UK extends councils' lockdown powers until July 17: Report
Britain has recorded more than 3.5 million Covid-19 infections - the fifth-highest in the world - and nearly 96,000 deaths.
Reuters
PUBLISHED ON JAN 24, 2021 10:09 AM IST
The British government has quietly extended coronavirus lockdown laws to give local councils in England the power to close pubs, restaurants, shops and public spaces until July 17, the Telegraph reported on Saturday.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Friday the government could not consider easing lockdown restrictions with infection rates at their current high levels, and until it is confident the vaccination programme is working.
The changes to the regulation governing coronavirus restrictions were made as part of a review of the third lockdown earlier this month by Health Secretary Matt Hancock, the Telegraph said.
The regulation, which applies to England only, was due to expire last week but has now been extended until July 17, around the date when school summer holidays begin, the Telegraph added.
Britain has recorded more than 3.5 million Covid-19 infections - the fifth-highest in the world - and nearly 96,000 deaths.
Israel's PM Netanyahu accuses Iran of attacking Israeli Ship in Persian Gulf
Bloomberg
PUBLISHED ON MAR 01, 2021 06:49 PM IST
Late Sunday, Syria reported that it was dealing with an Israeli missile attack on targets near Damascus. Israeli media said the Israeli air force attacked Iranian targets in response to the assault on the ship. The military had no comment.
Prince Philip transferred to another London hospital for infection treatment
AP
UPDATED ON MAR 01, 2021 06:29 PM IST
The palace says Philip, the 99-year-old husband of Queen Elizabeth II, was transferred from King Edward VII's Hospital to St Bartholomew's Hospital.
Defying deadly crackdown, crowds again protest Myanmar coup
AP
PUBLISHED ON MAR 01, 2021 06:23 PM IST
The protesters in Yangon were chased as they tried to gather at their usual meeting spot at the Hledan Center intersection. Demonstrators scattered and sought in vain to rinse the irritating gas from their eyes, but later regrouped.
Nepal worried about future supply of Covid-19 vaccines
PTI, Kathmandu
PUBLISHED ON MAR 01, 2021 06:18 PM IST
The government is negotiating with India's Serum Institute to obtain 5 million doses for the second stage of the campaign, Health Minister Hridayesh Tripathi said.
Voting rights challenged at US Supreme Court as states change rules
Bloomberg
PUBLISHED ON MAR 01, 2021 05:38 PM IST
Voting-rights advocates are worried as the US Supreme Court prepares to hear arguments in an Arizona case that could undercut the landmark law that’s protected the rights of minorities at the polls for a half century.
Some local Beijing communities start giving elderly Covid-19 shots
Reuters
UPDATED ON MAR 01, 2021 05:29 PM IST
China's vaccination program, under which 40.5 million doses had been administered as of Feb. 9, excludes those ages above 59 and those younger than 18, with Chinese vaccine makers citing less complete clinical trial data for minors and the elderly.
Australian prime minister Morrison stands by minister accused of rape
Reuters
PUBLISHED ON MAR 01, 2021 05:25 PM IST
Several opposition lawmakers said late last week they received a letter detailing an allegation of rape by a male cabinet minister before he entered parliament.
US Senate panel to vote to advance Garland's nomination as attorney general
Reuters
PUBLISHED ON MAR 01, 2021 05:00 PM IST
Garland has garnered support among both Democrats and Republicans, who cite his prior experience as a prosecutor and a judge.
Nuclear deal: Time not 'ripe' for talks with US and Europe, says Iran
Bloomberg
PUBLISHED ON MAR 01, 2021 04:02 PM IST
US President Joe Biden has offered to participate in talks between Iran and major powers to revive the accord, but the two sides remain at odds over who should act first.
Donald Trump raises climate issue; says India, China, Russia not clean
PTI, Washington
PUBLISHED ON MAR 01, 2021 03:59 PM IST
China is the world's biggest carbon emitter followed by the US, India and the EU.
WTO's first female director-general arrives for 1st day on job
AP, Geneva
PUBLISHED ON MAR 01, 2021 03:57 PM IST
- Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, 66, a Nigerian economist and former government minister, donned a mask as she made brief comments to reporters on way into the imposing building on the shores of Lake Geneva on Monday.
Germany considers way ahead on Covid-19 as hairdressers reopen across country
AP
UPDATED ON MAR 01, 2021 03:37 PM IST
The move came after many elementary students returned to school a week ago. Chancellor Merkel and state governors will meet again on Wednesday to decide how to proceed with the rest of restrictions, which at present run until March 7.
UK seeks person infected with Brazilian coronavirus variant
Bloomberg
PUBLISHED ON MAR 01, 2021 03:33 PM IST
Six cases of the mutation, which originated in the Amazonian city of Manaus, have been detected in the UK, Public Health England said on Sunday.
Covid-19: US approves single shot J&J vaccine, UK vaccinates 20 million
By hindustantimes.com | Edited by Mallika Soni
PUBLISHED ON MAR 01, 2021 03:32 PM IST
The United States reported 51,204 new Covid-19 cases and 1,097 related deaths on Sunday, according to Johns Hopkins University. Britain on Sunday reported 6,095 new cases of Covid-19 and 144 new deaths.
China still has ‘major concerns’ about Boeing’s 737 Max planes
Bloomberg
PUBLISHED ON MAR 01, 2021 03:23 PM IST
Boeing’s China orders largely dried up in the past four years amid heightened tension between Washington and Beijing around trade and other areas.