Author: News Desk

TOKYO: Japan’s Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has cancelled plans to visit India and the Philippines during his country’s extended holiday starting in late April amid a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases, a senior government spokesman said on Wednesday. Japan’s government is considering a state of emergency for Tokyo and several other prefectures, while Indian data showed on Wednesday there had been 295,041 new infections nationwide overnight and 2,023 deaths, India’s highest in the pandemic. Asked about media reports that Suga’s trip to the two countries has been cancelled, Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said: “In order to take all possible…

Indonesia’s navy is searching for 53 people on board a missing submarine and is seeking help from Australia and Singapore, the country’s military chief told Reuters on Wednesday. The German-made submarine, KRI Nanggala-402, was conducting a torpedo drill in waters north of the island of Bali on Wednesday but failed to relay the results as expected, a navy spokesman said. (Reuters)

MOSCOW: President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday he wanted Russia to reach collective COVID-19 immunity by the autumn and called on Russians to get vaccinated against the new coronavirus. Russia has vaccinated more than 8 million citizens out of around 144 million, a senior official said last week. It is not clear how many of those have received both shots. The Kremlin has said demand to get vaccinated in Russia is disappointing. Putin, who himself received the second of two vaccine shots last week, used his annual state-of-the-nation speech on Wednesday to top officials and both houses of parliament to…

Over 65 percent of those eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in the United Arab Emirates have been fully immunized, the government announced on Wednesday. With a population of nearly 10 million, the UAE has administered a total of 9.5 million vaccine doses as of April 20 with over 5 million people having received their first dose and nearly 4 million received a second dose. Vaccines are currently available to residents and nationals over the age of 16. According to the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA), close to 75 percent of the elderly above the age of 60…

Washington: The U.S. is set to meet President Joe Biden’s latest vaccine goal of administering 200 million COVID-19 shots in his first 100 days in office, as the White House steps up its efforts to inoculate the rest of the public. With more than 50% of adults at least partially vaccinated, Biden on Wednesday will reflect on his efforts to expand vaccine distribution and access in his first three months in the White House. But with all those 16 and older now eligible for shots, the president is expected to outline his administration’s plans to drive up the vaccination rate even…

The 26 years old Debasish Sahoo residing from Odisha who came to Bahrain in 2016 never thought that he would never return to his motherland. He came to the city of Bahrain to earn his daily bread and to repay the loan accumulated for the treatment of his late beloved mother who died due to cancer. However, Dr. Arun Kumar Praharaj turned out messiah for late Debasish and his old father once again. The tragic death of 3 Indian migrant workers including an Odia migrant worker, a few months back was none other than late Debasis Sahoo in Bani Jamra, Bahrain on 16th…

Manama: The Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments has closed three mosques for flouting the precautionary measures to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The move was taken as part of the efforts of the National Medical Taskforce for Combatting Coronavirus to trace active cases and their contacts so as to ensure the safety and health of everyone. The three mosques violated the established health precautionary measures, as those in charge of them allowed the entry of non-vaccinated worshipers, including active cases who are supposed to be under quarantine and not to contact others. The decision was taken in view…

Manama: His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa received today, at Al Safriya Palace, outgoing U.S. Naval Forces Central Command  (NAVCENT) 5th Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Samuel Paparo. HM the King hailed decades-long historic relations binding the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States of America, based on trust, respect and joint coordination as two allies and partners. He praised steadily-growing cooperation, particularly in the military and defence fields towards serving joint goals and aspirations, lauding the efforts of Vice Admiral Paparo, which contributed to bolstering military and defence cooperation. HM the King conferred the Bahrain Order – First Class on…

Solar-powered benches with USB charging ports will be installed in various locations in the Southern Governorate, in a move supported by Bapco. The seats which are fitted with photovoltaic cells, harness solar power for LED and USB charging ports for smart devices will be provided in six locations, including public gardens, walkways and markets. The smart iniative is part of the municipality’s strategy to achieve sustainable development and optimize the use of natural resources and energy.

Apple Inc has created a $200 million fund to invest in timber-producing forest properties that will be managed to help remove carbon from the atmosphere while also generating a profit, it said on Thursday. Apple last year set out a goal to neutralize its own carbon emissions and those of its suppliers by 2030. It said 75% of the reduction would come from eliminating emissions through steps such as the use of solar energy and the remaining 25% would come from carbon removal efforts. Apple and nonprofit Conservation International will be limited partners in the $200 million “Restore Fund,” as…