Month: January 2022

Categories
-Top News COVID-19 Europe

SPECIAL 2022: Omicron Hits Tourism in France

Paris, Sept. 4, 2020 (Xinhua) -- People wearing masks walk on the Trocadero Place near the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, Sept. 3, 2020. The French government aims to mobilize 100 billion euros (118 billion U.S. dollars) in a recovery plan "of historic size" to help the country recover from the coronavirus pandemic crisis, Prime Minister Jean Castex announced on Thursday. Ecological transition, competitiveness and social cohesion were identified as the three pillars of the plan dubbed "France Relaunch," which Castex said was "the most massive announced to date among major European countries." (Xinhua/Gao Jing/IANS)

France has reported record numbers of coronavirus infections in the last few days. A total of 104,611 new cases were reported on December 25, and 206,243 on December 30…reports Asian Lite News.

Christmas and the end of the year were once again celebrated in an unusual atmosphere in France. The outbreak of coronavirus, especially the Omicron variant, has disrupted festivities, causing great concern among the population.

In Paris, people queue in long lines in front of pharmacies waiting for a Covid-19 test so that they can spend the holidays with their family or friends, Xinhua news agency reported.

Estelle, a journalist in her thirties, has asked her friends to take Covid-19 tests in order to join the Saint Sylvester celebrations that she hosts each year at her home.

“I have asked my friends to bring the proof of a negative test. But despite the precautions, I feel that the celebrations won’t be the same as before (Covid-19). The atmosphere won’t be as relaxed with the Omicron variant that is circulating,” she said, adding that some friends have preferred staying at their home instead.

This fear of catching the virus has also constrained Sebastien, a French expat living in Africa, who has cancelled all his appointments with his friends.

“I return to France once per year to celebrate Christmas and Saint Sylvester with family but it is also an occasion to see each of my friends according to their availability. Sadly that won’t be possible this year. I prefer being careful and calling them just on the phone,” Sebastien told Xinhua.

France has reported record numbers of coronavirus infections in the last few days. A total of 104,611 new cases were reported on December 25, and 206,243 on December 30.

Omicron has become the main coronavirus strain in France. “62.4 per cent of screened tests (at the start of the week) show a compatible profile with the Omicron variant,” said the last weekly survey by the French Public Health published on Thursday.

Rising infections have also hit restaurants hard, forcing some to close this year. Pascal Boulanger, the owner of bars and restaurants in Mont-de-Marsan, southern France, is one of these restaurateurs.

“It is a choice a little bit imposed. From the moment where conditions are not reunited to do something that looks like a New Year Eve, there isn’t any interest to organise something,” he explained to France Bleu Radio.

Those who decided to open, such as Bastien d’Andre, a restaurateur in the same city, noted that the “infatuation is not as strong and there are few reservations” this year.

Although the government has decided not to impose a curfew for New Year’s Eve, it has increased additional restrictive measures in response to the outbreak of the Omicron variant. In Paris, for example, the police department announced the return of the obligation to wear a mask outdoors in all streets effective from December 31.

The French government is counting on its vaccine strategy to curb the new variant. And recent studies on the efficiency of the Pfizer and Modern vaccines against the severe forms of the Omicron variant are the foundation of that hope.

France has accelerated its vaccination campaign since the appearance of the new variant, and announced recently a draft law bill to transform the health pass to a vaccine pass, to oblige the non-vaccinated to go for it.

ALSO READ-France reports new daily record of over 100,000 new Covid-19 cases

Categories
Crime USA

2021 a ‘bloody’ year for US

As of December 31, 2021, gun violence had resulted in 44,750 deaths, including 20,660 homicides and 24,090 suicides, among them 1,533 were children and teens under 17….reports Asian Lite News

The US saw a record high of 691 mass shootings, with at least four victims in one incident, in 2021 as gun violence surged within the year.

According to the latest updates by Gun Violence Archive, an online archive tracking gun violence incidents in the US since 2013, nearly all indexes of gun violence in 2021 set records in the organization’s tracking history, reports Xinhua news agency.

As of December 31, 2021, gun violence had resulted in 44,750 deaths, including 20,660 homicides and 24,090 suicides, among them 1,533 were children and teens under 17.

The number of injured was also a record high of 40,359, including 4,107 under the age of 17.

A recent CNN report based on an analysis of over 40 major cities said more than two-thirds of the country’s most populous cities saw more homicides in 2021 than in 2020.

At least nine major cities broke their previous annual homicide records.

Statistics from the Philadelphia police department showed that the city had recorded 557 homicides in 2021 through December 29, the highest total by far since 1960.

While in Chicago, a populous city notorious for gun violence, more than 800 deaths were gun related in 2021, the most violent year in a quarter century.

Los Angeles hit a 15-year record with near 400 gun-related deaths in 2021.

Gun violence in the US has been a chronic social problem that seems to have no solution.

Estimates from the Federal Bureau of Investigation showed that 17 million guns were sold in January through November of 2021, the second-highest number since 2000.

A national firearms survey found that about one-third – roughly 81.4 million – of US adults own a gun, the most heavily armed citizenry in the world.

ALSO READ: Biden to offer Putin diplomatic path on Ukraine

Categories
News World World News

Suez Canal Adds $6.3 bn to Egypt in 2021

Suez Canal revenues hit record $6.3 bn in 2021

The revenues of Egypt’s Suez Canal in 2021 reached $6.3 billion, the highest in the waterway’s history…reports Asian Lite News

In a statement on Sunday, Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) Osama Rabie said that the waterway has also registered the largest annual net tonnages of 1.27 billion tonnes in 2021, compared to 1.17 billion tonnes in 2020, an increase of 8.5 per cent, reports Xinhua news agency.

Suez Canal revenues hit record $6.3 bn in 2021

The revenues of the Suez Canal during 2021 achieved a significant increase of 12.8 per cent, said Rabie, noting that the revenues of the canal recorded $5.6 billion in 2020.

A total of 20,694 ships passed through both directions of the canal, compared to the transit of 18,830 ships in 2020, an increase of 10 per cent.

The Egyptian official stressed that the records reflect the flexibility of the SCA in dealing with crises caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

In November 2021, the SCA announced it will increase the toll fees for the ships transiting through the canal by 6 per cent as of February 2022.

ALSO READ: Suez Canal revenue hits record high in 2021

The Suez Canal is a major lifeline for global seaborne trade since it allows ships to travel between Europe and South Asia without navigating around Africa, thereby reducing the sea voyage distance between Europe and India by about 7,000 km.

Some 12 per cent of the world trade volume passes through the man-made canal, which is a major source of hard currency in Egypt.

Categories
-Top News Africa News

Sudan’s Hamdok resigns amid turmoil

It is not immediately clear who will succeed Hamdok and there seemed to be no visible candidates as the country has been experiencing a political crisis…reports Asian Lite News

Amid the continuing mass protests and political crisis in Sudan, Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok has announced his resignation from the post.

“I announce to you my resignation from the post of Prime Minister to make way for another person from the daughters or sons of this generous country,” Xinhua news agency quoted Hamdok as saying in an address to the nation on Sunday night broadcast by the official Sudan TV.

“You have granted me the honour to be Prime Minister at this delicate and hopeful circumstance, and I have tried my best to prevent our country against the danger of sliding into disaster.

“Under the differences within the political forces and the nihilistic conflicts among all the components of the transition, and despite what I have done to achieve the desired and necessary consensus to fulfil what we have promised the citizens with of security, peace, justice and stopping of bloodshed, yet that did not happen,” he added.

Hamdok stressed the importance of initiating a comprehensive dialogue to end the political crisis in the country.

“The key word towards a solution to this dilemma, which continued for over six decades of the nation’s history, is to resort to a round-table dialogue involving all components of the Sudanese society and the State to agree on a national charter and set a road-map to complete the civil democratic transformation,” he said.

Sudan protesters reach Presidential palace to demand civilian rule

It is not immediately clear who will succeed Hamdok and there seemed to be no visible candidates as the country has been experiencing a political crisis after General Commander of the Sudanese Armed Forces, Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, launched a coup on October 25 and dissolved the Sovereign Council and government.

On November 21, Al-Burhan and then removed Prime Minister Hamdok signed a political declaration, which included reinstating the latter as Prime Minister, but the deal has so far failed to calm the street.

Demonstrators have since continued to take to the streets to demand an entirely civilian political leadership.

Security forces killed two people on Sunday during protests against the military’s rule, according to the pro-democracy Sudan Central Doctors’ Committee.

Security forces have not commented on the deaths.

At least 56 people have been killed in protests since the coup, the committee says.

ALSO READ: Sudan declares curfew in North Darfur state

Categories
-Top News PAKISTAN

Is Pakistan heading towards another coup?

Pic credits IANS

Nawaz’s return also means that the Pakistani security establishment has decided to allow him to resume political activities and getting cases against him “dismissed” is not difficult….reports Asian Lite News

The possibility of the return to Pakistan of the countrys former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif from London is giving Imran Khan sleepless nights.

Though there is no confirmation about the deal between Sharif and the Pakistani security establishment headed by General Qamar Javed Bajwa but the way ministers of Imran Khan are daily giving statements that it “doesn’t matter whether Nawaz Sharif returns or not”, indicates that there is something happening behind closed doors.

Pakistani interior minister Sheikh Rashid said, “Some say he is returning and some say he was not. It doesn’t matter if he returns or not, but Imran Khan will complete five years. Nothing is going to happen.”

This is the year of local body elections whereas the fifth year will be of national elections,” referring to the general elections which are due in 2023.

PIC CREDITS ANI

Information minister Fawad Chaudhry lost his cool when journalists asked him about Nawaz Sharif.

“I am telling you that Sharif himself would never return, we will have to bring him back,” said Chaudhary rubbishing such claims and daring Nawaz Sharif to return and face jail.

Despite attempts put up a brave face, there is a nervousness in Imran Khan’s government.

The speculated return of Nawaz Sharif is the only topic that is being discussed in Pakistani media every day.

According to Pakistani analysts, whenever it happens, it is “perfectly” timed for maximum political effect. Nawaz Sharif is fully aware that as a convicted person he has to serve his term in prison unless he is given a legal remedy.

Nawaz’s return also means that the Pakistani security establishment has decided to allow him to resume political activities and getting cases against him “dismissed” is not difficult. According to a report, the Bar Council of Pakistan has decided to challenge Sharif’s conviction by the NAB in the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

“It is not appropriate for the Bar Council to file a petition in court. I do not understand how it is legally viable to make him the Prime Minister of Pakistan for the fourth time,” says Shahzad Akbar, Imran Khan’s Special Assistant on Accountability, adding that the President of the Supreme Court Bar Council had recently met Nawaz Sharif in London.

While top leaders who are close to the establishment are silent, a close confidant of Nawaz Sharif and former speaker of Pakistan National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq told Geo news that many meetings have been taking place in London.

“They are meeting Nawaz Sharif because they have realized that bringing Imran Khan into power has turned out to be a failure,” said Sadiq.

In its editorial, the Pakistani daily Dawn wrote that “Mr Sharif has a moral obligation to return to Pakistan as per his promise when leaving for London to get medical treatment. From the looks of it he seems to be in decent health which means there should not be anything stopping him from fulfilling the commitment he gave to the courts. The recent talk of his return is therefore a welcome sign.”

Veteran journalist and Editor-in-Chief Najam Sethi said that “talks between the Pakistani military establishment and Nawaz Sharif and his brother Shehbaz Sharif have yielded positive results, with only one or two hurdles to cross before steps are jointly taken to get rid of Imran Khan and install a new government that can transition to general elections as soon as possible.”

Interestingly, last week former Pakistani President and co-chairman of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Asif Ali Zardari had revealed that he had been asked for help to strategise a plan for the future of Pakistan.

Though Zardari did not disclose the source of his contact, the Pakistani media is speculating that the former President was referring to the military establishment.

And how is the Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan reacting to this development? Media reports, quoting Fawad Chaudhary said that when he spoke to Imran Khan about to revoke Nawaz Sharif’s disqualification, Khan responded that if convicted persons had to be released, then the doors of all jails should be thrown open.

(The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com)

ALSO READ: Pakistanis less hopeful about 2022: Survey

Categories
COVID-19 News World

Global Covid caseload tops 290 mn

Global Covid caseload tops 325.7 mn

Amid an ongoing resurgence across the world, the global coronavirus caseload has topped 290 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 5.44 million and vaccinations to over 9.17 billion, according to Johns Hopkins University…reports Asian Lite News

In its latest update on Monday morning, the University’s Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload and the death toll stood at 290,065,951 and 5,443,444, respectively, while the total number of vaccine doses administered has increased to 9,178,390,709.

Global Covid caseload tops 290 mn

The US continues to be the worst-hit country with the world’s highest number of cases and deaths at 55,069,347 and 826,057, according to the CSSE.

The second worst hit country in terms of cases is India (34,889,132 infections and 481,770 deaths), followed by Brazil (22,297,427 infections and 619,401 deaths).

ALSO READ: Global Covid caseload tops 284.4 mn

The other countries with over 5 million cases are the UK (13,309,651), Russia (10,358,099), France (10,355,341), Turkey (9,554,771), Germany (7,208,790), Italy (6,328,076), Spain (6,294,745), Iran (6,196,913), Argentina (5,694,930) and Colombia (5,181,173), the CSSE figures showed.

The nations with a death toll of over 100,000 are Russia (304,284), Mexico (299,525), Peru (202,741), the UK (149,324), Indonesia (144,097), Italy (137,646), Iran (131,680), Colombia (130,026), France (124,930), Argentina (117,204) and Germany (112,161).

Categories
-Top News COVID-19 UK News

Masks back in UK classrooms

Britain reported another 137,583 coronavirus cases in the latest 24-hour period, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 13,309,651…reports Asian Lite News

Secondary school students in England are once again being asked to wear masks in classrooms as the Omicron Covid-19 variant continues to spread in the UK ahead of children’s return to school next week.

The recommendation came as the government pledges to keep face-to-face education going despite surging Covid-19 infections in England, reports Xinhua news agency.

Masks will “maximise the number of children in school” for the “maximum amount of time”, said the government, stressing the “temporary” guidance for schools and colleges will be reviewed on January 26 when Plan B regulations, which involve guidance to work from home and mandatory face masks in most public indoor venues among others, are scheduled to expire.

Britain reported another 137,583 coronavirus cases in the latest 24-hour period, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 13,309,651, according to official figures.

The country also reported a 73 more fatalities, taking the national death toll to 149,324.

More than 90 per cent of people aged 12 and over in Britain have had their first vaccine dose, and over 82 per cent were fully vaccinated, according to the latest figures.

Some 59 per cent have received a booster dose.

ALSO READ: UK donates over 4 million vaccine doses to Bangladesh

Categories
-Top News Asia News Europe

Putin, Erdogan discuss bolstering ties

MOSCOW, March 5, 2020 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) meets with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Moscow, Russia, on March 5, 2020. Russia and Turkey agreed Thursday on a ceasefire in the de-escalation zone in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib, after talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan which lasted for about six hours. (Sputnik/Handout via Xinhua/IANS)

The two leaders evaluated regional issues and international developments, especially in the Caucasus, Syria and Libya….reports Asian Lite News

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional developments, Turkey’s presidency said.

They discussed “steps to improve Turkey-Russia relations,” said the statement, noting that Erdogan reiterated his determination to advance the cooperation between the two countries in all fields, Xinhua news agency reported.

The two leaders evaluated regional issues and international developments, especially in the Caucasus, Syria and Libya, it added.

Tensions between Ankara and Moscow heightened recently over Turkey’s sales of armed drones to Ukraine. Russia is angered over Ukrainian forces using Turkish-made Bayraktar drones in their conflict in the Donbass region.

Russia and Turkey jointly operate an observation centre in Nagorno-Karabakh to ensure the ceasefire is maintained between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

ALSO READ: SPECIAL 2022: West to Face New Russia-China Challenge – By Mihir Bose

Categories
-Top News Afghanistan Asia News

Afghans take to streets against freezing of assets

Afghans take part in a protest in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, Jan. 2, 2022. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua/IANS)

The Taliban caretaker government has repeatedly called upon the US to unfreeze assets with aid agencies warning of acute food shortages for more than 22 million Afghans…reports Asian Lite News

Thousands of Afghans took to the streets of Kabul to protest against freezing of the war-torn country’s assets by the US, demanding for its immediate release amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

The demonstrators on Sunday were holding placards that said “our seized money should be handed over!” and “Give us our frozen money”, reports xinhua news agency.

“The special demand of Afghan people and my demand is to unfreeze our money, it is our rights, they should give our rights, otherwise we will continue our demonstration to make our voice heard,” a protester Zekrullah said in a diplomatic district near the shuttered US embassy, adding that the demonstrators came from different provinces.

The protesters said a ban on Afghan assets was an act against the international laws and a violation of international principles.

Since the takeover of Afghanistan in August 2020 and the formation of the Taliban-led caretaker government in September, the country has faced economic problems.

Basic services in Afghanistan are collapsing while food and other life-saving aid are about to run out.

The situation worsened following the freezing of over $9 billion of Da Afghanistan Bank (DAB), the country’s central bank, assets by the US as well as a halt of funds by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The Taliban caretaker government has repeatedly called upon the US to unfreeze assets with aid agencies warning of acute food shortages for more than 22 million Afghans.

The ongoing crisis has forced many Afghans to flee the country, but the Taliban officials have been trying to convince the people to stay, promising them that the challenges will be solved in near future.

ALSO READ: Taliban govt to install 3 radar systems in Afghanistan

Categories
India News Lite Blogs

Class V Kashmir girls shine at national Pencak Silat championship

Nawreen

Around 32 such athletes from J&K have won 32 medals in 2021 alone. It’s a huge achievement. Albeit, it has not been celebrated in the media as it should have been,” said Bakht…reports Anas Mohammed(Delhi based journalist)

Behind the vale of conflict in Kashmir lie the stories of success of ordinary Kashmiris. Even girls studying in Class V are shining on the national stage. Nawreen Zahoor and Sadiya Mushtaq are two such little girls who have brought laurels to the UT by winning gold and bronze medals in little known Pencak Silat championship held in Haryana in December.

Both Nawreen and Sadiya are classmates and started practising for the game when they were in Class UKG. They study in RP School in Nagarbal, Ganderbal. “These girls developed a passion for the martial arts in their households. Seeing their penchant for the game, we decided to promote them and got them admitted in a local academy run by coach Murtaza Bakht,” said Zahoor and Saniya Mushtaq, father and elder sister of Nawreen and Sadiya.

Penchak Silat is an umbrella term for a class of related Indonesian martial arts. It is a full-body fighting form incorporating strikes, grappling and throwing in addition to weaponry. Every part of the body is used and subject to attack. Pencak Silat has been in practice not only for physical defence but also for psychological ends.

Both Nawreen and Sadiya had to spend one to two hours at the Iron Fist Wing Chun martial arts academy run by Bakht. “Being from Kashmir, I knew these girls have strength as they consume pure milk and fruits. I only have to teach them basic nuances of the game and tricks to manoeuvre opponents. They picked up these skills well,” said Bakht.

Bakht added that there are around 80 students, majority of them girls, at his academy in Ganderbal. “It is not a very state-of-the-art kind of setup. It’s just a make-shift arrangement in a school. There are not even indoor facilities and athletes have to sweat it out in the open. Yet, they excel. It’s their determination to pursue their dreams. Around 32 such athletes from J&K have won 32 medals in 2021 alone. It’s a huge achievement. Albeit, it has not been celebrated in the media as it should have been,” said Bakht.

Bakht added that the civilian authorities had supported only in the name of issuing approval to his academy so that he could take athletes to take part in the national championships. “Otherwise, only the CO of the Army has supported monetarily from time to time. He also came to congratulate and encourage these girls when they returned with medals,” said Bakht.

After their medal-worthy performance, both Nawreen and Sadiya look forward to participating in international championships. “We have proved our mettle at the national level, now we want to perform in the Olympics and win medals for our country,” they told this correspondent. However, coach Bakht said that they are pre-teen and any event at international level is for teenagers. “So, they will have to wait a little,” said Bakht.

When asked how they manage sports and their education, Nawreen and Sadiya said that they always practice after their classes are over. And any special diet regime they follow? “We eat whatever our parents serve. Yes, we eat heavy breakfast. Ultimately, we have to be strong enough for the martial arts and life,” they said.

ALSO READ-Kashmir Youth Break Shackles, Chase Dreams