Amid financial tightening in the market, an intense surge has been witnessed in the demand for gold loans as the gold prices keep rising and access to unsecured credit keeps getting tightened.

Amid financial tightening in the market, an intense surge has been witnessed in the demand for gold loans as the gold prices keep rising and access to unsecured credit keeps getting tightened. In India, gold loans soared by 51 per cent in the month of September, whereas personal loans grew by 11.4 per cent. In this uncertain financial climate, as borrowers continue to seek gold-backed loans, the question arises: how good is it as a collateral-based and reliable alternative? What drives gold loans towards popularity? Explaining this surge in demand for gold loans over personal loans, Founder of Radian Finserv Sumit Sharma said, "The surge in gold loans compared to personal loans can partly be attributed to a tightening of credit in the personal loan and credit card space. In such environments, consumers typically shift towards more accessible and collateral-backed options, with gold loans emerging as the preferred alternative, demonstrating a clear instance of credit migration." Also Read: Money-Wise: Planning to invest in gold? Here's why you should ditch physical and go for digital "Moreover, the recent increase in gold prices has played a key role in enhancing Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratios, which now ranges between 60-62%. This higher LTV provides a greater cushion for both lenders and borrowers, further making gold loans an attractive option," he said. Sharma said that the growth may also have been driven by the rise in the value of gold, as the remaining growth stemmed from an increase in loan volumes. Watch: Is Bitcoin Turning Into A Store Of Value Like Gold? "When access to microfinance or personal loans is limited due to tightened disbursements, individuals are more willing to leverage their available gold to unlock its value. This shift underscores the growing appeal of gold loans as a practical solution, offering borrowers the flexibility to meet their financial obligations while minimising the risks associated with unsecured borrowing," he said. How do gold loans benefit the borrowers? For those planning to seek gold loans in future, Sumit Sharma, Founder of Radian Finserv, explains how it can prove beneficial for borrowers and whether you should go for it or not. The collateral-backed nature of gold loans ensures greater security for both borrowers and lenders in these volatile times. Further, gold loan products are typically designed in a manner that the borrower pays only the interest component during the tenure of the loan, and the principal is paid at the end. This is preferred by borrowers where the cash flow favours this arrangement, as against also paying part of the principal on an ongoing basis. Gold loans provide a unique value proposition for consumers, particularly in uncertain financial climates. They offer immediate liquidity with the security of collateral, especially when traditional credit avenues are less accessible. For lenders, gold loans present a relatively low-risk offering backed by tangible assets, albeit an operationally complex and demanding one.

Money-Wise: Demand for gold loans sees a surge. Is it a good option?

Young Indians are driving the increased Indian tourist inflows to Thailand with Airbnb reporting a more than 60 per cent year-on-year increase in bookings by Indian guests and tourists to Thailand between 2022 and 2023. This surge in interest, particularly notable during the recent Holi and Easter long weekends,&nbsp;saw searches for Thai stays by Indian travelers increasing by over 200 percent during these periods.

The surge in travel interest is predominantly driven by India's younger demographic. Gen Z and Millennials, who constitute the largest share of the Indian population, accounted for 80 percent of Airbnb bookings to Thailand in 2023.

According to data from Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports, India ranks as the fifth largest inbound market for Thailand. The recent boost in travel can be attributed to several factors, including the Thai government’s visa-free policy for Indian citizens, which has been extended until November 11, 2024, and the availability of numerous non-stop daily flights. This policy has significantly lowered barriers to travel, making Thailand an even more attractive destination for Indian tourists.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-country-may-need-to-relocate-its-capital-due-to-rising-sea-levels-721909">This country may need to relocate its capital due to rising sea levels</a>

The most popular destinations for Indian travelers on Airbnb include a mix of vibrant cities and beach locales. Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Krabi, and Koh Samui emerged as the top five destinations. The type of travelers and their preferences indicate a broad spectrum of travel interests. Duo and solo travelers made up the largest segment, while small groups (3-5 people) and medium-sized groups (5+ people) were the fastest growing, with increases of approximately 67 per cent and 68 per cent year-on-year, respectively, in 2023.

Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s General Manager for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, commented on the trend, stating, “Travelers from India on Airbnb continue to show their love for Thailand with a growing interest in exploring destinations across the country. We see Indian guests not only visiting top destinations but also exploring lesser-known areas, thereby supporting a more inclusive tourism in Thailand that spreads economic opportunities to more people in more places.”

Indians are now also driving the global tourism market as many countries have announced visa free travel for Indian tourists, particularly in Asia.

Young Indians are driving the increased Indian tourist inflows to Thailand with Airbnb reporting a more than 60 per cent year-on-year increase in bookings by Indian guests and tourists to Thailand between 2022 and 2023.

Young Indians are driving the increased Indian tourist inflows to Thailand with Airbnb reporting a more than 60 per cent year-on-year increase in bookings by Indian guests and tourists to Thailand between 2022 and 2023. This surge in interest, particularly notable during the recent Holi and Easter long weekends, saw searches for Thai stays by Indian travelers increasing by over 200 percent during these periods. The surge in travel interest is predominantly driven by India's younger demographic. Gen Z and Millennials, who constitute the largest share of the Indian population, accounted for 80 percent of Airbnb bookings to Thailand in 2023. According to data from Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports, India ranks as the fifth largest inbound market for Thailand. The recent boost in travel can be attributed to several factors, including the Thai government’s visa-free policy for Indian citizens, which has been extended until November 11, 2024, and the availability of numerous non-stop daily flights. This policy has significantly lowered barriers to travel, making Thailand an even more attractive destination for Indian tourists. Also Read: This country may need to relocate its capital due to rising sea levels The most popular destinations for Indian travelers on Airbnb include a mix of vibrant cities and beach locales. Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Krabi, and Koh Samui emerged as the top five destinations. The type of travelers and their preferences indicate a broad spectrum of travel interests. Duo and solo travelers made up the largest segment, while small groups (3-5 people) and medium-sized groups (5+ people) were the fastest growing, with increases of approximately 67 per cent and 68 per cent year-on-year, respectively, in 2023. Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s General Manager for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, commented on the trend, stating, “Travelers from India on Airbnb continue to show their love for Thailand with a growing interest in exploring destinations across the country. We see Indian guests not only visiting top destinations but also exploring lesser-known areas, thereby supporting a more inclusive tourism in Thailand that spreads economic opportunities to more people in more places.” Indians are now also driving the global tourism market as many countries have announced visa free travel for Indian tourists, particularly in Asia.

Young Indians drive surge in travel to Thailand

There's a new covid variant called KP.2 under the name FLiRT that has emerged in the US, UK and India. These new variant mutants are collectively called FLiRT.

FLiRT' COVID cases: KP.2 Covid variant cases in US, UK and India

North East India is known for its unique culture and pristine beauty. The region has political and economic features, distinct from the rest of India. On Pollnomics, we tell you the story of north east and its rise in India's economic landscape.

India elections 2024: Infrastructure boom helps northeast's economic surge

Burger chain Wendy's has clarified that it has no plans to raise menu prices at times of peak demand. Wendy's clarification came after a public backlash over the burger chain CEO's comments that it may start testing "Dynamic pricing".

Wendy's: No surge pricing on orders

Amazon shares jumped 7% on Friday after the tech giant reported better-than-expected quarterly results, thanks to big gains from recently-added artificial intelligence-supported features on its platforms.

Amazon shares surge 7% after better-than-expected results

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms- India's daily Covid tally saw a slight decline on Monday with 628 cases having been recorded in just the last 24 hours. According to the Union Health Ministry's update active number of cases in the country has crossed the 4,000 Mark.

COVID-19 in India: Active cases in cross 4,000

Statistics suggest that Pakistan is witnessing the highest surge in suicide attacks since 2014. The numbers according to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies reveal that security forces were the primary targets of suicide attacks held this year.

Pakistan witnessing a surge in suicide attacks

The World Health Organization on Tuesday classified the JN.1 coronavirus strain as a "variant of interest" but said it did not pose much threat to public health.

Covid-19 India: Highest single-day increase in 7 months

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms- In a concerning development, India witnessed a spike in COVID-19 cases with 640 new infections reported on Friday, pushing the active cases to 2,997.

Covid-19 JN.1 variant: India witnesses surge in Covid-19 cases

In a concerning development, India witnessed a spike in COVID-19 cases with 640 new infections reported on Friday, pushing the active cases to 2,997. The total COVID-19 tally in the country now stands at a staggering 4.50 crore (4,50,07,212), with the death toll reaching 5,33,327.

Covid-19 JN.1 variant: Resident of Indian city of Noida tests positive for Covid

Covid-19 JN.1 variant: Covid death toll rises to 533,327

After Kerala, JN.1 variant has now been found in Goa. 21 new cases have been reported in India in the last 24 hours which makes it 2,669 active cases. Singapore has become a country of concern, Indonesia is asking travellers to be vigilant. In Malaysia, cases have doubled. This is December Deja Vu.indi

Covid-19 India: Goa reports highest number of 'JN.1' cases

After Kerala, JN.1 variant has now been found in Goa. 21 new cases have been reported in India in the last 24 hours which makes it 2,669 active cases. Singapore has become a country of concern, Indonesia is asking travellers to be vigilant. In Malaysia, cases have doubled. This is December Deja Vu.

Covid-19 India: 2,669 active cases of Covid in India, highest surge in Kerala

The UK has witnessed a notable rise in norovirus cases in recent weeks, with nearly 1,500 confirmed cases reported by the beginning of this month. This marks a 60 per cent increase compared to the same period last year, posing challenges for healthcare resources and staff, according to the Royal College of Emergency Medicine Scotland.

<h2>'Winter vomiting bug'</h2>

Norovirus, often referred to as the "winter vomiting bug," is highly contagious and known to cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Health experts express concern about the surge in cases, particularly with the approaching Christmas season.

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus causing symptoms similar to the stomach flu, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Unlike the flu, norovirus is not preventable with a vaccine. The virus spreads easily through contact with an infected person.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-kerala-sees-uptick-in-covid-19-cases-with-over-750-active-cases-in-state-669284">Also read |&nbsp;India: Kerala sees uptick in COVID-19 spread with over 750 active cases in state</a>

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) notes that it leads to inflammation in the stomach or intestines, resulting in acute gastroenteritis. Symptoms typically manifest 12 to 48 hours after exposure, with most individuals recovering within one to three days.

There is no specific medication for norovirus, and recovery typically relies on the body's natural healing process.

Also watch |&nbsp;UK PM Sunak argued let virus 'rip a bit' new Covid Inquiry diary extract claims

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The CDC recommends drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, a common concern with norovirus. Regular handwashing with soap and water is crucial, as the virus can persist in the feces of recovered individuals for at least two weeks.

The surge in norovirus cases raises concerns about the strain on healthcare resources and staff as the festive season approaches. With no specific treatment available, preventive measures, including proper hygiene and fluid intake, become crucial in curbing the spread of the virus.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The UK has witnessed a notable rise in norovirus cases in recent weeks, with nearly 1,500 confirmed cases reported by the beginning of this month. This marks a 60 per cent increase compared to the same period last year, posing challenges for healthcare resources and staff, according to the Royal College of Emergency Medicine Scotland.

The UK has witnessed a notable rise in norovirus cases in recent weeks, with nearly 1,500 confirmed cases reported by the beginning of this month. This marks a 60 per cent increase compared to the same period last year, posing challenges for healthcare resources and staff, according to the Royal College of Emergency Medicine Scotland. 'Winter vomiting bug' Norovirus, often referred to as the "winter vomiting bug," is highly contagious and known to cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Health experts express concern about the surge in cases, particularly with the approaching Christmas season. Norovirus is a highly contagious virus causing symptoms similar to the stomach flu, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Unlike the flu, norovirus is not preventable with a vaccine. The virus spreads easily through contact with an infected person. Also read | India: Kerala sees uptick in COVID-19 spread with over 750 active cases in state The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) notes that it leads to inflammation in the stomach or intestines, resulting in acute gastroenteritis. Symptoms typically manifest 12 to 48 hours after exposure, with most individuals recovering within one to three days. There is no specific medication for norovirus, and recovery typically relies on the body's natural healing process. Also watch | UK PM Sunak argued let virus 'rip a bit' new Covid Inquiry diary extract claims The CDC recommends drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, a common concern with norovirus. Regular handwashing with soap and water is crucial, as the virus can persist in the feces of recovered individuals for at least two weeks. The surge in norovirus cases raises concerns about the strain on healthcare resources and staff as the festive season approaches. With no specific treatment available, preventive measures, including proper hygiene and fluid intake, become crucial in curbing the spread of the virus. (With inputs from agencies)

UK sees surge in Norovirus cases with over 1,500 infected

India is witnessing a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases, with Kerala at the epicenter of the spike. The emergence of the JN.1 Omicron subvariant is believed to be contributing to this surge. Globally, similar trends are observed, with subvariants like ERIS in the UK also spreading rapidly. Health experts advise maintaining hand hygiene, social distancing, and mask-wearing in public places. People with comorbidities are recommended to consider booster doses for added protection.

Gravitas | COVID-19 Cases Surge in India: New Subvariant Raises Concerns

Soon, your petrol and diesel could get costlier. That's because world's top oil producers could consider further supply cuts, when they meet later this month. Saudi Arabia, Russia and other OPEC+ members have already pledged total oil output cuts of 5.16 million barrels per day.

All eyes are on key OPEC+ meeting on November 26

Huawei takes centre stage with an astounding 83% surge in smartphone sales, igniting a remarkable revival in China's lagging mobile market. Xiaomi follows suit with a 33% spike in October sales.

Huawei propels China's smartphone market with 11% surge

The soaring onion prices ahead of the Diwali festival have sparked concerns among consumers across various states. Onions, a staple ingredient in the diverse Indian cuisine, have reached an alarming ₹100 per kilogram, prompting immediate actions from both state and central governments.

Decoding government's efforts to tackle onion price surge

The Great Indian festive season the country is witnessing a sharp increase in onion prices and the next report finds out the possible reasons for the spike in onion prices take a look.

India: Decoding government's efforts to tackle onion price surge

Microsoft-backed OpenAI is rewriting the revenue rulebook. In a startling surge, OpenAI's monthly income has catapulted from 28 million dollars to 80 million dollars within a year. This meteoric rise owes its momentum to ChatGPT, famed for generating prose and poetry on command.

OpenAI's revenue projected to surpass $1 bn in next 12 months

A new strain of coronavirus has been labelled as a 'variant of interest' by the World Health Organisation, although the officials have predicted a low public health risk.&nbsp;

The variant, which is known as EG.5 or “Eris”, is connected to an Omicron subvariant called XBB.1.9.2, and has been increasing its prevalence globally, and countries like the UK, China and the United States are emerging as the most affected.

However, the WHO has further stated that the variant is not posing any particular threat. “Based on the available evidence, the public health risk posed by EG.5 is evaluated as low at the global level,” said the agency, stating that the risk looked to be at part with other circulating variants of interest.

“While EG.5 has shown increased prevalence, growth advantage, and immune escape properties, there have been no reported changes in disease severity to date,” the WHO stated.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-variant-eris-on-rise-in-uk-as-experts-say-country-flying-blind-on-infection-622835">Covid variant 'Eris' on rise in UK, as experts say country ‘flying blind’ on infection</a>

<h2>Variant better at evading body's immune system: WHO&nbsp;</h2>

Professor of operational research at University College London, Christina Pagel, said that although the variant has been increasing in prevalence and seems to be better at evading the body's immune system which permits it to outcompete other variants, there is a lack of evidence that it can cause more severe disease.

“It will probably cause a wave of more cases and all the problems that brings – [such as] more hospitalisations and Long Covid – but [there is] no reason at the moment to think [that will be] worse than previous waves this year,” she stated.&nbsp;

Pagel stated that the waning immunity due to previous infections or vaccinations may mean that the wave of EG.5 took longer to peak and hence, it may be larger.&nbsp;

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) last week published an update which suggested EG.5, and more specifically its subvariant EG5.1 accounts for around 15 per cent of sequenced COVID-19 cases in England.

Deputy director of UKHSA, Dr Meera Chand, said that the new variants' emergence is not unexpected. “UKHSA continues to analyse available data relating to Sars-CoV-2 variants in the UK and abroad. EG.5.1 was designated as a variant on 31 July 2023 due to continued growth internationally and presence in the UK, allowing us to monitor it through our routine surveillance processes," she said.

“Vaccination remains our best defence against future Covid-19 waves, so it is still as important as ever that people come to take up all the doses for which they are eligible as soon as possible," added Chand.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: New Covid variant 'Eris' spreading across the UK

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<h2>US sees rise in EG.5 cases&nbsp;</h2>

Cases of new COVID-19 variant EG.5 are on the rise in the United States and are leading to around 17 per cent of the new coronavirus cases in the country in comparison to 16 per cent for the next most common lineage, XBB.1.16, as per the latest estimates presented by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, reported CNN.&nbsp;

Professor of microbiology and immunology Dr David Ho has been carrying out tests of these variants in his lab at Columbia University to understand their resistance to the antibodies&nbsp;

"Both are only slightly more resistant to neutralising antibodies in the serum of infected and vaccinated persons. It basically has some more immune escape compared to the ones that were precedents in this XBB series," stated Dr Eric Topol, a cardiologist at the Scripps Translational Research Institute. "It has an advantage, which is why it's getting legs all around the world," he added.&nbsp;

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A new strain of coronavirus has been labelled as a 'variant of interest' by the World Health Organisation, although the officials have predicted a low public health risk.

A new strain of coronavirus has been labelled as a 'variant of interest' by the World Health Organisation, although the officials have predicted a low public health risk. The variant, which is known as EG.5 or “Eris”, is connected to an Omicron subvariant called XBB.1.9.2, and has been increasing its prevalence globally, and countries like the UK, China and the United States are emerging as the most affected. However, the WHO has further stated that the variant is not posing any particular threat. “Based on the available evidence, the public health risk posed by EG.5 is evaluated as low at the global level,” said the agency, stating that the risk looked to be at part with other circulating variants of interest. “While EG.5 has shown increased prevalence, growth advantage, and immune escape properties, there have been no reported changes in disease severity to date,” the WHO stated. ALSO READ | Covid variant 'Eris' on rise in UK, as experts say country ‘flying blind’ on infection Variant better at evading body's immune system: WHO Professor of operational research at University College London, Christina Pagel, said that although the variant has been increasing in prevalence and seems to be better at evading the body's immune system which permits it to outcompete other variants, there is a lack of evidence that it can cause more severe disease. “It will probably cause a wave of more cases and all the problems that brings – [such as] more hospitalisations and Long Covid – but [there is] no reason at the moment to think [that will be] worse than previous waves this year,” she stated. Pagel stated that the waning immunity due to previous infections or vaccinations may mean that the wave of EG.5 took longer to peak and hence, it may be larger. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) last week published an update which suggested EG.5, and more specifically its subvariant EG5.1 accounts for around 15 per cent of sequenced COVID-19 cases in England. Deputy director of UKHSA, Dr Meera Chand, said that the new variants' emergence is not unexpected. “UKHSA continues to analyse available data relating to Sars-CoV-2 variants in the UK and abroad. EG.5.1 was designated as a variant on 31 July 2023 due to continued growth internationally and presence in the UK, allowing us to monitor it through our routine surveillance processes," she said. “Vaccination remains our best defence against future Covid-19 waves, so it is still as important as ever that people come to take up all the doses for which they are eligible as soon as possible," added Chand. WATCH | Gravitas: New Covid variant 'Eris' spreading across the UK US sees rise in EG.5 cases Cases of new COVID-19 variant EG.5 are on the rise in the United States and are leading to around 17 per cent of the new coronavirus cases in the country in comparison to 16 per cent for the next most common lineage, XBB.1.16, as per the latest estimates presented by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, reported CNN. Professor of microbiology and immunology Dr David Ho has been carrying out tests of these variants in his lab at Columbia University to understand their resistance to the antibodies "Both are only slightly more resistant to neutralising antibodies in the serum of infected and vaccinated persons. It basically has some more immune escape compared to the ones that were precedents in this XBB series," stated Dr Eric Topol, a cardiologist at the Scripps Translational Research Institute. "It has an advantage, which is why it's getting legs all around the world," he added. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

WHO designates new Covid strain ‘Eris’ as 'variant of interest' amid global surge in cases

Toyota Motors has kicked into high gear, experiencing a smooth ride in its first quarter under the leadership of CEO Koji Sato.

The Japanese automotive giant has reported an astounding 75 per cent&nbsp;surge in net income, soaring to an impressive $9.1 billion. Operating margins have rocketed past 10 per cent, propelling Toyota's market shares to an all-time high.

With improved semiconductor supplies, a critical component, the company adeptly met the burgeoning demand for its vehicles. Additionally, a weaker yen has played to Toyota's advantage in its extensive overseas operations, with the exception of Asia, where fierce competition on Chinese roads impacted performance.

Additionally, a 15 per cent&nbsp;increase in the average vehicle selling price has significantly contributed to a nearly 24 per cent&nbsp;revenue surge for the quarter.

However, beneath Toyota's electrifying accomplishments lie substantial challenges on the horizon, despite new-energy powertrains accounting for over a third of sales during the reporting period.

Nonetheless, the company's trading multiple remains impressively just below 10 times the projected earnings for the next 12 months, almost double that of its counterparts like Ford Motor, General Motors, Stellantis, and Nissan Motor.

While Toyota makes significant strides in the electric car market, hybrids constituted more than a third of sales during the reporting period, primarily involving conventional engines combined with batteries. Intriguingly, a mere 29,000 out of the 2.3 million vehicles sold since Sato's intervention were purely electric.

Furthermore, CEO Koji Sato has strategically focused on penetrating the competitive Chinese market, where local contenders are gaining market share, particularly at the expense of well-established brands that have been relatively slower in developing battery-powered vehicles. These same Chinese brands are also expanding into new markets like Thailand, a region historically strong&nbsp;for&nbsp;Toyota.

As part of Toyota's commitment to electrification, CEO Koji Sato has signaled a renewed emphasis, with the company planning to infuse $1.8 billion into its EV business through share sales in telecom&nbsp;company KDDI.&nbsp;

(Inputs from Reuters)

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Toyota Motors has kicked into high gear, experiencing a smooth ride in its first quarter under the leadership of CEO Koji Sato. The Japanese automotive giant has reported an astounding 75 per cent surge in net income, soaring to an impressive $9.

Toyota Motors has kicked into high gear, experiencing a smooth ride in its first quarter under the leadership of CEO Koji Sato. The Japanese automotive giant has reported an astounding 75 per cent surge in net income, soaring to an impressive $9.1 billion. Operating margins have rocketed past 10 per cent, propelling Toyota's market shares to an all-time high. With improved semiconductor supplies, a critical component, the company adeptly met the burgeoning demand for its vehicles. Additionally, a weaker yen has played to Toyota's advantage in its extensive overseas operations, with the exception of Asia, where fierce competition on Chinese roads impacted performance. Additionally, a 15 per cent increase in the average vehicle selling price has significantly contributed to a nearly 24 per cent revenue surge for the quarter. However, beneath Toyota's electrifying accomplishments lie substantial challenges on the horizon, despite new-energy powertrains accounting for over a third of sales during the reporting period. Nonetheless, the company's trading multiple remains impressively just below 10 times the projected earnings for the next 12 months, almost double that of its counterparts like Ford Motor, General Motors, Stellantis, and Nissan Motor. While Toyota makes significant strides in the electric car market, hybrids constituted more than a third of sales during the reporting period, primarily involving conventional engines combined with batteries. Intriguingly, a mere 29,000 out of the 2.3 million vehicles sold since Sato's intervention were purely electric. Furthermore, CEO Koji Sato has strategically focused on penetrating the competitive Chinese market, where local contenders are gaining market share, particularly at the expense of well-established brands that have been relatively slower in developing battery-powered vehicles. These same Chinese brands are also expanding into new markets like Thailand, a region historically strong for Toyota. As part of Toyota's commitment to electrification, CEO Koji Sato has signaled a renewed emphasis, with the company planning to infuse $1.8 billion into its EV business through share sales in telecom company KDDI. (Inputs from Reuters) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Toyota Motors' net income electrifies investors, surges 75% in Q1

US job gains surged unexpectedly last month as unemployment slipped to its lowest rate in more than five decades, government data showed Friday, indicating strength in the labour market despite efforts to ease economic activity.&nbsp;This could prove concerning to policymakers, with risks that elevated wages could feed into inflation.

While the US central bank has tempered its aggressive campaign to rein in prices on signs that the world's biggest economy is cooling, the latest figures could steer it towards more interest rate hikes than expected.

The United States defied expectations to add 5,17,000 jobs in January, nearly double the December figure, after a five-month slowdown in hiring, said the Labour Department on Friday.&nbsp;

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"Job growth was widespread, led by gains in leisure and hospitality, professional and business services, and health care," the report added.

Employment in manufacturing and construction showed resilience as well, despite a slowdown in activity in both sectors. The jobless rate edged down to 3.4 per cent, a level last seen in 1969, according to government figures.

But wage growth slowed slightly with average hourly earnings rising by 0.3 per cent to $33.03, down from December's 0.4 per cent increase.

Taken together, these figures suggest the labour market remains too hot for policymakers, with the hiring figure marking a spike from December's 260,000 number.

US President Joe Biden on Friday cheered the strong job creation since he took office and noted that inflation was still cooling off. He pushed back against critics who, he says, suggest that "the only way to slow down inflation was to destroy jobs".&nbsp;

"Today's data makes crystal clear... these critics and cynics are wrong," he told reporters, though conceding there remains more work to do.

No sign of softening&nbsp;

"The data show the economy is creating jobs at a rapid pace," said Rubeela Farooqi of High Frequency Economics.

Job creation is showing "no sign of softening" she added, despite the Fed's eight consecutive hikes to the benchmark lending rate, aimed at easing demand and bringing down costs.

"Wage growth has slowed, but it has not yet slowed enough for the Fed," added Ian Shepherdson at Pantheon Macroeconomics.

The Federal Reserve has been closely eyeing the jobs market, with labour demand exceeding the supply of available workers and employers keen to retain staff they may have struggled to find during the pandemic.

While unemployment is typically seen to edge up as interest rates rise and borrowing costs go up, the jobless rate has hovered at historically low levels in recent months.

Wages are "still at a high level," Fed Chair Jerome Powell told reporters on Wednesday.

"They're still at a level that's... well above where they were before the pandemic," he said. "It's going to be reflected in our assessment of the outlook and that will be reflected in our policy over time," he added.

The central bank this week announced a smaller interest rate hike, fueling optimism that the Fed is approaching the end of its cycle of rate increases.

WATCH NOW | Massive layoffs hurting sacked Indians in the US

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Harder landing

But Friday's data could cast doubt on the situation.

"Without an adjustment in the labour market, the risk is that rates will move higher than anticipated," Farooqi of High Frequency Economics said.

This could have repercussions on other areas, with interest-sensitive sectors such as housing already slumping on higher rates while retail sales have slowed.

"This all increases the chance of a harder landing by mid-year," said Nationwide chief economist Kathy Bostjancic. She expects a moderate recession to start by around mid-year.

Shepherdson of Pantheon Macroeconomics added that "the Fed is more likely than not to hike (rates) in March, though we hope they don't, given the lagged effect of their previous tightenings is still to come."

A repeat of January's surge is unlikely in the coming months, said Ryan Sweet of Oxford Economics, noting that employment growth is often higher than expected in the first month of the year.

"We still expect employment growth to slow markedly as the economy enters a recession in response to the Fed's cumulative rate hikes," he said.

He expects "outright job losses" in the second half of the year with joblessness rising modestly.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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US job gains surged unexpectedly last month as unemployment slipped to its lowest rate in more than five decades, government data showed Friday, indicating strength in the labour market despite efforts to ease economic activity.

US job gains surged unexpectedly last month as unemployment slipped to its lowest rate in more than five decades, government data showed Friday, indicating strength in the labour market despite efforts to ease economic activity. This could prove concerning to policymakers, with risks that elevated wages could feed into inflation. While the US central bank has tempered its aggressive campaign to rein in prices on signs that the world's biggest economy is cooling, the latest figures could steer it towards more interest rate hikes than expected. The United States defied expectations to add 5,17,000 jobs in January, nearly double the December figure, after a five-month slowdown in hiring, said the Labour Department on Friday. ALSO READ | American firm offers two advanced drones to Ukraine for just a dollar "Job growth was widespread, led by gains in leisure and hospitality, professional and business services, and health care," the report added. Employment in manufacturing and construction showed resilience as well, despite a slowdown in activity in both sectors. The jobless rate edged down to 3.4 per cent, a level last seen in 1969, according to government figures. But wage growth slowed slightly with average hourly earnings rising by 0.3 per cent to $33.03, down from December's 0.4 per cent increase. Taken together, these figures suggest the labour market remains too hot for policymakers, with the hiring figure marking a spike from December's 260,000 number. US President Joe Biden on Friday cheered the strong job creation since he took office and noted that inflation was still cooling off. He pushed back against critics who, he says, suggest that "the only way to slow down inflation was to destroy jobs". "Today's data makes crystal clear... these critics and cynics are wrong," he told reporters, though conceding there remains more work to do. No sign of softening "The data show the economy is creating jobs at a rapid pace," said Rubeela Farooqi of High Frequency Economics. Job creation is showing "no sign of softening" she added, despite the Fed's eight consecutive hikes to the benchmark lending rate, aimed at easing demand and bringing down costs. "Wage growth has slowed, but it has not yet slowed enough for the Fed," added Ian Shepherdson at Pantheon Macroeconomics. The Federal Reserve has been closely eyeing the jobs market, with labour demand exceeding the supply of available workers and employers keen to retain staff they may have struggled to find during the pandemic. While unemployment is typically seen to edge up as interest rates rise and borrowing costs go up, the jobless rate has hovered at historically low levels in recent months. Wages are "still at a high level," Fed Chair Jerome Powell told reporters on Wednesday. "They're still at a level that's... well above where they were before the pandemic," he said. "It's going to be reflected in our assessment of the outlook and that will be reflected in our policy over time," he added. The central bank this week announced a smaller interest rate hike, fueling optimism that the Fed is approaching the end of its cycle of rate increases. WATCH NOW | Massive layoffs hurting sacked Indians in the US Harder landing But Friday's data could cast doubt on the situation. "Without an adjustment in the labour market, the risk is that rates will move higher than anticipated," Farooqi of High Frequency Economics said. This could have repercussions on other areas, with interest-sensitive sectors such as housing already slumping on higher rates while retail sales have slowed. "This all increases the chance of a harder landing by mid-year," said Nationwide chief economist Kathy Bostjancic. She expects a moderate recession to start by around mid-year. Shepherdson of Pantheon Macroeconomics added that "the Fed is more likely than not to hike (rates) in March, though we hope they don't, given the lagged effect of their previous tightenings is still to come." A repeat of January's surge is unlikely in the coming months, said Ryan Sweet of Oxford Economics, noting that employment growth is often higher than expected in the first month of the year. "We still expect employment growth to slow markedly as the economy enters a recession in response to the Fed's cumulative rate hikes," he said. He expects "outright job losses" in the second half of the year with joblessness rising modestly. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US sees surprise surge in hiring, unemployment slips to lowest in over five decades

The year 2022 has been the year of so many events. Inflation surge, job losses, hybrid work model and then its eventual ending. Year 2022 witnessed its own share of ups and downs, teaching us the ways of life. One of the most remarkable events was the Russia-Ukraine war that started in beginning of the year. It impacted economies and hammered stock markets in 2022. The Boom in crypto market has also come to an end.

2022: A year of retreat and surge | Year Ender 2022

There has been a significant surge in crocodile numbers in Australia. Competition for territory between humans and crocodiles has raged on. Watch this report for all the details.

WION Climate Tracker | Surge in crocodile numbers in Australia

Dogecoin increased by more than 70 per cent&nbsp;on Saturday, continuing this week's advances following Elon Musk's $44 billion acquisition of Twitter last week.&nbsp;

The CEO of Tesla Inc., a fervent supporter of cryptocurrencies, has a significant impact on dogecoin and bitcoin values.&nbsp;

Early this year, Tesla began taking dogecoin as payment for its products. Musk's recently launched perfume line now accepts Dogecoin.&nbsp;

The cryptocurrency exchange Binance, which contributed $500 million to Musk's acquisition of Twitter, claimed to be formulating ideas for how blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies may benefit Twitter.

Under previous CEO Jack Dorsey, who is a supporter of bitcoin, and co-founder Evan Williams, Twitter has started looking at how to apply blockchain technology.&nbsp;

This month, Musk tweeted that he was purchasing Twitter to build an "everything app." Asian companies like WeChat, which enables users to not only send messages but also make payments, shop online, and hail a cab, are where the concept of an all-encompassing software first emerged.&nbsp;

Dogecoin, which started as a social media joke, was formerly unknown until Elon Musk's tweets about it, like the one where he labelled it the "people's crypto," transformed it into a speculator's paradise.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/painting-by-piet-mondrian-hanging-upside-down-for-77-years-529505">Painting by Piet Mondrian hanging upside down for 77 years</a>

World leaders and banned account holders are pleading with Musk to reactivate their accounts after he pledged to restore free expression on Twitter.&nbsp;

A content moderation committee "with widely diverse viewpoints" will be formed by Twitter, he said on Friday. Before the council meets, no significant content decisions or account reinstatements will be made, he added.&nbsp;

In a tweet posted on Saturday, the billionaire claimed Twitter users would soon be able to select the version of the social networking site they prefer by ranking their tweets.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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Dogecoin increased by more than 70 per cent on Saturday, continuing this week's advances following Elon Musk's $44 billion acquisition of Twitter last week. The CEO of Tesla Inc.

Dogecoin increased by more than 70 per cent on Saturday, continuing this week's advances following Elon Musk's $44 billion acquisition of Twitter last week. The CEO of Tesla Inc., a fervent supporter of cryptocurrencies, has a significant impact on dogecoin and bitcoin values. Early this year, Tesla began taking dogecoin as payment for its products. Musk's recently launched perfume line now accepts Dogecoin. The cryptocurrency exchange Binance, which contributed $500 million to Musk's acquisition of Twitter, claimed to be formulating ideas for how blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies may benefit Twitter. Under previous CEO Jack Dorsey, who is a supporter of bitcoin, and co-founder Evan Williams, Twitter has started looking at how to apply blockchain technology. This month, Musk tweeted that he was purchasing Twitter to build an "everything app." Asian companies like WeChat, which enables users to not only send messages but also make payments, shop online, and hail a cab, are where the concept of an all-encompassing software first emerged. Dogecoin, which started as a social media joke, was formerly unknown until Elon Musk's tweets about it, like the one where he labelled it the "people's crypto," transformed it into a speculator's paradise. Also Read: Painting by Piet Mondrian hanging upside down for 77 years World leaders and banned account holders are pleading with Musk to reactivate their accounts after he pledged to restore free expression on Twitter. A content moderation committee "with widely diverse viewpoints" will be formed by Twitter, he said on Friday. Before the council meets, no significant content decisions or account reinstatements will be made, he added. In a tweet posted on Saturday, the billionaire claimed Twitter users would soon be able to select the version of the social networking site they prefer by ranking their tweets. (with inputs from agencies)

Dogecoin surges more than 70% after Musk's Twitter deal

Netflix Inc. reversed customer losses that had been damaging its stock this year and forecast stronger growth in the future. More than doubling what Wall Street anticipated, Netflix added 2.4 million new customers from July through September.

The positive news comes as a reassurance for investors as the streaming giant gets ready to launch a new service with advertising,

In after-hours trading, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bronte-biopic-emily-delves-into-imagined-authors-darkness-525961">Netflix</a> shares increased by 14 per cent, helped in part by prediction that it would gain 4.5 million new subscribers in the fourth quarter. Before the quarterly announcement, the company's stock, which was a favourite among <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-economy-live-updates-japanese-yen-hits-a-fresh-32-year-low-against-dollar-526286">investors</a> during its years of tremendous expansion, had decreased by about 60% this year.

"Thank God we're done with shrinking quarters," said Co-CEO Reed Hastings, adding the company needs to continue gathering momentum by focusing on content, marketing and a lower-priced plan with advertising.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/actor-anna-may-wong-becomes-the-first-asian-american-to-be-featured-on-us-currency-526591">Actor Anna May Wong becomes the first Asian American to be featured on US currency</a>

The fourth season of the sci-fi sensation "Stranger Things" and the serial killer series "Dahmer - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story" were both published by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/netflix-bites-the-bullet-announces-ad-supported-streaming-plan-525242">Netflix</a> during the quarter. The latter became one of Netflix's all-time most popular programmes.

After a sharp decrease in the first half of the year, when the company's subscriber base fell by 1.2 million as a result of a shaky global economy and increasing competition for online content&nbsp;consumers,&nbsp;the streaming platform&nbsp;is attempting to restart membership growth. There are currently 223.1 million Netflix subscribers worldwide.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Netflix Inc. reversed customer losses that had been damaging its stock this year and forecast stronger growth in the future. More than doubling what Wall Street anticipated, Netflix added 2.

Netflix Inc. reversed customer losses that had been damaging its stock this year and forecast stronger growth in the future. More than doubling what Wall Street anticipated, Netflix added 2.4 million new customers from July through September. The positive news comes as a reassurance for investors as the streaming giant gets ready to launch a new service with advertising, In after-hours trading, Netflix shares increased by 14 per cent, helped in part by prediction that it would gain 4.5 million new subscribers in the fourth quarter. Before the quarterly announcement, the company's stock, which was a favourite among investors during its years of tremendous expansion, had decreased by about 60% this year. "Thank God we're done with shrinking quarters," said Co-CEO Reed Hastings, adding the company needs to continue gathering momentum by focusing on content, marketing and a lower-priced plan with advertising. Also read | Actor Anna May Wong becomes the first Asian American to be featured on US currency The fourth season of the sci-fi sensation "Stranger Things" and the serial killer series "Dahmer - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story" were both published by Netflix during the quarter. The latter became one of Netflix's all-time most popular programmes. After a sharp decrease in the first half of the year, when the company's subscriber base fell by 1.2 million as a result of a shaky global economy and increasing competition for online content consumers, the streaming platform is attempting to restart membership growth. There are currently 223.1 million Netflix subscribers worldwide. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Netflix rebounds from subscriber losses; shares surge 14%

There has been a surge in air traffic in Hong Kong. Passer throughput is up 10% at 525,000. Passenger traffic jumped 140% in the first nine months.

Hong Kong air traffic surges: Passer throughput up 10% at 525,000

On Thursday, several U.S. Federal Reserve officials pushed back against rumours that they might limit the pace of interest rate increases, which helped the dollar gain ground. In contrast, the pound was unchanged ahead of a meeting of the Bank of England. The dollar index, which compares the value of the dollar to those of six other currencies, had somewhat increased overnight but was unchanged in early trade at 106.39. This week, it is up about 0.5%, reversing the pattern from the previous two weeks.

Mary Daly of the San Francisco Fed and Neel Kashkari of the Minneapolis Fed both expressed their desire to control excessive inflation overnight, echoing similar sentiments expressed by other officials the day before. Even after the dollar index reached a two-decade high in July, according to a Reuters survey of economists earlier this week, 70% said the dollar had yet to top in this cycle.

The market is pricing in a 58 per cent chance of a 50 basis point rate hike at the Fed's September meeting and a 42 per cent possibility of an additional significant 75 basis point increase, according to CME's FedWatch tool. Sim, however, said that the dollar's recent performance was mixed since riskier currencies have been supported by the increased risk sentiment, which has also aided U.S. market prices.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-relying-heavily-on-oil-palm-to-reduce-19-billion-vegetable-oil-imports-503080">&nbsp;India relying heavily on oil palm to reduce $19 billion vegetable oil imports</a>

The Australian dollar, which had gained 0.46 per cent the previous day, was at $0.695 on Thursday morning as it attempted to climb back over the significant $0.7 level it had fallen from earlier in the week as a result of what appeared to be dovish comments from the central bank. Prior to a BOE meeting later on in the day, when most investors anticipate the central bank to hike the rate by 50 basis points to 1.75 per cent, the highest level since late 2008, the pound was little moved at $1.2158. This is related to central bank news.

(with inputs from agencies)

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On Thursday, several U.S. Federal Reserve officials pushed back against rumours that they might limit the pace of interest rate increases, which helped the dollar gain ground.

On Thursday, several U.S. Federal Reserve officials pushed back against rumours that they might limit the pace of interest rate increases, which helped the dollar gain ground. In contrast, the pound was unchanged ahead of a meeting of the Bank of England. The dollar index, which compares the value of the dollar to those of six other currencies, had somewhat increased overnight but was unchanged in early trade at 106.39. This week, it is up about 0.5%, reversing the pattern from the previous two weeks. Mary Daly of the San Francisco Fed and Neel Kashkari of the Minneapolis Fed both expressed their desire to control excessive inflation overnight, echoing similar sentiments expressed by other officials the day before. Even after the dollar index reached a two-decade high in July, according to a Reuters survey of economists earlier this week, 70% said the dollar had yet to top in this cycle. The market is pricing in a 58 per cent chance of a 50 basis point rate hike at the Fed's September meeting and a 42 per cent possibility of an additional significant 75 basis point increase, according to CME's FedWatch tool. Sim, however, said that the dollar's recent performance was mixed since riskier currencies have been supported by the increased risk sentiment, which has also aided U.S. market prices. Also Read: India relying heavily on oil palm to reduce $19 billion vegetable oil imports The Australian dollar, which had gained 0.46 per cent the previous day, was at $0.695 on Thursday morning as it attempted to climb back over the significant $0.7 level it had fallen from earlier in the week as a result of what appeared to be dovish comments from the central bank. Prior to a BOE meeting later on in the day, when most investors anticipate the central bank to hike the rate by 50 basis points to 1.75 per cent, the highest level since late 2008, the pound was little moved at $1.2158. This is related to central bank news. (with inputs from agencies)

Dollar surges reversing previous two-week trend as Fed officials anticipate further rate hikes

The last thing on anybody’s mind these days in Ukraine seems to be COVID-19.

With millions of people on the move fleeing the Russian invasion, health systems disrupted, and testing and vaccination programs suspended in many places, health officials fear that conditions could spread disease. But the pandemic, they said, was no longer a top priority.

“People are not frightened about COVID anymore,” said Dr. Marta Saiko, head of the therapy department at the Clinical Municipal Emergency Hospital here in western Ukraine. “People are frightened of the war.”

The chaos of war has made it impossible to gauge how the pandemic is progressing. Coronavirus testing has largely been suspended since the war began Feb. 24, and physicians have been told to make an observation of clinical symptoms without bothering with a laboratory test, Dr. Oleksandr Matskov, deputy director of the General Public Health Center of Ukraine, said in a written response to questions.

As a result, new recorded cases have declined sharply in the past two weeks, but “the decrease also may be natural,” he added, noting that the omicron variant surge was already waning before Russian troops and tanks crossed the border.

The invasion has brought attacks on some of the largest cities, including the capital, Kyiv, and the second-largest city, Kharkiv, causing an exodus of people and a breakdown in services. Half the population of Kyiv, a city of about 3 million, has left, the mayor said this past week. Other cities are under siege with little or no access to medical services, Matskov wrote.

Ukraine has a relatively low COVID-19 vaccination rate, barely one-third of the population, and millions of people fleeing their homes have crowded into evacuation trains, resettlement centers, temporary housing and underground shelters — conditions ripe for a new surge of infections. The areas of Ukraine that remain relatively safe from the war for now face new problems as the medical networks in those regions are overloaded by the influx of displaced people, Matskov said.

For the average Ukrainian these days, COVID-19 ranks low on the list of worries.

“It faded into the background,” said Olexander, 46, a seaman who was returning from his job in Norway to join his family in Odessa in southern Ukraine. He declined to give his surname for security in wartime conditions. “Our enemy is much more frightening.”

His company in Norway had insisted on very strict rules during the pandemic, he said, but in Ukraine no one was bothering. He was resting inside a tent at the railway station in Lviv, waiting for the night train to Odesa. The half-dozen people inside were not wearing masks.

“I am vaccinated, and at home, they all got sick with COVID already,” he said with a shrug. He was going home to defend his city and his brother had already enlisted, he said.

Recently, Ukraine has also been grappling with a rare outbreak of polio, which spreads through the kind of unsanitary conditions and water contamination that are common in a refugee crisis. Compounding the threat, vaccination for polio and other diseases has slowed worldwide during the coronavirus pandemic.

Europe had been certified as polio-free, but in October, 20 people in Ukraine tested positive for the virus, which can cause fever and paralysis, and then it spread to a second region in the country. The outbreak seems to have been contained, but two patients were affected by paralysis, Matskov said.

The outbreak was identified by genetic sequencing to match a variant in Tajikistan, indicating that the virus was brought by someone traveling from Tajikistan. It is hard to tell when the threat has abated, because most people infected with poliovirus show no symptoms but can still spread it for weeks or months.

“The risk of the spread of polio has increased significantly since the beginning of the war, as there are crowds of people in shelters, places of temporary residence of refugees at the borders, which cannot provide adequate sanitation and hygiene,” Matskov wrote. “Due to the damage to the infrastructure and the humanitarian crisis, there are interruptions in the supply of drinking water and food.”

Like much of Europe, Ukraine experienced a coronavirus surge earlier this year, averaging more than 35,000 cases per day in early February and more than 200 daily deaths by the middle of the month, according to figures compiled by Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center. The official figures declined rapidly from those highs — and then fell to zero in the days immediately after the Russian invasion, indicating a rupture in reporting.

Matskov said cases were once again being registered as before in the regions not directly affected by fighting. For Wednesday, he said, there were 6,112 cases and 115 deaths.

Ukrainians had been relatively disciplined about wearing masks inside shops and restaurants and on public transport before the war, but most people seem to have abandoned any protocol. As refugees have crammed on to trains and into station waiting halls, social distancing became impossible and there is barely a mask to be seen amid the crowds.

Saiko, at the hospital in Lviv, said she had 32 patients with COVID-19 in her ward, four of them in intensive care at midweek, she said. Only one patient had died this past week, she said.

The caseload was much less than that of previous months, she said. “Now it’s usually four or five patients a day, and it used to be 20 to 25 a day.”

She said cases could increase because of the influx of people into Lviv from other parts of the country, but the hospital has the largest COVID-19 ward and can manage 730 patients at a time. Supplies, she added, were “good enough.”

The last thing on anybody’s mind these days in Ukraine seems to be COVID-19. With millions of people on the move fleeing the Russian invasion, health systems disrupted, and testing and vaccination programs suspended in many places, health officials fear that conditions could spread disease.

The last thing on anybody’s mind these days in Ukraine seems to be COVID-19. With millions of people on the move fleeing the Russian invasion, health systems disrupted, and testing and vaccination programs suspended in many places, health officials fear that conditions could spread disease. But the pandemic, they said, was no longer a top priority. “People are not frightened about COVID anymore,” said Dr. Marta Saiko, head of the therapy department at the Clinical Municipal Emergency Hospital here in western Ukraine. “People are frightened of the war.” The chaos of war has made it impossible to gauge how the pandemic is progressing. Coronavirus testing has largely been suspended since the war began Feb. 24, and physicians have been told to make an observation of clinical symptoms without bothering with a laboratory test, Dr. Oleksandr Matskov, deputy director of the General Public Health Center of Ukraine, said in a written response to questions. As a result, new recorded cases have declined sharply in the past two weeks, but “the decrease also may be natural,” he added, noting that the omicron variant surge was already waning before Russian troops and tanks crossed the border. The invasion has brought attacks on some of the largest cities, including the capital, Kyiv, and the second-largest city, Kharkiv, causing an exodus of people and a breakdown in services. Half the population of Kyiv, a city of about 3 million, has left, the mayor said this past week. Other cities are under siege with little or no access to medical services, Matskov wrote. Ukraine has a relatively low COVID-19 vaccination rate, barely one-third of the population, and millions of people fleeing their homes have crowded into evacuation trains, resettlement centers, temporary housing and underground shelters — conditions ripe for a new surge of infections. The areas of Ukraine that remain relatively safe from the war for now face new problems as the medical networks in those regions are overloaded by the influx of displaced people, Matskov said. For the average Ukrainian these days, COVID-19 ranks low on the list of worries. “It faded into the background,” said Olexander, 46, a seaman who was returning from his job in Norway to join his family in Odessa in southern Ukraine. He declined to give his surname for security in wartime conditions. “Our enemy is much more frightening.” His company in Norway had insisted on very strict rules during the pandemic, he said, but in Ukraine no one was bothering. He was resting inside a tent at the railway station in Lviv, waiting for the night train to Odesa. The half-dozen people inside were not wearing masks. “I am vaccinated, and at home, they all got sick with COVID already,” he said with a shrug. He was going home to defend his city and his brother had already enlisted, he said. Recently, Ukraine has also been grappling with a rare outbreak of polio, which spreads through the kind of unsanitary conditions and water contamination that are common in a refugee crisis. Compounding the threat, vaccination for polio and other diseases has slowed worldwide during the coronavirus pandemic. Europe had been certified as polio-free, but in October, 20 people in Ukraine tested positive for the virus, which can cause fever and paralysis, and then it spread to a second region in the country. The outbreak seems to have been contained, but two patients were affected by paralysis, Matskov said. The outbreak was identified by genetic sequencing to match a variant in Tajikistan, indicating that the virus was brought by someone traveling from Tajikistan. It is hard to tell when the threat has abated, because most people infected with poliovirus show no symptoms but can still spread it for weeks or months. “The risk of the spread of polio has increased significantly since the beginning of the war, as there are crowds of people in shelters, places of temporary residence of refugees at the borders, which cannot provide adequate sanitation and hygiene,” Matskov wrote. “Due to the damage to the infrastructure and the humanitarian crisis, there are interruptions in the supply of drinking water and food.” Like much of Europe, Ukraine experienced a coronavirus surge earlier this year, averaging more than 35,000 cases per day in early February and more than 200 daily deaths by the middle of the month, according to figures compiled by Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center. The official figures declined rapidly from those highs — and then fell to zero in the days immediately after the Russian invasion, indicating a rupture in reporting. Matskov said cases were once again being registered as before in the regions not directly affected by fighting. For Wednesday, he said, there were 6,112 cases and 115 deaths. Ukrainians had been relatively disciplined about wearing masks inside shops and restaurants and on public transport before the war, but most people seem to have abandoned any protocol. As refugees have crammed on to trains and into station waiting halls, social distancing became impossible and there is barely a mask to be seen amid the crowds. Saiko, at the hospital in Lviv, said she had 32 patients with COVID-19 in her ward, four of them in intensive care at midweek, she said. Only one patient had died this past week, she said. The caseload was much less than that of previous months, she said. “Now it’s usually four or five patients a day, and it used to be 20 to 25 a day.” She said cases could increase because of the influx of people into Lviv from other parts of the country, but the hospital has the largest COVID-19 ward and can manage 730 patients at a time. Supplies, she added, were “good enough.”

Chaos of war in Ukraine could fuel new COVID-19 surge, doctors say

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