The independent economy research organisation has released a report into the effects of Covid-19 lockdowns on children across the country, as school closures force pupils to learn from home. Citing research by the World Bank, the IFS suggested that by losing half an academic year, equivalent to five percent of …
Read More »As EU falls behind on supplies of Covid-19 vaccines, German health minister entertains possibility of using Russia’s Sputnik V
“Regardless of the country in which a vaccine is manufactured, if they are safe and effective, they can help cope with the pandemic,” Spahn told Germany’s Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. The German minister’s comments came before Vladimir Chizhov, Russia’s permanent representative to the EU, revealed that Moscow is not only open …
Read More »Clashes, arrests as thousands face off with riot police at protest against Covid-19 lockdown in Vienna
Between hundreds to thousands of demonstrators have gathered at the Maria Theresa Square in the center of the Austrian capital, according to various local media reports. The protesters defied the ban on the large protest issued by the authorities. The demonstrators that soon occupied part of the Vienna Ring Road …
Read More »‘He doesn’t care’: 10 Republicans praise Biden’s call for ‘unity’, want to work ‘in good faith’ on new Covid-19 relief bill
The Republicans’ specific plan will be unveiled on Monday, but they say it aligns with the president’s “stated priorities” and could win “bipartisan support.” Biden’s Covid-19 relief package is worth $1.9 trillion, a cost some critics have argued is too high. The plan also includes $1,400 stimulus checks for individuals. …
Read More »Massachusetts congressman tests positive for Covid-19 after getting 2 shots of Pfizer vaccine
The 65-year-old tested positive on Friday, his office said. A staff member in his Boston office tested positive for Covid-19 earlier this week, spokesperson Molly Rose Tarpey added. Lynch “had received the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine and subsequently received a negative Covid-19 test prior to attending President Biden’s …
Read More »India’s cinemas get greenlight to go back to 100% capacity as Bollywood reels from Covid-19 restrictions
The new guidelines, released by India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Saturday, pertain to “cinemas, theaters and multiplexes,” allowing them to operate at full capacity from Monday provided they abide by a set of rules aimed at preventing the spread of the disease. These include physical distancing of “at …
Read More »How the curse of Covid has caused a spate of suicides in Bollywood… and India is ill-equipped to deal with it
Plenty of unexpected events occurred in the wake of the pandemic, making 2020 one of the most volatile years ever. But one phenomenon that’s flown under the radar has been the shocking rise in suicides in the colourful world of India’s TV and film industry, Bollywood. Within a matter of …
Read More »US ‘largest vaccination site’ in LA briefly shut down amid protest against Covid-19 immunization campaign (VIDEOS)
The entrance to the stadium, which has been serving as the mass vaccination site since mid-January, was sealed at around 2 p.m local time after a sparse crowd of protesters staged a rally near the gate. Footage on social media showed several dozen protesters turning up with signs that read …
Read More »Pentagon halts plan to give Covid-19 vaccination to Gitmo detainees after wave of outrage from conservatives
“No Guantanamo detainees have been vaccinated,” Defense Department Press Secretary John Kirby tweeted on Saturday. “We’re pausing the plan to move forward, as we review force protection protocols. We remain committed to our obligations to keep our troops safe.” The original plan was reportedly put in motion due to a …
Read More »India expects V-shaped recovery amid massive Covid-19 vaccination drive
The report presented to Parliament on Friday projects the country’s real GDP to reach record growth of 11 percent from April 2021 through March 2022. It also forecasts nominal GDP to grow by 15.4 percent, the highest since independence. However, economists still see a contraction of 7.7 percent for the …
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