Author: News Desk

The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday that testing of the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine in its large multi-country trial of treatments for COVID-19 patients had been halted after new data and studies showed no benefit. WHO expert Ana Maria Henao-Restrepo said investigators leading the so-called Solidarity Trial testing the drug – which had been promoted by U.S. President Donald Trump – had reviewed recent evidence and decided to stop recruiting new patients. “After deliberation, they have concluded that the hydroxychloroquine arm will be stopped from the Solidarity Trial,” Henao-Restrepo told a media briefing. In a statement issued later on…

A former Japanese justice minister and his lawmaker wife were arrested on Thursday on suspicion of vote-buying, public broadcaster NHK reported, in a harsh blow to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as he struggles with falling voter support. Voter support for Abe, who had close ties to the ex-justice minister, has declined over what critics say is his clumsy handling of the coronavirus outbreak, a furore over efforts to extend top prosecutors’ retirement age, and questions about government programmes to support tourism and smaller companies. Media have said prosecutors suspect former justice minister Katsuyuki Kawai and his wife, upper house lawmaker…

Turkey on Thursday made it compulsory for people to wear face masks when outside in the country’s largest cities of Istanbul and Ankara, as well as the northwestern city of Bursa, in a bid to combat the spread of the coronavirus. Turkish officials said this week they might have to adopt a harder line on social interactions after a jump in coronavirus infections, but said there were no plans to reverse an easing of lockdown restrictions aimed at reviving the economy. The governors’ offices in the three cities announced the order on face masks. This month restaurants and cafes reopened,…

Bahrain has reported 406 cases of coronavirus, among 216 expatriate workers, 189 new cases are contacts of active cases, and 1 is travel-related, after conducting over 7,500 additional COVID-19 tests on Wednesday. The death toll stands at 49, as 2 new deaths were reported in the kingdom. Meanwhile, 319 additional recoveries from COVID-19 were reported. The total cases have driven to 19,961 of which 14,185 have recovered, which means that over 71 percent of the confirmed cases have recovered from the virus. Currently, there are 5,727 active cases. Also, there are 131 COVID-19 cases receiving treatment, of which 27 are in a critical…

Englishman Sam Patterson is the latest highly-touted prospect to sign an extension deal with BRAVE Combat Federation. The fastest-growing MMA promotion in the world has tied down “The Future” for a multi-fight deal that will see him continue his rapid progress under the BRAVE CF banner. Patterson has blossomed into one of the biggest prospects in England last year as he was able to put on his finest performance yet against muay that champion Cian Cowley. At BRAVE CF 33 in Saudi Arabia, Sam surprised the world of MMA as he dominated Cowley on the stand-up before submitting the tough…

Dubai has lifted restrictions on the elderly over the age of 60 and children under the age of 12. Elderly and young children can now visit malls and other public places. Precautionary measures, such as wearing face masks, maintaining a distance of two metres from others and avoiding crowded areas are still active. Meanwhile, In emirates other than Dubai, elderly above 60 and younger than 70 are allowed to visit malls, shopping centres etc. from Thursday onwards, authorities announced. Dubai has also given green light for some museums to reopen for visitors, marine and water sports competitions to resume, etc. UAE…

Lulu Hypermarket has announced offers on mobile phones, laptops and accessories starting June 18 and continuing till July 4. Prices have been reduced on all leading brands as well as on a wide range of accessories from Airpods to smart watches and USBs, powerbanks, Bluetooth speakers and headsets. “With everybody going online for work and play, smartphones, mobiles and accessories are in great demand,” said a Lulu spokesperson, “Families are looking at more devices since children too have online classes nowadays. This is the right time to update models and purchase additional devices for the widened scope of family use.” Also…

UAE records 382 cases, and 2 fatalities from coronavirus in the past 24 hours, taking the total cases in the country to 43,364, according to the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP). The new death takes the total fatalities to 295. 676 new recoveries were also announced, bringing the total recoveries to 29,537. This means over 67 percent of the confirmed cases have fully recovered from the virus. The new cases were found after conducting more than 39,000 coronavirus tests across the country. The ministry expressed its sincere condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery to…

The UAE has deplored the Turkish and Iranian military interventions in the brotherly state of Iraq, a statement from the foreign ministry said Wednesday. It said it denounces their violations against the state’s sovereignty through airstrikes in northern Iraq. “UAE denounced the Turkish and Iranian military interventions in brotherly Iraq, through their bombing of areas in northern Iraq, which constituted a violation of the sovereignty of a sisterly Arab country and led to intimidation and the spread of terror among innocent civilians,” a foreign ministry statement said. The statement affirmed the country’s “unwavering principle in rejecting all interference in the affairs of…

Department of Culture and Tourism announced that a selected number of museums and cultural destinations in Abu Dhabi are ready to welcome visitors from 24 June, following the implementation of all protective guidelines to ensure the health and safety of visitors and staff. https://www.facebook.com/starvisionnews/videos/1416275025239530/ The first sites to reopen to the public include Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Hosn, and the Cultural Foundation’s exhibition and Artists-in-Residence studio. Also reopening will be Al Ain Oasis outdoor areas, Qasr Al Muwaiji, Al Jahili Fort and Al Ain Palace Museum. Also Read: Bahrain to host 2021 Asian Youth Para Games Gathering on beaches,…