Covid-19 cases rise in parts of India
India is witnessing a modest increase in Covid-19 cases, prompting health authorities to remain vigilant.
In May, Mumbai reported 95 new cases with 16 hospitalisations. Ahmedabad recorded 7 new cases in a single day, Puducherry reported 12, and Karnataka has 16 active cases. Chennai has seen a shift in viral infections, with more cases now attributed to Covid-19 than influenza. Pune, despite no current hospitalised cases, has reserved hospital beds as a precaution, according to the Times of India.
Most infections remain mild, with no ICU admissions or fatalities reported. Health experts advise at-risk groups to resume preventive measures such as mask usage and hand hygiene. Influenza vaccination is also recommended to reduce the impact of potential co-infections.
Russia reports downing 159 Ukrainian drones overnight
Russia's Defense Ministry announced on Wednesday that its air defenses intercepted and destroyed 159 Ukrainian drones overnight across multiple regions.
According to the ministry, 127 drones were shot down between 8:00 p.m. on May 20 and 4:05 a.m. on May 21, followed by 32 more between 4:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. Moscow time.
The drones were apparently crashed in many locations, including 53 in the Oryol Region, 51 in Bryansk, 37 in Kursk, and six near Moscow, as reported by Xinhua.
Coal mine explosion in North Afghanistan claims seven lives
An explosion ripped through a coal mine in northern Afghanistan's Samangan province early Wednesday, killing at least seven people and injuring two more, Xinhua reported.
As stated by the provincial police spokesperson, the blast was caused by a buildup of methane gas in one of the province's collieries in the Dara-i-Sufi Payen area, killing seven miners on the spot and injuring two more.
The remains of the trapped workers were found by security forces and medical professionals, and were handed over to their relatives. The injured have been taken to a local health center for treatment, according to Xinhua.
World-first gonorrhoea vaccine launched by England
England will become the first country to offer a gonorrhoea vaccine, starting in August. The vaccine injection, 30–40 percent effective, will be available through sexual health clinics for gay and bisexual men at higher risk.
With gonorrhoea cases hitting a record 85,000 in 2023, health officials hope the vaccine will curb rising infections. If widely adopted, it could prevent 100,000 cases and save the NHS £8m over the next decade, as reported by BBC.
Scotland is also preparing a similar programme.
