Photo taken on May 15, 2022 shows a full moon in the sky over the ancient Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, 70 km southeast of Athens, Greece.
(Xinhua/Marios Lolos)
Tag: WORLD
The global coronavirus caseload has topped 521.9 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 6.26 million and vaccinations to over 11.41 billion, according to the Johns Hopkins University…reports Asian Lite News
In its latest update on Tuesday morning, the University’s Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload and the death toll stood at 521,911,280 and 6,265,362, respectively, while the total number of vaccine doses administered increased to 11,413,047,894.
The US continues to be the worst-hit country with the world’s highest number of cases and deaths at 82,613,628 and 999,841, respectively, according to the CSSE.
ALSO READ: Global Covid caseload tops 521.4 mn
India accounts for the second highest caseload at 43,123,801.
The other countries with over 10 million cases are Brazil (30,701,900), France (29,383,661), Germany (25,732,153), the UK (22,385,203), Russia (17,998,438), South Korea (17,830,429), Italy (17,071,649), Turkey (15,055,576), Spain (12,127,122) and Vietnam (10,698,180).
The nations with a death toll of over 100,000 are Brazil (665,216), India (524,241), Russia (370,145), Mexico (324,622), Peru (213,013), the UK (178,063), Italy (165,346), Indonesia (156,464), France (148,516), Iran (141,232), Colombia (139,821), Germany (137,499), Argentina (128,776), Poland (116,207), Spain (105,444) and South Africa (100,755).
The global coronavirus caseload has topped 521.4 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 6.26 million and vaccinations to over 11.40 billion, according to the 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 521,452,524 and 6,263,896, respectively, while the total number of vaccine doses administered increased to 11,405,871,190.
The US continues to be the worst-hit country with the world’s highest number of cases and deaths at 82,468,606 and 999,602, respectively, according to the CSSE.
ALSO READ: Global Covid caseload tops 521.1 mn
India accounts for the second highest caseload at 43,121,599.
The other countries with over 10 million cases are Brazil (30,688,390), France (29,375,134), Germany (25,732,153), the UK (22,361,251), Russia (17,993,952), South Korea (17,795,357), Italy (17,057,873), Turkey (15,054,322), Spain (12,127,122) and Vietnam (10,696,630).
The nations with a death toll of over 100,000 are Brazil (665,150), India (524,214), Russia (370,057), Mexico (324,465), Peru (213,013), the UK (177,905), Italy (165,244), Indonesia (156,458), France (148,313), Iran (141,216), Colombia (139,821), Germany (137,499), Argentina (128,776), Poland (116,207), Spain (105,444) and South Africa (100,755).
US President Joe Biden
US President Joe Biden said: “Sheikh Khalifa was a true partner and friend of the United States throughout his decades-long tenure as President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and in his earlier role as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.” “On behalf of the American people, I offer my condolences to Sheikh Khalifa’s family and all Emiratis as they mourn this great loss. We will honor his memory by continuing to strengthen the longstanding ties between the governments and people of the United States and the United Arab Emirates.”
UN Secretary-General António Guterres
The UN Secretary-General António Guterres extended his profound condolences to the leadership, government and people of the United Arab Emirates on the passing of late His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. In an official statement, the Secretary-General reiterated the commitment of the United Nations to its close cooperation with the United Arab Emirates, including on humanitarian issues and interfaith dialogue, as well as on regional and global peace, security and sustainable development. Xxx
Queen Elizabeth II mourns
The UK’s Queen Elizabeth II has expressed her sadness on the passing of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. In a message to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, Queen Elizabeth said, “I am saddened to hear of the death of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi. Your distinguished brother devoted his life to serving the people of the United Arab Emirates and his relationship with its allies and friends.”
The Queen continued, “He will be long remembered by all who work for regional stability, understanding between nations and between faiths, and for the conservation cause. I offer Your Highness my sincere condolences and I extend my sympathy to the people of the United Arab Emirates.”
US Vice President Kamala Harris
US Vice President Kamala Harris today mourned the passing of late His Highness Sheikh Khalifa. “I send our condolences on the passing of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Our thoughts are with his family and with the people of the United Arab Emirates as they mourn this loss. Under his leadership, the strong partnership between the United States and the UAE has enhanced the security and prosperity of the American and Emirati people, and we are grateful for our work together across multiple Administrations. The legacy of this partnership can be found in the deep bonds between our countries, which our Administration will continue to strengthen,” she said in a statement.
EU President Ursula mourns
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the EU Commission, mourned the passing of late His Highness Sheikh Khalifa. In a tweet on her Twitter account, Ursula von der Leyen said:”I offer my condolences to the people of the UAE on the passing of Sheikh Khalifa.” ”Sheikh devoted his life to his country, working for the welfare and future of the Emirates. With him, the UAE became prosperous, tolerant and open to the world. His legacy will live on,” she tweeted.
British PM Boris Johnson
Boris Johnson, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, has expressed his condolences over the death of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. “I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Abu Dhabi,” Johnson said in his obituary.
“He was a wise and respected leader who will be missed enormously. Through his work as President he has made a personal contribution to regional stability and conservation which will long be remembered. I know that the long and deep ties, which unite our countries, will continue, and through our cooperation and friendship, we can ensure peace, prosperity and justice in the world,” he added.
Condolences From India
India’s President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi today mourned the passing of the late His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
“Saddened at the demise of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. We will always remember his contribution to our bilateral relations and the welfare of the Indian community in the UAE. My condolences to His Highness’ family, the government and the people of the UAE in this hour of grief,” he tweeted.
India has declared a day of national mourning on 14th May as a mark of respect to the late President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. “The National Flag will be flown at half-mast on the day of mourning throughout India on all buildings where the National Flag is flown regularly and there will be no official entertainment on that day,” an official announcement here said.
Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, also mourned the late President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Expressing deep grief over the passing away of the late President, Modi described Sheikh Khalifa “as a great statesman and a visionary leader under whom India-UAE relations prospered. May he rest in peace. The heartfelt condolences of the people of India are with the people of UAE.”
India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S Jaishankar, said, “We deeply mourn the passing of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE. He will be remembered as a leader who modernised and empowered the UAE. This laid the foundation of the transformation of the India-UAE relationship,” Jaishankar tweeted.
Pakistan announces 3-day mourning
The Government of Pakistan has announced three-day national mourning from Friday till Sunday in solidarity with the brotherly people of the UAE over the “sad demise of President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.” A statement issued on Friday said that the National Flag shall also fly at half-mast during the mourning period.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas today offered his condolences to the United Arab Emirates on the death of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who passed away on Friday, 13th May, 2022. President abbas extended, on his behalf and on behalf of the people of Palestine, his heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the Al Nahyan family, government and people of UAE on the death of Sheikh Khalifa. President Abbas declared Satuday a day of mourning across Palestine and ordered flags to be flown at half-mast.
Sudan mourns passing of Khalifa bin Zayed
KHARTOUM, 13th May, 2022 (WAM) — Sudan’s Sovereign Council Chairman Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah Abdelrahman al-Burhan today mourned, with great sadness and sorrow, the passing of late His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Al-Burhan said in an obituary that the Arab and Islamic nation has lost a wise leader who dedicated his life to serving his nation and contributed to achieving world peace. Xxx
Singapore President, PM Mourn
Singapore’s President Halimah Yacob and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong have mourned the passing of the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Both leaders have written to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler of Abu Dhabi, to convey their condolences.
President Yacob said in her letter, “As the second President of the UAE, His Highness built upon the strong foundations laid by His Highness the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to strengthen the unity of the UAE and enhance its development. Throughout his life, His Highness was dedicated to serving the people of the UAE and to bring prosperity to the country. His Highness will always be remembered for his love and care for the people.”
Prime Minister Lee wrote, “His Highness Sheikh Khalifa dedicated his life in service of the people of Abu Dhabi as well as the UAE. His Highness played a key role in strengthening the unity of the federation and improving the lives of his people. During His Highness’ reign, relations between Singapore and the UAE were strengthened with the establishment of the Singapore Embassy in Abu Dhabi in 2007.”
Indonesian President Joko Widodo
Indonesian President Joko Widodo has mourned the passing of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. “It was with profound sadness that I learnt of the passing of President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed,” Widodo tweeted early on Saturday. “He will forever be remembered as a great leader that solidified the prosperity of UAE,” added the Indonesian President.
Japanese PM Fumio Kishida
Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister of Japan, has expressed his condolences over the death of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. “On behalf of the government of Japan and its people, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the UAE leadership, government and people on this great loss that not only affected the UAE, but the international community as a whole,” the Japanese Prime Minister said.
“Since he visited Japan in his capacity as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi at the Expo ’70 in Osaka, 1970, he attached great importance to strengthening his country’s relations with Japan, especially in the field of energy,” he added.
Arab Parliament President mourns
President of Arab Parliament Adel bin Abdul Rahman Al Asoomi on Friday offered his sincere and heartfelt condolences to the UAE leadership and people over the death of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan. “Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed was one of the most precious and greatest men and an exceptional wise leader,” Al Asoomi said in a press statement. He highly commended the late UAE president’s contributions and achievements for his own country and both Arab and Muslim worlds, making the UAE a role model at both Arab and global levels.
Egypt’s Mufti Shawqi Allam
Egypt’s Mufti Shawqi Allam mourned UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan. In a statement, Allam extended his heartfelt condolences to the UAE leadership, government and people for Sheikh Khalifa’s death, asking Allah Almighty to bless the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, with his great mercy, and to dwell him in his vast gardens in reward for the great services he rendered to the Arab and Islamic nations. The mufti praised the late UAE president’s efforts at the regional and international levels, in addition to his contribution to the progress and development of his country.
INTERPOL President mourns
President of INTERPOL Dr. Major General Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi, mourned the death of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Ahmed Nasser Al-Raisi expressed his profound condolences to the government and people of the UAE on the great loss of Sheikh Khalifa.
”The deceased has left remarkable imprint through his wisdom and exceptional leadership of the UAE, which has become an oases of tolerance and coexistence,” he said, adding that the deceased leader was a great supporter for causes of peoples.
Arab Interior Ministers Council
The General Secretariat of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers has mourned the passing of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. In a statement, the General Secretariat extended its members’ heartfelt condolences to the UAE leadership, government and people on the loss of a great leader, and prayed to Allah Almighty to grant Sheikh Khalifa eternal peace and his family and the UAE people patience and solace.
Islamic Fiqh Academy
The International Islamic Fiqh Academy has mourned the passing of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Prof. Koutoub Moustapha Sano, Secretary-General of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy, extended his heartfelt condolences to the UAE leadership, government and people on this great loss, and prayed to Allah Almighty to grant Sheikh Khalifa eternal peace and his family and the UAE people patience and solace.
European Union officials
Senior European Union officials have affirmed that the UAE, during the era of the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, achieved growth, comprehensive renaissance, peace and stability in the region.
Charles Michel, President of the European Council, said, “We received the death of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan with great sadness. The European Union honours his legacy and leadership which made the UAE a pioneer in sustainable development and economic diversification. I extend my condolences to the UAE leadership, government and people.” Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs, David McAllister, Chairman of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, the Belgian Foreign Ministry also joined the grief.
Algerian President Abdelmadjid
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune of Algeria has offered condolences over the passing of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, declaring a two-day national mourning with flags to be flown at half-mast. “We received the news of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed’s passing with great sadness. On my behalf and on behalf on the Algerian government and people,” the Algerian President said. “I extended my heartfelt condolences to the UAE leadership, government and people on this great loss, and pray to Allah Almighty to grant Sheikh Khalifa eternal peace and his family and the UAE people patience and solace.”
The global coronavirus caseload has topped 521.1 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 6.26 million and vaccinations to over 11.40 billion, according to the Johns Hopkins University…reports Asian Lite News
In its latest update on Sunday morning, the University’s Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload and the death toll stood at 521,107,516 and 6,263,192, respectively, while the total number of vaccine doses administered increased to 11,404,410,241.
The US continues to be the worst-hit country with the world’s highest number of cases and deaths at 82,437,716 and 999,570, respectively, according to the CSSE.
ALSO READ: Global Covid caseload tops 520 mn
India accounts for the second highest caseload at 43,119,112.
The other countries with over 10 million cases are Brazil (30,682,094), France (29,352,290), Germany (25,729,848), the UK (22,361,204), Russia (17,989,065), South Korea (17,782,061), Italy (17,030,147), Turkey (15,053,168), Spain (12,127,122) and Vietnam (10,695,036).
The nations with a death toll of over 100,000 are Brazil (665,104), India (524,201), Russia (369,961), Mexico (324,465), Peru (213,013), the UK (177,903), Italy (165,182), Indonesia (156,453), France (148,306), Iran (141,216), Colombia (139,821), Germany (137,499), Argentina (128,729), Poland (116,138), Spain (105,444) and South Africa (100,744).
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Global Covid caseload tops 520 mn
The global coronavirus caseload has topped 520 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 6.26 million and vaccinations to over 11.39 billion, according to the Johns Hopkins University…reports Asian Lite News
In its latest update on Friday morning, the University’s Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload and the death toll stood at 520,072,647 and 6,260,163, respectively, while the total number of vaccine doses administered increased to 11,392,089,873.
The US continues to be the worst-hit country with the world’s highest number of cases and deaths at 82,325,687 and 999,125, respectively, according to the CSSE.’
ALSO READ: Global Covid caseload tops 518.7 mn
India accounts for the second highest caseload at 43,113,413.
The other countries with over 10 million cases are Brazil (30,639,130), France (29,289,023), Germany (25,661,838), the UK (22,353,789), Russia (17,979,272), South Korea (17,727,086), Italy (16,954,784), Turkey (15,046,779), Spain (12,058,888) and Vietnam (10,690,471).
The nations with a death toll of over 100,000 are Brazil (664,874), India (524,181), Russia (369,752), Mexico (324,465), Peru (212,957), the UK (177,752), Italy (164,976), Indonesia (156,396), France (148,196), Iran (141,192), Colombia (139,809), Germany (137,348), Argentina (128,729), Poland (116,138), Spain (105,123) and South Africa (100,630).
The global coronavirus caseload has topped 518.7 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 6.25 million and vaccinations to over 11.37 billion, according to the Johns Hopkins University…reports Asian Lite News
In its latest update on Wednesday morning, the University’s Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload and the death toll stood at 518,751,424 and 6,255,671, respectively, while the total number of vaccine doses administered increased to 11,371,667,576.
The US continues to be the worst-hit country with the world’s highest number of cases and deaths at 82,107,519 and 998,346, respectively, according to the CSSE.
ALSO READ: Global Covid caseload tops 517.8 mn
India accounts for the second highest caseload at 43,107,689.
The other countries with over 10 million cases are Brazil (30,594,388), France (29,212,276), Germany (25,503,878), the UK (22,329,020), Russia (17,971,207), South Korea (17,658,794), Italy (16,872,618), Turkey (15,046,779), Spain (12,009,059) and Vietnam (10,681,214).
The nations with a death toll of over 100,000 are Brazil (664,624), India (524,103), Russia (369,548), Mexico (324,465), Peru (212,957), the UK (177,358), Italy (164,731), Indonesia (156,396), France (148,016), Iran (141,192), Colombia (139,809), Germany (136,987), Argentina (128,729), Poland (116,138), Spain (104,869) and South Africa (100,559).
The global coronavirus caseload has topped 517.8 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 6.25 million and vaccinations to over 11.36 billion, according to the Johns Hopkins University…reports Asian Lite News
In its latest update on Tuesday morning, the University’s Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload and the death toll stood at 517,888,062 and 6,253,145, respectively, while the total number of vaccine doses administered increased to 11,367,626,812.
The US continues to be the worst-hit country with the world’s highest number of cases and deaths at 81,973,621 and 997,740, respectively, according to the CSSE.
ALSO READ:Global Covid caseload tops 517.3 mn
India accounts for the second highest caseload at 43,105,401.
The other countries with over 10 million cases are Brazil (30,574,245), France (29,155,895), Germany (25,406,868), the UK (22,318,371), Russia (17,966,773), South Korea (17,614,895), Italy (16,816,419), Turkey (15,044,921), Spain (12,009,059) and Vietnam (10,678,359).
The nations with a death toll of over 100,000 are Brazil (664,426), India (524,093), Russia (369,451), Mexico (324,465), Peru (212,946), the UK (177,072), Italy (164,573), Indonesia (156,396), France (147,893), Iran (141,189), Colombia (139,809), Germany (136,756), Argentina (128,729), Poland (116,138), Spain (104,869) and South Africa (100,533).
New Zealand reported its first case of Omicron BA.5 variant at the border, said the Ministry of Health in a statement on Sunday…reports Asian Lite News
A person who has travelled from South Africa to New Zealand has been confirmed as having the BA.5 variant of Omicron, reports Xinhua news agency.
This is the first known detection of the variant in New Zealand.
According to the Ministry, this follows the detection of BA.4 on May 1, also in a person who had travelled from South Africa.
It can take weeks or months to assess the severity of each new variant or sub-variant, so the Ministry of Health will continue to monitor the emerging evidence closely.
Microbiologist Associate Professor Siouxsie Wiles from the University of Auckland was worried about “all versions of Omicron around” and “variants of the virus we don’t yet know about but are almost certainly out there evolving away”.
“One big problem with the ‘getting back to normal’ phase that most countries have adopted is putting immunocompromised people at high risk of infection. While this is dangerous for their health, it can also be really bad for everyone else,” Wiles told local media.
New Zealand is currently under the orange settings of the Covid-19 Protection Framework, where there is no limit for gatherings.
University of Otago epidemiologist Professor Michael Baker told local media that most infectious diseases don’t decline in severity over time.
“If we look at Omicron now, its severity is very similar to the original Covid-19 virus that we saw for a whole year, and it’s still about 10 times more dangerous than influenza for unimmunized people,” said Baker.
According to the Mnistry, Sunday’s seven-day rolling average of community case numbers is 7,510, even a little bit higher than last the 7,414 reported cases on May 1.
“Unfortunately, we’re now seeing the (infection) rates in New Zealand plateauing out, and we’re seeing this, particularly in Auckland, because that was the first place to get a peak,” said Baker.
ALSO READ: Global Covid caseload tops 517.3 mn
Immunologist Anna Brooks from the University of Auckland told local news that New Zealand is facing a huge number of long Covid-19 cases in the aftermath of Omicron.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has been in self-isolation after her fiancee Clarke Gayford tested positive for the virus.
Ardern announced the news on Sunday morning via social media.
Meanwhile, the country has reported 989,946 confirmed cases of Covid-19 since the beginning of the pandemic, with 810 deaths.
The World Muslim Communities Council (TWMCC) kicked off Monday, featuring representatives of over 150 countries, to discuss the topic of Islamic unity…reports Asian Lite News
Under the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and coinciding with the fourth anniversary of its founding, The World Muslim Communities Council (TWMCC) kicked off Monday, featuring representatives of over 150 countries, to discuss the topic of Islamic unity.
The two-day event, being held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), is addressing the challenges related to belonging to contemporary Islamic society, confirming the pioneering role of scholars and thinkers in leading the nation and providing intellectual and legitimate proposals.
At the start of the conference, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak welcomed the audience and lauded the participation of a high-profile gathering of a distinguished elite of the Islamic nation’s thinkers who, with their views and interventions, represent high levels of serious and committed thinking, and broad experience with reality, history and the future that we hope for in Muslim societies.
Sheikh Nahyan said, ”The UAE is a role model while dealing with the changing international environment, and a point of attraction for all individuals and groups, after realising that the success of national development in the country depends on understanding of the global conditions surrounding us.” The UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence emphasised that the issue of “Islamic unity” is important in light of what Muslim societies are witnessing of grave challenges that threaten the existence of a few of them and in light of the existence of favourable opportunities for the Islamic nation to take its proper stature in this world.”
He stressed the need to an overall and clear strategy to achieve Islamic unity in order to become a global force, noting that Islam has always been and still is a source of a system of values ​​that accomplish justice, freedom, a decent life for the individual, progress and prosperity for society.
ALSO READ: UAE ministry recognises work of regional head of Mission to Seafarers
Themed “Islamic Unity: The Concept, Opportunities and Challenges”, the TWMCC’s international conference will explore the history of Islamic unity and its effects on all aspects of life, as well as its role in establishing human civilisation and the historical circumstances that led to the decline in the understanding of Islamic unity and the misconceptions around it.
UAE Fatwa Council’s Chairman, Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah offered condolences on martyrdom of members of the Armed Forces as a result of the terrorist attack on east of Suez Canal in Egypt.
Speaking about the conference, Bin Bayyah said that the conference should focus on the importance of peace as one of the most important goals on which Islam was built.