Japan PM Shinzo Abe Lifts State Of Emergency After Sharp Decline In Virus Cases. (FILE)Tokyo: Japan lifted a nationwide state of emergency over the coronavirus on Monday, gradually reopening the world's third-largest economy as government officials warned caution was still necessary to prevent another wave."We had very stringent criteria for lifting the state of emergency. We have judged that we have met this," Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told a nationally televised news conference.Compared with hard-hit areas in Europe, the United States, Russia and Brazil, Japan has been spared the worst of...…Japan PM Shinzo Abe Lifts State Of Emergency After Sharp Decline In Virus Cases. (FILE)Tokyo: Japan lifted a nationwide state of emergency over the coronavirus on Monday, gradually reopening the world's third-largest economy as government officials warned caution was still necessary to prevent another wave."We had very stringent criteria for lifting the state of emergency. We have judged that we have met this," Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told a nationally televised news conference.Compared with hard-hit areas in Europe, the United States, Russia and Brazil, Japan has been spared the worst of...WW…

River Yamuna has become cleaner since the Coronavirus lockdown was enforced on March 25.Two months of the Coronavirus lockdown have done what successive governments could not do in 25 years with over Rs 5,000 crore at their disposal-clean up the Yamuna river.As industrial activity halted and other commercial activities slowed during the lockdown, the Yamuna river cleaned itself, allowing numerous Indian and migratory birds to flock to its waters. One can now see Indian and migratory birds, such as Grey Heron, Ibis and Storks feasting on fish, which too can be seen swimming in the river's...…River Yamuna has become cleaner since the Coronavirus lockdown was enforced on March 25.Two months of the Coronavirus lockdown have done what successive governments could not do in 25 years with over Rs 5,000 crore at their disposal-clean up the Yamuna river.As industrial activity halted and other commercial activities slowed during the lockdown, the Yamuna river cleaned itself, allowing numerous Indian and migratory birds to flock to its waters. One can now see Indian and migratory birds, such as Grey Heron, Ibis and Storks feasting on fish, which too can be seen swimming in the river's...WW…

The situation was finally defused after a border meeting of commanders from both sides.New Delhi: An Indian patrol party was detained and later released by Chinese forces after a scuffle between the two sides in Ladakh earlier this week, sources have told NDTV amid rising tensions between the two countries along the Line of Actual Control. The situation was finally defused after a border meeting of commanders from both sides.The Indian forces have briefed the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), detailing the entire sequence of events that took place on near the Pangong lake."The situation became...…The situation was finally defused after a border meeting of commanders from both sides.New Delhi: An Indian patrol party was detained and later released by Chinese forces after a scuffle between the two sides in Ladakh earlier this week, sources have told NDTV amid rising tensions between the two countries along the Line of Actual Control. The situation was finally defused after a border meeting of commanders from both sides.The Indian forces have briefed the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), detailing the entire sequence of events that took place on near the Pangong lake."The situation became...WW…

Karachi, Pakistan: Ninety-seven people were killed and two survived when a passenger plane crashed into homes in Pakistan's southern city of Karachi, health officials said Saturday.The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) plane had made multiple approaches to land at the city's airport when it came down in a residential area, damaging buildings and sparking a rescue operation that lasted into the night.All passengers and crew had been accounted for and the bodies of those killed had been recovered from the crash site, the Sindh Health Ministry said, adding that 19 had been identified.A...…Karachi, Pakistan: Ninety-seven people were killed and two survived when a passenger plane crashed into homes in Pakistan's southern city of Karachi, health officials said Saturday.The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) plane had made multiple approaches to land at the city's airport when it came down in a residential area, damaging buildings and sparking a rescue operation that lasted into the night.All passengers and crew had been accounted for and the bodies of those killed had been recovered from the crash site, the Sindh Health Ministry said, adding that 19 had been identified.A...WW…

At least one passenger survived the crash of a Pakistani airliner that went down on Friday.Karachi: At least one passenger survived the crash of a Pakistani airliner that went down on Friday in a residential area of Karachi, a government official said.Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah inquired after the health of banker Zafar Mahmood, who miraculously survived, a provincial government spokesman Abdur Rashid Channa said in a statement.When the chief minister said "Murad is here", the survivor replied "Thank you so much. God has been merciful", the statement said.Pakistan's civil aviation...…At least one passenger survived the crash of a Pakistani airliner that went down on Friday.Karachi: At least one passenger survived the crash of a Pakistani airliner that went down on Friday in a residential area of Karachi, a government official said.Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah inquired after the health of banker Zafar Mahmood, who miraculously survived, a provincial government spokesman Abdur Rashid Channa said in a statement.When the chief minister said "Murad is here", the survivor replied "Thank you so much. God has been merciful", the statement said.Pakistan's civil aviation...WW…

Gus is not an ordinary rat - he's a rich rat. The little rodent has managed to earn a lot of money simply by doing something he likes - painting. Gus uses his paws to create miniature masterpieces that have been sold worldwide for more than 1,000 pounds - or over Rs 92,000.According to , Gus the rat first showed an inclination towards art when owner Jess Indseth let him loose with her arts and crafts set. The 19-year-old from Manchester placed the rodent on some paper with paint on his paws and was pleasantly surprised to see the result. To nurture the little artist's talent, she bought...…Gus is not an ordinary rat - he's a rich rat. The little rodent has managed to earn a lot of money simply by doing something he likes - painting. Gus uses his paws to create miniature masterpieces that have been sold worldwide for more than 1,000 pounds - or over Rs 92,000.According to , Gus the rat first showed an inclination towards art when owner Jess Indseth let him loose with her arts and crafts set. The 19-year-old from Manchester placed the rodent on some paper with paint on his paws and was pleasantly surprised to see the result. To nurture the little artist's talent, she bought...WW…

The proposal to appoint India's nominee to the executive board was signed on Tuesday.New Delhi: Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan today took charge as the chairman of the 34-member World Health Organisation (WHO) Executive Board.The Health Minister, who is at the forefront of India's battle against COVID-19, succeeded Dr Hiroki Nakatani from Japan."I am aware I am entering this office at a time of global crisis on account of this pandemic. At a time, when we all understand that there will be many health challenges in the next 2 decades. All these challenges demand a shared response," the...…The proposal to appoint India's nominee to the executive board was signed on Tuesday.New Delhi: Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan today took charge as the chairman of the 34-member World Health Organisation (WHO) Executive Board.The Health Minister, who is at the forefront of India's battle against COVID-19, succeeded Dr Hiroki Nakatani from Japan."I am aware I am entering this office at a time of global crisis on account of this pandemic. At a time, when we all understand that there will be many health challenges in the next 2 decades. All these challenges demand a shared response," the...WW…

Jyoti Kumari cycled for 7 days, going almost hungry for two of those, before she reached BiharNew Delhi: Jyoti Kumari, 15, cycled almost 1,200 km with her father riding pillion, to reach home in the coronavirus lockdown.From Gurgaon near Delhi, she cycled for seven days, going almost hungry for two of those, before she reached Bihar.Impressed with her endurance, the Indian Cycling Federation has decided to invite Jyoti to trials next month, which gives her a chance to turn her life around.In March, the teen from Bihar had gone to Gurgaon to visit her father Mohan Paswan after an accident...…Jyoti Kumari cycled for 7 days, going almost hungry for two of those, before she reached BiharNew Delhi: Jyoti Kumari, 15, cycled almost 1,200 km with her father riding pillion, to reach home in the coronavirus lockdown.From Gurgaon near Delhi, she cycled for seven days, going almost hungry for two of those, before she reached Bihar.Impressed with her endurance, the Indian Cycling Federation has decided to invite Jyoti to trials next month, which gives her a chance to turn her life around.In March, the teen from Bihar had gone to Gurgaon to visit her father Mohan Paswan after an accident...WW…

Cyclone Amphan Live Update: Over five lakh people had been placed in shelters in West Bengal.Cyclone Amphan, one of the worst storms over the Bay of Bengal in years, has left a trail of destruction in Bengal and Odisha on Wednesday, destroying thousands of houses, damaging buildings, uprooting trees, electricity poles and killing at least 10 people in Bengal.The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) today advised people against going out until government's green signal."Only venture out after a cyclone when "all clear" messages are declared by the Government Officials," NDMA wrote...…Cyclone Amphan Live Update: Over five lakh people had been placed in shelters in West Bengal.Cyclone Amphan, one of the worst storms over the Bay of Bengal in years, has left a trail of destruction in Bengal and Odisha on Wednesday, destroying thousands of houses, damaging buildings, uprooting trees, electricity poles and killing at least 10 people in Bengal.The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) today advised people against going out until government's green signal."Only venture out after a cyclone when "all clear" messages are declared by the Government Officials," NDMA wrote...WW…

Therapy dog Moose is now Dr Moose, thanks to his honorary doctorate degree.Virginia Tech has awarded an honorary doctorate degree to one of its most beloved staffers: a therapy dog named Moose. Like most other universities, USA's Virginia Tech celebrated the class of 2020 with a graduation ceremony conducted online amid the coronavirus pandemic. During the virtual commencement ceremony on Friday, eight-year-old Moose was awarded an honorary doctorate in veterinary medicine.In a released online, the university said it was recognising the work of Dr Moose Davis, who has "spent a career...…Therapy dog Moose is now Dr Moose, thanks to his honorary doctorate degree.Virginia Tech has awarded an honorary doctorate degree to one of its most beloved staffers: a therapy dog named Moose. Like most other universities, USA's Virginia Tech celebrated the class of 2020 with a graduation ceremony conducted online amid the coronavirus pandemic. During the virtual commencement ceremony on Friday, eight-year-old Moose was awarded an honorary doctorate in veterinary medicine.In a released online, the university said it was recognising the work of Dr Moose Davis, who has "spent a career...WW…

PPEs for frontline healthcare workers of the coronavirus fight have been in huge demand.New Delhi: Union Minister Smriti Irani announced on Twitter on Monday that India is now producing over 4.5 lakh Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) suits daily and that now over 600 companies in the country are certified to manufacture PPEs. India, which was earlier not manufacturing a single PPE kit, now has almost doubled its production rate in just 2 weeks -- on May 5, the country was producing 2.06 lakh PPE kits daily.India started manufacturing PPE kits within two months of the coronavirus outbreak....…PPEs for frontline healthcare workers of the coronavirus fight have been in huge demand.New Delhi: Union Minister Smriti Irani announced on Twitter on Monday that India is now producing over 4.5 lakh Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) suits daily and that now over 600 companies in the country are certified to manufacture PPEs. India, which was earlier not manufacturing a single PPE kit, now has almost doubled its production rate in just 2 weeks -- on May 5, the country was producing 2.06 lakh PPE kits daily.India started manufacturing PPE kits within two months of the coronavirus outbreak....WW…

Huawei says US has never provided any proof of a security threat Highlights Huawei on Monday assailed the latest US move to cut it off from semiconductor suppliers as a "pernicious" attack that will put the Chinese technology giant in "survival" mode and sow chaos in the global technology sector. The Commerce Department said on Friday it was tightening sanctions on Huawei – seen by Washington as a security risk – to include denying it access to semiconductor designs developed using US software and technology."The decision was arbitrary and pernicious and threatens to undermine the entire...…Huawei says US has never provided any proof of a security threat Highlights Huawei on Monday assailed the latest US move to cut it off from semiconductor suppliers as a "pernicious" attack that will put the Chinese technology giant in "survival" mode and sow chaos in the global technology sector. The Commerce Department said on Friday it was tightening sanctions on Huawei – seen by Washington as a security risk – to include denying it access to semiconductor designs developed using US software and technology."The decision was arbitrary and pernicious and threatens to undermine the entire...WW…

Cities in Jilin province have cut off transport, shut schools and quarantined thousands of people.Some 108 million people in China's northeast region are being plunged back under lockdown conditions as a new and growing cluster of infections causes a backslide in the nation's return to normal.In an abrupt reversal of the re-opening taking place across the nation, cities in Jilin province have cut off trains and buses, shut schools and quarantined tens of thousands of people. The strict measures have dismayed many residents who had thought the worst of the nation's epidemic was over.People...…Cities in Jilin province have cut off transport, shut schools and quarantined thousands of people.Some 108 million people in China's northeast region are being plunged back under lockdown conditions as a new and growing cluster of infections causes a backslide in the nation's return to normal.In an abrupt reversal of the re-opening taking place across the nation, cities in Jilin province have cut off trains and buses, shut schools and quarantined tens of thousands of people. The strict measures have dismayed many residents who had thought the worst of the nation's epidemic was over.People...WW…

Fishermen have been advised to stay off coast this week.New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday chaired a high-level meeting to review the response preparedness against cyclone Amphan developing in the Bay of Bengal, and assured all possible Central assistance to the states which are likely to be hit.Soon after the meeting, the prime minister wrote on Twitter that he prays for everyone's safety "and assure all possible support from the central government."At the review meet, PM Modi took stock of the situation and reviewed the measures as well as the evacuation plan presented by...…Fishermen have been advised to stay off coast this week.New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday chaired a high-level meeting to review the response preparedness against cyclone Amphan developing in the Bay of Bengal, and assured all possible Central assistance to the states which are likely to be hit.Soon after the meeting, the prime minister wrote on Twitter that he prays for everyone's safety "and assure all possible support from the central government."At the review meet, PM Modi took stock of the situation and reviewed the measures as well as the evacuation plan presented by...WW…

A two-headed wolf snake was found in Odisha.A rare wolf snake with two fully formed heads was recently discovered in Odisha. Startling footage shared on Twitter by Indian Forest Services officer Susanta Nanda shows the two-headed snake slithering on the ground.  According to , the non-venomous wolf snake has two fully formed heads, meaning it has four working eyes and two tongues, but only one body. Incredibly enough, the two heads work independently of each other - which also means they were spotted fighting for food. "A rare wolf snake with two fully formed heads was rescued from a house...…A two-headed wolf snake was found in Odisha.A rare wolf snake with two fully formed heads was recently discovered in Odisha. Startling footage shared on Twitter by Indian Forest Services officer Susanta Nanda shows the two-headed snake slithering on the ground.  According to , the non-venomous wolf snake has two fully formed heads, meaning it has four working eyes and two tongues, but only one body. Incredibly enough, the two heads work independently of each other - which also means they were spotted fighting for food. "A rare wolf snake with two fully formed heads was rescued from a house...WW…

Kabeer and his parents hand over a cheque to Mumbai Police.A three-year-old has won hearts on social media by donating his hard-earned money to Mumbai Police. Kabeer visited the police headquarters in Mumbai on Tuesday morning to hand over a cheque for Rs 50,000 that he earned by selling cupcakes. The little entrepreneur's gesture was appreciated not just by Mumbai Police - who shared his story on social media - but also by hundreds of netizens who have flooded the comments section of the post with praise for the three-year-old. According to Mumbai Police, Kabeer's target was to raise Rs...…Kabeer and his parents hand over a cheque to Mumbai Police.A three-year-old has won hearts on social media by donating his hard-earned money to Mumbai Police. Kabeer visited the police headquarters in Mumbai on Tuesday morning to hand over a cheque for Rs 50,000 that he earned by selling cupcakes. The little entrepreneur's gesture was appreciated not just by Mumbai Police - who shared his story on social media - but also by hundreds of netizens who have flooded the comments section of the post with praise for the three-year-old. According to Mumbai Police, Kabeer's target was to raise Rs...WW…

Coronavirus crisis has "taught us the importance of local manufacturing", PM Modi said (File)New DelhiBe Vocal Fr: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today made a big pitch for indigenous products, saying it would be a huge contributing factor to an "Atmanirbhar Bharat" – a self-reliant India.  The roadmap was the theme of his third address to the nation since the lockdown was announced on March 25.The coronavirus crisis has "taught us the importance of local manufacturing, market and supply chain", PM Modi said in the special address this evening, in which he announced a huge financial...…Coronavirus crisis has "taught us the importance of local manufacturing", PM Modi said (File)New DelhiBe Vocal Fr: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today made a big pitch for indigenous products, saying it would be a huge contributing factor to an "Atmanirbhar Bharat" – a self-reliant India.  The roadmap was the theme of his third address to the nation since the lockdown was announced on March 25.The coronavirus crisis has "taught us the importance of local manufacturing, market and supply chain", PM Modi said in the special address this evening, in which he announced a huge financial...WW…

Sima Kotecha said the racist abuse meant that their filming wasn't able to go ahead.London: A 50-year-old man was produced before a UK court on Tuesday charged with threatening and abusive behaviour in relation to an Indian-origin reporter for the BBC facing "racist abuse" just before she was to go on air from Leicester city centre.Sima Kotecha was lining up her guests to comment on British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's televised address to the nation on the gradual easing of the COVID-19 lockdown on Sunday evening when she had to cancel the broadcast amid the abuse."While preparing to...…Sima Kotecha said the racist abuse meant that their filming wasn't able to go ahead.London: A 50-year-old man was produced before a UK court on Tuesday charged with threatening and abusive behaviour in relation to an Indian-origin reporter for the BBC facing "racist abuse" just before she was to go on air from Leicester city centre.Sima Kotecha was lining up her guests to comment on British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's televised address to the nation on the gradual easing of the COVID-19 lockdown on Sunday evening when she had to cancel the broadcast amid the abuse."While preparing to...WW…

Various countries are trying to develop coronavirus vaccine. (File)Washington: The US Federal Bureau of Investigation and cybersecurity experts believe Chinese hackers are trying to steal research on developing a vaccine against coronavirus, two newspapers reported on Monday.The FBI and Department of Homeland Security are planning to release a warning about the Chinese hacking as governments and private firms race to develop a vaccine for COVID-19, the Wall Street Journal and New York Times reported.The hackers are also targeting information and intellectual property on treatments and...…Various countries are trying to develop coronavirus vaccine. (File)Washington: The US Federal Bureau of Investigation and cybersecurity experts believe Chinese hackers are trying to steal research on developing a vaccine against coronavirus, two newspapers reported on Monday.The FBI and Department of Homeland Security are planning to release a warning about the Chinese hacking as governments and private firms race to develop a vaccine for COVID-19, the Wall Street Journal and New York Times reported.The hackers are also targeting information and intellectual property on treatments and...WW…

A photograph of the newlyweds, shared by Nagpur City Police.Nagpur Police won hearts with a heartwarming gesture when cops stepped up to play the role of the bride's family on her wedding day. Her relatives could not attend the ceremony due to travel restrictions imposed by the ongoing nationwide lockdown, and she had lost her parents. To make sure that the bride did not miss her family on her big day, Nagpur Police staff showed up on the wedding day to bless the couple.The police department took to Twitter this afternoon to share a photograph of the newlyweds, who were married in the city...…A photograph of the newlyweds, shared by Nagpur City Police.Nagpur Police won hearts with a heartwarming gesture when cops stepped up to play the role of the bride's family on her wedding day. Her relatives could not attend the ceremony due to travel restrictions imposed by the ongoing nationwide lockdown, and she had lost her parents. To make sure that the bride did not miss her family on her big day, Nagpur Police staff showed up on the wedding day to bless the couple.The police department took to Twitter this afternoon to share a photograph of the newlyweds, who were married in the city...WW…

The baker, who does business online, had shared an advertisement on WhatsApp.Chennai: The owner of a bakery in Chennai has been arrested for an advertisement he allegedly posted on WhatsApp which was discriminatory against Muslims. The baker, who does business online, had shared an advertisement on WhatsApp that said "Made by Jains on order. No Muslim staff", the police said.A case of malicious intention to outrage religious feelings and intent to breach peace has been registered, police sources said. An investigation is on.The advert was widely circulated on social media and drew much...…The baker, who does business online, had shared an advertisement on WhatsApp.Chennai: The owner of a bakery in Chennai has been arrested for an advertisement he allegedly posted on WhatsApp which was discriminatory against Muslims. The baker, who does business online, had shared an advertisement on WhatsApp that said "Made by Jains on order. No Muslim staff", the police said.A case of malicious intention to outrage religious feelings and intent to breach peace has been registered, police sources said. An investigation is on.The advert was widely circulated on social media and drew much...WW…

China made an admission that their healthcare system wasn't adequately prepared (Representational)Beijing: The coronavirus outbreak exposed "shortcomings" in China's public healthcare system, a top health official admitted Saturday, saying that reforms are underway to improve the country's disease prevention and control mechanisms.China has faced criticism both at home and abroad for downplaying the virus and concealing information about the outbreak when it first emerged in the central city of Wuhan in December.The virus has since infected nearly four million people worldwide -- claiming...…China made an admission that their healthcare system wasn't adequately prepared (Representational)Beijing: The coronavirus outbreak exposed "shortcomings" in China's public healthcare system, a top health official admitted Saturday, saying that reforms are underway to improve the country's disease prevention and control mechanisms.China has faced criticism both at home and abroad for downplaying the virus and concealing information about the outbreak when it first emerged in the central city of Wuhan in December.The virus has since infected nearly four million people worldwide -- claiming...WW…

Tinder recently added Passport feature to the app Highlights Tinder is planning to launch a one-on-one video chat feature within the app by the end of June. The development was shared by Tinder's parent company Match Group on Tuesday in its earnings release. At the moment, it is unclear how the company will prepare for the misuse of the feature as abuse and harassment are difficult to report for video calls. It is expected that the company is either making its own offensive image detection system or looking at a third party to provide one. The development also comes at a time that the novel...…Tinder recently added Passport feature to the app Highlights Tinder is planning to launch a one-on-one video chat feature within the app by the end of June. The development was shared by Tinder's parent company Match Group on Tuesday in its earnings release. At the moment, it is unclear how the company will prepare for the misuse of the feature as abuse and harassment are difficult to report for video calls. It is expected that the company is either making its own offensive image detection system or looking at a third party to provide one. The development also comes at a time that the novel...WW…

Police officers with a 'tiger' in Kent, UK.A helicopter with armed policemen descended in an area of Kent, UK, on Saturday morning after walkers reported seeing a tiger loose in the woods. Officers responded to the scene "following a report from a member of the public that a large wild cat had been seen in the area", reports . What they found at the site instead has left social media users in splits. Instead of a real, live tigers, officers were greeted by the sight of a life-size sculpture. According to , Juliet Simpson, 85, had created the tiger out of mesh and resin two decades ago. When...…Police officers with a 'tiger' in Kent, UK.A helicopter with armed policemen descended in an area of Kent, UK, on Saturday morning after walkers reported seeing a tiger loose in the woods. Officers responded to the scene "following a report from a member of the public that a large wild cat had been seen in the area", reports . What they found at the site instead has left social media users in splits. Instead of a real, live tigers, officers were greeted by the sight of a life-size sculpture. According to , Juliet Simpson, 85, had created the tiger out of mesh and resin two decades ago. When...WW…

Listen to the , only on don'tmissMGM Resorts International has pitched a proposal to the on courts in Las Vegas convention centers, the New York Times reported. The plan, according to the newspaper, would have players and their families, plus other essential personnel, stay in a quarantined area in MGM hotels along the Las Vegas Strip while practicing and competing on courts in the same facilities. Players and broadcasters would have access to the usual resort facilities while in the protected area under the plan by MGM, which has 13 Vegas resort properties.The plan would convert MGM...…Listen to the , only on don'tmissMGM Resorts International has pitched a proposal to the on courts in Las Vegas convention centers, the New York Times reported. The plan, according to the newspaper, would have players and their families, plus other essential personnel, stay in a quarantined area in MGM hotels along the Las Vegas Strip while practicing and competing on courts in the same facilities. Players and broadcasters would have access to the usual resort facilities while in the protected area under the plan by MGM, which has 13 Vegas resort properties.The plan would convert MGM...WW…