India’s COVID-19 cases has crossed 27 million, with an estimate of 27,157,795 with 208,921 new confirmed cases recorded in the past 24 hours, according to the federal health ministry.

An additional 4,157 deaths from the coronavirus epidemic were reported since Tuesday morning in the South Asian country, taking the death toll to 311,388. 

There were currently 2,495,591 active cases in the country after a decrease of 91,191 cases in the past 24 hours. The number of daily active cases has been on the decline over the past few days, after a continuous surge since mid-April. 

A total of 24,350,816 patients have recovered from the pandemic and have been discharged from hospitals across the country, shows the latest data from the federal health ministry. 

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India’s nationwide vaccination drive kicked off on January 16. ALSO READ: China to ban disposable non-degradable plastic use on flights So far 200,662,456 vaccine doses have been administered to people across the country. 

A total of 2,039,087 vaccine doses were given on Tuesday alone. Presently the third phase of COVID-19 vaccination is going on, covering all people aged 18 years and above, with an acute shortage of vaccines being felt across the country. 

Meanwhile, the federal government has ramped up COVID-19 testing facilities in India, where 334,811,496 tests had been conducted till Tuesday, including 2,217,320 on Tuesday alone, shows the latest data issued by the Indian Council of Medical Research on Wednesday. 

Three COVID-19 vaccines are being used in India’s vaccination efforts, which are the Covishield, the Covaxin, and the Russia-made Sputnik-V.

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COVID-19 Cases: India’s COVID-19 tally crosses 27m

A tanker containing 45,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) yesterday morning pummeled and exploded at Banire/Ejigbadero Bus Stop, in Egbeda area of Lagos State.

Mr Ibrahim Farinloye, Acting Zonal Coordinator, South West Zonal Office, NEMA, confirmed the development to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

Farinloye said NEMA received an alert at 12.20a.m. that the tanker which was said to have loaded at Abule Ado in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area had exploded, causing panic among the residents of the locality.

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“He said: No life was lost or property destroyed.

“However, the tanker with no registration number, is still half-filled with PMS and lying across the major highway.

“The Police Disaster Management Unit and Gowon Estate Police Station have apprehended the driver of the truck and his motor boy (assistant).”

Farinloye said efforts were  on to decant and transload the content to another tanker before the road could be opened for traffic.

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tanker carrying petrol crashes and exploded

Petrol tanker pummeled and explodes in Lagos

Antonio Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General,  has called for civilian leaders in Mali to be released after military officers upset with a government reshuffle detained the president and prime minister at an army camp outside the capital.

“I am deeply concerned by news of detention of civilian leaders of the Malian transition,” Guterres said on Twitter. “I call for calm & their unconditional release.”

President Bah Ndaw and Prime Minister Moctar Ouane lead an interim government that was installed under the threat of regional sanctions following a putsch in August, and the detentions on Monday raised fears of a second coup.

Two senior officials, who declined to be named, told AFP that soldiers had taken Ndaw and Ouane to the Kati military camp on the outskirts of Bamako.

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Their detentions followed a sensitive government reshuffle earlier on Monday that was designed to respond to growing criticism of the interim government.

The military kept the strategic portfolios it controlled during the previous administration in the reshuffle.

But two coup leaders — ex-defence minister Sadio Camara and ex-security minister Colonel Modibo Kone — were replaced.

READ ALSO: Malian Army Detains Leaders, Many Fears Coup

Coup leaders and army officers have wielded significant influence over the government, casting doubts on a pledge to hold elections by early next year.

The reshuffle came at a time of growing political challenges in the capital Bamako and pressure to stick to the deadline for promised reforms.

UN Chief Calls For Release Of Civilian Leaders In Mali

Malian officers upset with a government reshuffle have detained the president and prime minister at an army camp outside the capital, triggering broad international condemnation and demands for their immediate release.

Two senior officials, who declined to be named, told AFP that soldiers had taken Ndaw and Ouane to the Kati military camp on the outskirts of the capital Bamako.

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Speculation of a coup swirled around Bamako late on Monday, but the city remained relatively calm.

Briefly reached by phone before the line cut, Prime Minister Ouane told AFP that soldiers “came to get him”.

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EU leaders condemned what they called the “kidnapping” of Mali’s civilian leadership, said council president Charles Michel.

“What happened was grave and serious and we are ready to consider necessary measures,” he told reporters after a summit of the bloc’s 27 leaders, describing events as “the kidnapping of the president and the prime minister”.

Earlier, a joint statement by the United Nations, African Union, Economic Community of West African States, the European Union, and the United States condemned the arrests and called for their “immediate and unconditional liberty”.

Later UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres tweeted a call for calm and urged the “unconditional release” of the leaders.

Young military officers ousted Keita on August 18 after weeks of protests over perceived government corruption and his handling of Mali’s jihadist insurgency.

After the 15-nation West Africa bloc ECOWAS threatened sanctions, the military junta handed power to a caretaker government that pledged to reform the constitution and stage elections within 18 months.

Coup leader Assimi Goita was appointed as vice president of the caretaker administration, and the interim president, Bah Ndaw, is a retired army officer.

Many have doubted whether the military-dominated government has the will, or the ability, to stage reforms on a short timescale.

Among other problems, the vast nation faces a major logistical and security challenge, as swathes of territory are in the hands of jihadists.

Doubts remained despite the interim government last month pledging to hold a constitutional referendum on October 31, with elections to follow in February next year.

On May 14, amid growing anger, the government then said it would appoint a new “broad-based” cabinet.

An official at Mali’s interim presidency, who requested anonymity, said the reshuffle was designed to send a message that “respect for the transition deadline remains the priority”.

He also underscored the necessity of replacing the defence and security ministers.

“They are not emblematic figures of the junta,” the official said, referring to the newly appointed ministers.

In an example of mounting unease, the opposition M5 movement — which spearheaded protests against Keita in 2020 — this month urged dissolving the interim government and demanded a “more legitimate” body.

But the M5 is divided. Two members of the Union for the Republic and Democracy party — part of the M5 — were appointed interim ministers Monday.

Civil disputes in Mali are also adding to the pressure created by political feuding.

The country’s largest union, UNTM, called a second week of strikes Monday after pay negotiations with the interim government collapsed.

Malian army detains leaders in an army location

Malian Army Detains Leaders, Many Fears Coup

Aurelio De Laurentiis who is Napoli's president, confirmed that coach Gennaro Gattuso will leave the club after failing to qualify for the Champions League.

The southerners finished fifth, one point behind fourth-placed Juventus, after a 1-1 draw at home against Hellas Verona

A win would have guaranteed a top-four finish, but Napoli miss out on a second season of Champions League football.

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“Dear Rino, I am happy to have spent almost two seasons with you,” De Laurentiis wrote on Twitter.

“Thanking you for your work, I wish you success wherever you go. A hug to your wife and children too. Aurelio De Laurentiis.”

The relationship between the pair had been tense with the club having imposed a media boycott for months.

Former AC Milan coach Gattuso took over after Carlo Ancelotti was sacked in December 2019.

The 43-year-old also missed out on a Champions League return with AC Milan in the 2018-2019 season by just one point.

The Italian 2006 World Cup winner as a player has been linked with clubs including Fiorentina and Tottenham.

Chief of club confirms sacking coach after failure at champion's league

Gattuso To Leave Napoli After Champions League Flop

The Department of State Services (DSS) has announced that one Jesustofunmi Nifemi Alabi is set to dupe unsuspecting members of the public through false recruitment exercise.

Public Relations Officer, DSS National Headquarters, Abuja, Dr Peter Afunanya, stated that to this effect, Alabi had created a Facebook group to deceive gullible job hunters.

Afunanya said the Service is not recruiting and does not own a Facebook account or operate other social media platforms.

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The statement reads, “This is to inform the public about the fraudulent activities of one Jesustofunmi Nifemi ALABI who has created a Facebook group, SSS/DSS Recruitment 2019/2020 to deceive gullible job hunters. ALABI is the CEO/Chairman of Tunrok & Son Nigeria Limited and uses phone number 08112597703."

“The Service is not recruiting and does not own a Facebook account or operate other social media platforms. Job seekers are enjoined to make recruitment enquiries from the Service’s Headquarters, Abuja, its formations nationwide or official website, www.dss.gov.ng.”

public relations officer of the DSS speaking to the press

DSS alerts the public on fraudulent recruitment exercise

DSS raises alarm over fraudulent recruitment

Following series of headlines that made the news, an Indian court acquitted the former editor of a leading news magazine accused of raping a female colleague seven years ago.

Tarun Tejpal was acquitted of charges of rape, sexual harassment and wrongful restraint, public prosecutor Francisco Tavora said in the coastal state of Goa.

“Seriously aggrieved. The State will be assailing the judgment,” Tavora told AFP in a text message.

Tejpal, the 58-year-old founder and former editor of Tehelka magazine, was accused of raping a female journalist in the lift of a five-star hotel in Goa in November 2013.

The case came at a time when India’s record on sexual assault was under the scanner following the fatal gang-rape of a New Delhi student in December 2012 that sparked widespread protests and resulted in the strengthening of anti-rape laws.

Tehelka magazine had reported forcefully on gender inequality in the country, highlighting police and judicial insensitivity to rape victims as well as the misogynistic attitudes of many Indian men.

Women’s rights campaigners attacked the court’s decision, with activist Kavita Krishnan calling it “very unfortunate”.

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“This is a case where there was an enormous amount of evidence and courageous action on the part of the complainant who lost no time in telling people what happened,” Krishnan told AFP.

“I am aware of how torturous the trial has been for the complainant. The entire process of the trial has put her in the pillory and subjected her to all kinds of cruelties,” she added.

Tejpal, who has consistently denied the allegations, welcomed the ruling, describing it as “a long-fought for vindication” in a statement read out by his daughter Cara outside the court in Goa.

The victim, who has since quit the magazine, cannot be named for legal reasons.

Former Top Magazine Editor Acquitted Of Rape In India

Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and some top government officials received the second jab of Astrazeneca COVID-19 vaccine on thursday.

Speaking after he was vaccinated, Ganduje appreciated the state’s health workers, as well as religious and traditional leaders for the success of the vaccination programme.

He reassured the people that the state government would curb the spread of the COVID-19.

“I just took my second dose of the vaccine. I am appealing to the people of this state to make themselves available for the vaccine.

“If you didn’t take the first dose, you are excluded from the second dose.

“I assure you that this is the beginning of the end of COVID-19 in Kano State,” he said.

The governor urged the people to continue to abide by the Covid-19 protocol.

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Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Ibrahim Tsanyawa, said that so far 3,968 cases of COVID-19 were recorded in the state, 3,896 of which were successfully managed and 110 deaths recorded.

According to him, out of 209,568 vaccines received by the state government on 10th March, all intended beneficiaries had been covered.

Tsanyawa said that a large number of residents were responding positively to the vaccine exercise.

governor receiving second dose of COVID-19 vaccine

Vaccine:  Ganduje receives second jab of COVID-19 vaccine

Following three days of blackout as a result of NLC strike in Kaduna, power has been returned to the state on Wednesday night.

The power was restored hours after the NLC suspended its five-day warning strike in the state.

Abdulazeez Abdullahi, the spokesperson of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) in the state, announced in a statement on Wednesday that power was restored by 10:30pm.

“We are happy to report that power supply has been restored to many parts of Kaduna State after the suspension of the strike action by the Nigerian Labour Congress this evening."

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“As at 10:30 pm, we were able to pick load on most of our 11KV feeders hence many parts of the metropolis including Zaria and environs have had their supply restored. This was possible after restoration of the 33KV feeders by the Transmission Company of Nigeria."

“We once again thank all our esteemed customers and other stakeholders for bearing with us in the past four days. We also appreciate the efforts of the TCN team for supporting us in restoring supply back,” he said.

Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai had earlier said his government was yet to see the evidence that the NLC was backing off from what it described as a campaign of economic and social sabotage against the people of the state.

A statement signed by El-Rufai’s Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Muyiwa Adekeye, stressed the need for prompt restoration of electricity in the state and warned that Labour should not expect that it would be a matter for negotiation, much less being viewed as a precondition.

Power Restored In Kaduna State After Three-Day Blackout

Ruben Dias, Manchester City defender, has been voted as the Football Writers’ Association’s footballer of the year. 

The Portugal international was a comfortable winner ahead of Tottenham forward Harry Kane and City teammate Kevin De Bruyne.

Dias, 24, has enjoyed an outstanding first campaign at the Etihad Stadium since signing for around £65 million ($92 million) from Benfica in September.

He has helped Pep Guardiola’s City win the League Cup once more, regain their Premier League title and also reach the Champions League final, where they will face Chelsea in Porto on May 29.

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“It is a huge privilege. Obviously I could not have done it without the success of the team,” Dias said in an interview with the FWA.

“I think me receiving this prize is the major example of how our team works, the way we build our game.

“It reflects all the togetherness we have on the pitch, how we perform and the spirit that is in the team and with these players.”

Overall, nine City players received votes. They collected more than 50 percent of the total votes cast.

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Dias is only the third player to win the FWA award in his first season in English football.

The last defender to collect the trophy was Liverpool’s Steve Nicol, 32 years ago.

FWA chairwoman Carrie Brown said: “Pep Guardiola improves players, shapes them — but at no point has a new signing arrived into one of Pep’s already trophy-laden teams and exerted such influence.

“Ruben Dias is our Football Writers’ Association’s Footballer of the Year for his leadership on and off the pitch as much as for the infectious joy he derives from executing the art of defending to perfection.”

Man City’s Ruben Dias Crowned FWA Footballer Of The Year

Following a suspected involvement in timber trafficking, Brazilian Environment Minister Ricardo Salles is being probed by the Supreme court.

The Supreme court's ruling suspended 10 high-ranking environment officials in President Jair Bolsonaro’s government from their posts, while police investigate what Justice Alexandre de Moraes called an “extremely serious scheme to facilitate the contraband of rainforest products, allegedly with the involvement… of Environment Minister Ricardo Salles.”

Salles was not among the suspended officials, but Brazilian media reports said police were searching his home in Brasilia Tuesday morning.

Some 160 officers also raided environment ministry offices in Brasilia, Sao Paulo and the northern state of Para, federal police said.

Activists and experts accuse Salles of systematically dismantling environmental protection programs in Brazil, where the destruction of the Amazon rainforest has surged since Bolsonaro took office in 2019.

In April 2020, the minister was recorded telling a cabinet meeting that the government should take advantage of the distraction created by the coronavirus pandemic to relax environmental regulations.

He later denied that he wanted to gut environmental protections, saying he meant only that the government should try to cut red tape.

minister being probed for timber trafficking

Brazil Environment Minister Probed For Timber Trafficking

The Super Eagles will engage CONCACAF Gold Cup champions, Mexico, in a friendly match at the famous Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in the State of California, the United States of America on Saturday, 3rd July 2021.

The match, is expected to start at 7.30 pm LA time. This match will be the sixth confrontation between the senior teams of both countries, four of which have ended in draws, with Mexico wining one of the matches at US Gold Cup encounter in Dallas (State of Texas) 2-1 on 24th June 1995. Jonathan Akpoborie scored Nigeria’s only goal.

Other matches between both teams include a 1-1 draw at the FIFA Intercontinental Tournament for the King Fahd Cup (which is now known as the FIFA Confederations Cup) in Saudi Arabia on 13th January 1995 (Mexico prevailed 5-4 on penalties in the quarter-final match), and 0-0 draws in friendly matches in Houston and Atlanta the previous decade. Another friendly game in Mexico ended 2-2.

The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, simply known as the LA Coliseum, is a 77,500 –capacity facility that has hosted major international championships of all grades, including the 1996 Men’s Olympics Football Tournament (won by Nigeria) and CONCACAF Gold Cup matches. The COCACAF Gold Cup is that continent’s equivalent of the Africa Cup of Nations finals and determines the continental champion of North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.

Mexico is the most successful team in the CONCACAF Gold Cup with eight titles and are the current Cup holders.

Nigeria have won the Africa Cup of Nations three times and qualified for six of the last seven FIFA World Cup finals, reaching the Round of 16 in 1994, 1998, and 2014. The Super Eagles finished as bronze medalists at the last AFCON in Egypt two years ago.

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NFF’s FIFA Match Agent, Jairo Pachon of Euro data Sport, said: “We are happy to be able to announce this match, which is a clash between two very big teams from two different continents. Mexico against Nigeria is a big match any day and the venue is class.”

The two teams will announce their squads for the match in June.

Super Eagles To Play Mexico On July 3 In Los Angeles

Nigerian newspapers,on one page.