regrets that once again judges are acting as epidemiologists".

The curfew is intended to discourage social gatherings on beaches and in parks after nightclubs close at 12.30 am, which was suspected of fuelling a spike in cases of the highly-contagious Delta variant, especially among unvaccinated young people.

Images of large groups of youths gathering on Barcelona's beaches or in popular nightlife districts have become common since Spain lifted a nationwide night-time curfew in early May.

The court did however keep in place for one more week a ban on public or private gatherings of more than 10 people throughout Catalonia.

Falling infections

Like the rest of Spain, the region which is popular with tourists has seen its number of infections drop in recent weeks.

Also read :&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anti-mask-mandate-texas-governor-tests-positive-for-covid-406489" hreflang="en">Anti-mask mandate Texas governor tests positive for Covid</a>

When Catalonia imposed the curfew in mid-July it had an infection rate double Spain's national average, with more than 1,000 cases per 100,000 inhabitants over 14 days.

But on Wednesday that figure had fallen to 328, lower than the national average of 378, according to the health ministry's latest figures.

In Barcelona, Spain's second-largest city, the rate is down to 130 cases per 100,000 people.

Catalonia's hospitals, however, remain under pressure.

Forty-two percent of the region's intensive care unit beds are occupied by Covid-19 patients, double the national average.

The Catalan government at the end of July suspended routine surgeries to free up hospital resources.

It also set up mobile vaccination units to target areas with lower inoculation rates and deployed drones to monitor beaches and prevent crowding.

Spain has fully vaccinated 64.1 percent of its population against the virus, one of the highest rates in Europe.

A Spanish court on Thursday lifted a coronavirus curfew imposed on most of Catalonia, including the capital Barcelona, leaving it in place in just a fraction of the northeastern region.

A Spanish court on Thursday lifted a coronavirus curfew imposed on most of Catalonia, including the capital Barcelona, leaving it in place in just a fraction of the northeastern region. Catalonia's government in mid-July imposed a nightly curfew between 1:00 am and 6:00 am in most municipalities to fight a surge in virus cases, and the region's top court then gave the green light to extend it three times. But on Friday, faced with a request by the regional government to keep the curfew in place in 148 municipalities, the High Court of Justice of Catalonia said the measure was "not justified" in 129 of them, because infection rates there had improved. "In these circumstances, the measures are not so much justified on health grounds, but for reasons of security or public order," the court said in its ruling. Also read : 'Delta poses a greater threat': New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern defends lockdown call The Catalan government said in a statement it was "analysing" the court's ruling, but added it "regrets that once again judges are acting as epidemiologists". The curfew is intended to discourage social gatherings on beaches and in parks after nightclubs close at 12.30 am, which was suspected of fuelling a spike in cases of the highly-contagious Delta variant, especially among unvaccinated young people. Images of large groups of youths gathering on Barcelona's beaches or in popular nightlife districts have become common since Spain lifted a nationwide night-time curfew in early May. The court did however keep in place for one more week a ban on public or private gatherings of more than 10 people throughout Catalonia. Falling infections Like the rest of Spain, the region which is popular with tourists has seen its number of infections drop in recent weeks. Also read : Anti-mask mandate Texas governor tests positive for Covid When Catalonia imposed the curfew in mid-July it had an infection rate double Spain's national average, with more than 1,000 cases per 100,000 inhabitants over 14 days. But on Wednesday that figure had fallen to 328, lower than the national average of 378, according to the health ministry's latest figures. In Barcelona, Spain's second-largest city, the rate is down to 130 cases per 100,000 people. Catalonia's hospitals, however, remain under pressure. Forty-two percent of the region's intensive care unit beds are occupied by Covid-19 patients, double the national average. The Catalan government at the end of July suspended routine surgeries to free up hospital resources. It also set up mobile vaccination units to target areas with lower inoculation rates and deployed drones to monitor beaches and prevent crowding. Spain has fully vaccinated 64.1 percent of its population against the virus, one of the highest rates in Europe.

Spain court orders end to Barcelona coronavirus curfew

When someone goes for a vacation, the usual expectation is to spend a few days in luxury and comfort, without having to worry about waking up early in the mornings or feeding the roosters.

However, some tourists have complained about rooster waking them up at 5 am, cowbells making noise and church bells tolling early in the morning in a Spanish village.

The village authorities, however, told these tourists to leave the village if they cannot handle the rural life.

Also read :&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-an-object-south-korea-to-grant-legal-status-to-animals-to-tackle-abuse-abandonment-406760" hreflang="en">'Not an object': South Korea to grant legal status to animals to tackle abuse, abandonment</a>

This case has been reported from a Spanish village called Ribadesella, which has nearly 5,7000 people there and is quite famous among tourists for its picturesque location.

"Last week we had a lady who called us three or four times over a rooster that was waking her up at 5am," said Ramón Canal, Ribadesella’s mayor. "She told us that we had to do something."

After these repeated calls, the officials decided to do something about this issue, but contrary to what the tourists expected, the officials asked the tourists to leave if they cannot handle the rural life.

Also read :&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rare-customer-3-metre-long-python-shows-up-sends-jitters-in-sydney-supermarket-406557">Rare customer: 3-metre-long python shows up, sends jitters in Sydney supermarket&nbsp;</a>

"Here we have church bells that ring out regularly, roosters that crow early in the morning and herds of livestock that live nearby and at times carry cowbells that also make noise," an official poster read. "If you can’t handle all this, you may not be in the right place."

The Mayor addressed the issue on local radio programme and said, "One needs to realise that milk doesn’t come in cartons, it comes from cows, and that you have to feed and maintain them."

When someone goes for a vacation, the usual expectation is to spend a few days in luxury and comfort, without having to worry about waking up early in the mornings or feeding the roosters.

When someone goes for a vacation, the usual expectation is to spend a few days in luxury and comfort, without having to worry about waking up early in the mornings or feeding the roosters. However, some tourists have complained about rooster waking them up at 5 am, cowbells making noise and church bells tolling early in the morning in a Spanish village. The village authorities, however, told these tourists to leave the village if they cannot handle the rural life. Also read : 'Not an object': South Korea to grant legal status to animals to tackle abuse, abandonment This case has been reported from a Spanish village called Ribadesella, which has nearly 5,7000 people there and is quite famous among tourists for its picturesque location. "Last week we had a lady who called us three or four times over a rooster that was waking her up at 5am," said Ramón Canal, Ribadesella’s mayor. "She told us that we had to do something." After these repeated calls, the officials decided to do something about this issue, but contrary to what the tourists expected, the officials asked the tourists to leave if they cannot handle the rural life. Also read : Rare customer: 3-metre-long python shows up, sends jitters in Sydney supermarket "Here we have church bells that ring out regularly, roosters that crow early in the morning and herds of livestock that live nearby and at times carry cowbells that also make noise," an official poster read. "If you can’t handle all this, you may not be in the right place." The Mayor addressed the issue on local radio programme and said, "One needs to realise that milk doesn’t come in cartons, it comes from cows, and that you have to feed and maintain them."

'If you can't handle it, leave': Spanish village tells tourists to not visit if they don't like roosters and cows

Spain is launching an inquiry against a power company for draining water reservoirs just when the country is in the grips of a heatwave and drought. Iberdrola, the company, is facing flak for draining dams in Zamora and Caceras provinces to make electricity in order to gain profit from exceptionally high electricity prices.

Spain is currently experiencing high temperatures. Some regions of the country have recorded temperatures as high as 47 degrees Celsius. And it is partly why the profiteering action of the company has drawn attention.

Spain's minister for ecological transition Teresa Ribera has written to the company. She has described the company's actions as scandalous. In a televised interview, Ribera said that what the company did should not have been allowed to happen.

“Water is a scarce resource which is just as important for the wellbeing of families and the economy as it is for generating electricity,” she was quoted as saying by The Guardian

Ribera said that the company's actions were irresponsible but it was not illegal as the company was allowed to use a fixed quantity of water any time of the year irrespective of climatic conditions.

Both the reservoirs are away from the sea and were popular for swimming and boating especially during heatwaves. They have been reported to have desert-like conditions now.

(With inputs from agencies)

Spain is launching an inquiry against a power company for draining water reservoirs just when the country is in the grips of a heatwave and drought. Iberdrola, the company, is facing flak for draining dams in Zamora and Caceras provinces to make electricity in order to gain profit from exceptionally high electricity prices.

Spain is launching an inquiry against a power company for draining water reservoirs just when the country is in the grips of a heatwave and drought. Iberdrola, the company, is facing flak for draining dams in Zamora and Caceras provinces to make electricity in order to gain profit from exceptionally high electricity prices. Spain is currently experiencing high temperatures. Some regions of the country have recorded temperatures as high as 47 degrees Celsius. And it is partly why the profiteering action of the company has drawn attention. Spain's minister for ecological transition Teresa Ribera has written to the company. She has described the company's actions as scandalous. In a televised interview, Ribera said that what the company did should not have been allowed to happen. “Water is a scarce resource which is just as important for the wellbeing of families and the economy as it is for generating electricity,” she was quoted as saying by The Guardian Ribera said that the company's actions were irresponsible but it was not illegal as the company was allowed to use a fixed quantity of water any time of the year irrespective of climatic conditions. Both the reservoirs are away from the sea and were popular for swimming and boating especially during heatwaves. They have been reported to have desert-like conditions now. (With inputs from agencies)

Spain: Power company under probe for deliberately draining reservoir for profits during heatwave

Save&nbsp;the&nbsp;Children&nbsp;on Saturday urged&nbsp;Spain&nbsp;to halt the&nbsp;repatriation&nbsp;to Morocco of hundreds of unaccompanied&nbsp;minors&nbsp;who were among thousands of migrants who crossed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta three months ago.

The international NGO accused Madrid of failing to protect the rights of the&nbsp;children.

Up to 10,000 migrants flooded across the border in North Africa into Ceuta&nbsp;over&nbsp;several days in May as Moroccan border guards stood aside.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-die-dozens-rescued-as-migrant-boat-capsizes-off-spains-tenerife-373576">Three die, dozens rescued as migrant boat capsizes off Spain's Tenerife</a>&nbsp;

This was widely seen as retaliation for&nbsp;Spain's decision to host Brahim Ghali, leader of the Polisario Front, which has for decades fought Morocco for the independence of Western Sahara, for medical treatment.

Spain&nbsp;on Friday began sending back more than 700 unaccompanied&nbsp;minors&nbsp;to Morocco.

"Repatriations from Ceuta continue today,"&nbsp;Save&nbsp;the&nbsp;Children&nbsp;posted on Twitter Saturday.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Hoy continúan las repatriaciomes desde Ceuta. Estamos viendo como sacan a niños desde el pabellón deportivo de Santa Amelia para llevarlos a Marruecos. Pedimos el cese de estas reagrupaciones, España no está garantizando la protección de los menores. <a href="https://t.co/SSuBZH5IqP">pic.twitter.com/SSuBZH5IqP</a>
— Save the Children Es (@SaveChildrenEs) <a href="https://twitter.com/SaveChildrenEs/status/1426458830897045506?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The NGO called "for an end" to these. "Spain&nbsp;is not guaranteeing the protection of&nbsp;minors," it said.

The interior ministry has not officially announced the repatriations and was not immediately available when contacted by AFP.

Ione Belarra, leader of the far-left Podemos, the junior member of&nbsp;Spain's ruling coalition, also criticised the transfers in a letter to Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-opens-migrant-camps-in-the-canaries-expecting-fresh-influx-359667">Spain opens migrant camps in the Canaries expecting fresh influx</a>

"We have been informed by&nbsp;children's organisations on the ground that the&nbsp;repatriation&nbsp;of&nbsp;minors&nbsp;has begun," she wrote in the letter published in online daily El Confidencial.

She said that the operation might be taking place "without strict observance" of various Spanish and international laws.

Save the Children on Saturday urged Spain to halt the repatriation to Morocco of hundreds of unaccompanied minors who were among thousands of migrants who crossed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta three months ago.

Save the Children on Saturday urged Spain to halt the repatriation to Morocco of hundreds of unaccompanied minors who were among thousands of migrants who crossed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta three months ago. The international NGO accused Madrid of failing to protect the rights of the children. Up to 10,000 migrants flooded across the border in North Africa into Ceuta over several days in May as Moroccan border guards stood aside. Also read | Three die, dozens rescued as migrant boat capsizes off Spain's Tenerife This was widely seen as retaliation for Spain's decision to host Brahim Ghali, leader of the Polisario Front, which has for decades fought Morocco for the independence of Western Sahara, for medical treatment. Spain on Friday began sending back more than 700 unaccompanied minors to Morocco. "Repatriations from Ceuta continue today," Save the Children posted on Twitter Saturday. Hoy continúan las repatriaciomes desde Ceuta. Estamos viendo como sacan a niños desde el pabellón deportivo de Santa Amelia para llevarlos a Marruecos. Pedimos el cese de estas reagrupaciones, España no está garantizando la protección de los menores. pic.twitter.com/SSuBZH5IqP — Save the Children Es (@SaveChildrenEs) August 14, 2021 × The NGO called "for an end" to these. "Spain is not guaranteeing the protection of minors," it said. The interior ministry has not officially announced the repatriations and was not immediately available when contacted by AFP. Ione Belarra, leader of the far-left Podemos, the junior member of Spain's ruling coalition, also criticised the transfers in a letter to Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska. Also read | Spain opens migrant camps in the Canaries expecting fresh influx "We have been informed by children's organisations on the ground that the repatriation of minors has begun," she wrote in the letter published in online daily El Confidencial. She said that the operation might be taking place "without strict observance" of various Spanish and international laws.

Save the Children slams Spain over repatriation of minors

Firefighters battled three&nbsp;wildfires&nbsp;in&nbsp;Spain&nbsp;on Thursday as a&nbsp;heatwave&nbsp;that has enveloped southeastern Europe in recent days shifted west towards the Iberian peninsula.

Dozens of firefighters backed by four water-dropping aircraft were on the scene of a blaze in the northeastern province of Tarragona which has so far destroyed some 40 hectares (100 acres) of protected forest, local officials said.

Two smaller fires were burning in the northern wine-producing region of La Rioja and the northeastern province of Zaragoza, which involved two planes.

The&nbsp;wildfires&nbsp;come as temperatures were forecast to reach highs of around 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in much of&nbsp;Spain&nbsp;and neighbouring Portugal in the coming days.

The mercury could hit the mid-40s in some areas of southern&nbsp;Spain.

Scientists say global temperature rises powered by manmade climate change will make heatwaves more frequent and more intense, and their impact more widespread.

A&nbsp;heatwave&nbsp;fed by hot air from North Africa has engulfed large parts of the Mediterranean region in recent days, contributing to massive&nbsp;wildfires&nbsp;and killing dozens of people in Italy, Turkey, Greece and Algeria.

All but three of&nbsp;Spain's 17 regions were on alert for heat while Portugal's weather office warned that the centre and north of the country as well as parts of the southern Algarve province were on "maximum" alert for&nbsp;wildfires.

In 2017, fires killed dozens of people in Portugal.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-forms-new-expert-group-to-continue-research-into-origins-of-covid-in-wuhan-405076">Also read |&nbsp;WHO forms new expert group to continue research into origins of Covid in Wuhan</a>

Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa urged people to avoid "risky behaviours" which could cause&nbsp;wildfires.

"We know that the next few days are going to be difficult," he told reporters on Thursday during a visit to a civil protection headquarters.

"We are facing a permanent challenge that is the result of climate change," he added.

Spain's northeastern Catalonia region on Thursday banned camping in forests and sporting activities in rural areas to reduce the risk of&nbsp;wildfires.

It also prohibited the use of some farm equipment during the hottest hours of the day.

For the first time since 1920, temperatures are forecast to soar above 40 degrees Celsius for three consecutive days at Madrid's central Retiro park, tweeted Ruben del Campo, the spokesman for&nbsp;Spain's national weather office AEMET.

The number of heatwaves registered in&nbsp;Spain&nbsp;between 2011 and 2020 is double the number recorded in each of the three previous decades, he told AFP.

Firefighters battled three wildfires in Spain on Thursday as a heatwave that has enveloped southeastern Europe in recent days shifted west towards the Iberian peninsula.

Firefighters battled three wildfires in Spain on Thursday as a heatwave that has enveloped southeastern Europe in recent days shifted west towards the Iberian peninsula. Dozens of firefighters backed by four water-dropping aircraft were on the scene of a blaze in the northeastern province of Tarragona which has so far destroyed some 40 hectares (100 acres) of protected forest, local officials said. Two smaller fires were burning in the northern wine-producing region of La Rioja and the northeastern province of Zaragoza, which involved two planes. The wildfires come as temperatures were forecast to reach highs of around 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in much of Spain and neighbouring Portugal in the coming days. The mercury could hit the mid-40s in some areas of southern Spain. Scientists say global temperature rises powered by manmade climate change will make heatwaves more frequent and more intense, and their impact more widespread. A heatwave fed by hot air from North Africa has engulfed large parts of the Mediterranean region in recent days, contributing to massive wildfires and killing dozens of people in Italy, Turkey, Greece and Algeria. All but three of Spain's 17 regions were on alert for heat while Portugal's weather office warned that the centre and north of the country as well as parts of the southern Algarve province were on "maximum" alert for wildfires. In 2017, fires killed dozens of people in Portugal. Also read | WHO forms new expert group to continue research into origins of Covid in Wuhan Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa urged people to avoid "risky behaviours" which could cause wildfires. "We know that the next few days are going to be difficult," he told reporters on Thursday during a visit to a civil protection headquarters. "We are facing a permanent challenge that is the result of climate change," he added. Spain's northeastern Catalonia region on Thursday banned camping in forests and sporting activities in rural areas to reduce the risk of wildfires. It also prohibited the use of some farm equipment during the hottest hours of the day. For the first time since 1920, temperatures are forecast to soar above 40 degrees Celsius for three consecutive days at Madrid's central Retiro park, tweeted Ruben del Campo, the spokesman for Spain's national weather office AEMET. The number of heatwaves registered in Spain between 2011 and 2020 is double the number recorded in each of the three previous decades, he told AFP.

Spain battles wildfires as heatwave kicks in

Neanderthals may have been closer to our species of prehistoric modern human than previously believed after cave paintings found in Spain proved they had a fondness for creating art, one of the authors of a new scientific report said on Sunday (August 8).

Prehistoric cave paintings in Spain show Neanderthals were first artists

An enterprising village in southern Spain is seeking recognition for its practice of outdoor interpersonal&nbsp;chats as a world cultural treasure.

The main goal is to protect the centuries-old custom from the encroaching threat of social media and television, said José Carlos Sánchez, the mayor of Algar.

Speaking with The Guardian, he said, “It’s the opposite of social media", adding, “This is about face-to-face conversations.”

Sanchez has recently applied to have the custom added to Unesco’s list of intangible cultural heritage as he hopes that the place will be able to earn a spot.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/am-iii-now-chinese-scientists-develop-glass-as-hard-as-a-diamond-will-it-be-used-for-weapons-404138">Also read |&nbsp;AM-III: Now, Chinese scientists develop glass as hard as a diamond; will it be used for weapons?</a>

The Guardian quoted Sánchez saying, "But it’s not what it was. So we want to return to having everyone outside of their doors alfresco instead of scrolling through Facebook or watching television inside their homes."

Residents in the small village have reacted positively to his actions. He said, "So far I haven’t received any criticism, it’s been very positive".

He is further waiting to hear back about next steps but he expects it to be a slow process.

An enterprising village in southern Spain is seeking recognition for its practice of outdoor interpersonal chats as a world cultural treasure. The main goal is to protect the centuries-old custom from the encroaching threat of social media and television, said José Carlos Sánchez, the mayor of Algar.

An enterprising village in southern Spain is seeking recognition for its practice of outdoor interpersonal chats as a world cultural treasure. The main goal is to protect the centuries-old custom from the encroaching threat of social media and television, said José Carlos Sánchez, the mayor of Algar. Speaking with The Guardian, he said, “It’s the opposite of social media", adding, “This is about face-to-face conversations.” Sanchez has recently applied to have the custom added to Unesco’s list of intangible cultural heritage as he hopes that the place will be able to earn a spot. Also read | AM-III: Now, Chinese scientists develop glass as hard as a diamond; will it be used for weapons? The Guardian quoted Sánchez saying, "But it’s not what it was. So we want to return to having everyone outside of their doors alfresco instead of scrolling through Facebook or watching television inside their homes." Residents in the small village have reacted positively to his actions. He said, "So far I haven’t received any criticism, it’s been very positive". He is further waiting to hear back about next steps but he expects it to be a slow process.

Beats social media: Spanish village Algar seeks Unesco world heritage status for its famed outdoor chats

Taps in the village of Lastras de Cuellar are running dry. Residents need to fetch bottled water every week to sustain themselves. Stored water reserves have fallen below the histotical average this year in Spain.

Residents forced to buy bottled water after Spain face water shortage

As authorities on Spain's Canary Islands struggle to accommodate a sharp rise in the number of undocumented migrants arriving on its shores, a local man has turned his garage into a classroom teaching Spanish.

Meet the Spanish man who uses his garage as a free language school for migrants

During Monday's talks with US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, the highest-ranking Biden administration envoy to visit China, China urged the US to stop "demonising" it.&nbsp;

"The hope may be that by demonising China, the US could somehow... blame China for its structural problems," China's foreign ministry said in a statement, adding the relationship between the nations is in a "stalemate and faces serious difficulties."

Watch | Gravitas: Caught On Camera: Bats locked up inside the Wuhan lab

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-caught-on-camera-bats-locked-up-inside-the-wuhan-lab-391511/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On July 22, China's National Health Commission rejected the WHO plan for a second phase of the investigation. Later, the US had expressed disappointment with the decision and termed it "dangerous".

Leading infectious disease scientists in the United States are warning that China's rejection of a World Health Organization plan for a new Covid-19 probe inside the country risks losing the rest of the world of crucial data required to detect and prevent future pandemics.&nbsp; 
 
Watch | Gravitas: What was China's Batwoman up to at the Wuhan lab?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-what-was-chinas-batwoman-up-to-at-the-wuhan-lab-391738/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

China has also refused to reveal information about hospital admissions, claiming that doing so would violate individual privacy.

The lab-leak scenario has acquired a lot of popularity recently, prompting US President Joe Biden to assign the American intelligence team a 90-day deadline to figure out where the virus came from.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

During Monday's talks with US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, the highest-ranking Biden administration envoy to visit China, China urged the US to stop "demonising" it.

During Monday's talks with US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, the highest-ranking Biden administration envoy to visit China, China urged the US to stop "demonising" it. "The hope may be that by demonising China, the US could somehow... blame China for its structural problems," China's foreign ministry said in a statement, adding the relationship between the nations is in a "stalemate and faces serious difficulties." Watch | Gravitas: Caught On Camera: Bats locked up inside the Wuhan lab On July 22, China's National Health Commission rejected the WHO plan for a second phase of the investigation. Later, the US had expressed disappointment with the decision and termed it "dangerous". Leading infectious disease scientists in the United States are warning that China's rejection of a World Health Organization plan for a new Covid-19 probe inside the country risks losing the rest of the world of crucial data required to detect and prevent future pandemics. Watch | Gravitas: What was China's Batwoman up to at the Wuhan lab? China has also refused to reveal information about hospital admissions, claiming that doing so would violate individual privacy. The lab-leak scenario has acquired a lot of popularity recently, prompting US President Joe Biden to assign the American intelligence team a 90-day deadline to figure out where the virus came from. (With inputs from agencies)

Stop 'demonising' China: Beijing urges the US as envoy visits

China on Monday reported 76 new coronavirus cases, the highest daily rise since January, including 40 domestic transmissions prompting authorities to test millions in eastern Jiangsu province.&nbsp;

Beijing has a zero-risk approach to the virus, which emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019. It locks down cities and mass tests whenever small clusters appear. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stop-demonising-china-beijing-urges-the-us-as-envoy-visits-400627">Also read | Stop 'demonising' China: Beijing urges the US as envoy visits</a>

Tens of thousands of people are under lockdown in Jiangsu's provincial capital Nanjing as authorities test the city's 9.2 million residents after an outbreak linked to its airport last week.&nbsp;

"Of the 40 domestic cases, 39 were from Jiangsu province and one from Liaoning," the national health commission said in a statement Monday, adding there had been no new deaths.

Watch | Gravitas: Caught On Camera: Bats locked up inside the Wuhan lab

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-caught-on-camera-bats-locked-up-inside-the-wuhan-lab-391511/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Contact tracing also found five individuals who travelled through the Nanjing airport and tested positive after arriving in neighbouring Anhui and three other provinces, sparking fears that the cluster could lead to a fresh nationwide outbreak.

This prompted Nanjing officials to announce the second round of mass testing for all residents starting Sunday to identify patients who may take longer than usual to show symptoms.&nbsp;

Beijing has rushed to curb recent mini-outbreaks in border provinces, aware of the risks of the fast-spreading Delta variant. &nbsp; 
 
Watch | Gravitas: What was China's Batwoman up to at the Wuhan lab?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-what-was-chinas-batwoman-up-to-at-the-wuhan-lab-391738/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

One new case was reported Monday in the northeastern province of Liaoning that borders North Korea, bringing the total number of local transmissions in the region to five since Thursday.

Yunnan in the southwest has reported a spike in infections traced to neighbouring Myanmar, where the military government that seized power in February is struggling to contain a coronavirus surge.&nbsp;

The province has reported 79 cases since June 20 with nearly half linked to Myanmar.

Beijing has tightened border controls and even supplied over 10,000 Covid-19 vaccines to the Kachin Independence Army, a spokesman for the rebel group said Saturday.

The border town of Ruili in Yunnan is using facial recognition to track people's movements and health status as they enter and exit residential areas, supermarkets, transport hubs and other public places to squash the virus spread.

The southern manufacturing hub of Guangdong is building a quarantine clinic for international arrivals with 5,000 beds after being hit by a recent virus outbreak.

China has recorded 92,605 virus cases and 4,636 deaths since the initial outbreak in late 2019.

China on Monday reported 76 new coronavirus cases, the highest daily rise since January, including 40 domestic transmissions prompting authorities to test millions in eastern Jiangsu province.

China on Monday reported 76 new coronavirus cases, the highest daily rise since January, including 40 domestic transmissions prompting authorities to test millions in eastern Jiangsu province. Beijing has a zero-risk approach to the virus, which emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019. It locks down cities and mass tests whenever small clusters appear. Also read | Stop 'demonising' China: Beijing urges the US as envoy visits Tens of thousands of people are under lockdown in Jiangsu's provincial capital Nanjing as authorities test the city's 9.2 million residents after an outbreak linked to its airport last week. "Of the 40 domestic cases, 39 were from Jiangsu province and one from Liaoning," the national health commission said in a statement Monday, adding there had been no new deaths. Watch | Gravitas: Caught On Camera: Bats locked up inside the Wuhan lab Contact tracing also found five individuals who travelled through the Nanjing airport and tested positive after arriving in neighbouring Anhui and three other provinces, sparking fears that the cluster could lead to a fresh nationwide outbreak. This prompted Nanjing officials to announce the second round of mass testing for all residents starting Sunday to identify patients who may take longer than usual to show symptoms. Beijing has rushed to curb recent mini-outbreaks in border provinces, aware of the risks of the fast-spreading Delta variant. Watch | Gravitas: What was China's Batwoman up to at the Wuhan lab? One new case was reported Monday in the northeastern province of Liaoning that borders North Korea, bringing the total number of local transmissions in the region to five since Thursday. Yunnan in the southwest has reported a spike in infections traced to neighbouring Myanmar, where the military government that seized power in February is struggling to contain a coronavirus surge. The province has reported 79 cases since June 20 with nearly half linked to Myanmar. Beijing has tightened border controls and even supplied over 10,000 Covid-19 vaccines to the Kachin Independence Army, a spokesman for the rebel group said Saturday. The border town of Ruili in Yunnan is using facial recognition to track people's movements and health status as they enter and exit residential areas, supermarkets, transport hubs and other public places to squash the virus spread. The southern manufacturing hub of Guangdong is building a quarantine clinic for international arrivals with 5,000 beds after being hit by a recent virus outbreak. China has recorded 92,605 virus cases and 4,636 deaths since the initial outbreak in late 2019.

New outbreak of COVID-19 in China: Highest daily rise since January

More than 230 migrants crossed the Moroccan border into Spain's&nbsp;Melilla&nbsp;enclave before dawn on Thursday, in one of the largest influxes into this tiny North African territory in recent years.

The incident occurred two months after an unprecedented 10,000 people surged into Spain's other enclave of Ceuta, exacerbating a diplomatic crisis between Madrid and Rabat.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lack-of-respect-spanish-pm-pedro-sanchez-slams-morocco-over-migrant-crisis-386352">'Lack of respect': Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez slams Morocco over migrant crisis</a>

In a statement, the Spanish government delegation in&nbsp;Melilla&nbsp;said: "a huge influx" of more than 300 migrants had tried to cross the frontier at 6:50 am with 238 of them successfully scaling the fence, all of them men.&nbsp;

It said they used "hooks" to scale the frontier which they managed to do despite the fact the border fence was equipped with "anti-intrusion" measures, without specifying what they were.

Three Guardia Civil police officers suffered "slight injuries" from the hooks used by those crossing the fence, it said.&nbsp;The migrants were taken to a reception centre where they will be quarantined in line with anti-Covid safety procedures.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/migrant-crisis-in-spains-ceuta-migrant-drowns-while-trying-to-enter-ceuta-386524/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Since mid-May, hundreds of migrants have tried to rush the Moroccan border fence into&nbsp;Melilla, with nearly 300 of them making it across.&nbsp;

Thursday's incident raised that number to more than 500 in just over two months.

Where Europe meets Africa&nbsp;

Spain's two tiny enclaves of Ceuta and&nbsp;Melilla&nbsp;have Europe's only land border with Africa, making them a magnet for migrants desperate to escape grinding poverty and hunger.

Over the years, thousands of migrants have attempted to cross the 12-kilometre (7.5-mile) border between&nbsp;Melilla&nbsp;and Morocco, or Ceuta's eight-kilometre border, by climbing the fences, swimming along the coast or hiding in vehicles.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-opens-migrant-camps-in-the-canaries-expecting-fresh-influx-359667">Spain opens migrant camps in the Canaries expecting fresh influx</a>

The two territories are protected by fences fortified with barbed wire, video cameras and watchtowers.

Claimed by Morocco, the two cities have long been a flashpoint in diplomatic relations between Rabat and Madrid, which insists both are integral parts of Spain.

In mid-May, Spain was caught off guard when more than 10,000 people swam or used small inflatable boats to cross into Ceuta territory as the Moroccan border forces looked the other way.

Although most were quickly sent back, there were still more than 2,000 left inside the enclave, among them 1,185 unaccompanied minors, a spokesman for the government delegation in Ceuta told AFP on Thursday.&nbsp;

The influx took place during a diplomatic crisis between Madrid and Rabat over Western Sahara, which has long pushed for independence from Morocco.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/spain-migrant-crisis-spain-witnesses-unprecedented-migration-385837/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Madrid had angered Morocco by allowing the leader of&nbsp;Western Sahara's independence movement into Spain for hospital treatment for a severe case of Covid-19, sparking a tetchy standoff between the two countries.&nbsp;

The unprecedented border breach was widely seen as a punitive move by Rabat.&nbsp;

Although Polisario Front leader Brahim Ghali left Spain on June 2, diplomatic relations have remained tense.

More than 230 migrants crossed the Moroccan border into Spain's Melilla enclave before dawn on Thursday, in one of the largest influxes into this tiny North African territory in recent years.

More than 230 migrants crossed the Moroccan border into Spain's Melilla enclave before dawn on Thursday, in one of the largest influxes into this tiny North African territory in recent years. The incident occurred two months after an unprecedented 10,000 people surged into Spain's other enclave of Ceuta, exacerbating a diplomatic crisis between Madrid and Rabat. Also read | 'Lack of respect': Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez slams Morocco over migrant crisis In a statement, the Spanish government delegation in Melilla said: "a huge influx" of more than 300 migrants had tried to cross the frontier at 6:50 am with 238 of them successfully scaling the fence, all of them men. It said they used "hooks" to scale the frontier which they managed to do despite the fact the border fence was equipped with "anti-intrusion" measures, without specifying what they were. Three Guardia Civil police officers suffered "slight injuries" from the hooks used by those crossing the fence, it said. The migrants were taken to a reception centre where they will be quarantined in line with anti-Covid safety procedures. Since mid-May, hundreds of migrants have tried to rush the Moroccan border fence into Melilla, with nearly 300 of them making it across. Thursday's incident raised that number to more than 500 in just over two months. Where Europe meets Africa Spain's two tiny enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla have Europe's only land border with Africa, making them a magnet for migrants desperate to escape grinding poverty and hunger. Over the years, thousands of migrants have attempted to cross the 12-kilometre (7.5-mile) border between Melilla and Morocco, or Ceuta's eight-kilometre border, by climbing the fences, swimming along the coast or hiding in vehicles. Also read | Spain opens migrant camps in the Canaries expecting fresh influx The two territories are protected by fences fortified with barbed wire, video cameras and watchtowers. Claimed by Morocco, the two cities have long been a flashpoint in diplomatic relations between Rabat and Madrid, which insists both are integral parts of Spain. In mid-May, Spain was caught off guard when more than 10,000 people swam or used small inflatable boats to cross into Ceuta territory as the Moroccan border forces looked the other way. Although most were quickly sent back, there were still more than 2,000 left inside the enclave, among them 1,185 unaccompanied minors, a spokesman for the government delegation in Ceuta told AFP on Thursday. The influx took place during a diplomatic crisis between Madrid and Rabat over Western Sahara, which has long pushed for independence from Morocco. Madrid had angered Morocco by allowing the leader of Western Sahara's independence movement into Spain for hospital treatment for a severe case of Covid-19, sparking a tetchy standoff between the two countries. The unprecedented border breach was widely seen as a punitive move by Rabat. Although Polisario Front leader Brahim Ghali left Spain on June 2, diplomatic relations have remained tense.

Over 230 migrants enter Spain's Melilla enclave after scaling the fence

Spain's government has approved a Democratic Memory bill as the country tries to come to terms with the crimes committed during the dictatorship of General Francisco Franco. The bill which has divided Spain seeks to honour the victims of the Franco regime.

Spain's cabinet approves Memory bill to honour victims of Franco regime

A 22-year-old British citizen was arrested in Spain on Wednesday in connection with a July 2020 Twitter hack which compromised the accounts of high-profile politicians and celebrities, the US Justice Department said on Wednesday.

It named the British man Joseph James O'Connor and said he faced multiple charges. He was also accused in a criminal complaint of computer intrusions related to takeovers of TikTok and Snapchat accounts, including one incident involving sextortion, as well as cyberstalking a 16-year-old juvenile.

An unnamed second person, identified only as "Juvenile 1" in the criminal complaint, was also charged in connection with the hack on July 30, 2020, in the Northern District of California for playing a "central role" in the Twitter attack and used the moniker Kirk#5270.

The teen was later identified as Graham Ivan Clark, 18. The federal charges were dismissed and in March, he pleaded guilty to state charges in Florida and agreed to serve three years in juvenile prison.

The July 2020 Twitter attack hijacked a variety of verified Twitter accounts, including then-Democratic candidate Joe Biden and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. The accounts of former President Barack Obama, TV reality star Kim Kardashian, Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Benjamin Netanyahu, Jeff Bezos, Michael Bloomberg and Kayne West were also hit.

The alleged hacker used the accounts to solicit digital currency, prompting Twitter to take the extraordinary step of preventing some verified accounts from publishing messages for several hours until security to the accounts could be restored.

According to the criminal complaint, the accounts of cryptocurrency exchanges such as Binance, Gemini and Coinbase among others were also compromised, as well as those of companies including Apple Inc. and Uber Technologies Inc.

The messages directed people to send cryptocurrency to various accounts, and received about $117,000 through 415 transfers, the complaint said. Two other bitcoin addresses that were posted, meanwhile, also collected an additional $6,700 through 100 transactions.

Authorities allege that Juvenile 1 reached out to multiple other people and claimed he could "reset, swap and control any Twitter account at will, and would do so in exchange for bitcoin transfers."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wildfire-aftermath-new-york-air-quality-is-now-among-the-worst-in-world-399626">Also read |&nbsp;Wildfire aftermath: New York air quality is now among the worst in world</a>

Two of those people whom Juvenile 1 recruited, Nima Fazeli and Mason Sheppard, agreed to serve as middlemen to help find buyers for Twitter usernames in exchange for a fee, investigators say.

Both Fazeli and Sheppard were criminally charged in the case on July 30, 2020, the complaint says.

O'Connor's role in the attack came to light after the FBI interviewed another unnamed juvenile, referred to as Juvenile 2, who identified O'Connor and said O'Connor had communicated about getting access to certain Twitter accounts, including possibly that of former President Donald Trump.

Criminal investigators in California started receiving tips about O'Connor, who uses the online moniker PlugwalkJoe, as far back as 2018, the complaint says. Witnesses who had heard what O'Connor's voice sounded like on various Google voice calls were able to help law enforcement identify him.

A Justice Department spokesman said O'Connor is expected to have a detention hearing in Spain on Thursday.

A 22-year-old British citizen was arrested in Spain on Wednesday in connection with a July 2020 Twitter hack which compromised the accounts of high-profile politicians and celebrities, the US Justice Department said on Wednesday.

A 22-year-old British citizen was arrested in Spain on Wednesday in connection with a July 2020 Twitter hack which compromised the accounts of high-profile politicians and celebrities, the US Justice Department said on Wednesday. It named the British man Joseph James O'Connor and said he faced multiple charges. He was also accused in a criminal complaint of computer intrusions related to takeovers of TikTok and Snapchat accounts, including one incident involving sextortion, as well as cyberstalking a 16-year-old juvenile. An unnamed second person, identified only as "Juvenile 1" in the criminal complaint, was also charged in connection with the hack on July 30, 2020, in the Northern District of California for playing a "central role" in the Twitter attack and used the moniker Kirk#5270. The teen was later identified as Graham Ivan Clark, 18. The federal charges were dismissed and in March, he pleaded guilty to state charges in Florida and agreed to serve three years in juvenile prison. The July 2020 Twitter attack hijacked a variety of verified Twitter accounts, including then-Democratic candidate Joe Biden and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. The accounts of former President Barack Obama, TV reality star Kim Kardashian, Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Benjamin Netanyahu, Jeff Bezos, Michael Bloomberg and Kayne West were also hit. The alleged hacker used the accounts to solicit digital currency, prompting Twitter to take the extraordinary step of preventing some verified accounts from publishing messages for several hours until security to the accounts could be restored. According to the criminal complaint, the accounts of cryptocurrency exchanges such as Binance, Gemini and Coinbase among others were also compromised, as well as those of companies including Apple Inc. and Uber Technologies Inc. The messages directed people to send cryptocurrency to various accounts, and received about $117,000 through 415 transfers, the complaint said. Two other bitcoin addresses that were posted, meanwhile, also collected an additional $6,700 through 100 transactions. Authorities allege that Juvenile 1 reached out to multiple other people and claimed he could "reset, swap and control any Twitter account at will, and would do so in exchange for bitcoin transfers." Also read | Wildfire aftermath: New York air quality is now among the worst in world Two of those people whom Juvenile 1 recruited, Nima Fazeli and Mason Sheppard, agreed to serve as middlemen to help find buyers for Twitter usernames in exchange for a fee, investigators say. Both Fazeli and Sheppard were criminally charged in the case on July 30, 2020, the complaint says. O'Connor's role in the attack came to light after the FBI interviewed another unnamed juvenile, referred to as Juvenile 2, who identified O'Connor and said O'Connor had communicated about getting access to certain Twitter accounts, including possibly that of former President Donald Trump. Criminal investigators in California started receiving tips about O'Connor, who uses the online moniker PlugwalkJoe, as far back as 2018, the complaint says. Witnesses who had heard what O'Connor's voice sounded like on various Google voice calls were able to help law enforcement identify him. A Justice Department spokesman said O'Connor is expected to have a detention hearing in Spain on Thursday.

UK citizen arrested in Spain for role in 2020 Twitter hack that targeted Biden, Obama, Musk, Karadashian

China is blocking the World Health Organization's call for a new investigation into the origins of the coronavirus, which includes looking into whether it leaked from a lab, claiming that there is no proof for the theory and that it violates common sense.&nbsp;

China warned that a WHO plan to inspect Chinese labs as part of a larger investigation into the origins of the coronavirus outbreak demonstrates "disrespect" and "arrogance toward science."

Following increased pressure from the US for an investigation into a biotech facility in Wuhan, the WHO stated last week that a second stage of the international probe should include audits of Chinese facilities.&nbsp;

Liang Wannian, an epidemiologist who led a team of Chinese scientists working with the WHO said that the Wuhan laboratory "never possessed the virus."

“There's no reason for us to devote further resources to a lab leak investigation.”&nbsp;

"Audits of relevant laboratories and research institutions functioning in the vicinity of the initial human cases detected in December 2019," is one of the key aspects of the probe,&nbsp;according to WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who was referring to the Chinese city of Wuhan.&nbsp;

Watch | Gravitas: Caught On Camera: Bats locked up inside the Wuhan lab

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-caught-on-camera-bats-locked-up-inside-the-wuhan-lab-391511/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The search for the virus's origins has been marred by debate, with officials in Beijing and Washington promoting opposing viewpoints on how the illness emerged.&nbsp;

Chinese officials stated that they are determined to learn more about the novel coronavirus's origins, which they believe should be based on science. 
 
Watch | Gravitas: What was China's Batwoman up to at the Wuhan lab?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-what-was-chinas-batwoman-up-to-at-the-wuhan-lab-391738/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Political posturing has tainted the WHO's plans to make the lab leak hypothesis a priority for the next round of investigation, displaying "arrogance against science," they said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

China is blocking the World Health Organization's call for a new investigation into the origins of the coronavirus, which includes looking into whether it leaked from a lab, claiming that there is no proof for the theory and that it violates common sense.

China is blocking the World Health Organization's call for a new investigation into the origins of the coronavirus, which includes looking into whether it leaked from a lab, claiming that there is no proof for the theory and that it violates common sense. China warned that a WHO plan to inspect Chinese labs as part of a larger investigation into the origins of the coronavirus outbreak demonstrates "disrespect" and "arrogance toward science." Following increased pressure from the US for an investigation into a biotech facility in Wuhan, the WHO stated last week that a second stage of the international probe should include audits of Chinese facilities. Liang Wannian, an epidemiologist who led a team of Chinese scientists working with the WHO said that the Wuhan laboratory "never possessed the virus." “There's no reason for us to devote further resources to a lab leak investigation.” "Audits of relevant laboratories and research institutions functioning in the vicinity of the initial human cases detected in December 2019," is one of the key aspects of the probe, according to WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who was referring to the Chinese city of Wuhan. Watch | Gravitas: Caught On Camera: Bats locked up inside the Wuhan lab The search for the virus's origins has been marred by debate, with officials in Beijing and Washington promoting opposing viewpoints on how the illness emerged. Chinese officials stated that they are determined to learn more about the novel coronavirus's origins, which they believe should be based on science. Watch | Gravitas: What was China's Batwoman up to at the Wuhan lab? Political posturing has tainted the WHO's plans to make the lab leak hypothesis a priority for the next round of investigation, displaying "arrogance against science," they said. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: Wuhan lab leak study — China opposes virus origins probe

A man was kicked out of a train in Spain by fellow passengers after he refused to wear a mask, despite repeated requests from people on board.

While Spain does not have any monetary or legal penalty for not wearing masks in public spaces, locals have taken it upon themselves to urge fellow citizens to wear masks.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
🚨🇪🇸 | NEW: Passengers throw a guy off a train in Spain for not wearing a mask 
 
<a href="https://t.co/CQNPidJHxk">pic.twitter.com/CQNPidJHxk</a>
— News For All (@NewsForAllUK) <a href="https://twitter.com/NewsForAllUK/status/1415801924373393412?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

When a man on a train was spotted without a mask, he was urged by fellow passengers to cover his face. However, he refused to give in to the requests of his fellow passengers.

A video being shared on Twitter shows passengers, who can be seen wearing masks, protesting against that one maskless man who was boarding the train. The incident started when a man stopped the maskless passenger from entering the carriage.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nervous-londoners-think-its-too-early-to-end-covid-restrictions-399041">Nervous Londoners think it's 'too early' to end Covid restrictions</a>

However, when the man refused to give in, passengers started to corner the maskless man. The video shows two women pushing the man towards the door of the carriage, which forces him to exit the vehicle.

The man&nbsp;refused to wear a mask even then. In the video evidence, he can be seen going to a corner of the train station near a bench. He waited for the next train, but without wearing a mask.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and several other health experts urged people to wear a mask whenever stepping outdoors and meeting people indoors in a social gathering. Experts believe this is the only way to slow down the spread of deadly coronavirus, especially with the spread of new variants such as Delta, Beta, and Alpha.

A man was kicked out of a train in Spain by fellow passengers after he refused to wear a mask, despite repeated requests from people on board. While Spain does not have any monetary or legal penalty for not wearing masks in public spaces, locals have taken it upon themselves to urge fellow citizens to wear masks.

A man was kicked out of a train in Spain by fellow passengers after he refused to wear a mask, despite repeated requests from people on board. While Spain does not have any monetary or legal penalty for not wearing masks in public spaces, locals have taken it upon themselves to urge fellow citizens to wear masks. 🚨🇪🇸 | NEW: Passengers throw a guy off a train in Spain for not wearing a mask pic.twitter.com/CQNPidJHxk — News For All (@NewsForAllUK) July 15, 2021 × When a man on a train was spotted without a mask, he was urged by fellow passengers to cover his face. However, he refused to give in to the requests of his fellow passengers. A video being shared on Twitter shows passengers, who can be seen wearing masks, protesting against that one maskless man who was boarding the train. The incident started when a man stopped the maskless passenger from entering the carriage. Also read | Nervous Londoners think it's 'too early' to end Covid restrictions However, when the man refused to give in, passengers started to corner the maskless man. The video shows two women pushing the man towards the door of the carriage, which forces him to exit the vehicle. The man refused to wear a mask even then. In the video evidence, he can be seen going to a corner of the train station near a bench. He waited for the next train, but without wearing a mask. The World Health Organization (WHO) and several other health experts urged people to wear a mask whenever stepping outdoors and meeting people indoors in a social gathering. Experts believe this is the only way to slow down the spread of deadly coronavirus, especially with the spread of new variants such as Delta, Beta, and Alpha.

Man kicked out of Spanish train by fellow passengers for not wearing mask

One in every two persons hospitalised with COVID-19 had developed at least one problem affecting key organs of the body, according to research published in The Lancet.

Though difficulties were most likely in persons over the age of 50, the study discovered that younger people were also at risk.

The sickness had impacted the kidney, heart, and lungs of patients who had to attend hospitalisation after being infected with the virus, according to a survey of more than 70,000 people in 302 UK hospitals. Age of comorbidity was not a prominent factor in these cases. 
 
WATCH | Gravitas: COVID control measures — Bizarre to unscientific

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-covid-control-measures-bizarre-to-unscientific-398345/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“This work contradicts current narratives that COVID-19 is only dangerous in people with existing comorbidities and the elderly. Dispelling and contributing to the scientific debate around such narratives has become increasingly important,” Calum Semple, chief investigator of the study and a professor at the University of Liverpool, UK, said in a statement. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-exclusive-chinese-virologist-beijing-tried-to-cover-up-wuhan-virus-and-who-is-very-much-part-of-it-chinese-virologist-dr-li-meng-yan-329467">WION exclusive | Beijing tried to cover-up Wuhan virus and WHO is very much part of it: Chinese virologist Dr Li-Meng Yan</a>

Sixty-six per cent of the 73,197 patients tested were men, 81% had an underlying health condition, 74% were Caucasian, and the average age of the cohort was 71 years.

Over 12% of those questioned were under the age of 49. Almost one-third of the study's participants died.

Overall, 50% of all individuals experienced problems, with 44% of those who survived experiencing them.

(With inputs from agencies)

One in every two persons hospitalised with COVID-19 had developed at least one problem affecting key organs of the body, according to research published in The Lancet.

One in every two persons hospitalised with COVID-19 had developed at least one problem affecting key organs of the body, according to research published in The Lancet. Though difficulties were most likely in persons over the age of 50, the study discovered that younger people were also at risk. The sickness had impacted the kidney, heart, and lungs of patients who had to attend hospitalisation after being infected with the virus, according to a survey of more than 70,000 people in 302 UK hospitals. Age of comorbidity was not a prominent factor in these cases. WATCH | Gravitas: COVID control measures — Bizarre to unscientific “This work contradicts current narratives that COVID-19 is only dangerous in people with existing comorbidities and the elderly. Dispelling and contributing to the scientific debate around such narratives has become increasingly important,” Calum Semple, chief investigator of the study and a professor at the University of Liverpool, UK, said in a statement. WION exclusive | Beijing tried to cover-up Wuhan virus and WHO is very much part of it: Chinese virologist Dr Li-Meng Yan Sixty-six per cent of the 73,197 patients tested were men, 81% had an underlying health condition, 74% were Caucasian, and the average age of the cohort was 71 years. Over 12% of those questioned were under the age of 49. Almost one-third of the study's participants died. Overall, 50% of all individuals experienced problems, with 44% of those who survived experiencing them. (With inputs from agencies)

Half of hospitalised COVID-19 patients develop organ complications irrespective of age: Study

Spain's Constitutional&nbsp;Court&nbsp;ruled on Wednesday that strict&nbsp;home&nbsp;confinement&nbsp;included in a national state of emergency to curb the first wave of&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;infections last year was&nbsp;unconstitutional.

Introduced last March, the state of emergency allowed the government to temporarily limit civil liberties, confining almost all Spaniards to their&nbsp;homes and shutting down all but essential industries.

The Constitutional&nbsp;Court&nbsp;said in a statement it had annulled by a simple majority some articles of the state of emergency decree related to the free movement of citizens. The complete ruling will be released in a few days.

By voiding the emergency decree, the ruling opens the door to the cancellation of fines for breaching lockdown restrictions imposed during the period.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-to-open-tourism-but-only-for-covid-passport-holders-381079">Also read |&nbsp;Spain to open tourism, but only for 'Covid passport' holders</a>

The&nbsp;court's decision comes in response to a petition filed by far-right party Vox, which argued the measures were overly harsh and constituted a suspension rather than a limitation of civil liberties.

Vox argued the restrictions required the passing of a "state of exception," which is one rung above a state of emergency and requires parliamentary approval rather than just a green light from the cabinet.

On Wednesday evening, Spain's Justice Minister Pilar Llop said that the government respected the criteria of the six judges of the Constitutional&nbsp;Court&nbsp;who ruled against the&nbsp;confinement&nbsp;but added that measures adopted were defended by five other judges of this&nbsp;court.

"The&nbsp;confinement&nbsp;measures had saved several hundred thousands of lives," Llop said.

During a deadly first wave of infection, Spain imposed one of the strictest lockdowns in Europe, only allowing people to leave their&nbsp;homes to go to work, buy food or visit a pharmacy or hospital.

Spain's Constitutional Court ruled on Wednesday that strict home confinement included in a national state of emergency to curb the first wave of COVID-19 infections last year was unconstitutional.

Spain's Constitutional Court ruled on Wednesday that strict home confinement included in a national state of emergency to curb the first wave of COVID-19 infections last year was unconstitutional. Introduced last March, the state of emergency allowed the government to temporarily limit civil liberties, confining almost all Spaniards to their homes and shutting down all but essential industries. The Constitutional Court said in a statement it had annulled by a simple majority some articles of the state of emergency decree related to the free movement of citizens. The complete ruling will be released in a few days. By voiding the emergency decree, the ruling opens the door to the cancellation of fines for breaching lockdown restrictions imposed during the period. Also read | Spain to open tourism, but only for 'Covid passport' holders The court's decision comes in response to a petition filed by far-right party Vox, which argued the measures were overly harsh and constituted a suspension rather than a limitation of civil liberties. Vox argued the restrictions required the passing of a "state of exception," which is one rung above a state of emergency and requires parliamentary approval rather than just a green light from the cabinet. On Wednesday evening, Spain's Justice Minister Pilar Llop said that the government respected the criteria of the six judges of the Constitutional Court who ruled against the confinement but added that measures adopted were defended by five other judges of this court. "The confinement measures had saved several hundred thousands of lives," Llop said. During a deadly first wave of infection, Spain imposed one of the strictest lockdowns in Europe, only allowing people to leave their homes to go to work, buy food or visit a pharmacy or hospital.

COVID-19 home confinement is unconstitutional, rules Spanish court

A panel of scientists who advise the French government on health warned Friday that as many as 95 percent of people might need to be vaccinated to dam the spread of the Delta variant of Covid-19.

With cases rising, "a fourth wave linked to the Delta variant could hit swiftly, with repercussions for the health system despite high levels of vaccination", the Scientific Council said.

"We can't get the epidemic under control unless 90 to 95 percent of people are vaccinated or infected," they added.

So far only around half of French people have received a first dose and 40 percent two shots, with the government aiming to get two-thirds -- 35 million -- fully protected by the end of August.

"If people wait until after the summer holidays to get vaccinated, it will be too late," epidemiologist and Scientific Council member Arnaud Fontanet told broadcaster RTL, recalling that the shots are "very effective and free of charge".

With case numbers rising after a series of reopening steps, President Emmanuel Macron is expected to outline next moves in managing the pandemic in a Monday evening TV address.

On the agenda at a meeting of France's defence council earlier Monday is whether to make vaccination compulsory for health workers, one of the key recommendations from the scientists.

Ministers could agree on a draft law as early as Tuesday before sending it to parliament.

The Scientific Council also urged strengthening the country's track and trace programme and highlighted rising numbers of hospitalisations due to the Delta variant -- first detected in India -- in England, Scotland, Ireland and Portugal.

The strain already accounts for half of new infections in France and is believed to be around 60 percent more infectious.

"Without infection control measures, there could be a similar peak in hospitalisations to the one in autumn 2020," the Pasteur Institute research organisation warned, adding that unvaccinated over-60s remained especially at risk.

Other scientific advice included reducing the number of people allowed to attend events, localised restrictions and reducing the time between the first and second doses of mRNA vaccines such as Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna from six to three or four weeks.

A panel of scientists who advise the French government on health warned Friday that as many as 95 percent of people might need to be vaccinated to dam the spread of the Delta variant of Covid-19.

A panel of scientists who advise the French government on health warned Friday that as many as 95 percent of people might need to be vaccinated to dam the spread of the Delta variant of Covid-19. With cases rising, "a fourth wave linked to the Delta variant could hit swiftly, with repercussions for the health system despite high levels of vaccination", the Scientific Council said. "We can't get the epidemic under control unless 90 to 95 percent of people are vaccinated or infected," they added. So far only around half of French people have received a first dose and 40 percent two shots, with the government aiming to get two-thirds -- 35 million -- fully protected by the end of August. "If people wait until after the summer holidays to get vaccinated, it will be too late," epidemiologist and Scientific Council member Arnaud Fontanet told broadcaster RTL, recalling that the shots are "very effective and free of charge". With case numbers rising after a series of reopening steps, President Emmanuel Macron is expected to outline next moves in managing the pandemic in a Monday evening TV address. On the agenda at a meeting of France's defence council earlier Monday is whether to make vaccination compulsory for health workers, one of the key recommendations from the scientists. Ministers could agree on a draft law as early as Tuesday before sending it to parliament. The Scientific Council also urged strengthening the country's track and trace programme and highlighted rising numbers of hospitalisations due to the Delta variant -- first detected in India -- in England, Scotland, Ireland and Portugal. The strain already accounts for half of new infections in France and is believed to be around 60 percent more infectious. "Without infection control measures, there could be a similar peak in hospitalisations to the one in autumn 2020," the Pasteur Institute research organisation warned, adding that unvaccinated over-60s remained especially at risk. Other scientific advice included reducing the number of people allowed to attend events, localised restrictions and reducing the time between the first and second doses of mRNA vaccines such as Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna from six to three or four weeks.

COVID-19: 95% may need to be vaccinated to stop Delta variant, warn French scientists

Soumya Swaminathan, the top scientist of the World Health Organization (WHO), announced on Friday that 15 European Union (EU) countries officially recognise Covishield, a vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University and produced by the Serum Institute of India (SII).

"15 countries in the EU now recognise COVISHIELD for tourists," Swaminathan stated in a tweet.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
15 countries in EU now recognize <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVISHIELD?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVISHIELD</a> for travelers <a href="https://t.co/fb56AEOvOt">https://t.co/fb56AEOvOt</a>
— Soumya Swaminathan (@doctorsoumya) <a href="https://twitter.com/doctorsoumya/status/1413482639009402880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Swaminathan's comments follow Belgium's acceptance of the Covishield vaccination on Friday.

Arnaud Lion, Charge d'affaires of the Belgian Embassy in India, said on Friday that his country's recognition of Covishield will benefit everyone obtaining the vaccine injection in India and overseas.&nbsp;

"Belgium recognises Covishield, the AstraZeneca vaccine produced by Serum Institute of India and distributed by COVAX. An important decision for India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh in the fight against vaccine inequality," the embassy’s official handle tweeted.

Switzerland, Iceland, Austria, Bulgaria, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden are among the 14 European countries that have approved the Covishield vaccination.

Meanwhile, Estonia has stated that the vaccine will only be recognised for Indian travellers.&nbsp; 
 
"On July 7, the inter-ministerial conference in Belgium decided to recognize the Covishield vaccination, which will have a positive impact I hope for everyone in India and outside India being vaccinated with Covishield," Lion said.

He said Covishield is one of the main vaccines, which is and will be used under the COVAX facility. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Soumya Swaminathan, the top scientist of the World Health Organization (WHO), announced on Friday that 15 European Union (EU) countries officially recognise Covishield, a vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University and produced by the Serum Institute of India (SII).

Soumya Swaminathan, the top scientist of the World Health Organization (WHO), announced on Friday that 15 European Union (EU) countries officially recognise Covishield, a vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University and produced by the Serum Institute of India (SII). "15 countries in the EU now recognise COVISHIELD for tourists," Swaminathan stated in a tweet. 15 countries in EU now recognize #COVISHIELD for travelers https://t.co/fb56AEOvOt — Soumya Swaminathan (@doctorsoumya) July 9, 2021 × Swaminathan's comments follow Belgium's acceptance of the Covishield vaccination on Friday. Arnaud Lion, Charge d'affaires of the Belgian Embassy in India, said on Friday that his country's recognition of Covishield will benefit everyone obtaining the vaccine injection in India and overseas. "Belgium recognises Covishield, the AstraZeneca vaccine produced by Serum Institute of India and distributed by COVAX. An important decision for India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh in the fight against vaccine inequality," the embassy’s official handle tweeted. Switzerland, Iceland, Austria, Bulgaria, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden are among the 14 European countries that have approved the Covishield vaccination. Meanwhile, Estonia has stated that the vaccine will only be recognised for Indian travellers. "On July 7, the inter-ministerial conference in Belgium decided to recognize the Covishield vaccination, which will have a positive impact I hope for everyone in India and outside India being vaccinated with Covishield," Lion said. He said Covishield is one of the main vaccines, which is and will be used under the COVAX facility. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: 15 countries in European Union recognise India-made Covishield vaccine

The deadly coronavirus pandemic isn't slowing down, according to WHO Chief Scientist Soumya Swaminathan.

Cases are increasing in five of the six WHO regions, and the fatality rate in Africa has increased by over 40%.&nbsp;

The fast-spreading Delta variant, pandemic fatigue, weakening of safety measures such as physical distance restrictions, and sluggish vaccination rollouts globally are all contributing factors, according to her.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-95-may-need-to-be-vaccinated-to-stop-delta-variant-warns-french-scientists-397151">Also read | COVID-19: 95% may need to be vaccinated to stop Delta variant, warn French scientists</a> 
 
In an interview with Bloomberg Television, WHO's Soumya Swaminathan explained that while vaccination levels in some countries are reducing severe cases and hospitalisations, significant regions of the world face oxygen shortages, a lack of hospital beds, and increased mortality.&nbsp;

"In the last 24 hours, close to 500,000 new cases have been reported and about 9,300 deaths -- now that’s not a pandemic that’s slowing down," Swaminathan said.

The World Health Organization (WHO) warned nations this week to be vigilant when reopening borders to avoid jeopardising previous successes.

On July 19, remaining legislative restrictions in England will be lifted, and measures like wearing masks will become a personal choice.

As cases declined, the United States and many of Europe similarly eased restrictions.&nbsp;

The pandemic death toll reached a grim benchmark, surpassing 4 million reported deaths across the globe.

(With inputs from agencies)

The deadly coronavirus pandemic isn't slowing down, according to WHO Chief Scientist Soumya Swaminathan. Cases are increasing in five of the six WHO regions, and the fatality rate in Africa has increased by over 40%.

The deadly coronavirus pandemic isn't slowing down, according to WHO Chief Scientist Soumya Swaminathan. Cases are increasing in five of the six WHO regions, and the fatality rate in Africa has increased by over 40%. The fast-spreading Delta variant, pandemic fatigue, weakening of safety measures such as physical distance restrictions, and sluggish vaccination rollouts globally are all contributing factors, according to her. Also read | COVID-19: 95% may need to be vaccinated to stop Delta variant, warn French scientists In an interview with Bloomberg Television, WHO's Soumya Swaminathan explained that while vaccination levels in some countries are reducing severe cases and hospitalisations, significant regions of the world face oxygen shortages, a lack of hospital beds, and increased mortality. "In the last 24 hours, close to 500,000 new cases have been reported and about 9,300 deaths -- now that’s not a pandemic that’s slowing down," Swaminathan said. The World Health Organization (WHO) warned nations this week to be vigilant when reopening borders to avoid jeopardising previous successes. On July 19, remaining legislative restrictions in England will be lifted, and measures like wearing masks will become a personal choice. As cases declined, the United States and many of Europe similarly eased restrictions. The pandemic death toll reached a grim benchmark, surpassing 4 million reported deaths across the globe. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: WHO chief scientist lists four reasons for pandemic not slowing down

Fiji has announced plans to make the coronavirus vaccine compulsory for all workers as it battles a runaway outbreak of the Delta variant, with the prime minister issuing a blunt message: "no jabs, no job".

Frank Bainimarama said all public servants in the South Pacific nation of 930,000 must go on leave if they have not had their first injection by August 15 and would be dismissed if they did not receive their second by November 1.

Private sector employees must have their first jab by August 1, with individuals facing hefty fines if they fail to comply and companies threatened with being shut down.

"No jabs, no job -- that is what the science tells us is safest and that is now the policy of the government and enforced through the law," Bainimarama said in a national address late Thursday.

The hardline policy comes amid government frustration at the widespread flouting of virus safety measures such as social distancing and wearing masks, blamed in part for a huge spike in infections.

Until April, Fiji had recorded no community cases for a year but a quarantine breach saw the highly contagious Delta variant, first detected in India, rapidly gain a foothold, with the country now recording 700-plus new cases a day.

Reckless rule-breakers

The under-resourced health system has been stretched to breaking point, with the country's largest hospital in Suva this week saying its mortuary was at capacity and urging the families of virus victims to collect their loved ones.

Bainimarama has resisted calls to lock down the entire country, citing the economic cost and the practicalities of enforcing such a move in densely-populated squatter settlements.

"A hard lockdown, as some are calling for, cannot be strictly enforced everywhere in Fiji and our experts tell us it would not kill off the virus," he said.

"But it would kill jobs and it could kill our country's future."

Instead, Bainimarama has imposed localised lockdowns in infection hotspots, including the capital Suva, while rolling out the Astra Zeneca vaccine.

While almost 340,000 adults have received their first injection, Bainimarama said online misinformation was discouraging some people, assuring them he had experienced no side effects from the inoculation.

"I have not been magnetised or micro-chipped by the vaccine, I have not received the mark of the beast or any other creature -- the vaccine does not do that to anyone," he said.

Bainimarama said spot fines were being introduced for "reckless rule-breakers" who did not wear marks, attended social gatherings or violated quarantine orders.

"My fellow Fijians, the end of this ordeal will come," he said.

"Until it does, we must remain vigilant until more of us are protected -- get vaccinated, wear your mask, and maintain physical distance from others."

Fiji has announced plans to make the coronavirus vaccine compulsory for all workers as it battles a runaway outbreak of the Delta variant, with the prime minister issuing a blunt message: "no jabs, no job".

Fiji has announced plans to make the coronavirus vaccine compulsory for all workers as it battles a runaway outbreak of the Delta variant, with the prime minister issuing a blunt message: "no jabs, no job". Frank Bainimarama said all public servants in the South Pacific nation of 930,000 must go on leave if they have not had their first injection by August 15 and would be dismissed if they did not receive their second by November 1. Private sector employees must have their first jab by August 1, with individuals facing hefty fines if they fail to comply and companies threatened with being shut down. "No jabs, no job -- that is what the science tells us is safest and that is now the policy of the government and enforced through the law," Bainimarama said in a national address late Thursday. The hardline policy comes amid government frustration at the widespread flouting of virus safety measures such as social distancing and wearing masks, blamed in part for a huge spike in infections. Until April, Fiji had recorded no community cases for a year but a quarantine breach saw the highly contagious Delta variant, first detected in India, rapidly gain a foothold, with the country now recording 700-plus new cases a day. Reckless rule-breakers The under-resourced health system has been stretched to breaking point, with the country's largest hospital in Suva this week saying its mortuary was at capacity and urging the families of virus victims to collect their loved ones. Bainimarama has resisted calls to lock down the entire country, citing the economic cost and the practicalities of enforcing such a move in densely-populated squatter settlements. "A hard lockdown, as some are calling for, cannot be strictly enforced everywhere in Fiji and our experts tell us it would not kill off the virus," he said. "But it would kill jobs and it could kill our country's future." Instead, Bainimarama has imposed localised lockdowns in infection hotspots, including the capital Suva, while rolling out the Astra Zeneca vaccine. While almost 340,000 adults have received their first injection, Bainimarama said online misinformation was discouraging some people, assuring them he had experienced no side effects from the inoculation. "I have not been magnetised or micro-chipped by the vaccine, I have not received the mark of the beast or any other creature -- the vaccine does not do that to anyone," he said. Bainimarama said spot fines were being introduced for "reckless rule-breakers" who did not wear marks, attended social gatherings or violated quarantine orders. "My fellow Fijians, the end of this ordeal will come," he said. "Until it does, we must remain vigilant until more of us are protected -- get vaccinated, wear your mask, and maintain physical distance from others."

No jabs, no jobs: This country is making COVID-19 vaccine compulsory for all workers

France warned its nationals on Thursday not to travel to Spain or Portugal on holiday. The warning has been given in view of a spike in Covid cases caused by Delta variant. The variant is highly contagious.

Right now, France allows people to travel to all other European Union member states if they are fully vaccinated or presently negative PCR or antigen test on their return.

But Europe Minister Clement Beaune pointedly advised the French against crossing the Pyrenees mountains to Spain or Portugal.

"For those who have not yet booked their holidays, avoid Spain and Portugal as a destination," he told France 2 television. "It's better to remain in France or go to other countries."

Beaune added that France, which fears being hit by a fourth wave of coronavirus infections this summer, was weighing restrictions on travel in Europe over the spread of the highly infectious Delta mutation.

"We have to be careful... the pandemic is not over," he said. "We will decide in the coming days, but we could put in place reinforced measures."

Germany has already put a ban on travellers from Portugal. Delta variant has become dominant in Portugal

Portugal's Foreign Minister Augusto Santos Silva acknowledged that the health situation in his country had "worsened" and said France's concerns were "understandable."

(With inputs from agencies)

France warned its nationals on Thursday not to travel to Spain or Portugal on holiday. The warning has been given in view of a spike in Covid cases caused by Delta variant.

France warned its nationals on Thursday not to travel to Spain or Portugal on holiday. The warning has been given in view of a spike in Covid cases caused by Delta variant. The variant is highly contagious. Right now, France allows people to travel to all other European Union member states if they are fully vaccinated or presently negative PCR or antigen test on their return. But Europe Minister Clement Beaune pointedly advised the French against crossing the Pyrenees mountains to Spain or Portugal. "For those who have not yet booked their holidays, avoid Spain and Portugal as a destination," he told France 2 television. "It's better to remain in France or go to other countries." Beaune added that France, which fears being hit by a fourth wave of coronavirus infections this summer, was weighing restrictions on travel in Europe over the spread of the highly infectious Delta mutation. "We have to be careful... the pandemic is not over," he said. "We will decide in the coming days, but we could put in place reinforced measures." Germany has already put a ban on travellers from Portugal. Delta variant has become dominant in Portugal Portugal's Foreign Minister Augusto Santos Silva acknowledged that the health situation in his country had "worsened" and said France's concerns were "understandable." (With inputs from agencies)

Delta variant: France warns citizens against travel to Spain, Portugal

Paris Saint-Germain have announced Sergio Ramos has gone along with them on a two-year contract. He has resolved to terms at Parc des Princes through to 2023 after leaving Real Madrid as a free agent.&nbsp;

He is presently 35 years old, yet will be hoping to add to an advantageous award assortment subsequent to connecting up with the Ligue 1 giants.&nbsp;

Hailing from Camas, Spain, Sergio made his expert presentation for Sevilla FC in the 2003-04 season subsequent to arising out of the club's childhood academy. An adaptable safeguard fit for playing in the middle or on the right side, he joined Real Madrid in the mid-year of 2005.&nbsp;

Over the course of the following 16 seasons with Los Merengues, Sergio Ramos is one of the&nbsp;best defenders, scoring 101 goals in 671 matches in the Spanish capital. Real Madrid captain somewhere in the range of 2015 and 2021, he assisted his with siding win four UEFA Champions Leagues somewhere in the range of 2014 and 2018 and five Liga crowns in 2007, 2008, 2012, 2017, and 2020.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-england-into-first-ever-euros-final-after-ending-danish-dream-run-396650" hreflang="en">Football: England into first-ever Euros final after ending Danish dream run</a>

With the Spanish national team, Sergio Ramos won the FIFA World Cup in 2010 and two UEFA Euros in 2008 and 2012. A customary captain of La Roja, he is the most-capped Spanish player ever with 180 appearances and 23 goals.

Positioned 6th in the 2017 Ballon d'Or France Football, Sergio Ramos has gotten various individual distinctions for his exhibitions. He has twice been named UEFA Defender of the Year 2017 and 2018, and has included no under multiple times in the FIFA World XI somewhere in the range of 2008 and 2020 and was additionally named in the FIFA World Cup 2010 Team of the Tournament.&nbsp;

"I am very happy to join Paris Saint-Germain, Sergio Ramos revealed after signing his contract. This is a big change in my life, a new challenge and it's a day I will never forget. I am very proud to be a part of this ambitious project, to be a part of this squad with so many great players. Paris Saint-Germain is a club that has already proven itself at the highest level. I want to continue to grow and improve at Paris and help the team to win as many trophies as possible."

"Today, Paris welcomes one of the greatest players of our era. We are delighted to announce that Sergio Ramos has joined us, announced Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, Paris Saint-Germain Chairman and CEO. Sergio is a complete footballer, one of the best defenders in the history of the game. He is a born competitor, a leader and a true professional. His vast experience and ambition is in perfect synergy with those of the club. I am proud to see him in a Paris Saint-Germain jersey and I know our supporters will reserve a fantastic welcome for him." 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Paris Saint-Germain have announced Sergio Ramos has gone along with them on a two-year contract. He has resolved to terms at Parc des Princes through to 2023 after leaving Real Madrid as a free agent.

Paris Saint-Germain have announced Sergio Ramos has gone along with them on a two-year contract. He has resolved to terms at Parc des Princes through to 2023 after leaving Real Madrid as a free agent. He is presently 35 years old, yet will be hoping to add to an advantageous award assortment subsequent to connecting up with the Ligue 1 giants. Hailing from Camas, Spain, Sergio made his expert presentation for Sevilla FC in the 2003-04 season subsequent to arising out of the club's childhood academy. An adaptable safeguard fit for playing in the middle or on the right side, he joined Real Madrid in the mid-year of 2005. Over the course of the following 16 seasons with Los Merengues, Sergio Ramos is one of the best defenders, scoring 101 goals in 671 matches in the Spanish capital. Real Madrid captain somewhere in the range of 2015 and 2021, he assisted his with siding win four UEFA Champions Leagues somewhere in the range of 2014 and 2018 and five Liga crowns in 2007, 2008, 2012, 2017, and 2020. ALSO READ: Football: England into first-ever Euros final after ending Danish dream run With the Spanish national team, Sergio Ramos won the FIFA World Cup in 2010 and two UEFA Euros in 2008 and 2012. A customary captain of La Roja, he is the most-capped Spanish player ever with 180 appearances and 23 goals. Positioned 6th in the 2017 Ballon d'Or France Football, Sergio Ramos has gotten various individual distinctions for his exhibitions. He has twice been named UEFA Defender of the Year 2017 and 2018, and has included no under multiple times in the FIFA World XI somewhere in the range of 2008 and 2020 and was additionally named in the FIFA World Cup 2010 Team of the Tournament. "I am very happy to join Paris Saint-Germain, Sergio Ramos revealed after signing his contract. This is a big change in my life, a new challenge and it's a day I will never forget. I am very proud to be a part of this ambitious project, to be a part of this squad with so many great players. Paris Saint-Germain is a club that has already proven itself at the highest level. I want to continue to grow and improve at Paris and help the team to win as many trophies as possible." "Today, Paris welcomes one of the greatest players of our era. We are delighted to announce that Sergio Ramos has joined us, announced Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, Paris Saint-Germain Chairman and CEO. Sergio is a complete footballer, one of the best defenders in the history of the game. He is a born competitor, a leader and a true professional. His vast experience and ambition is in perfect synergy with those of the club. I am proud to see him in a Paris Saint-Germain jersey and I know our supporters will reserve a fantastic welcome for him."

Football: Paris Saint-Germain sign Sergio Ramos on free transfer

spain

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