Health
Europe now the only region with surge in Covid cases last week: WHO
The World Health Organization said there was a 7% rise in new coronavirus cases across Europe last week, the only region in the world where cases increased, and said uneven vaccine uptake posed a threat to the continent.
In its weekly assessment of the pandemic, the U.N. health agency said there were about 2.7 million new COVID-19 cases and more than 46,000 deaths last week worldwide, similar to the numbers reported the previous week.
WHO said the two regions with the highest rates of COVID-19 incidence were Europe and the Americas. Globally, the U.S. reported the biggest number of new cases, more than 580,000, which still represented a 11% decline.
Britain, Russia and Turkey accounted for the most cases in Europe.
The biggest drop in COVID-19 cases were seen in Africa and the Western Pacific, where infections fell by about 18% and 16%, respectively. The number of deaths in Africa also declined by about a quarter, despite the dire shortage of vaccines on the continent.
But for the third consecutive week, coronavirus cases have jumped in Europe, with about 1.3 million new cases. More than half of countries in the region reported a rise in their COVID-19 numbers, WHO said. Britain and Russia each reported about a 15% increase in new cases.
In a statement Wednesday, WHO’s Europe office said 1 billion coronavirus vaccines have now been administered across the continent and described uneven vaccine uptake as “the region’s biggest enemy in the fight against COVID-19.”
In the past week, Russia has repeatedly broken new daily records for COVID-19 cases and the number of infections in the U.K. has surged to levels not seen since mid-July.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday backed a Cabinet proposal to keep Russian workers home for a week in an effort to stem the spread of the virus.
Russian officials have struggled to vaccinate the population but due to vaccine skepticism, only about 32% of people have been immunized despite the availability of its Sputnik V vaccine. It has by far the largest virus death toll in Europe, with more than 225,000 deaths.
Although the head of Britain’s National Health Service has urged the government to introduce stricter COVID-19 protocols including mask-wearing and the faster vaccination of children, politicians have so far demurred.
SOURCE: AP
World
Deadly attack on Turk President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan foiled
The bomb was affixed to the undercarriage of the officer’s private car
Ankara: An alleged attack on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has been foiled by the security officials in the city of Siirt, the Turkish Presidential office confirmed.
A small explosive device was reportedly attached to a car belonging to a police officer who was supposed to secure a rally attended by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday.
The bomb was affixed to the undercarriage of the officer’s private car and found before he left for the rally, Turkey media said.
The explosive was found on the officer’s vehicle in the province of Mardin, around 125 miles from the rally in the city of Siirt, the report said.
The officer had been assigned to the rally and was a member of the riot police.
A bomb disposal team removed the device without causing any injuries, the report said.
Security officials are investigating the incident.
Turkey has been battling the Kurdish PKK group in the area for decades.
Regional
Polling of NA 133 by-election concludes, vote counting underway
NA-133 seat fell vacant after the death of PML-N MNA Pervaiz Malik who died of heart complications on October 11.
Lahore: Polling of NA-133 Lahore by-election has concluded and the counting of votes has begun across the 254 polling stations in the constituency, considered a "stronghold" of the PML-N.
According to details, the polling started at 8am this morning and continued till 5pm without any break after which the gates to the polling stations were closed off to any more voters.
The seat had fallen vacant after the death of PML-N leader Pervaiz Malik who died of heart complications on October 11. His wife, Shaista Pervaiz Malik is the PML-N candidate, whereas the PPP fielded Aslam Gill for the election.
Moreover, ruling party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidates Jamshed Iqbal Cheema has been disqualified from contesting the election on technical grounds and his appeal has been earlier rejected by the election tribunal and later by the high court.
Regional
Sindihis celebrate culture day with traditional zeal, fervor
Various programmes have been organized at government and no-government level across the province to celebrate the day.
Karachi: Sindh Culture Day is being observed with traditional zeal and fervor on Sunday (December 5) to promote the centuries old culture of Indus valley civilization.
Various programmes have been organized at government and no-government level across the province to celebrate the day.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah in his message on the occasion of Sindh Culture Day said this day gives us the lesson to respect all traditions and customs without any discrimination.
He said this day is the day against racism, extremism and discrimination.
Meanwhile, a Sindhi Culture rally was organized by PTI leaders in Umerkot today.
Addressing the rally, Federal Minister for Communications and Postal Services Murad Saeed severely criticized the performance of Sindh government.
Pakistan reports 10 deaths as ongoing impact of COVID-19 weakens
Polling of NA 133 by-election concludes, vote counting underway
World’s oldest female Test cricketer dies at 110
PDM prepares recommendations for long march, resignations
Sindihis celebrate culture day with traditional zeal, fervor
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Winter activity and political turmoil!
Government, opposition and public!
Present regime and dengue!
The repetition of history and the hidden sciences!
"Don't panic!"
Whispers, rumors and rulers' narrative!
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