The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is celebrated every year on August 9&nbsp;to protect the rights of the indigenous population.&nbsp;On this occasion, various world leaders took to their official Twitter handle with the aim of making citizens aware.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndigenousPeoples?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndigenousPeoples</a> are leaders in protecting our planet 🌏 
 
The world must learn from their knowledge and respect their right to engage in decision making. That’s why there will be an Indigenous Peoples’ pavilion at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COP26?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COP26</a> 
 
Learn more 👇<a href="https://t.co/tRftbmPF2u">https://t.co/tRftbmPF2u</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndigenousDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndigenousDay</a> <a href="https://t.co/YXQM56VZBX">pic.twitter.com/YXQM56VZBX</a>
— Alok Sharma (@AlokSharma_RDG) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlokSharma_RDG/status/1424719572129697794?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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On <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndigenousDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndigenousDay</a>, we celebrate the vibrant and diverse cultures, languages, and traditions of Indigenous peoples here in Canada and around the world. Today is also a chance for us all to commit ourselves to making sure Indigenous rights are recognized and respected every day.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinTrudeau/status/1424719329313034240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Promoting, protecting and fulfilling the rights of indigenous peoples is everyone’s business. 
Finland is firmly committed to the <a href="https://twitter.com/UN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UN</a> Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. 
 
EU declaration 👇<a href="https://t.co/X539nQqIzH">https://t.co/X539nQqIzH</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FIforHRC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FIforHRC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndigenousPeoplesDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndigenousPeoplesDay</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreIndigenous?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreIndigenous</a>
— MFA Finland 🇫🇮 (@Ulkoministerio) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ulkoministerio/status/1424712439959019520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

History&nbsp; 
In April 2000, the commission on human rights adopted a resolution to set up the permanent UN forum on indigenous issues, which was presented by the economic and social council.&nbsp; 
The forum focused and discussed the issues related to education, culture, economic and social development, environment, health, human rights, among other areas.&nbsp; 
Their main aim was mainly to strengthen international cooperation for solving problems faced by the global indigenous population.

As per an estimate by the United Nations, there are more than 476 million indigenous people in the world, spread across 90 countries and representing 5,000 different cultures, who make 6.2 per cent of the global population and live in all geographic regions. 
Many of them reside in India. 
The central tribal belt which comprises the Northeastern states of India claims to have the maximum concentration of indigenous population. Here are a few of them.

Great Andamanese Tribes 
This group occupies the regions of Strait Island and some parts of Rutland Island. It consists of Onge, Jarawa, Jangil and Sentinelese, who are the first inhabitants of the island and paint their faces, bodies with clay. These tribes are into chanting while they work and are fond of communicating with big, colourful pigeons in the forest.&nbsp;

Gond Tribes 
Mostly spotted in Bastar highland regions of Southern Chhattisgarh, there are three important Gond tribes- Muria, the Bisonhorn Maria, and the Hill Maria.&nbsp; 
Raj Gond is known to be the most developed in the Gond tribes.

Bhils 
Till 2013, Bhils were the largest tribal group in India, known to have a rich, distinctive culture. They are an Indo-Aryan speaking ethnic group in Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra; the western Deccan region.

Theme

The 2021 commemoration of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is themed at “Leaving no one behind: Indigenous peoples and the call for a new social contract.”&nbsp; 
The event will feature an interactive session with two speakers.&nbsp; 
Also, the discussion will focus on the distinct elements which should be considered while building and redesigning a fresh social contract inclusive of indigenous peoples.

The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is celebrated every year on August 9 to protect the rights of the indigenous population. On this occasion, various world leaders took to their official Twitter handle with the aim of making citizens aware.

The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is celebrated every year on August 9 to protect the rights of the indigenous population. On this occasion, various world leaders took to their official Twitter handle with the aim of making citizens aware. #IndigenousPeoples are leaders in protecting our planet 🌏 The world must learn from their knowledge and respect their right to engage in decision making. That’s why there will be an Indigenous Peoples’ pavilion at #COP26 Learn more 👇https://t.co/tRftbmPF2u#IndigenousDay pic.twitter.com/YXQM56VZBX — Alok Sharma (@AlokSharma_RDG) August 9, 2021 × On #IndigenousDay, we celebrate the vibrant and diverse cultures, languages, and traditions of Indigenous peoples here in Canada and around the world. Today is also a chance for us all to commit ourselves to making sure Indigenous rights are recognized and respected every day. — Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) August 9, 2021 × Promoting, protecting and fulfilling the rights of indigenous peoples is everyone’s business. Finland is firmly committed to the @UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. EU declaration 👇https://t.co/X539nQqIzH#FIforHRC #IndigenousPeoplesDay #WeAreIndigenous — MFA Finland 🇫🇮 (@Ulkoministerio) August 9, 2021 × History In April 2000, the commission on human rights adopted a resolution to set up the permanent UN forum on indigenous issues, which was presented by the economic and social council. The forum focused and discussed the issues related to education, culture, economic and social development, environment, health, human rights, among other areas. Their main aim was mainly to strengthen international cooperation for solving problems faced by the global indigenous population. As per an estimate by the United Nations, there are more than 476 million indigenous people in the world, spread across 90 countries and representing 5,000 different cultures, who make 6.2 per cent of the global population and live in all geographic regions. Many of them reside in India. The central tribal belt which comprises the Northeastern states of India claims to have the maximum concentration of indigenous population. Here are a few of them. Great Andamanese Tribes This group occupies the regions of Strait Island and some parts of Rutland Island. It consists of Onge, Jarawa, Jangil and Sentinelese, who are the first inhabitants of the island and paint their faces, bodies with clay. These tribes are into chanting while they work and are fond of communicating with big, colourful pigeons in the forest. Gond Tribes Mostly spotted in Bastar highland regions of Southern Chhattisgarh, there are three important Gond tribes- Muria, the Bisonhorn Maria, and the Hill Maria. Raj Gond is known to be the most developed in the Gond tribes. Bhils Till 2013, Bhils were the largest tribal group in India, known to have a rich, distinctive culture. They are an Indo-Aryan speaking ethnic group in Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra; the western Deccan region. Theme The 2021 commemoration of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is themed at “Leaving no one behind: Indigenous peoples and the call for a new social contract.” The event will feature an interactive session with two speakers. Also, the discussion will focus on the distinct elements which should be considered while building and redesigning a fresh social contract inclusive of indigenous peoples.

International day of the world’s indigenous peoples 2021: Here is all you need to know

In Pics: These countries don't celebrate Independence Day. Find out why

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

The number of COVID-19 infections recorded worldwide passed 200 million on Thursday, an AFP count showed, as the pandemic surges around the world, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region where the Australian city of Melbourne locked down again.

The number of COVID-19 infections recorded worldwide passed 200 million on Thursday, an AFP count showed, as the pandemic surges around the world, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region where the Australian city of Melbourne locked down again. Authorities in Australia's Melbourne announced another lockdown as Sydney continued to witness a surge in coronavirus coronavirus cases. Victoria's Premier Daniel Andrews said there was "no alternatives to lockdown". "This thing moves so fast. There is no debate or discussion about this - the Delta variant moves at lightning speed and by the time you get the people they have already infected, all the people they live with," Victoria premier Dan Andrews said. "We can't allow that to happen otherwise we are locked down until Christmas," the Victorian premier informed. At least half of Australia will be under lockdown when Victoria enters into a lockdown later on Thursday. Meanwhile, Sydney continued to witness a surge in coronavirus cases as New South Wales recorded 262 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday which was the highest since the pandemic began along with five deaths. Officials said people in New South Wales will receive additional 180,000 Pfizer-BioNTech doses next week as the government considers relaxing restrictions on August 29 for the vaccination campaign. New South Wales has reported 4,300 cases in the last seven weeks with Sydney's southwest area becoming the epicentre of the virus as officials extended stay-at-home restrictions to neighbouring areas. The authorities urged people to be vaccinated as Newcastle and Hunter region announced a week-long lockdown. Australia has vaccinated just 20 per cent of its population even as it closed its border since the pandemic began and put mandatory travel quarantine. Also read | Australia: Melbourne enters another lockdown, Sydney reports record COVID-19 cases The Delta variant has been running rampant in Southeast Asia, with Thailand recording 20,000 new daily cases for the first time on Wednesday, and again on Thursday. The country also announced 160 deaths in 24 hours, as exhausted morgue workers struggle to cope with the mounting bodies. "I've seen our personnel faint quite a few times lately so fatigue is definitely starting to set in and we're almost at our limits," forensic scientist Thanitchet Khetkham told AFP. Indonesia's total Covid death toll passed 100,000 on Wednesday after it recorded 1,739 of the 10,245 fatalities registered worldwide, the global toll rising past 4.25 million. Japan's capital Tokyo had a new record number of daily cases with 5,042, just three days before the end of the Olympics. Africa also posted a new record with the 6,400 deaths in the week to August 1 representing the continent's most since the start of the pandemic, the World Health Organization said.

COVID-19 cases top 200 million worldwide as Delta variant poses threat

The European Space Agency on July 30 launched the world's first commercial fully re-programmable satellite. Named Eutelsat Quantum, the world's first commercial fully re-programmable satellite lifted off from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EutelsatQuantum?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EutelsatQuantum</a>, the first commercial fully flexible software-defined satellite in the world, was launched this evening, 30 July 2021 👉 <a href="https://t.co/pawRsN5Juk">https://t.co/pawRsN5Juk</a> <a href="https://t.co/WwC5lcBRZd">pic.twitter.com/WwC5lcBRZd</a>
— ESA (@esa) <a href="https://twitter.com/esa/status/1421232465595731969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2021</a></blockquote>
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In an official press release, the space agency wrote, "Eutelsat Quantum, developed under an ESA partnership project with satellite operator Eutelsat and prime manufacturer Airbus, is the first commercial fully flexible software-defined satellite in the world".&nbsp;

It further read, "Because it can be reprogrammed in orbit, it can respond to changing demands for data transmission and secure communications during its 15-year lifetime. Its beams can be redirected to move in almost real-time to provide information to passengers onboard moving ships or planes."

The Eutelsat Quantum can respond to changing demands for data transmission and secure communications during its lifetime of 15-years.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/us-agency-denies-blue-origin-protest-over-nasa-lunar-lander-contract-401844">Also read |&nbsp;US agency denies Blue Origin protest over NASA lunar lander contract</a>

The beams of Eutelsat Quantum can be redirected to move in almost real-time to provide information to passengers onboard moving ships or planes.&nbsp;

Also, the beams can be easily adjusted to give more information when demand increases.&nbsp;

The satellite can detect and characterise any rogue emissions, enabling it to respond dynamically to accidental interference.

Daniel Neuenschwander, ESA Director of Space Transportation in the press release said, “Every launch is exciting. Ariane 5 is the pride of Europe and continues to be the cornerstone of Europe’s access to space". Neuenschwander added that Eutelsat Quantum is the result of an "ESA–industry partnership that brings a world first to telecommunications."

The European Space Agency on July 30 launched the world's first commercial fully re-programmable satellite. Named Eutelsat Quantum, the world's first commercial fully re-programmable satellite lifted off from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

The European Space Agency on July 30 launched the world's first commercial fully re-programmable satellite. Named Eutelsat Quantum, the world's first commercial fully re-programmable satellite lifted off from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. #EutelsatQuantum, the first commercial fully flexible software-defined satellite in the world, was launched this evening, 30 July 2021 👉 https://t.co/pawRsN5Juk pic.twitter.com/WwC5lcBRZd — ESA (@esa) July 30, 2021 × In an official press release, the space agency wrote, "Eutelsat Quantum, developed under an ESA partnership project with satellite operator Eutelsat and prime manufacturer Airbus, is the first commercial fully flexible software-defined satellite in the world". It further read, "Because it can be reprogrammed in orbit, it can respond to changing demands for data transmission and secure communications during its 15-year lifetime. Its beams can be redirected to move in almost real-time to provide information to passengers onboard moving ships or planes." The Eutelsat Quantum can respond to changing demands for data transmission and secure communications during its lifetime of 15-years. Also read | US agency denies Blue Origin protest over NASA lunar lander contract The beams of Eutelsat Quantum can be redirected to move in almost real-time to provide information to passengers onboard moving ships or planes. Also, the beams can be easily adjusted to give more information when demand increases. The satellite can detect and characterise any rogue emissions, enabling it to respond dynamically to accidental interference. Daniel Neuenschwander, ESA Director of Space Transportation in the press release said, “Every launch is exciting. Ariane 5 is the pride of Europe and continues to be the cornerstone of Europe’s access to space". Neuenschwander added that Eutelsat Quantum is the result of an "ESA–industry partnership that brings a world first to telecommunications."

World's first commercial re-programmable satellite blasts into space

Governments around the&nbsp;world&nbsp;on Thursday raced to head off a surge in coronavirus cases driven by the&nbsp;Delta&nbsp;variant, with US President Joe Biden offering new incentives to vaccine holdouts and Israel authorizing booster shots.

The&nbsp;World&nbsp;Health Organization warned the highly transmissible strain of the virus, first detected in India, could unleash a "fourth wave" of cases in its Eastern Mediterranean zone -- an area stretching from Morocco to Pakistan.

Those countries are especially at risk because vaccination rates are low -- only 5.5 percent of the region's population has been fully vaccinated. So in nations where vaccines are more available, public officials are sounding the alarm.

"People are dying -- and will die -- who don't have to die," Biden said in a speech on his administration's new initiatives aimed at curbing the spread. "If you're out there and unvaccinated, you don't have to die."

He said all federal government workers would be asked to reveal their vaccination status -- and those without the jab would have to mask in the workplace and submit to COVID-19 tests.

The Democratic president also said he would ask the Pentagon to consider making the coronavirus vaccine mandatory for active duty military personnel, and asked state and local governments to offer $100 to holdouts who get the shot.

"If incentives help us beat this virus, I believe we should use them. We all benefit if we can get more people vaccinated," Biden said.

In Israel, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett announced that those over the age of 60 would be offered a third dose of vaccine -- a booster shot available from Sunday.

"I call on all elderly people who have already been vaccinated to receive this additional dose," Bennett said. "Protect yourselves."

"The decision was based on considerable research and analysis, as well as the rise in risk of the&nbsp;Delta&nbsp;variant&nbsp;wave," Bennett said.

Israel quickly rolled out its vaccination campaign and had dropped many restrictions on public gatherings in June, but infections soared, and masks are once again mandatory in enclosed public places.

The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also urged people living in Covid hotspots -- even the vaccinated -- to mask&nbsp;up&nbsp;indoors.

The surge in cases across America has left the early vaccine adopters angry at those who have so far opted against the jab.

"It's almost like they don't care about the rest of the&nbsp;world. They're being selfish and self-centered," Alethea Reed, a 58-year-old health care administrator in Washington, told AFP.

Mixed bag of measures

The global coronavirus situation is a mixed one: while some places like the French territory of La Reunion and Spain's Catalonia region are instituting new curbs, others are easing&nbsp;up&nbsp;on restrictions.

Portugal said it would lift its&nbsp;anti-virus&nbsp;measures in several phases from Sunday, with shops and restaurants allowed to open for longer hours and working from home no longer compulsory.

But at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo, already delayed by a year due to the pandemic, the virus continued to wreak havoc, with nearly 200 infections among the athletes, media and employees taking part in the Games.

Among them were US pole vault hopeful Sam Kendricks, a two-time&nbsp;world&nbsp;champion, and two high-profile golfers:&nbsp;world&nbsp;number one Jon Rahm and 2020 US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau.

Japan hit a new record for the number of daily cases -- more than 10,000 -- on Thursday, and a state of emergency already in place in Tokyo was to be extended to four more regions.

"The current situation is the worst ever," a top government advisor on the virus, Shigeru Omi, warned, according to national broadcaster NHK.

In Mexico, the national statistics institute said more than 200,000 deaths from the coronavirus were recorded in 2020 -- 35 percent more than originally reported by the government

And in China, where the novel coronavirus first emerged in the city of Wuhan, small outbreaks driven by the&nbsp;Delta&nbsp;variant&nbsp;were reported in three provinces.&nbsp;

China is racing to vaccinate at least 65 percent of its 1.4-billion population by the end of the year.

So far, the virus has killed more than 4.1 million people around the&nbsp;world, according to an AFP tally compiled from official sources. The United States has the highest death toll, at more than 612,000.

Governments around the world on Thursday raced to head off a surge in coronavirus cases driven by the Delta variant, with US President Joe Biden offering new incentives to vaccine holdouts and Israel authorizing booster shots.

Governments around the world on Thursday raced to head off a surge in coronavirus cases driven by the Delta variant, with US President Joe Biden offering new incentives to vaccine holdouts and Israel authorizing booster shots. The World Health Organization warned the highly transmissible strain of the virus, first detected in India, could unleash a "fourth wave" of cases in its Eastern Mediterranean zone -- an area stretching from Morocco to Pakistan. Those countries are especially at risk because vaccination rates are low -- only 5.5 percent of the region's population has been fully vaccinated. So in nations where vaccines are more available, public officials are sounding the alarm. "People are dying -- and will die -- who don't have to die," Biden said in a speech on his administration's new initiatives aimed at curbing the spread. "If you're out there and unvaccinated, you don't have to die." He said all federal government workers would be asked to reveal their vaccination status -- and those without the jab would have to mask in the workplace and submit to COVID-19 tests. The Democratic president also said he would ask the Pentagon to consider making the coronavirus vaccine mandatory for active duty military personnel, and asked state and local governments to offer $100 to holdouts who get the shot. "If incentives help us beat this virus, I believe we should use them. We all benefit if we can get more people vaccinated," Biden said. In Israel, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett announced that those over the age of 60 would be offered a third dose of vaccine -- a booster shot available from Sunday. "I call on all elderly people who have already been vaccinated to receive this additional dose," Bennett said. "Protect yourselves." "The decision was based on considerable research and analysis, as well as the rise in risk of the Delta variant wave," Bennett said. Israel quickly rolled out its vaccination campaign and had dropped many restrictions on public gatherings in June, but infections soared, and masks are once again mandatory in enclosed public places. The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also urged people living in Covid hotspots -- even the vaccinated -- to mask up indoors. The surge in cases across America has left the early vaccine adopters angry at those who have so far opted against the jab. "It's almost like they don't care about the rest of the world. They're being selfish and self-centered," Alethea Reed, a 58-year-old health care administrator in Washington, told AFP. Mixed bag of measures The global coronavirus situation is a mixed one: while some places like the French territory of La Reunion and Spain's Catalonia region are instituting new curbs, others are easing up on restrictions. Portugal said it would lift its anti-virus measures in several phases from Sunday, with shops and restaurants allowed to open for longer hours and working from home no longer compulsory. But at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo, already delayed by a year due to the pandemic, the virus continued to wreak havoc, with nearly 200 infections among the athletes, media and employees taking part in the Games. Among them were US pole vault hopeful Sam Kendricks, a two-time world champion, and two high-profile golfers: world number one Jon Rahm and 2020 US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau. Japan hit a new record for the number of daily cases -- more than 10,000 -- on Thursday, and a state of emergency already in place in Tokyo was to be extended to four more regions. "The current situation is the worst ever," a top government advisor on the virus, Shigeru Omi, warned, according to national broadcaster NHK. In Mexico, the national statistics institute said more than 200,000 deaths from the coronavirus were recorded in 2020 -- 35 percent more than originally reported by the government And in China, where the novel coronavirus first emerged in the city of Wuhan, small outbreaks driven by the Delta variant were reported in three provinces. China is racing to vaccinate at least 65 percent of its 1.4-billion population by the end of the year. So far, the virus has killed more than 4.1 million people around the world, according to an AFP tally compiled from official sources. The United States has the highest death toll, at more than 612,000.

World races to contain Delta variant, US steps up anti-virus plan

UN secretary general's special representative for Afghanistan Deborah Lyons, while addressing the Joint Coordination and Monitoring Board (JCMB) meeting at the Presidential Palace, said on Wednesday, if there is no progress in the peace talks the world will not work with the Taliban. &nbsp;

Lyons said, "If there is no movement at the negotiating table, and instead human rights abuses and worse, still atrocities occur in districts they control, the Taliban will not be seen as a viable partner for the international community."&nbsp;&nbsp;

With the occupation of the territory, the Taliban have also inherited its responsibilities. Lyons added, "The world is watching closely how they are acting, especially towards civilian populations, women and minorities.” &nbsp;

The meeting was taking place in extraordinary circumstances in order to preserve the gains, never more urgent or challenging. “The Taliban have gained a certain legitimacy in recent years through their negotiations in Doha, but this legitimacy is promised on their commitment to a political negotiation with the government of Afghanistan, a commitment which their battle-focused strategy casts into doubt," the representative added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

UN secretary general's special representative for Afghanistan Deborah Lyons, while addressing the Joint Coordination and Monitoring Board (JCMB) meeting at the Presidential Palace, said on Wednesday, if there is no progress in the peace talks the world will not work with the Taliban.

UN secretary general's special representative for Afghanistan Deborah Lyons, while addressing the Joint Coordination and Monitoring Board (JCMB) meeting at the Presidential Palace, said on Wednesday, if there is no progress in the peace talks the world will not work with the Taliban. Lyons said, "If there is no movement at the negotiating table, and instead human rights abuses and worse, still atrocities occur in districts they control, the Taliban will not be seen as a viable partner for the international community." With the occupation of the territory, the Taliban have also inherited its responsibilities. Lyons added, "The world is watching closely how they are acting, especially towards civilian populations, women and minorities.” The meeting was taking place in extraordinary circumstances in order to preserve the gains, never more urgent or challenging. “The Taliban have gained a certain legitimacy in recent years through their negotiations in Doha, but this legitimacy is promised on their commitment to a political negotiation with the government of Afghanistan, a commitment which their battle-focused strategy casts into doubt," the representative added. (With inputs from agencies)

World will not work with Taliban if no progress in talks, says UN representative to Afghanistan  

If the reports are to be believed, world's largest star sapphire cluster seems to have been found in a backyard in the gem-rich Ratnapura area, all by accident. The Sri Lankan authorities have made the claim.&nbsp;

According to a gem trader, the stone, which is pale blue in colour, was found by labourers while digging a well in his home. Ratnapura, where he lives, is known to be the gem capital of the country. &nbsp;

The stone, which has been named the 'Serendipity Sapphire', has an estimated value of up to $100 million in the international market. It weighs around 510 kg.&nbsp;

The owner Gamage, who didn't want to share full name due to security reasons, told the BBC, "The person, who was digging the well, alerted us about some rare stones. Later, we stumbled upon this huge specimen."&nbsp;

The third-generation gem trader informed authorities about the find. And it took more than a year to clean it by removing mud and other impurities before it could be analysed and certified. &nbsp;

In the cleaning, the owner said some stones also fell out. They seem to be found to be high quality star sapphires.&nbsp;

If the reports are to be believed, world's largest star sapphire cluster seems to have been found in a backyard in the gem-rich Ratnapura area, all by accident. The Sri Lankan authorities have made the claim.

If the reports are to be believed, world's largest star sapphire cluster seems to have been found in a backyard in the gem-rich Ratnapura area, all by accident. The Sri Lankan authorities have made the claim. According to a gem trader, the stone, which is pale blue in colour, was found by labourers while digging a well in his home. Ratnapura, where he lives, is known to be the gem capital of the country. The stone, which has been named the 'Serendipity Sapphire', has an estimated value of up to $100 million in the international market. It weighs around 510 kg. The owner Gamage, who didn't want to share full name due to security reasons, told the BBC, "The person, who was digging the well, alerted us about some rare stones. Later, we stumbled upon this huge specimen." The third-generation gem trader informed authorities about the find. And it took more than a year to clean it by removing mud and other impurities before it could be analysed and certified. In the cleaning, the owner said some stones also fell out. They seem to be found to be high quality star sapphires.

World's largest star sapphire cluster found in a Sri Lankan backyard: Report 

The World Heritage Committee on Saturday inscribed five cultural sites, including one transnational property, in Saudi Arabia, Austria, Belgium, Czechia, France, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on UNESCO’s World Heritage List during its 44th session held online and chaired from Fuzhou (China).

The World Heritage Committee on Saturday inscribed five cultural sites, including one transnational property, in Saudi Arabia, Austria, Belgium, Czechia, France, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on UNESCO’s World Heritage List during its 44th session held online and chaired from Fuzhou (China). Few Indian sites including Dholavira, an archaeological site in Gujarat which represents the ruins of an ancient city of the Harappan civilization, and the Glorious Kakatiya Temples and Gateways in Telangana will also be examined for inscription on UNESCO's list. Let's read about the sites which have been inscribed. Hima Cultural Area, Saudi Arabia Located in an arid, mountainous area of southwest Saudi Arabia, this site is on one of the Arabian Peninsula’s ancient caravan routes, Ḥimā Cultural The area contains a substantial collection of rock art images depicting hunting, fauna, flora and lifestyles in a cultural continuity of 7,000 years. The inscriptions here are in different scripts, including Musnad, Aramaic-Nabatean, South-Arabian, Thamudic, Greek and Arabic. As per UNESCO, the property and its buffer zone are also rich in unexcavated archaeological resources in the form of cairns, stone structures, interments, stone tool scatters and ancient wells. This location is at the oldest known toll station on an important ancient desert caravan route, where the wells of Bi’r Ḥimā date back at least 3,000 years and still produce fresh water. The Great Spa Towns of Europe in Austria, Belgium, Czechia, France, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland The transnational site of The Great Spa Towns of Europe comprises 11 towns, located in seven European countries. This includes Baden bei Wien in Austria, Spa in Belgium, Františkovy Lázně in Czechia, Karlovy Vary in Czechia, Mariánské Lázně in Czechia, Vichy in France, Bad Ems in Germany, Baden-Baden in Germany, Bad Kissingen in Germany, Montecatini Terme in Italy, and City of Bath in the United Kingdom.The towns have developed around natural mineral water springs. Cordouan Lighthouse, France The lighthouse rises up on a shallow rocky plateau in the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the Gironde estuary. It has been built in white limestone dressed blocks at the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries. Designed by engineer Louis de Foix and remodelled by engineer Joseph Teulère in the late 18th century, it is decorated with pilasters, columns modillions and gargoyles. As per UNESCO, the architectural forms have drawn inspiration from ancient models, Renaissance Mannerism and the specific architectural language of France’s engineering school École des Ponts et Chaussées. Also read | UNESCO calls on US to end construction of Trump’s border wall Mathuldenhohe Darmstadt, Germany Established in 1897 by Ernst Ludwig, Grand Duke of Hesse, it is the highest elevation above the city of Darmstadt in west-central Germany. The buildings of the colony were created by its artist members as experimental early modernist living and working environments. The serial property consists of two parts including 23 elements, such as the Wedding Tower (1908), the Exhibition Hall (1908), the Plane Tree Grove (1833, 1904-14), the Russian Chapel of St. Maria Magdalena (1897-99), the Lily Basin, the Gottfried Schwab Memorial (1905), the Pergola and Garden (1914), the “Swan Temple” Garden Pavilion (1914), the Ernst Ludwig Fountain, and the 13 houses and artists’ studios that were built for the Darmstadt Artists’ Colony and for the international exhibitions. A Three House Group, built for the 1904 exhibition is an additional component. Padua’s fourteenth-century fresco cycles, Italy The site is composed of eight religious and secular building complexes, within the historic walled city of Padua which houses a selection of fresco cycles painted between 1302 and 1397 by different artists for different types of patron. These include Giotto’s Scrovegni Chapel fresco cycle. Other fresco cycles of different artists include Guariento di Arpo, Giusto de’ Menabuoi, Altichiero da Zevio, Jacopo Avanzi and Jacopo da Verona.

Five sites inscribed on UNESCO’s world heritage list

Leaders of the Asia-Pacific trade group APEC, including US&nbsp;President Joe Biden, Russia's Vladimir Putin, and China's Xi Jinping, pledged on Friday to work to expand sharing and manufacturing of COVID-19 vaccines to fight the global pandemic. 
 
The leaders, struggling to tame outbreaks exacerbated by the Delta variant of coronavirus, said they would encourage the voluntary transfer of vaccine production technologies 'on mutually agreed terms' as the region prepared for future health shocks. 
 
"The pandemic continues to have a devastating impact on our region’s people and economies," the leaders said in a joint statement issued after a virtual meeting chaired by New Zealand. 
 
"We will only overcome this health emergency by accelerating equitable access to safe, effective, quality-assured, and affordable COVID-19 vaccines," they said. 
 
The APEC leaders met virtually to discuss collective actions to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impacts. 
 
New Zealand, the revolving Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation host, said this week it would chair the extraordinary meeting ahead of a formal gathering in November, the first time such an additional meeting has been held. 
 
"Our discussions moved us beyond vaccine nationalism. Now we are focusing on all aspects of contributing to the global vaccination effort — making vaccines, sharing vaccines and using vaccines," New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said after the meeting. She said the leaders agreed this will not be the world`s last pandemic and that preparedness was critical. 
 
The meeting highlights growing concerns around COVID-19, which is raging in the region as countries including Indonesia, Thailand and Australia face new waves of infections.

Leaders of the Asia-Pacific trade group APEC, including US President Joe Biden, Russia's Vladimir Putin, and China's Xi Jinping, pledged on Friday to work to expand sharing and manufacturing of COVID-19 vaccines to fight the global pandemic.

Leaders of the Asia-Pacific trade group APEC, including US President Joe Biden, Russia's Vladimir Putin, and China's Xi Jinping, pledged on Friday to work to expand sharing and manufacturing of COVID-19 vaccines to fight the global pandemic. The leaders, struggling to tame outbreaks exacerbated by the Delta variant of coronavirus, said they would encourage the voluntary transfer of vaccine production technologies 'on mutually agreed terms' as the region prepared for future health shocks. "The pandemic continues to have a devastating impact on our region’s people and economies," the leaders said in a joint statement issued after a virtual meeting chaired by New Zealand. "We will only overcome this health emergency by accelerating equitable access to safe, effective, quality-assured, and affordable COVID-19 vaccines," they said. The APEC leaders met virtually to discuss collective actions to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impacts. New Zealand, the revolving Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation host, said this week it would chair the extraordinary meeting ahead of a formal gathering in November, the first time such an additional meeting has been held. "Our discussions moved us beyond vaccine nationalism. Now we are focusing on all aspects of contributing to the global vaccination effort — making vaccines, sharing vaccines and using vaccines," New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said after the meeting. She said the leaders agreed this will not be the world`s last pandemic and that preparedness was critical. The meeting highlights growing concerns around COVID-19, which is raging in the region as countries including Indonesia, Thailand and Australia face new waves of infections.

World leaders pledge to redouble pandemic fight at special APEC meeting

A strong explosion shook the Caspian Sea area. As a result of this, a column of fire rose into the sky late on Sunday.

The cause of the blast was not immediately determined. However, the state oil company Socar said highlighted that it was a mud volcano. The company further said that none of its platforms was damaged in the explosion.

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Yesterday, there was a blast in the Caspian Sea, which also was vividly witnessed from Baku. Many assumed it was an explosion in oil and gas platforms, but the dawn revealed a new baby island in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea. <a href="https://t.co/oeDnIQKp88">pic.twitter.com/oeDnIQKp88</a>
— Ali Mirzazada (@AliMirzazada) <a href="https://twitter.com/AliMirzazada/status/1411936058485493761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Not to be outdone by the Gulf of Mexico, there was a massive explosion in the Caspian Sea <a href="https://t.co/JgxMkAmzUW">pic.twitter.com/JgxMkAmzUW</a>
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Mark Tingay, who is an expert on mud volcano and adjunct associate professor at the Australia’s University of Adelaide, said the explosion “certainly could be a mud volcano” and that the location “fits roughly” with a mud volcano called Makarov Bank, which exploded in 1958, releasing a column of flame 500-600 metres high and 150 metres wide.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rest-of-collapsed-florida-apartment-demolished-ahead-of-storm-search-and-rescue-to-resume-395845">Also read |&nbsp;Rest of collapsed Florida apartment demolished ahead of storm, search and rescue to resume</a>

He further said that the country has “hundreds” of mud volcanoes, and a quarter of these are known to erupt violently.&nbsp;

Socar spokesman Ibrahim Ahmadov has been quoted by the Azerbaijani news agency APA saying the blast took place about 10km from the Umid gas field, which is 75km off the coast of the capital, Baku.

Scientists are yet to determine the cause of mud volcanoes. However, the most likely theory is that the boulders and rocks which are propelled upwards during an explosion can knock against each other. This causes a spark that lights gasses.

A strong explosion shook the Caspian Sea area. As a result of this, a column of fire rose into the sky late on Sunday. The cause of the blast was not immediately determined.

A strong explosion shook the Caspian Sea area. As a result of this, a column of fire rose into the sky late on Sunday. The cause of the blast was not immediately determined. However, the state oil company Socar said highlighted that it was a mud volcano. The company further said that none of its platforms was damaged in the explosion. Yesterday, there was a blast in the Caspian Sea, which also was vividly witnessed from Baku. Many assumed it was an explosion in oil and gas platforms, but the dawn revealed a new baby island in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea. pic.twitter.com/oeDnIQKp88 — Ali Mirzazada (@AliMirzazada) July 5, 2021 × Not to be outdone by the Gulf of Mexico, there was a massive explosion in the Caspian Sea pic.twitter.com/JgxMkAmzUW — philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) July 4, 2021 × Mark Tingay, who is an expert on mud volcano and adjunct associate professor at the Australia’s University of Adelaide, said the explosion “certainly could be a mud volcano” and that the location “fits roughly” with a mud volcano called Makarov Bank, which exploded in 1958, releasing a column of flame 500-600 metres high and 150 metres wide. Also read | Rest of collapsed Florida apartment demolished ahead of storm, search and rescue to resume He further said that the country has “hundreds” of mud volcanoes, and a quarter of these are known to erupt violently. Socar spokesman Ibrahim Ahmadov has been quoted by the Azerbaijani news agency APA saying the blast took place about 10km from the Umid gas field, which is 75km off the coast of the capital, Baku. Scientists are yet to determine the cause of mud volcanoes. However, the most likely theory is that the boulders and rocks which are propelled upwards during an explosion can knock against each other. This causes a spark that lights gasses.

Caspian sea explosion caused by 'mud volcano'

As China completes a century of its ruling Communist party, it has put a propaganda campaign into overdrive with movies, history tours and well-timed space missions.

As China completes a century of its ruling Communist party, it has put a propaganda campaign into overdrive with movies, history tours and well-timed space missions. The party was founded 100 years ago in Shanghai and under its leadership, China today is the world's second-largest economy. There were several key events that helped in shaping the country. From the Long March that gave motion to Mao Zedong’s rise to Deng Xiaoping’s economic reforms to Xi Jinping coming to power, the party has evolved in its own ways. "China has been developing for so long thanks to the efforts of our forefathers and that generation of Communist Party members," said 23-year-old student and party member Li Peng. He added, "The CCP isn't dying. It's a party that's full of life... now, young people are particularly patriotic and unafraid to speak out." It all began in 1921 with the first meeting in Shanghai. July 1 was chosen by Mao Zedong years later for commemoration. This was because he could not remember the exact date on which the dozen or so comrades had held their conclave. Also Read | One year into contentious security law, Hong Kong has made 117 arrests This was followed by the long march of 1934. As Chiang Kai-shek's Nationalists were gaining upper hand in their struggle for power, the Communist armies embarked on a series of lengthy retreats. Mao took over as the leader in 1935. The year 1949 is deemed as the year of revolution as the Chinese defeated the Japanese and came to power again. By 1949 Beijing was captured by the communists as Mao’s portrait replaced that of Chiang above the Gate of Heavenly Peace at the entrance to the Forbidden City. In the process of revolutionizing the country, there were hindrances. The first was a man-made famine, which was triggered by Mao’s attempt to rapidly industrialise China. Under Mao's rule, farmers were forced to build backyard furnaces. As a result, grain output collapsed, and between 35 million and 40 million people starved to death. The Cultural Revolution stopped in 1965 when Mao turned young Red Guards on the political system as he urged the young radicals to “bombard the headquarters". Millions were killed, families were broken up and the economy stooped to a new low. The death of Mao in 1976 has been a turning point in the history of China. Mao’s death created a power vacuum between the Gang of Four, the ultra-leftists led by Jiang Qing, or Madame Mao; and reformers including Deng Xiaoping and Hua Guofeng, Mao’s designated successor. The reformers managed to win the loyalty of the Central Security Bureau. Just a month after Mao's death, the army unit arrested Jiang Qing and her comrades. The four were imprisoned and then tried in 1980-81. Another year that marked a turning point in Chinese history was 1978 when China approved its first special economic zones. China has been involved in a series of conflicts. In 1996, Beijing shelled the waters near Taiwan to portray its anger at the island’s first democratic presidential election. However, all it gained was humiliation by its powerlessness. In 2013, China built islands in disputed waters in the South China Sea, and soon turned them into military bases, trying to show its power. The current Chinese leader, Xi Jinping, will complete his second five-year term towards the end of next year. It is still unclear if he will step down or will start to groom a successor.

China's Communist Party: One century that impacted the entire world

Luminous 'Strawberry Supermoon' shines bright all across the world, see images here

US&nbsp;Senate&nbsp;Republicans&nbsp;on Tuesday torpedoed a Democratic effort to protect&nbsp;voting&nbsp;rights&nbsp;and expand ballot access for all Americans, a flashpoint issue months after an election marred by Donald Trump's baseless allegations of fraud.

Waving off broad bipartisan public support for election law updates, the opposition party united to&nbsp;block&nbsp;the advancement of a&nbsp;sweeping&nbsp;package which would amount to the most expansive federal election reform in decades.

Democrats brought the "For the People Act" to the floor as a test&nbsp;vote, in reaction to controversial efforts by&nbsp;Republicans&nbsp;to enact strict new&nbsp;voting&nbsp;laws in dozens of states.

Critics have widely savaged those measures, which include restricting mail-in ballots, criminalizing the delivery of water to people waiting to&nbsp;vote, and limiting early Sunday&nbsp;voting&nbsp;hours as a way to deny Black churches' "souls to the polls" events.

The Democrats' historic bill, S1, is aimed at ensuring Americans can&nbsp;vote&nbsp;by mail, plus have full access to early&nbsp;voting&nbsp;and use of ballot drop boxes.

A version of the bill, which also reforms campaign finance laws and attempts to thwart gerrymandering, or the partisan redrawing of district lines, passed the House of Representatives in March.

But the text failed on a strictly party line 50-50&nbsp;vote&nbsp;in the&nbsp;Senate, where support from 60 senators was needed in order to even begin debating the&nbsp;measure.

Senate&nbsp;Majority Leader Chuck Schumer delivered a scathing rebuke to&nbsp;Republicans&nbsp;as he sought to claim a moral victory.

While all Democrats voted to protect&nbsp;voting&nbsp;rights, "voter suppression has become part of the official platform of the Republican Party," he said.

Vowing that the fight was "far from over," President Joe Biden called the&nbsp;Republicans' move &nbsp;"suppression of a bill to end voter suppression," while also labeling it "another attack on&nbsp;voting&nbsp;rights&nbsp;that is sadly not unprecedented."

The blocking of S1 ensures the issue remains a political firestorm into the 2022 midterm elections and beyond.

There was worry that Democratic moderates, led by Senator Joe Manchin, would not support it.

But Manchin aligned with his party after leaders agreed to introduce a "commonsense compromise" that he proposed.

"I remain committed to finding a bipartisan pathway forward because the future of our democracy is worth it," Manchin said in a statement.

Manchin's compromise maintains most of the Democratic bill's provisions but allows a key concession -- voter identification requirements -- in a bid to win over&nbsp;Republicans.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/socialists-are-terrorists-describes-us-military-training-manual-393303">Also Read |&nbsp;Socialists are 'terrorists', describes US military training manual&nbsp;</a>

Democrats have accused&nbsp;Republicans&nbsp;of caving to Trump's pressure about mail-in&nbsp;voting&nbsp;and other expansive&nbsp;voting&nbsp;rules, and targeting the ways that younger, poorer, non-white and typically Democratic voters access the ballot.

'Under assault'

The White House had acknowledged the&nbsp;vote&nbsp;would fail, but nevertheless issued a statement of support, as it highlighted how Americans' right to&nbsp;vote&nbsp;"is under assault" thanks to moves by Republican state legislatures.

"In state after state, new restrictive laws on&nbsp;voting, and efforts to replace non-partisan election administration with partisan processes designed to overturn the will of the voters have become more widespread," the White House budget office said.

Republicans&nbsp;however remain firmly opposed to the Democratic effort.

Their bill is a "transparently partisan plan to tilt every election in America permanently in their favour," said top&nbsp;Senate&nbsp;Republican Mitch McConnell.

"It's a recipe for undermining confidence in our elections, remaking our entire system of government to suit the preferences of one far end of the political spectrum."

With the&nbsp;voting&nbsp;rights&nbsp;bill now blocked, Democrats face pressure to abolish the filibuster, the&nbsp;Senate&nbsp;procedure that allows the minority to&nbsp;block&nbsp;legislation unless it earns support from 60 of the chamber's 100 members.

Biden, a 36-year veteran of the&nbsp;Senate, has expressed opposition to getting rid of the filibuster outright.

But several lawmakers in his party believe such a move is the only way to ensure&nbsp;voting&nbsp;protections and get other elements of his ambitious progressive agenda into law.

"I've been engaged in this work my whole career, and we are going to be ramping up our efforts to overcome again -- for the people, for our very democracy," Biden said.

Schumer said the bill's defeat was not the finish line for&nbsp;voting&nbsp;rights&nbsp;action, but the starting gun.

"We are going to explore every last one of our options," he said. "We have to."

US Senate Republicans on Tuesday torpedoed a Democratic effort to protect voting rights and expand ballot access for all Americans, a flashpoint issue months after an election marred by Donald Trump's baseless allegations of fraud.

US Senate Republicans on Tuesday torpedoed a Democratic effort to protect voting rights and expand ballot access for all Americans, a flashpoint issue months after an election marred by Donald Trump's baseless allegations of fraud. Waving off broad bipartisan public support for election law updates, the opposition party united to block the advancement of a sweeping package which would amount to the most expansive federal election reform in decades. Democrats brought the "For the People Act" to the floor as a test vote, in reaction to controversial efforts by Republicans to enact strict new voting laws in dozens of states. Critics have widely savaged those measures, which include restricting mail-in ballots, criminalizing the delivery of water to people waiting to vote, and limiting early Sunday voting hours as a way to deny Black churches' "souls to the polls" events. The Democrats' historic bill, S1, is aimed at ensuring Americans can vote by mail, plus have full access to early voting and use of ballot drop boxes. A version of the bill, which also reforms campaign finance laws and attempts to thwart gerrymandering, or the partisan redrawing of district lines, passed the House of Representatives in March. But the text failed on a strictly party line 50-50 vote in the Senate, where support from 60 senators was needed in order to even begin debating the measure. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer delivered a scathing rebuke to Republicans as he sought to claim a moral victory. While all Democrats voted to protect voting rights, "voter suppression has become part of the official platform of the Republican Party," he said. Vowing that the fight was "far from over," President Joe Biden called the Republicans' move "suppression of a bill to end voter suppression," while also labeling it "another attack on voting rights that is sadly not unprecedented." The blocking of S1 ensures the issue remains a political firestorm into the 2022 midterm elections and beyond. There was worry that Democratic moderates, led by Senator Joe Manchin, would not support it. But Manchin aligned with his party after leaders agreed to introduce a "commonsense compromise" that he proposed. "I remain committed to finding a bipartisan pathway forward because the future of our democracy is worth it," Manchin said in a statement. Manchin's compromise maintains most of the Democratic bill's provisions but allows a key concession -- voter identification requirements -- in a bid to win over Republicans. Also Read | Socialists are 'terrorists', describes US military training manual Democrats have accused Republicans of caving to Trump's pressure about mail-in voting and other expansive voting rules, and targeting the ways that younger, poorer, non-white and typically Democratic voters access the ballot. 'Under assault' The White House had acknowledged the vote would fail, but nevertheless issued a statement of support, as it highlighted how Americans' right to vote "is under assault" thanks to moves by Republican state legislatures. "In state after state, new restrictive laws on voting, and efforts to replace non-partisan election administration with partisan processes designed to overturn the will of the voters have become more widespread," the White House budget office said. Republicans however remain firmly opposed to the Democratic effort. Their bill is a "transparently partisan plan to tilt every election in America permanently in their favour," said top Senate Republican Mitch McConnell. "It's a recipe for undermining confidence in our elections, remaking our entire system of government to suit the preferences of one far end of the political spectrum." With the voting rights bill now blocked, Democrats face pressure to abolish the filibuster, the Senate procedure that allows the minority to block legislation unless it earns support from 60 of the chamber's 100 members. Biden, a 36-year veteran of the Senate, has expressed opposition to getting rid of the filibuster outright. But several lawmakers in his party believe such a move is the only way to ensure voting protections and get other elements of his ambitious progressive agenda into law. "I've been engaged in this work my whole career, and we are going to be ramping up our efforts to overcome again -- for the people, for our very democracy," Biden said. Schumer said the bill's defeat was not the finish line for voting rights action, but the starting gun. "We are going to explore every last one of our options," he said. "We have to."

Senate Republicans block sweeping US voting rights measure

A new survey reveals the most expensive city in world, see stunning images here

China on Sunday pointedly cautioned Group of Seven leaders that the days when 'small' groups of countries decided the fate of the world was long gone, hitting back at the world's richest democracies, which have sought a unified position over Beijing. 
 
"The days when global decisions were dictated by a small group of countries are long gone," a spokesman for the Chinese embassy in London said. 
 
"We always believe that countries, big or small, strong or weak, poor or rich, are equals, and that world affairs should be handled through consultation by all countries." 
 
The re-emergence of China as a leading global power is considered to be one of the most significant geopolitical events of recent times, alongside the 1991 fall of the Soviet Union that ended the Cold War. 
 
The G7, whose leaders are meeting in southwestern England, has been searching for a coherent response to the growing assertiveness of President Xi Jinping after China’s spectacular economic and military rise over the past 40 years. 
 
Leaders of the group, the United States, Canada, Britain, Germany, Italy, France and Japan, want to use their gathering in the English seaside resort of Carbis Bay to show the world that the richest democracies can offer an alternative to China’s growing clout. 
 
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau led a Group of Seven discussion of China on Saturday and called on leaders to come up with a unified approach to the challenges posed by the People`s Republic, a source said. 
 
The G7 are planning to offer developing nations an infrastructure scheme that could rival Xi's multi-trillion-dollar Belt and Road initiative. 
 
Beijing has repeatedly hit back against what it perceives as attempts by Western powers to contain China, and says many major powers are still gripped by an outdated imperial mindset after years of humiliating China.

China on Sunday pointedly cautioned Group of Seven leaders that the days when 'small' groups of countries decided the fate of the world was long gone, hitting back at the world's richest democracies, which have sought a unified position over Beijing.

China on Sunday pointedly cautioned Group of Seven leaders that the days when 'small' groups of countries decided the fate of the world was long gone, hitting back at the world's richest democracies, which have sought a unified position over Beijing. "The days when global decisions were dictated by a small group of countries are long gone," a spokesman for the Chinese embassy in London said. "We always believe that countries, big or small, strong or weak, poor or rich, are equals, and that world affairs should be handled through consultation by all countries." The re-emergence of China as a leading global power is considered to be one of the most significant geopolitical events of recent times, alongside the 1991 fall of the Soviet Union that ended the Cold War. The G7, whose leaders are meeting in southwestern England, has been searching for a coherent response to the growing assertiveness of President Xi Jinping after China’s spectacular economic and military rise over the past 40 years. Leaders of the group, the United States, Canada, Britain, Germany, Italy, France and Japan, want to use their gathering in the English seaside resort of Carbis Bay to show the world that the richest democracies can offer an alternative to China’s growing clout. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau led a Group of Seven discussion of China on Saturday and called on leaders to come up with a unified approach to the challenges posed by the People`s Republic, a source said. The G7 are planning to offer developing nations an infrastructure scheme that could rival Xi's multi-trillion-dollar Belt and Road initiative. Beijing has repeatedly hit back against what it perceives as attempts by Western powers to contain China, and says many major powers are still gripped by an outdated imperial mindset after years of humiliating China.

China cautions G7: 'Small' groups don't rule the world

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday called for leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) rich nations to make a commitment to vaccinate the entire world against COVID-19 by the end of 2022 when they meet in Britain next week. 
 
Johnson will host the first in-person summit in almost two years of G7 leaders, which follows a meeting of the group's finance ministers which wrapped up earlier in the day and said he would seek a pledge to hit the global vaccination goal. 
 
"Vaccinating the world by the end of next year would be the single greatest feat in medical history," Johnson said in a statement. "I’m calling on my fellow G7 leaders to join us to end this terrible pandemic and pledge we will never allow the devastation wreaked by coronavirus to happen again." 
 
The leaders of Germany, France, the United States, Italy, Japan, the European Union and Canada will join Johnson for the three-day summit in Cornwall, southwest England, which begins on Friday. It will be the first overseas trip for US&nbsp;President Joe Biden since he took office in January. 
 
While the richest nations have been vaccinating large numbers of their populations, many poorer countries have not had the same access to vaccines. And health experts have warned that unless more COVID-19 shots were donated, the virus will continue to spread and mutate. 
 
US&nbsp;Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, in London for the finance ministers meeting, said it was urgent for the richest nations to promote vaccinations in poorer countries that could not afford to buy them. 
 
She also repeated the US&nbsp;position that patent rights should be removed for the vaccines, and said they were doing everything they could to address supply chain problems that were preventing a build-up of shots in other parts of the world. 
 
Britain has ordered more than 500 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine for its population of 67 million and says it will donate any shots it does not need. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday called for leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) rich nations to make a commitment to vaccinate the entire world against COVID-19 by the end of 2022 when they meet in Britain next week.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday called for leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) rich nations to make a commitment to vaccinate the entire world against COVID-19 by the end of 2022 when they meet in Britain next week. Johnson will host the first in-person summit in almost two years of G7 leaders, which follows a meeting of the group's finance ministers which wrapped up earlier in the day and said he would seek a pledge to hit the global vaccination goal. "Vaccinating the world by the end of next year would be the single greatest feat in medical history," Johnson said in a statement. "I’m calling on my fellow G7 leaders to join us to end this terrible pandemic and pledge we will never allow the devastation wreaked by coronavirus to happen again." The leaders of Germany, France, the United States, Italy, Japan, the European Union and Canada will join Johnson for the three-day summit in Cornwall, southwest England, which begins on Friday. It will be the first overseas trip for US President Joe Biden since he took office in January. While the richest nations have been vaccinating large numbers of their populations, many poorer countries have not had the same access to vaccines. And health experts have warned that unless more COVID-19 shots were donated, the virus will continue to spread and mutate. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, in London for the finance ministers meeting, said it was urgent for the richest nations to promote vaccinations in poorer countries that could not afford to buy them. She also repeated the US position that patent rights should be removed for the vaccines, and said they were doing everything they could to address supply chain problems that were preventing a build-up of shots in other parts of the world. Britain has ordered more than 500 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine for its population of 67 million and says it will donate any shots it does not need. (With inputs from agencies)

UK's Johnson calls on G7 to vaccinate world by end of 2022

The overall global Covid-19 caseload has topped 170.1 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 3.53 million, according to the Johns Hopkins University. 
 
In its latest update on Monday morning, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload and death toll stood at 170,174,444 and 3,537,835, respectively. 
 
The US continues to be the worst-hit country with the world's highest number of cases and deaths at 33,258,547 and 594,430, respectively, according to the CSSE. 
 
In terms of infections, India follows in the second place with 27,894,800 cases. 
 
The other worst countries with over three million cases are Brazil (16,515,120), France (5,728,418), Turkey (5,242,911), Russia (5,005,171), the UK (4,499,934), Italy (4,216,003), Argentina (3,753,609), Germany (3,687,715), Spain (3,668,658) and Colombia (3,383,279), the CSSE figures showed. 
 
In terms of deaths, Brazil comes second with 461,931 fatalities. 
 
Nations with a death toll of over 100,000 are India (325,972), Mexico (223,455), the UK (128,043), Italy (126,046), Russia (119,130) and France (109,562).

The overall global Covid-19 caseload has topped 170.1 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 3.53 million, according to the Johns Hopkins University.

The overall global Covid-19 caseload has topped 170.1 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 3.53 million, according to the Johns Hopkins University. In its latest update on Monday morning, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload and death toll stood at 170,174,444 and 3,537,835, respectively. The US continues to be the worst-hit country with the world's highest number of cases and deaths at 33,258,547 and 594,430, respectively, according to the CSSE. In terms of infections, India follows in the second place with 27,894,800 cases. The other worst countries with over three million cases are Brazil (16,515,120), France (5,728,418), Turkey (5,242,911), Russia (5,005,171), the UK (4,499,934), Italy (4,216,003), Argentina (3,753,609), Germany (3,687,715), Spain (3,668,658) and Colombia (3,383,279), the CSSE figures showed. In terms of deaths, Brazil comes second with 461,931 fatalities. Nations with a death toll of over 100,000 are India (325,972), Mexico (223,455), the UK (128,043), Italy (126,046), Russia (119,130) and France (109,562).

Global COVID-19 caseload tops 170.1 million

The organizers, the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of the Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, announced on Thursday that it had received two letters of objection from the police, one banning the March set for May 30 and the other imposing ban at the annual June 4 vigil.

Hong Kong police denies June vigil at Tiananmen Square for 2nd year in a row

India is now the global epicentre of this pandemic and it doesn't look like things will improve anytime soon. Today, the Indian government issued a warning. An official said, time has now come for you to start wearing a mask at home, while you share common spaces with your family members.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-indians-asked-to-mask-up-at-home-380631/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The virus is still mutating and spreading and countries are still trying to keep up with it. More than 147 million infections worldwide but the coronavirus isn't done yet. The virus is mutating into dangerous variants. The latest one has been found in Sri Lanka. It spreads very fast and can remain airborne for nearly an hour. It began spreading rapidly after last week's new year celebrations. Younger people are getting infected in larger numbers. Experts fear a third wave and the next two to three weeks will be critical. &nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">As the surge continues, a new study has found that pregnant women and newborn children face higher risks. The study was conducted by the University of Oxford and it found that women, who test positive during pregnancy face high risk of complications. They are over 50 per cent more likely to experience premature birth, pre-eclampsia, admission to intensive care and even the risk of death. Newborns too are nearly three times more at risk. &nbsp;</div>

The world's best bet are vaccines, but we don't have enough of them. The World Health Organization might deliver a booster shot soon. It is reviewing Moderna's coronavirus shot. Technical experts will meet on April 30 to decide. So far, the WHO has approved vaccines made by Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Johnson and Johnson. An emergency use listing from the WHO may accelerate the adoption of the Moderna vaccine around the world.&nbsp;

Here's another potential cure, an HCQ spray. In Singapore, researchers have found promise in an old, but highly controversial drug. They say&nbsp;that using a throat spray with anti-malarial drug hydrooxychloroquine can reduce the spread of the virus. Researchers tested their hypotheses on more than 3,000 migrant workers. They found that using the two drugs cuts the spread of the virus in high transmission settings, like dormitories, cruise ships and prisons. Hydrooxychloroquine or HCQ has been a controversial choice of treatment since last year. &nbsp;

And finally, a story that gives hope. Italy, after six months of rotating lockdowns, is unlocking again. Restaurants are serving customers again after a major outbreak last year. The country has been in and out of lockdowns. Right wing parties say Italy has been too cautious. Virologists disagree as they feel the lockdowns were needed and unlocking even now might invite a new surge. Italy's vaccination programme is going slow. It is missing its daily targets of 500,000 shots a day and remains limited to the elderly. As Italians say cheers, they'll have to keep their guard up.&nbsp;

India is now the global epicentre of this pandemic and it doesn't look like things will improve anytime soon. Today, the Indian government issued a warning. An official said, time has now come for you to start wearing a mask at home, while you share common spaces with your family members.

India is now the global epicentre of this pandemic and it doesn't look like things will improve anytime soon. Today, the Indian government issued a warning. An official said, time has now come for you to start wearing a mask at home, while you share common spaces with your family members. The virus is still mutating and spreading and countries are still trying to keep up with it. More than 147 million infections worldwide but the coronavirus isn't done yet. The virus is mutating into dangerous variants. The latest one has been found in Sri Lanka. It spreads very fast and can remain airborne for nearly an hour. It began spreading rapidly after last week's new year celebrations. Younger people are getting infected in larger numbers. Experts fear a third wave and the next two to three weeks will be critical. As the surge continues, a new study has found that pregnant women and newborn children face higher risks. The study was conducted by the University of Oxford and it found that women, who test positive during pregnancy face high risk of complications. They are over 50 per cent more likely to experience premature birth, pre-eclampsia, admission to intensive care and even the risk of death. Newborns too are nearly three times more at risk. The world's best bet are vaccines, but we don't have enough of them. The World Health Organization might deliver a booster shot soon. It is reviewing Moderna's coronavirus shot. Technical experts will meet on April 30 to decide. So far, the WHO has approved vaccines made by Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Johnson and Johnson. An emergency use listing from the WHO may accelerate the adoption of the Moderna vaccine around the world. Here's another potential cure, an HCQ spray. In Singapore, researchers have found promise in an old, but highly controversial drug. They say that using a throat spray with anti-malarial drug hydrooxychloroquine can reduce the spread of the virus. Researchers tested their hypotheses on more than 3,000 migrant workers. They found that using the two drugs cuts the spread of the virus in high transmission settings, like dormitories, cruise ships and prisons. Hydrooxychloroquine or HCQ has been a controversial choice of treatment since last year. And finally, a story that gives hope. Italy, after six months of rotating lockdowns, is unlocking again. Restaurants are serving customers again after a major outbreak last year. The country has been in and out of lockdowns. Right wing parties say Italy has been too cautious. Virologists disagree as they feel the lockdowns were needed and unlocking even now might invite a new surge. Italy's vaccination programme is going slow. It is missing its daily targets of 500,000 shots a day and remains limited to the elderly. As Italians say cheers, they'll have to keep their guard up.

Coronavirus continues to create ripples around the world 

A government helicopter was shot down by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/syrian-army-advances-into-idlib-set-to-retake-rebel-bastion-279807">Syrian rebels</a> in the northwest, where <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/250000-migrants-fleeing-from-syrias-idlib-towards-turkey-tayyip-erdogan-271660">Syrian troops</a> are fighting the last rebel stronghold. Following this was a government-sanctioned airstrike on a nearby city which reportedly killed 7 people.

Two crew members were killed when the helicopter was shot down and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-threatens-damascus-slams-moscow-over-idlib-massacre-280294">government forces</a> came closer to capturing the last rebel-held part of a strategic highway linking southern and northern Syria. This would extend President Bashar Assad's control over Syria for the first time since 2012.

Syrian troops have been on the offensive with support from Russia for weeks in Idlib province, where stands the last rebel stronghold. Parts of nearby Aleppo are also under fire, which has triggered a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/several-civilians-killed-as-syrian-government-presses-idlib-offensive-274750">humanitarian crisis</a> involving the mass displacement of 700,000 people. Reports from the UN indicate that Several hundred civilians have been killed.

Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/syrian-attack-in-idlib-kills-4-turkish-soldiers-278296">Syrian attack in Idlib kills 4 Turkish soldiers</a>

The deaths of 13 on both sides of the clashes between Syrian and Turkish troops worsened the conflict, and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-reinforces-troops-in-syrias-idlib-talks-with-russia-279554">prompted Turkey</a>, which supports the Syrian opposition, to send hundreds of vehicles into Idlib to prevent government forces from reaching the border areas with Turkey.

3.6 million Syrian refugees are currently <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-planes-pound-idlib-as-offensive-escalates-turkey-france-call-for-de-escalation-270092">situated in Turkey</a>, with more flowing into its border as the fighting continues. Backed by Turkish artillery, the fighting was concentrated near the village of Al-Nayrab as rebels reportedly tried to retake the village that they lost last week.

Insurgents shot down the government helicopter gunship, killing the two crew members on board. Followed this was an airstrike which&nbsp;reportedly killed 7 people and injured 24, half of whom were children. Syrian troops have reportedly secured the highway that links southern Syria with the northern city of Aleppo. M5, another name for the highway, is vital for the country's economy as well as for advancing reinforcements.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-Syrian-army-advances-in-Idlib-as-UN-Security-Council-calls-emergency-meeting">Syrian army advances in Idlib as UN Security Council calls emergency meeting</a>

Another victory for Assad is marked by the capture of this highway, as his forces have been progressing with leaps and bounds since 2015 with Russian airstrikes and Iran-backed fighters on the ground. Government forces have been capturing parts of the 450-kilometre highway for the past three years as it cuts through the country's four largest cities.

A government helicopter was shot down by Syrian rebels in the northwest, where Syrian troops are fighting the last rebel stronghold. Following this was a government-sanctioned airstrike on a nearby city which reportedly killed 7 people.

A government helicopter was shot down by Syrian rebels in the northwest, where Syrian troops are fighting the last rebel stronghold. Following this was a government-sanctioned airstrike on a nearby city which reportedly killed 7 people. Two crew members were killed when the helicopter was shot down and government forces came closer to capturing the last rebel-held part of a strategic highway linking southern and northern Syria. This would extend President Bashar Assad's control over Syria for the first time since 2012. Syrian troops have been on the offensive with support from Russia for weeks in Idlib province, where stands the last rebel stronghold. Parts of nearby Aleppo are also under fire, which has triggered a humanitarian crisis involving the mass displacement of 700,000 people. Reports from the UN indicate that Several hundred civilians have been killed. Watch: Syrian attack in Idlib kills 4 Turkish soldiers The deaths of 13 on both sides of the clashes between Syrian and Turkish troops worsened the conflict, and prompted Turkey, which supports the Syrian opposition, to send hundreds of vehicles into Idlib to prevent government forces from reaching the border areas with Turkey. 3.6 million Syrian refugees are currently situated in Turkey, with more flowing into its border as the fighting continues. Backed by Turkish artillery, the fighting was concentrated near the village of Al-Nayrab as rebels reportedly tried to retake the village that they lost last week. Insurgents shot down the government helicopter gunship, killing the two crew members on board. Followed this was an airstrike which reportedly killed 7 people and injured 24, half of whom were children. Syrian troops have reportedly secured the highway that links southern Syria with the northern city of Aleppo. M5, another name for the highway, is vital for the country's economy as well as for advancing reinforcements. Also Read: Syrian army advances in Idlib as UN Security Council calls emergency meeting Another victory for Assad is marked by the capture of this highway, as his forces have been progressing with leaps and bounds since 2015 with Russian airstrikes and Iran-backed fighters on the ground. Government forces have been capturing parts of the 450-kilometre highway for the past three years as it cuts through the country's four largest cities.

Syrian insurgents shot down government helicopter; airstrikes on Idlib followed

The ancient Greeks were brilliant at inventing fantastical animals like the Chimera for instance. It was a fearsome fire-breathing monster, which had a lion's head, a goat's body and a serpent's tail.&nbsp;

In Greek mythology, the Chimera was slain by Bellerophon, the son of Poseidon. But today, not all Chimeras are mythological. For biologists, this term describes any organism, whose body consists of cells from two different organisms. The scientists in the United States recently tried to create the world's first human-monkey Chimera.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-scientists-inject-human-cells-into-monkeys-embryo-378884/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

American scientists injected human cells into the embryo of a monkey. These efforts have ignited a debate about scientific ethics. In simple terms, DNA is the code of life. It is that all-important molecule we inherit from our parents. It gives the chemical instructions that make our bodies and sustain them. &nbsp;

What if the DNA is mixed? This is exactly what scientists at America's Salk Institute for Biological Studies recently tried doing. They integrated human cells into the embryos of a Macaque Monkey. In simple terms, they created embryos, that were part monkey and part human. &nbsp;

The embryos were grown in the open at lab for 20 days and then they were destroyed. But who came up with the idea? Professor Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte, who also tried creating the first human-pig hybrid in 2017. &nbsp;

Professor Carlos believes his work could advance understanding of early human development and understand the onset of disease, the progression of ageing, and address the shortage of life-saving organs for human transplantation.

But like with any unnatural experiment, some ethical concerns have been raised. Scientists are arguing that while embryos in this case were destroyed in 20 days, others could try to take the work further and make a baby out of an embryo.&nbsp;

The second big concern has to do with a moral dilemma. Will the embryos be classified as humans or non-humans? If the answer is humans, can we legally use them for experiments at a later stage without human consent? The third and last concern is spreading viruses from animals to humans. &nbsp;

The coronavirus has taught us a thing or two about it. We still don't fully know what the drawbacks or benefits of creating a human-monkey hybrid could be, but this experiment sure sounds like the beginning to a bad horror movie.&nbsp;

The ancient Greeks were brilliant at inventing fantastical animals like the Chimera for instance. It was a fearsome fire-breathing monster, which had a lion's head, a goat's body and a serpent's tail.

The ancient Greeks were brilliant at inventing fantastical animals like the Chimera for instance. It was a fearsome fire-breathing monster, which had a lion's head, a goat's body and a serpent's tail. In Greek mythology, the Chimera was slain by Bellerophon, the son of Poseidon. But today, not all Chimeras are mythological. For biologists, this term describes any organism, whose body consists of cells from two different organisms. The scientists in the United States recently tried to create the world's first human-monkey Chimera. American scientists injected human cells into the embryo of a monkey. These efforts have ignited a debate about scientific ethics. In simple terms, DNA is the code of life. It is that all-important molecule we inherit from our parents. It gives the chemical instructions that make our bodies and sustain them. What if the DNA is mixed? This is exactly what scientists at America's Salk Institute for Biological Studies recently tried doing. They integrated human cells into the embryos of a Macaque Monkey. In simple terms, they created embryos, that were part monkey and part human. The embryos were grown in the open at lab for 20 days and then they were destroyed. But who came up with the idea? Professor Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte, who also tried creating the first human-pig hybrid in 2017. Professor Carlos believes his work could advance understanding of early human development and understand the onset of disease, the progression of ageing, and address the shortage of life-saving organs for human transplantation. But like with any unnatural experiment, some ethical concerns have been raised. Scientists are arguing that while embryos in this case were destroyed in 20 days, others could try to take the work further and make a baby out of an embryo. The second big concern has to do with a moral dilemma. Will the embryos be classified as humans or non-humans? If the answer is humans, can we legally use them for experiments at a later stage without human consent? The third and last concern is spreading viruses from animals to humans. The coronavirus has taught us a thing or two about it. We still don't fully know what the drawbacks or benefits of creating a human-monkey hybrid could be, but this experiment sure sounds like the beginning to a bad horror movie.

Scientists try to create world's first human-monkey Chimera, raise eyebrows  

Opposition leader Alexei Navalny is fighting for life in Russia for over three weeks. Navanly has been on a hunger strike and his health has deteriorated over the weekend. &nbsp;

Navalny's doctor warned that he could die 'at any moment'. Alexei Navalny is the most prominent critic of Vladimir Putin in Russia. &nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-alexei-navalny-could-die-any-minute-378694/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Navalny is in jail since March and has also been on a hunger strike. Reports say prison authorities refused to provide him with adequate medical care for an acute leg and back pain. So, Navalny went on a hunger strike and his condition worsened. &nbsp;

On Sunday, his doctors tried to visit him in prison but they were denied access. On Monday, Navalny was transferred to a hospital in another jail. &nbsp;

Opposition leaders have spoken up for him. Nearly a dozen politicians in Russia have published an open letter to President Putin. They hold Putin personally responsible for the life of Navalny. Moscow has neither responded nor expressed any concern. &nbsp;

The situation is escalating. Navalny's allies have announced rallies across Russia on Wednesday. They've started a petition and said if 500,000 supporters sign it, they will launch street protests again. As of Sunday, the petition was 50,000 signatures shy of its target.&nbsp;

Navalny's health could lead to an international showdown. The European Union has told Russia that Navalny must receive medical aid. The United States is considering sanctions. US national security advisor Jake Sullivan has issued a statement. He says the Biden administration is weighing options to punish Russia if Navalny dies in prison. &nbsp;

Navalny perhaps knew what was coming in January. He said, he had no plans to commit suicide in prison as his life hangs in the balance. &nbsp;

Information about Navalny's health remains scarce. The Russian penitential system has released a statement, saying that the Kremlin critic was moved for 'treatment with vitamins'. Russian authorities say Navalny's health is satisfactory. The West is watching him closely. &nbsp;

Opposition leader Alexei Navalny is fighting for life in Russia for over three weeks. Navanly has been on a hunger strike and his health has deteriorated over the weekend.

Opposition leader Alexei Navalny is fighting for life in Russia for over three weeks. Navanly has been on a hunger strike and his health has deteriorated over the weekend. Navalny's doctor warned that he could die 'at any moment'. Alexei Navalny is the most prominent critic of Vladimir Putin in Russia. Navalny is in jail since March and has also been on a hunger strike. Reports say prison authorities refused to provide him with adequate medical care for an acute leg and back pain. So, Navalny went on a hunger strike and his condition worsened. On Sunday, his doctors tried to visit him in prison but they were denied access. On Monday, Navalny was transferred to a hospital in another jail. Opposition leaders have spoken up for him. Nearly a dozen politicians in Russia have published an open letter to President Putin. They hold Putin personally responsible for the life of Navalny. Moscow has neither responded nor expressed any concern. The situation is escalating. Navalny's allies have announced rallies across Russia on Wednesday. They've started a petition and said if 500,000 supporters sign it, they will launch street protests again. As of Sunday, the petition was 50,000 signatures shy of its target. Navalny's health could lead to an international showdown. The European Union has told Russia that Navalny must receive medical aid. The United States is considering sanctions. US national security advisor Jake Sullivan has issued a statement. He says the Biden administration is weighing options to punish Russia if Navalny dies in prison. Navalny perhaps knew what was coming in January. He said, he had no plans to commit suicide in prison as his life hangs in the balance. Information about Navalny's health remains scarce. The Russian penitential system has released a statement, saying that the Kremlin critic was moved for 'treatment with vitamins'. Russian authorities say Navalny's health is satisfactory. The West is watching him closely.

World watches closely as Navalny fights for life in Russia  

An evolving enemy is of the worst kind as tried and tested methods may not work in its case. The coronavirus is one such evolving enemy. It has mutated thousands of times. Some mutations are more dangerous as they are difficult to trace. So, what should we do?&nbsp;

We must keep updating ourselves to tackle it and mutations are proving to be the biggest challenge. They have been reported in the UK, South Africa, Brazil, the US, even in India. Earlier this year, India reported a case of double mutation.&nbsp;

Why are these variants important?&nbsp;Because they have super-charged the pandemic. In Brazil, the p1 variant is driving the surge in cases. In India, some experts say mutations are behind the massive second wave. So, tracking these changes is important. Remember the thumb rule of 2020: trace, test and quarantine.&nbsp;

But tracing mutants is hard work as normal RTPCR test isn't working on them. In some cases, the mutants are escaping the test. So, here's what happens. You get a test done, your result is negative, but you're actually infected, and you'll probably discover it when your condition is much worse. This is a very scary scenario. &nbsp;

The US Food and Drugs Administration has warned of this as genetic variants could possibly mislead the RTPCR test. It's happening in India too and elsewhere in South Asia. So far, the RTPCR was your best bet to detect the presence of a virus. Not anymore, it seems. The mutations pose a new challenge.

So, what's the workaround here?&nbsp;

Doctors will have to bank on their diagnostic chops. There are some classic covid symptoms, the lungs for example appear glassy in a CT scan but even a CT scan can sometimes mislead. The fool-proof method, we're told, is genome testing. What's that? &nbsp;

It is finding genetic code of the mutant. Unless we know this code, we won't recognise the mutant and so, a test won't detect it. So, we are basically operating in the dark. Going forward, genome sequencing must be our eyes and ears. Otherwise, even vaccines may not help. &nbsp;

Let's look at the numbers, this time last year versus right now. First, let's look at the daily caseload. This is what the last five days looked like: more than 746,000 cases were reported last Thursday but by Monday, the numbers plateaued. There were 588,000 cases reported globally on Monday.&nbsp;

In case of daily deaths, last Thursday was a peak. More than 13,000 deaths were reported on Monday. This came down to 8,800 and now, this sample is too small to draw trends.&nbsp;

But projections have been made for as far as August 1. This is one such model made by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. What does it say?&nbsp;

At the current rate of vaccination and mutation, we could be looking at more than 4,730,000 deaths. That's if the current trends hold, but what if things get worse?&nbsp;

In a worst-case scenario, global deaths could cross the five million mark. That's a nightmare scenario, but if everyone wears a mask and social distancing is strictly imposed, we can still save lives. A worst-case scenario, unfortunately, looks like this: more than four million deaths. &nbsp;

Let's face it, none of these scenarios are ideal, but that's where we are heading. Africa and Latin America are struggling with vaccination. Jabs are running out and mutants are running riot. There is just one saving grace, last year the virus came out of nowhere. Most countries did not have the infrastructure to handle the cases, so serious infections inevitably led to death. In 2021, that should not be the case. We have added millions of hospital beds and thousands of intensive care units. So, even patients with the mutant strain are surviving. The trend of 2021 is, higher caseloads but fewer deaths.&nbsp;

Remember the basic rules, they remain the same: masks, social distancing and sanitising. Mutant or not, the sanitiser will get it. And vaccinate like there is no tomorrow. Governments must pump more money into vaccine-making, dispel all notions of vaccine hesitancy and make herd immunity, their number one priority.&nbsp;

The coronavirus is like a Maths problem, whose variables keep changing. &nbsp;

An evolving enemy is of the worst kind as tried and tested methods may not work in its case. The coronavirus is one such evolving enemy. It has mutated thousands of times.

An evolving enemy is of the worst kind as tried and tested methods may not work in its case. The coronavirus is one such evolving enemy. It has mutated thousands of times. Some mutations are more dangerous as they are difficult to trace. So, what should we do? We must keep updating ourselves to tackle it and mutations are proving to be the biggest challenge. They have been reported in the UK, South Africa, Brazil, the US, even in India. Earlier this year, India reported a case of double mutation. Why are these variants important? Because they have super-charged the pandemic. In Brazil, the p1 variant is driving the surge in cases. In India, some experts say mutations are behind the massive second wave. So, tracking these changes is important. Remember the thumb rule of 2020: trace, test and quarantine. But tracing mutants is hard work as normal RTPCR test isn't working on them. In some cases, the mutants are escaping the test. So, here's what happens. You get a test done, your result is negative, but you're actually infected, and you'll probably discover it when your condition is much worse. This is a very scary scenario. The US Food and Drugs Administration has warned of this as genetic variants could possibly mislead the RTPCR test. It's happening in India too and elsewhere in South Asia. So far, the RTPCR was your best bet to detect the presence of a virus. Not anymore, it seems. The mutations pose a new challenge. So, what's the workaround here? Doctors will have to bank on their diagnostic chops. There are some classic covid symptoms, the lungs for example appear glassy in a CT scan but even a CT scan can sometimes mislead. The fool-proof method, we're told, is genome testing. What's that? It is finding genetic code of the mutant. Unless we know this code, we won't recognise the mutant and so, a test won't detect it. So, we are basically operating in the dark. Going forward, genome sequencing must be our eyes and ears. Otherwise, even vaccines may not help. Let's look at the numbers, this time last year versus right now. First, let's look at the daily caseload. This is what the last five days looked like: more than 746,000 cases were reported last Thursday but by Monday, the numbers plateaued. There were 588,000 cases reported globally on Monday. In case of daily deaths, last Thursday was a peak. More than 13,000 deaths were reported on Monday. This came down to 8,800 and now, this sample is too small to draw trends. But projections have been made for as far as August 1. This is one such model made by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. What does it say? At the current rate of vaccination and mutation, we could be looking at more than 4,730,000 deaths. That's if the current trends hold, but what if things get worse? In a worst-case scenario, global deaths could cross the five million mark. That's a nightmare scenario, but if everyone wears a mask and social distancing is strictly imposed, we can still save lives. A worst-case scenario, unfortunately, looks like this: more than four million deaths. Let's face it, none of these scenarios are ideal, but that's where we are heading. Africa and Latin America are struggling with vaccination. Jabs are running out and mutants are running riot. There is just one saving grace, last year the virus came out of nowhere. Most countries did not have the infrastructure to handle the cases, so serious infections inevitably led to death. In 2021, that should not be the case. We have added millions of hospital beds and thousands of intensive care units. So, even patients with the mutant strain are surviving. The trend of 2021 is, higher caseloads but fewer deaths. Remember the basic rules, they remain the same: masks, social distancing and sanitising. Mutant or not, the sanitiser will get it. And vaccinate like there is no tomorrow. Governments must pump more money into vaccine-making, dispel all notions of vaccine hesitancy and make herd immunity, their number one priority. The coronavirus is like a Maths problem, whose variables keep changing.

Fighting new strains of coronavirus sends world into a tizzy 

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