Israel lying about Vienna talks, says Iran
Vienna: On Wednesday, Iran accused Israel of “trumpeting lies to poison” the Vienna talks on resuscitating Tehran’s 2015 nuclear agreement with major powers. The statement came as a result of derogatory remarks made by Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid after meeting French President Emmanuel Macron, on Tuesday. He said that Iran was making an effort to buy time to boost its nuclear program and major powers needed to have a different approach.
Belgium can be transit center for Pakistani exports
Lahore: On Wednesday, the diplomat of Belgium, Philippe Bronchain, asserted that his country could be a great source of haulage for Pakistani exports to Europe. While addressing a meeting at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry, he urged the Pakistani business community to ensure their presence at the global level instead of keeping themselves limited to a limited region. LCCI President Mian Nauman Kabir stated, “Belgium rejoices a key position in the European and international economy and a layer of big organizations of EU.”
Free entry to Dubai Expo on UAE National Day
It emerged on Wednesday that organizers of the Dubai Expo had allowed free entry to Visitors on the 50th National Day of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on December 2, 2021. There will be grand celebrations planned for the day. The Expo administration also announced that people 18 years and older would have to show proof of coronavirus vaccination for entry and show a negative result of PCR test taken within 72 hours.
Skardu airport to operate flights from December 2
The Civil Aviation Authority announced on Wednesday that the Skardu airport had been upgraded and promoted to international status and would begin operations from this Thursday (Dec 2). The agency explained that the airport’s preliminary operations would be executed under the Visual Flight Rules (VFR) only. Federal Minister for Aviation Ghulam Sarwar Khan had proclaimed the decision to raise Skardu airport to international standards in early 2020.
Russia sends back US diplomats
Moscow: On Wednesday, Russia openly declared that it was authorizing US embassy staff who had been in Moscow for more than three years to fly home by Jan. 31. The retaliatory action was taken as per the US’s decision to confine the tenures of Russian diplomats. “We … intend to respond correspondingly. U.S. embassy employees who have been in Moscow for more than three years must leave Russia by Jan. 31,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova declared in a briefing.
US hardens travel rules amidst Omicron
Washington/Paris: It is reported that the United States mandated airlines to provide the names of passengers from southern African countries struck by the Omicron COVID-19 variant. The US along with other countries has tightened its borders as a European leader cautioned people to “prepare for the worst”. 24 countries may have reported cases of the variant so far but that some of the early indications were that most were mild and none severe, World Health Organization (WHO) officials disclosed.
US warns Russia to retreat its troops from Ukraine border
Riga: On Dec 1, the United States cautioned Russia to draw back its troops from the Ukrainian border and warned that a Russian incursion would prompt sanctions that would blow Moscow harder than any assigned until now. “We don’t know whether President (Vladimir) Putin has decided to invade. We do know that he is putting in place the capacity to do so in on short order should he so decide,” U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expounded.
Moderna can face lawsuit over patent issue
It emerged on Wednesday that Moderna Inc (MRNA.O) could confront a patent violation lawsuit over its COVID-19 vaccine. The speculations arose after a federal appeals court on Wednesday dismissed its challenge to patents being owned by the Arbutus Biopharma Corp (ABUS.O). According to the administrative panel’s findings, Arbutus’ patents, which may cover technology used in the vaccines, were not apparent in light of previously known science and so were found valid.
Zahir Jaffer’s counsel seeks approval to determine his mental health
On Wednesday, the lawyer for Zahir Zakir Jaffer, the main suspect in the Noor Mukadam murder case, filed a motion in an Islamabad court asking for the formation of a medical board to assess his mental health. Advocate Sikandar Zulqarnain Saleem filed the application in the court of Additional Sessions Judge Atta Rabbani, claiming that Zahir “is suffering from severe mental ailment that needs to be determined through an authorised medical board according to the commands of legislature and local and international law.”
Special screening of ‘Khel Khel Main’ in Presidency
The film ‘Khel Khel Main,’ which was released almost two years later, was exclusively screened at the Presidency because of the Corona outbreak. If you’re seeking reviews on Sajal Ali and Bilal Abbas’ new film Khel Khel Mein before watching it, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry and Senator Faisal Javed Khan can assist. On November 19, the film Khel Khel Mein was released in theatres. It was one of the year’s most anticipated films, and it brings Sajal and Bilal together for the first time on the big screen.
NCOC approves authority of Covid-19 booster jabs
In response to the potential of an outbreak of Omicron, a new variant of the virus, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has approved the delivery of the COVID-19 vaccine’s booster jab to patients in three groups. A meeting of the NCOC, headed by Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives and NCOC chief Asad Umar, stated that a special vaccination drive would begin in the country on December 1st.
Petrol prices to remain unchanged
According to a statement released in this regard, Pakistan’s government declared on Tuesday that it will maintain petroleum product prices. The price of petrol would remain unchanged at Rs145.82 per litre as a result of the prime minister’s decision, while the price of diesel will remain fixed at Rs142.62 per litre. Kerosene oil and light diesel would continue to be priced at Rs116.53 and Rs114.07 per litre, respectively.
New Covid-19 variant present in Europe before South Africa: Report
New data from the Netherlands revealed Tuesday that the Omicron coronavirus variant was prevalent in Europe before the first cases were reported in South Africa, as Latin America reported its first two cases in Brazil. In the week since South Africa disclosed the new virus strain to the World Health Organization, dozens of governments around the world have imposed travel restrictions, the majority of which target southern African countries. However, the World Health Organization warned Tuesday that “blanket” travel bans could cause more harm than good, as Canada expanded its restrictions to include Egypt and Nigeria.
India conveys concern over Kartarpur photoshoot
On Tuesday, India summoned Pakistan’s charge d’affaires to express Sikh resentment over a recent incident involving a Pakistani model who posed bareheaded at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur. An Indian journalist on Twitter described the move as “religiously hurtful,” because Sikhism compels all visitors to gurdwaras to cover their heads. The journalist stated Pakistani authorities should be aware of the occurrence, according to photos shared on Instagram by a local women’s clothing designer.
Messi wins record-extending seventh Ballon d’Or
Paris: It emerged on Tuesday that Argentina’s Lionel Messi got hold of the Ballon d’Or award for the best player in the world for a record-stretching seventh time. He beat both Robert Lewandowski and Jorginho to lift the most prestigious trophy of soccer. “It’s incredible to be here again. Two years ago I thought it was the last time. Winning the Copa America was key,” Messi said at Paris’s Theatre du Chatelet.
NATO warns Moscow for attacking Ukraine
Riga: NATO Secretary-General, Jens Stoltenberg, stated that Russia would pay a high price for any new military attack against Ukraine. Both NATO and the United States warned Moscow on Tuesday as the Western military bloc met to discuss Moscow’s implications for bunching troops on the border of Ukraine. “There will be a high price to pay for Russia if they once again use force against the independence of the nation, Ukraine,” Stoltenberg said.
Royal Dutch Shell returns to Libya
London: It emerged that the Royal Dutch Shell (RDSa.L) had planned a return to Libya to develop infrastructure, pnew oil and gas fields and a solar project. The company exited the North African country because of unrest a decade ago. Under the ‘Libya plan’, talked over with state-run National Oil Corporation (NOC), Shell would seek for new oil and gas areas in several blocks in the onshore Sirte and Ghadames basins and the offshore Cyrenaica basin.
Final results show Cleric Sadr won Iraq vote, state media says
CAIRO: According to final results announced by the electoral commission on Tuesday, Iraqi Populist Shi’ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr’s movement obtained the biggest number of seats in parliament, winning 73 seats. On the other hand, the Sunni Taqaddum party secured 37 seats in last month’s general election, while the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) attained 31 seats, state media revealed, referring to the commission report.
China will hold Winter Olympics as per schedule
Beijing: Foreign ministry spokesperson, Zhao Lijian, briefed on Tuesday that China was determined to hold the 2022 Winter Olympics “smoothly” per the schedule despite challenges posed by the Omicron coronavirus variant. Zhao said, “China has experience in preventing and controlling the coronavirus, I fully believe that China will be able to host the Winter Olympics as scheduled, smoothly and successfully,” Zhao said. Beijing is ready to stage the Games from Feb. 4 to Feb. 20, without foreign viewers and with all athletes and related personnel enclosed in a “closed-loop” and subject to daily testing for COVID-19.
States should take “rational” measures against Omicron
Geneva: Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of the World Health Organization (WHO), expressed concern on Tuesday that the states should take “rational” steps to fight against new variant of Omicron. He said that some states were introducing blanket measures against the Omicron that were “not evidence-based or effective on their own”. In a speech to the WHO’s 194 member states, he encouraged them to take “rational, proportional risk-reduction measures” in keeping with the organization’s 2005 International Health Regulations.
Dengue Virus: Two more deaths reported
Despite the drop in temperature, there has been no relief in dengue infections, with Punjab reporting two fatalities and 74 new dengue cases in the previous 24 hours, bringing the total number of cases to 25013 and the death toll to 143. Sixty new cases were reported from Lahore, with two fatalities. According to health department authorities, four instances of dengue virus were recorded from Rawalpindi, three from Kasur, two from Gujranwala, and one each from Faisalabad, Nankana Sahib, Attock, Hafizabad, and Sialkot.
No case of Omicron Variant detected in Pakistan: Dr Faisal Sultan
According to Dr. Faisal Sultan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health, no cases of the Omicron strain of COVID-19 have been discovered in Pakistan. Dr. Faisal Sultan told Geo Pakistan that a meeting is set for today at the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) to finalize vaccination guidelines and regulations. “We cannot control the Omicron variant from coming to Pakistan, but we can control its impact by ramping up the immunization process,” the health minister said.
Pakistani brand issues apology for Kartarpur photoshoot
Mannat, a Pakistani fashion label, has been chastised for what many people, particularly Sikhs, have described as an “objectionable and disrespectful” photoshoot that appeared to have taken place in the Kartarpur Gurdwara, a sacred site for the community. Mannat and the model, who is a “digital creator,” have since taken the photographs down from Instagram. The president of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, has demanded that everyone engaged in the photograph be prosecuted.
Pakistani rupee falls to another record low
The Pakistani rupee has touched yet another record low versus the US dollar in the interbank market, but economists are predicting a “downward trend” in the near future. On Monday, the local currency lost another 0.42 percent of its value. According to data provided by the State Bank of Pakistan, the value of the US dollar grew by 74 paisas, reaching a new high of Rs176.20. The dollar, meanwhile, fell in the open market after closing at Rs178.30 the previous week. The value of the rupee fluctuated between Rs177.20 and Rs177.70.
Pfizer working on new Covid vaccine targeting Omicron variant: CEO
In the event that the current inoculation is ineffective against the newer strain, Pfizer’s CEO Albert Bourla said Monday that the company has already begun developing a version of its Covid-19 vaccine that particularly targets the new Omicron variant. According to Bourla, his company began testing the current vaccine against the Omicron version on Friday, which was initially discovered in South Africa and has sparked worries of a global Covid-19 outbreak.
Twitter CEO resigns
On Monday, Jack Patrick Dorsey, co-founder of the social networking site Twitter, has stepped down as the chief executive officer (CEO) of the company. According to the company, Parag Agrawal, Twitter’s chief technology officer (CTO), will take charge as the new CEO, while Jack Dorsey will be on the board of directors. “I’ve decided to leave Twitter because I believe the company is ready to move on from its founders,” Dorsey stated.
Afnanullah Khan wants probe into plane damage case
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Afnanullah Khan on Sunday declared that he would raise the matter of damage of a Boeing aircraft by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) before the parliamentary committee concerned. PML-N Senator also asserted he had already asked Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Aviation Hidayatullah to take notice of the matter for scrutiny and he formally wrote a letter to him in this regard.
Gunmen free 260 inmates in Nigeria
Abuja: On Nov 29, according to officials, gunmen freed more than 260 inhabitants during an attack on a prison in Jos, Nigeria’s central city. It was the country’s fourth such attack this year. The assailants opened fire on guards on Sunday evening, launching a gunbattle that resulted in the death of one guard and nine prisoners dead, told the correctional service. “Some of the attackers and a total of 262 inmates escaped in the melee before reinforcement could come from sister services,” the service let out.
Myanmar confiscates boat carrying 228 Rohingya
It was reported on Monday that Myanmar’s navy took hold of a boat carrying 228 Rohingya and arrested all on board, the country’s state television reported. This is the latest attempt by members of the downtrodden Muslim minority group to flee the country. It emerged that thirty-three children were among those detained in waters near Sittwe in northwestern Myanmar, as well as five boat workers. The detained were handed over to police and immigration authorities.
Extreme winds kill four people in Turkey
Istanbul: The governor’s office reported that four people, including a foreign national, were died and 19 others hurt in the capital city on Monday due to harsh winds across Turkey’s biggest city and its surrounding areas. According to the country’s Meteorology General Directorate (MGM), strong winds of up to 130 km (81 miles) per hour were blowing in Istanbul on Monday, with drastic conditions expected in nearby provinces, i.e., the western shoreside city of Izmir. The MGM also warned that the winds would continue on Tuesday.
Israel lying about Vienna talks, says Iran
Vienna: On Wednesday, Iran accused Israel of “trumpeting lies to poison” the Vienna talks on resuscitating Tehran’s 2015 nuclear agreement with major powers. The statement came as a result of derogatory remarks made by Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid after meeting French President Emmanuel Macron, on Tuesday. He said that Iran was making an effort to buy time to boost its nuclear program and major powers needed to have a different approach.
Belgium can be transit center for Pakistani exports
Lahore: On Wednesday, the diplomat of Belgium, Philippe Bronchain, asserted that his country could be a great source of haulage for Pakistani exports to Europe. While addressing a meeting at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry, he urged the Pakistani business community to ensure their presence at the global level instead of keeping themselves limited to a limited region. LCCI President Mian Nauman Kabir stated, “Belgium rejoices a key position in the European and international economy and a layer of big organizations of EU.”
Free entry to Dubai Expo on UAE National Day
It emerged on Wednesday that organizers of the Dubai Expo had allowed free entry to Visitors on the 50th National Day of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on December 2, 2021. There will be grand celebrations planned for the day. The Expo administration also announced that people 18 years and older would have to show proof of coronavirus vaccination for entry and show a negative result of PCR test taken within 72 hours.
Skardu airport to operate flights from December 2
The Civil Aviation Authority announced on Wednesday that the Skardu airport had been upgraded and promoted to international status and would begin operations from this Thursday (Dec 2). The agency explained that the airport’s preliminary operations would be executed under the Visual Flight Rules (VFR) only. Federal Minister for Aviation Ghulam Sarwar Khan had proclaimed the decision to raise Skardu airport to international standards in early 2020.
Russia sends back US diplomats
Moscow: On Wednesday, Russia openly declared that it was authorizing US embassy staff who had been in Moscow for more than three years to fly home by Jan. 31. The retaliatory action was taken as per the US’s decision to confine the tenures of Russian diplomats. “We … intend to respond correspondingly. U.S. embassy employees who have been in Moscow for more than three years must leave Russia by Jan. 31,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova declared in a briefing.
US hardens travel rules amidst Omicron
Washington/Paris: It is reported that the United States mandated airlines to provide the names of passengers from southern African countries struck by the Omicron COVID-19 variant. The US along with other countries has tightened its borders as a European leader cautioned people to “prepare for the worst”. 24 countries may have reported cases of the variant so far but that some of the early indications were that most were mild and none severe, World Health Organization (WHO) officials disclosed.
US warns Russia to retreat its troops from Ukraine border
Riga: On Dec 1, the United States cautioned Russia to draw back its troops from the Ukrainian border and warned that a Russian incursion would prompt sanctions that would blow Moscow harder than any assigned until now. “We don’t know whether President (Vladimir) Putin has decided to invade. We do know that he is putting in place the capacity to do so in on short order should he so decide,” U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expounded.
Moderna can face lawsuit over patent issue
It emerged on Wednesday that Moderna Inc (MRNA.O) could confront a patent violation lawsuit over its COVID-19 vaccine. The speculations arose after a federal appeals court on Wednesday dismissed its challenge to patents being owned by the Arbutus Biopharma Corp (ABUS.O). According to the administrative panel’s findings, Arbutus’ patents, which may cover technology used in the vaccines, were not apparent in light of previously known science and so were found valid.
Zahir Jaffer’s counsel seeks approval to determine his mental health
On Wednesday, the lawyer for Zahir Zakir Jaffer, the main suspect in the Noor Mukadam murder case, filed a motion in an Islamabad court asking for the formation of a medical board to assess his mental health. Advocate Sikandar Zulqarnain Saleem filed the application in the court of Additional Sessions Judge Atta Rabbani, claiming that Zahir “is suffering from severe mental ailment that needs to be determined through an authorised medical board according to the commands of legislature and local and international law.”
Special screening of ‘Khel Khel Main’ in Presidency
The film ‘Khel Khel Main,’ which was released almost two years later, was exclusively screened at the Presidency because of the Corona outbreak. If you’re seeking reviews on Sajal Ali and Bilal Abbas’ new film Khel Khel Mein before watching it, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry and Senator Faisal Javed Khan can assist. On November 19, the film Khel Khel Mein was released in theatres. It was one of the year’s most anticipated films, and it brings Sajal and Bilal together for the first time on the big screen.
NCOC approves authority of Covid-19 booster jabs
In response to the potential of an outbreak of Omicron, a new variant of the virus, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has approved the delivery of the COVID-19 vaccine’s booster jab to patients in three groups. A meeting of the NCOC, headed by Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives and NCOC chief Asad Umar, stated that a special vaccination drive would begin in the country on December 1st.
Petrol prices to remain unchanged
According to a statement released in this regard, Pakistan’s government declared on Tuesday that it will maintain petroleum product prices. The price of petrol would remain unchanged at Rs145.82 per litre as a result of the prime minister’s decision, while the price of diesel will remain fixed at Rs142.62 per litre. Kerosene oil and light diesel would continue to be priced at Rs116.53 and Rs114.07 per litre, respectively.
New Covid-19 variant present in Europe before South Africa: Report
New data from the Netherlands revealed Tuesday that the Omicron coronavirus variant was prevalent in Europe before the first cases were reported in South Africa, as Latin America reported its first two cases in Brazil. In the week since South Africa disclosed the new virus strain to the World Health Organization, dozens of governments around the world have imposed travel restrictions, the majority of which target southern African countries. However, the World Health Organization warned Tuesday that “blanket” travel bans could cause more harm than good, as Canada expanded its restrictions to include Egypt and Nigeria.
India conveys concern over Kartarpur photoshoot
On Tuesday, India summoned Pakistan’s charge d’affaires to express Sikh resentment over a recent incident involving a Pakistani model who posed bareheaded at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur. An Indian journalist on Twitter described the move as “religiously hurtful,” because Sikhism compels all visitors to gurdwaras to cover their heads. The journalist stated Pakistani authorities should be aware of the occurrence, according to photos shared on Instagram by a local women’s clothing designer.
Messi wins record-extending seventh Ballon d’Or
Paris: It emerged on Tuesday that Argentina’s Lionel Messi got hold of the Ballon d’Or award for the best player in the world for a record-stretching seventh time. He beat both Robert Lewandowski and Jorginho to lift the most prestigious trophy of soccer. “It’s incredible to be here again. Two years ago I thought it was the last time. Winning the Copa America was key,” Messi said at Paris’s Theatre du Chatelet.
NATO warns Moscow for attacking Ukraine
Riga: NATO Secretary-General, Jens Stoltenberg, stated that Russia would pay a high price for any new military attack against Ukraine. Both NATO and the United States warned Moscow on Tuesday as the Western military bloc met to discuss Moscow’s implications for bunching troops on the border of Ukraine. “There will be a high price to pay for Russia if they once again use force against the independence of the nation, Ukraine,” Stoltenberg said.
Royal Dutch Shell returns to Libya
London: It emerged that the Royal Dutch Shell (RDSa.L) had planned a return to Libya to develop infrastructure, pnew oil and gas fields and a solar project. The company exited the North African country because of unrest a decade ago. Under the ‘Libya plan’, talked over with state-run National Oil Corporation (NOC), Shell would seek for new oil and gas areas in several blocks in the onshore Sirte and Ghadames basins and the offshore Cyrenaica basin.
Final results show Cleric Sadr won Iraq vote, state media says
CAIRO: According to final results announced by the electoral commission on Tuesday, Iraqi Populist Shi’ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr’s movement obtained the biggest number of seats in parliament, winning 73 seats. On the other hand, the Sunni Taqaddum party secured 37 seats in last month’s general election, while the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) attained 31 seats, state media revealed, referring to the commission report.
China will hold Winter Olympics as per schedule
Beijing: Foreign ministry spokesperson, Zhao Lijian, briefed on Tuesday that China was determined to hold the 2022 Winter Olympics “smoothly” per the schedule despite challenges posed by the Omicron coronavirus variant. Zhao said, “China has experience in preventing and controlling the coronavirus, I fully believe that China will be able to host the Winter Olympics as scheduled, smoothly and successfully,” Zhao said. Beijing is ready to stage the Games from Feb. 4 to Feb. 20, without foreign viewers and with all athletes and related personnel enclosed in a “closed-loop” and subject to daily testing for COVID-19.
States should take “rational” measures against Omicron
Geneva: Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of the World Health Organization (WHO), expressed concern on Tuesday that the states should take “rational” steps to fight against new variant of Omicron. He said that some states were introducing blanket measures against the Omicron that were “not evidence-based or effective on their own”. In a speech to the WHO’s 194 member states, he encouraged them to take “rational, proportional risk-reduction measures” in keeping with the organization’s 2005 International Health Regulations.
Dengue Virus: Two more deaths reported
Despite the drop in temperature, there has been no relief in dengue infections, with Punjab reporting two fatalities and 74 new dengue cases in the previous 24 hours, bringing the total number of cases to 25013 and the death toll to 143. Sixty new cases were reported from Lahore, with two fatalities. According to health department authorities, four instances of dengue virus were recorded from Rawalpindi, three from Kasur, two from Gujranwala, and one each from Faisalabad, Nankana Sahib, Attock, Hafizabad, and Sialkot.
No case of Omicron Variant detected in Pakistan: Dr Faisal Sultan
According to Dr. Faisal Sultan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health, no cases of the Omicron strain of COVID-19 have been discovered in Pakistan. Dr. Faisal Sultan told Geo Pakistan that a meeting is set for today at the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) to finalize vaccination guidelines and regulations. “We cannot control the Omicron variant from coming to Pakistan, but we can control its impact by ramping up the immunization process,” the health minister said.
Pakistani brand issues apology for Kartarpur photoshoot
Mannat, a Pakistani fashion label, has been chastised for what many people, particularly Sikhs, have described as an “objectionable and disrespectful” photoshoot that appeared to have taken place in the Kartarpur Gurdwara, a sacred site for the community. Mannat and the model, who is a “digital creator,” have since taken the photographs down from Instagram. The president of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, has demanded that everyone engaged in the photograph be prosecuted.
Pakistani rupee falls to another record low
The Pakistani rupee has touched yet another record low versus the US dollar in the interbank market, but economists are predicting a “downward trend” in the near future. On Monday, the local currency lost another 0.42 percent of its value. According to data provided by the State Bank of Pakistan, the value of the US dollar grew by 74 paisas, reaching a new high of Rs176.20. The dollar, meanwhile, fell in the open market after closing at Rs178.30 the previous week. The value of the rupee fluctuated between Rs177.20 and Rs177.70.
Pfizer working on new Covid vaccine targeting Omicron variant: CEO
In the event that the current inoculation is ineffective against the newer strain, Pfizer’s CEO Albert Bourla said Monday that the company has already begun developing a version of its Covid-19 vaccine that particularly targets the new Omicron variant. According to Bourla, his company began testing the current vaccine against the Omicron version on Friday, which was initially discovered in South Africa and has sparked worries of a global Covid-19 outbreak.
Twitter CEO resigns
On Monday, Jack Patrick Dorsey, co-founder of the social networking site Twitter, has stepped down as the chief executive officer (CEO) of the company. According to the company, Parag Agrawal, Twitter’s chief technology officer (CTO), will take charge as the new CEO, while Jack Dorsey will be on the board of directors. “I’ve decided to leave Twitter because I believe the company is ready to move on from its founders,” Dorsey stated.
Afnanullah Khan wants probe into plane damage case
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Afnanullah Khan on Sunday declared that he would raise the matter of damage of a Boeing aircraft by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) before the parliamentary committee concerned. PML-N Senator also asserted he had already asked Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Aviation Hidayatullah to take notice of the matter for scrutiny and he formally wrote a letter to him in this regard.
Gunmen free 260 inmates in Nigeria
Abuja: On Nov 29, according to officials, gunmen freed more than 260 inhabitants during an attack on a prison in Jos, Nigeria’s central city. It was the country’s fourth such attack this year. The assailants opened fire on guards on Sunday evening, launching a gunbattle that resulted in the death of one guard and nine prisoners dead, told the correctional service. “Some of the attackers and a total of 262 inmates escaped in the melee before reinforcement could come from sister services,” the service let out.
Myanmar confiscates boat carrying 228 Rohingya
It was reported on Monday that Myanmar’s navy took hold of a boat carrying 228 Rohingya and arrested all on board, the country’s state television reported. This is the latest attempt by members of the downtrodden Muslim minority group to flee the country. It emerged that thirty-three children were among those detained in waters near Sittwe in northwestern Myanmar, as well as five boat workers. The detained were handed over to police and immigration authorities.
Extreme winds kill four people in Turkey
Istanbul: The governor’s office reported that four people, including a foreign national, were died and 19 others hurt in the capital city on Monday due to harsh winds across Turkey’s biggest city and its surrounding areas. According to the country’s Meteorology General Directorate (MGM), strong winds of up to 130 km (81 miles) per hour were blowing in Istanbul on Monday, with drastic conditions expected in nearby provinces, i.e., the western shoreside city of Izmir. The MGM also warned that the winds would continue on Tuesday.
