Morning news brief: Omicron COVID-19 variant, Umrah in Saudi Arabia and more
Morning news brief
The country's first two cases of Omicron have been discovered in Ontario, according to Canada's health minister.South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has now called on countries to "immediately and urgently" reverse these scientifically "unjustified" travel bans. In a welcome move, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia announced on Sunday that the kingdom has decided to accept foreign pilgrims.
Canada confirms 'Omicron' infections as US' Fauci warns two weeks needed to study new strain
"I was informed today by the Public Health Agency of Canada that testing and monitoring of Covid-19 cases has confirmed two cases of the Omicron variant of concern in Ontario," Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said in a statement.
'Disappointed' President Cyril Ramaphosa urges countries to reverse 'unjustified' travel bans
After a new Covid variant was detected in South Africa, the global authorities reacted with alarm with several imposing travel curbs and tightening border controls.
Finally, inoculated foreign pilgrims can perform Umrah in Saudi Arabia
In a welcome move, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia announced on Sunday that the kingdom has decided to accept foreign pilgrims, who want to perform Umrah in the Grand Mosque of Makkah under the updated coronavirus-related restrictions.
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
‘Italy will not...’: Meloni threatens Spain’s Schengen access after thousands enter Ceuta from Morocco
)
World's largest digital camera captures over 500,000 galaxies, 50,000 stars in one stunning image
)
The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS
)
Who is Ruchika Singh, booked for using foul language against PM Modi at Jantar Mantar protests?
)
'I was almost trafficked in Paris,' says Australian woman, shares terrifying ordeal - 'I am on the black market'
)
1.8 Mn years old: Scientists discover two mysterious 'ghost ancestors' hidden in human genome - More details inside
)
India avoids higher US tariff, secures lower 10% rate. Here's how
)
'Muslims should not befriend kaafirs': Pak Army DG says India-Afghan ties that of 'master-slave'
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
August 2025 movie release calendar: Toxic, Batwara 1947, Awarapan 2 and all big-ticket films hitting theatres
)
Iran-US talks to begin today after Trump halts 'biggest attack since World War 2'; Tehran dials Saudi, Pak
)
Pakistan Broad Peak avalanche: Body of US's Mallory Geis identified; Nirmal Purja, 9 others remain missing
)
Iran says Oman talks on new Strait of Hormuz transit route near completion
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Can an S-400 detect a bird?
)
Spain-Israel social media feud erupts after Ceuta migrant crisis: Why Israel is being linked
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Fifth-generation fighters': Can the S-400 shoot down an F-35?
)
'FIR not withdrawn' against Noida teen who 'abused' PM Modi despite apology, claims CJP
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 openers with fastest ODI centuries, check who tops list
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why are iPhones so expensive compared to Android phones?
)
At least 3 killed in mass shooting at Idaho restaurant, shocking video of gunman open firing with AR-style rifle surfaces
)
Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 batters in latest ICC ODI rankings 2026 - check who sits at the top
)
CJP's Abhijit Dipke speaks to protesting students in Jharkhand, extends support to their demands: Will he go to Ranchi?
)
‘Pakistan eroded India's faith bit by bit’: Indian envoy defends putting Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance
)
Kangana Ranaut’s Gen Z U-Turn: Actress-MP wishes youth on Friendship Day after facing backlash over 'Generation Gutter' remark
)
Have 7,000 Karnataka students tested positive for HIV? Here's the truth
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 bowlers in latest ICC Test rankings 2026 - check who sits at the top
)
Bomb-making note found at Ayodhya medical college, 1st-year student detained. Here’s all we know
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 batters in latest ICC Test rankings 2026 - check who sits at the top
)
Nick Jonas' July photo dump featuring Priyanka Chopra and Malti Marie leaves fans gushing over family bond
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian tanks are much lighter compared to US tanks
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
One S-400 battery, dozens of targets: How it fights an air battle in seconds
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
From Tom Holland-Zendaya to Blake Lively-Ryan Reynolds: Actors who met on sets and fell in love and married
)
From trash to energy: Scientists turn plastic waste into Hydrogen fuel using a new technique - Here's how
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian jets use heavier steel compared to US jets
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New OTT releases this week (August 3-9, 2026): Main Vaapas Aaunga, Uyir, Operation Safed Sagar- 6 titles coming on Netflix, Prime Video and more
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian fighter pilots wear blue flight suits compared to US pilots
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
How often does an S-400 need maintenance?
Fashion designer Virgil Abloh dead: Kanye West, BTS, Drake & others share tributes
It is a loss that has shocked the entire world and rightly so as fashion designer Virgil Abloh died a sudden death after battling cancer secretly for some time now.
Watch | Omicron variant raises alarm across the world
Watch | 800 years old mummy discovered in Peru