A UAE resident has lost Dh15,000 that he had invested in the digital cur...

A UAE resident has lost Dirhams15,000 that he had invested in the digital currency DubaiCoin, a purportedly newly-launched virtual asset.

 

The cryptocurrency came under a cloud after Arabian Chain Technology, which was reportedly behind the launch, denied the news.

 

The UAE resident, who requested anonymity, said he had invested in ‘DubaiCoin’ last week through his friend but lost the amount.

 

“I lost my job and my only savings,” he told Khaleej Times.

 

The Dubai Silicon Oasis-based Arabian Chain Technology had earlier said that it hadn't launched the asset, asking people to be cautious.

 

"Also, this website dub-pay.com/en is fake and a scam. Please be careful,” it had tweeted.

 

The Dubai Electronic Security Centre also announced late on Thursday, May 27, that the ‘DubaiCoin’ digital currency has not been approved by any official entity and that the website promoting the coin is an unlicenced one. It aims to phish email information, passwords and phone numbers of people through an electronic form, the authority warned.

 

Sources told Khaleej Times last week that an investigation is underway into this new 'virtual currency'.

 

More Details: https://www.khaleejtimes.com/news/uae-resident-loses-life-savings-invested-in-fake-cryptocurrency

Dose COVID-19 vaccines kill people?

A baseless quote has been widely attributed to a Nobel Prize winner to claim people will die from antibody-dependent enhancement after receiving a COVID-19 jab. There is no evidence to back up this claim, nor was Reuters able to find any instance where the laureate made this comment.

The claim, made in a post that has been screenshot and shared on social media platforms, says French virologist Luc Montagnier “has confirmed that there is no chance of survival for people who have received any form of the vaccine”.

It then quotes him as saying: “’There is no hope, and no possible treatment for those who have been vaccinated already. We must be prepared to incinerate the bodies.’” The post adds: “The scientific genius backed claims of other pre eminent [sic] virologists after studying the constituents of the vaccine. ‘They will all die from antibody dependent enhancement.’ Nothing more can be said.’”

Montagnier won the Nobel Prize for medicine in 2008 with fellow scientist Francoise Barre-Sinoussi for their work identifying the HIV virus۔

More recently, Montagnier has been criticised for comments regarding HIV and the immune system, as well as a claim that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, was leaked from a laboratory۔

These comments are outside the scope of this check.

Reuters was unable to find any evidence that Montagnier made the comments quoted in the social media posts. Links included in the post also offered no extra evidence: one was a Wikipedia page for the scientist and a second was for a video interview in which Montagnier talks about variants and vaccines.

More Details: 

https://arynews.tv/en/luc-montagnier-covid-vaccine-ade-claim/?fbclid=IwAR3qbzehiJW-E2kSxDxjruhxBSNelT9iCMO1BuSfYakg1AbT767d4Lp7RB8

VERDICT

False. Reuters was unable to find any instance of Montagnier saying the cited quote. His actual comment about ADE is inaccurate and does not reflect real-world evidence

Ireland declares, Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories as de f...

Ireland has become the first EU member state to declare the building of Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories as de facto annexation, after the Dáil on Wednesday night passed a motion tabled by Sinn Fein.

The Dáil rejected, however, a proposal to expel the Israeli ambassador to the Republic and impose comprehensive sanctions against Israel by 87 votes to 46, with no abstentions.

A spokesman for Israel’s foreign ministry said it “outright rejects” the motion.

Lior Haiat said on Twitter that Ireland’s “outrageous and baseless” position regarding some Israeli settlements reflects a “blatantly one-sided and simplistic policy” and constitutes a “victory for extremist Palestinian factions”.

“The motion distances Ireland from its ambition to contribute and play a constructive role in the Israeli-Palestinian context,” he wrote.

Mr Haiat said the vote followed “unacceptable anti-Israel statements that were heard in Ireland at a time when the citizens of Israel were being subject to terror attacks by the more than 4,000 rockets that were launched from the Gaza Strip by the Hamas terrorist organization.”

The Government had in a debate on Tuesday night supported the Sinn Féin proposal and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney said during debate on the issue that “we need to be honest with what is happening on the ground and call it out” as “de facto annexation”.

More Details:..

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/oireachtas/ireland-becomes-first-eu-country-to-declare-israel-is-involved-in-de-facto-annexation-1.4576250

British Airways cancels flight to Tel Aviv

British Airways cancelled its flights to and from Tel Aviv on Thursday, the latest international carrier to avoid flying to Israel amid an escalating conflict there.

"The safety and security of our colleagues and customers is always our top priority, and we continue to monitor the situation closely," British Airways said.

United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines on Wednesday all cancelled flights between the United States and Tel Aviv.

The fiercest hostil ..

Read more at:
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/business/british-airways-cancels-flight-to-tel-aviv-amid-escalating-conflict/articleshow/82600582.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

Selling Fake Covid-19 Vaccination Cards.......

Undercover agents were able to buy the fraudulent cards for $20 each at a bar in Clements, Calif., according to the authorities. Federal officials say the problem has grown during the pandemicA fraudulent Covid-19 vaccination card purchased by agents at the Old Corner Saloon in Clements, Calif.Credit...California Department of Alcoholic Beverage ControlA California bar owner was arrested this week on charges that he had sold fake Covid-19 vaccination cards at his business, prosecutors said.The owner, Todd Anderson, 59, of Acampo, Calif., was arrested on Tuesday and charged with identity theft, forging government documents, falsifying medical records and having a loaded unregistered handgun, Tori Verber Salazar, the San Joaquin County district attorney, said in a statement this week.“It is disheartening to have members in our community show flagrant disregard for public health in the midst of a pandemic,” Ms. Salazar said in the statement. “Distributing, falsifying or purchasing fake COVID-19 vaccine cards is against the law and endangers yourself and those around you.”Mr. Anderson declined to comment on Friday. His arraignment is set for May 18.Agents from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control began their investigation into Mr. Anderson after they received a complaint stating that fake cards were being sold at his business, the Old Corner Saloon in Clements, Calif., which is about 40 miles southeast of Sacramento.In April, undercover agents were able to buy fraudulent cards four times, the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control said.The cards were sold for $20 each, according to the district attorney’s office.“A number of the cards were found for distribution during a search warrant executed at the bar,” the department said. The search, it said, also uncovered more supplies, including 30 blank cards and a laminating machine, which were confiscated.

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/07/us/fake-covid-vaccination-card-california.html

A WHO emergency listing is a signal to national regulators that a produc...

A WHO emergency listing is a signal to national regulators that a product is safe and effective. It also allows it to be included in COVAX, a global programme to provide vaccines mainly for poor countries, which has hit supply problems. "This expands the list of COVID-19 vaccines that COVAX can buy, and gives countries confidence to expedite their own regulatory approval, and to import and administer a vaccine," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a briefing. The WHO had already given emergency approval to COVID-19 vaccines developed by Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson and, last week, Moderna. The decision to approve Sinopharm's vaccine was taken by WHO's technical advisory group, which began meeting on April 26 to review the latest clinical data as well as Sinopharm's manufacturing practices. A separate group of WHO experts, the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE), voiced concern this week over data provided by Sinopharm on the risk of serious side-effects in some patients, but was confident in the vaccine's ability to prevent disease, according to a document reviewed by Reuters.

https://www.khaleejtimes.com/coronavirus-pandemic/who-gives-emergency-approval-to-sinopharm-first-chinese-covid-19-vaccine

Leslie Odom, Jr. sings Wait For It in new election PSA

Read full article here: https://readnews.io/t4c7y0 The "Hamilton" star is using the song "Wait For It" from the hit Broadway musical for a new PSA from RepresentUS, in the midst of the election. The message is about waiting for all the votes to be tallied in the election. "Look, this is pretty clear: Every American who voted deserves to have their voice heard. In this historic election, millions of you have mailed in your ballots or dropped them off, and all of us deserve to be counted," he said. "These are votes from our grandparents, staying safe from Covid. Our overseas military, sending in their ballots by mail. Our neighbors, our friends. Nurses, teachers, firefighters. I mean, this is actually simple -- voting is one of our fundamental rights and counting votes is the foundation of democracy. It may take time but your vote is worth waiting for, and Im willing to wait for it. "The PSA also features actors Amy Schumer and Ed Helms.

Jacqui Felgate makes Brownlow Medal history

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The Brownlow Medal count is continuing to make history this year, with news that AFLs night of nights is set to have a female co-host for the first time ever. Channel Seven Melbourne news and sports presenter Jacqui Felgate has been announced as one of the hosts of this years event, which will be held virtually. She will present alongside Hamish McLachlan, who took over from Bruce McAvaney last year. The host of Sevens AFL Footy Central, Felgate said she was thrilled to be part of the event and to be the first female ever helping to lead the coverage. While the usual glitz and glamour of the red carpet will be gone, Felgate said they were planning a really wonderful spectacle. Its been an incredibly tough year for so many, but Brownlow night will give Australians the chance to celebrate the very best in footy, both on and off the field, she said. Its an honour to stand alongside one of the finest broadcasters in the country in Hamish McLachlan, and to look back at the remarkable moments that gave us so much joy  when we needed it the most. It will be a Brownlow with a difference, but it will be something very special indeed.  And I promise to keep everyone on time, there will be no excuses this year. Posting the news to Twitter and Instagram, Felgate was met with a flood of supportive comments by those congratulating her on the historic appointment. I think its great that females are co-hosting/anchoring sports broadcasts.  Its great in the AFL that both broadcast partners 7 & Fox Footy use their talents.  Congratulations Jacqui, Dean Armellin tweeted. ABC journalist Dan Ziffer also responded, saying it was fantastic news and a wonderful personal achievement, while Racing. com editor-in-chief Paul Tatnell added that it was an amazing moment and well deserved. Felgate is married to sports presenter Michael Felgate. The couple live in Melbourne with their two daughtersMaddie and Georgia.

Ex-Raiders offensive lineman Barret Robbins arrested in Florida

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Former Raiders offensive lineman Barret Robbins was arrestedin South Florida over the weekend. Police said Robbins was sleeping outside of a 7-Eleven frequently, South Florida sports reporter Andy Slater first reported Saturday.  It was reportedly his third arrest in the last month. BRETT FAVRE ON TRUMP: I THINK HES DONE A GOOD JOB FOR OUR COUNTRYA Broward County Jail arrest record showed that Robbins was arrested for drug paraphernalia possession or use and trespassingRobbins played in nine seasons for the then-Oakland Raiders, He was a one-time All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection.  The Raiders selected him in the second round of the 1995 draft out of TCU. NFL INVESTIGATING TITANS FOR POSSIBLE FLOUTING OF SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOLLOWING COVID-19 OUTBREAK: REPORTBut what the Texas native is mostly known for was mysteriously disappearing the night before Super Bowl XXXVII in San Diego as the Raiders were set to play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He didnt surface until 8 p. m.  and, by then, coach Bill Callahan removed him from the game-day roster.  Dissecting the incident onHBOs Real Sports,Robbins wife said he told her he had been out partying all night in Tijuana because he thought the team had won the game already. Since then, Robbins has had multiple run-ins with the law and was treated at a health clinic and diagnosed with bipolar disorder. CLICK HERE FOR MORE NFL COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS. COMIn 2011, he was sentenced to five years in a Florida prison for a drug-related probation violation.  At that point, he had been on probation for a 2005 fracas in Miami Beach in which he was shot and wounded by a police officer. 

Roads, rail get $7.5bn budget injection

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Infrastructure spending will get a further boost in Tuesdays federal budget with Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack set to announce a further $7. 5 billion in new projects. The coalition government says the new investment in national transport infrastructure will boost the national economy, while delivering safer roads and creating thousands of jobs. Mr McCormack, who is also the infrastructure, transport and regional minister, says infrastructure means jobs and stronger local communities, while building a better and more secure future for the nation. "We want to ensure our farmers and miners and other businesses can get their world-class goods to market faster and cheaper," he told AAP. "That will happen with better roads and better rail, which is why were continuing to invest in making our transport corridors more efficient with further investment in infrastructure in this budget. "The new funding will build on a series of infrastructure investments in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, which now total more than $11. 3 billion. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said this latest substantial injection shows the government is serious about laying the foundations for an infrastructure-led recovery from the economic shock of the global pandemic. "We have been working closely with state and territory governments to invest in the infrastructure that is ready to go and can help rebuild our economy and create more jobs," he said. "This investment through Tuesdays budget will boost the national economy and support an estimated 30,000 direct and indirect jobs across the nation. "Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, who will be handing down his second budget in totally different circumstances to his first, said these commitments will help to get the economy moving. Key investments across the country include:* $560 million for the Singleton bypass on the New England Highway in NSW* $528 million for the Shepparton and Warrnambool rail line upgrades in Victoria*

Ex-CIA station chief: Critically important for Pentagon to deter adversa...

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Former CIA station chief Dan Hoffman emphasized on Saturday the need for the U. S.  government to maintain transparency as foreign adversaries could exploit the presidents coronavirus diagnosis. His comments cameafter the Pentagon told the public that the military was ready if needed during these uncertain times. "I think its critically important for the government in this case, the Department of Defense both to reassure our allies and our citizens at home as well as deter our enemies by making those sorts of public statements," he told Fox News host Bill Hemmer. Hemmer asked Hoffman to describe, based on his experience, what was happening behind the scenes in the U. S.  government. AFTER COVID DIAGNOSIS, PENTAGON SAYS ALERT LEVELS REMAIN UNCHANGED"I think that for sure our intelligence community is out there collecting intelligence on some of the flashpoints around the world that might be the South China Sea, Taiwan, the cross-straits of Taiwan and China, for sure Iraq, where Iranian militias may seek to use this as an opportunity to target us, North Korea well be on alert for cyber intrusions and other things," he said. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP"That for sure is a critical element as always for us, but even now, more important.  And then I think what youre going to see is behind the scenes, Secretary Pompeos talented team of diplomats all over the world engaging, not just with our allies but with our adversaries as well, to emphasize that the peoples business in the United States will continue as before, and that we will continue to defend our national and security interests worldwide. "Hoffman specified that he thought the U. S.  would see "a lot of espionage from our enemies, particularly from Russia and China. "

Brian Hoyer is reportedly expected to start for Patriots if they face Ch...

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With Cam Newton out for this weeks game against the Chiefs after testing positive for COVID-19, the Patriots will have to start someone else under center. It appears that Brian Hoyer will be the Patriots starting quarterback against the Chiefs, NFL Networks Ian Rapaport reported. The Patriots matchup with the Chiefs was originally scheduled for 4:25 p. m.  on Sunday, but it has been postponed to either Monday or Tuesday, the NFL said in a statement.  The Patriots were scheduled to travel to Kansas City at 1 p. m.  on Saturday.  That trip is now delayed as they await more test results and guidance from the NFL, according to ESPNs Adam Schefter.  Tuesday is also the more likely day the Patriots will play the Chiefs, Schefter reported. Hoyer has been the Patriots backup quarterback for the first three games of the season.  Jarret Stidham, who was expected by many to be the Patriots starting quarterback before Newton was signed, has been a healthy scratch in all three games this season. This is Hoyers sixth season with the Patriots.  Hes started 38 regular-season games over his 12-year career, but this would be his first start with the Patriots.  He has a 16-22 record in games hes started. 

Dave OBrien, Jerry Remy, and Dennis Eckersley produced winning broadcast...

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Reasons to watch the Red Sox this season were scarcer than victories, which is saying something considering they won 24 games, or as many as the 1986 version of Roger Clemens. Tanner Houcks September splash was encouraging.  Alex Verdugo performed like the complete player we thought Andrew Benintendi would be.  Xander Bogaerts was his usual self, a fine player and a true pro. But beyond that, the most fulfilling reason to watch the Red Sox was hearing Dave OBrien, Jerry Remy, and Dennis Eckersley call the games on NESN. 

US tops 5 million confirmed virus cases, to Europes alarm

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ROME  With confirmed coronavirus cases in the U. S.  hitting 5 million Sunday, by far the highest of any country, the failure of the most powerful nation in the world to contain the scourge has been met with astonishment and alarm in Europe. Perhaps nowhere outside the U. S.  is Americas bungled virus response viewed with more consternation than in Italy, which was ground zero of Europes epidemic.  Italians were unprepared when the outbreak exploded in February, and the country still has one of the worlds highest official death tolls at over 35,000. But after a strict nationwide, 10-week lockdown, vigilant tracing of new clusters and general acceptance of mask mandates and social distancing, Italy has become a model of virus containment. Dont they care about their health? a mask-clad Patrizia Antonini asked about people in the United States as she walked with friends along the banks of Lake Bracciano, north of Rome.  They need to take our precautions.   They need a real lockdown. Much of the incredulity in Europe stems from the fact that America had the benefit of time, European experience and medical know-how to treat the virus that the continent itself didnt have when the first COVID-19 patients started filling intensive care units. More than four months into a sustained outbreak, the U. S.  reached the 5 million mark, according to the running count kept by Johns Hopkins University.  Health officials believe the actual number is perhaps 10 times higher, or closer to 50 million, given testing limitations and the fact that as many as 40% of all those who are infected have no symptoms. We Italians always saw America as a model, said Massimo Franco, a columnist with daily Corriere della Sera.  But with this virus weve discovered a country that is very fragile, with bad infrastructure and a public health system that is nonexistent. With Americas worlds-highest death toll of more than 160,000, its politicized

Early voting opens in virus-era NT poll

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Early voting in the Northern Territory election starts on Monday with 111 candidates lining up for the poll. A total of 141,225 Territorians are now on the electoral roll and eligible to vote in the August 22 election. So far 6500 Territorians have applied for postal votes, but many more are expected. The NT has single-digit active COVID-19 cases, but no evidence of community transmission. The Northern Territory Electoral Commission is encouraging voters to use early and postal voting as part of its strategy to minimise the spread of the virus. "Both options will limit the congregation of people in one location, and allow Territorians to vote without having to travel," the commission said. "It is expected there will be an increase in electors utilising these voting methods. "At the 2016 election just under 35 per cent of votes were cast on election day, with the figure expected to fall well below that in this years poll. Opinion polls are pointing to Labor, led by Chief Minister Michael Gunner, retaining majority government in the 25-seat assembly. The Gunner government has been dogged by concerns about the struggling NT economy and its handling of law and order issues. But Mr Gunner has been praised for his efforts in tackling COVID-19 and reopening the NTs economy. Country Liberal Party leader Lia Finocchiaro, who took over in February, has a huge task to take her party from two seats to victory. Preferences from the fledgling Territory Alliance and independents will be crucial to a CLP win. 

Shelf life of 21 days or more could save red meat waste, say UK industry...

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Use-by dates on red meat in the UK should be extended, say industry experts who are lobbying the Food Standards Agency (FSA) to endorse scrapping the current 10-day cap and extending it to 21 days or more. According to 2008 guidance from the FSA, clarified in 2017, the shelf life of either vacuum- or gas-packaged fresh meat kept at 3-8C should be limited to 10 days unless suitable grounds for a longer shelf life can be identified, such as high salt content or low pH. Industry experts are contesting the guidelines, calling for a return to the previous situation in which manufacturers and retailers determined use-by dates, a shift that could see the shelf life of packaged and chilled red meat extended to three weeks or more. We didnt need this 10-day cap, it was ridiculous this was brought in, said David Lindars, the technical operations director of the British Meat Processors Association (BMPA),, adding that legislation already stated that food must be proven safe for the given shelf life. Beef is safe at 21 days.  You can go beyond that, he said, adding 21 days is simply a common timeframe used in marketing beef. A report by the BMPA and Meat and Livestock Australia Limited, published last year with support from a host of supermarkets, contested the FSAs guidelines, finding a maximum shelf life at 3-8C of up to 23 days for beef, 27 days for lamb, and 18 days for pork provided a high level of protection against Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium behind life-threatening botulism poisoning. The report also revealed results from experiments in which samples of meat were exposed to such bacteria and kept at 8C.  The results, it said, showed that beef did not become toxic before day 50, lamb before day 35, and pork before day 25. The report suggested ditching the 10-day shelf-life cap would not only benefit retailers and producers, but could also help to reduce food waste. According to Wrap, the Waste and Resources Action Programme,

Eviction crisis looms as COVID-19s next catastrophe

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After many years of being looked down on, motels are getting new respect in the era of social distancing. Guests at open-corridor inns may come and go without passing through crowded lobbies, packed elevators or enclosed hallways where viruses may linger. In outdoor corridors, people feel safe, said Mike Riverside of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association.  People can go directly to their rooms and potentially reduce exposure to the coronavirus. Outdoor-facing, low-rise motels and hotels also stand to benefit from being typically reached by car, unlike big resorts and urban hotels that rely on air travel to deliver most guests.  With many still apprehensive about flying, drive-to destinations are widely expected to be the first beneficiaries of the gradual return of pleasure jaunts away from home. There is pent-up demand for leisure travel and nobody is too excited to share an elevator, said Patrick Scholes, an analyst who follows the lodging and leisure industries for investment bank SunTrust Robinson Humphrey.  For the moment, it definitely does give you an advantage to have outdoor corridors in your hotel. Inns where every guests front door opens to the elements loom large in the collective memories of Americans, but they are for the most part relics of the 20th century car culture that gave middle-class people the chance to explore their country.  At the beginning of auto travel, overnight options were mostly limited to proper city-style hotels or camping near the side of the road. Soon bare-bones cabin camps made up of individual shacks sprang up around rural gas stations.  Many were so primitive that mattresses and sheets cost extra. By the 1930s, according to Smithsonian Magazine, a classier alternative emerged known as cottage courts, made up of tiny cookie-cutter cottages built around a public lawn.  Gas stations and restaurants began to appear nearby, and the freedom of the road gained a romantic allure.

More pain for Freo as Walters ruled out

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Nat Fyfe could return to face Collingwood on Sunday, but theres bad news for a number of his teammates. Michael Walters (hamstring) and Jesse Hogan (calf) will miss the clash with the Pies, while it has been confirmed young Darcy Tucker wont play again this season. Darcy was forced forward (in the match against Geelong) and it damaged the hamstring, Fremantles high performance manager Jason Weber said. Hell be going for surgery later this week and well move forward from there. Jesse (Hogan) ran this morning with the group and looks like another week probably. Weber was unable to give a return date on Walters, who limped off late in the loss to Geelong. He joins defenders Alex Pearce (season), Joel Hamling (no timeframe given), Griffin Logue (seven-nine weeks), Hayden Young (7-11 weeks) and Sam Switkowski (on timeframe given) on the sidelines. He cramped quite late, he came off and we kept him off as a precaution, Weber said. At this stage, its just a watch and see to see how he recovers. Stephen Hill is set to miss at least another week due to an adductor strain, while Sam Sturt (ankle) and Stefan Giro (ankle) are also sidelined. Stefans been really good, hes turned a corner a couple of weeks ago so were looking to try and progress him into football this week and, hopefully, see him back from a long lay-off in the next few weeks, Weber said. Sams probably gone a little bit slower than we hoped with his ankle. He had damage from a marking contest at the end of training a couple of weeks ago. Hes progressing along and were looking forward to seeing him in a few weeks. In some rare good news on the injury front for Fremantle, Fyfe (hamstring) trained strongly on Wednesday with a decision to be made on Friday. Nats had a really strong training progression over the past couple of weeks, Weber said. He had an excellent session this morning with the group and

People must not pay more fares when booking tickets via travel agents on...

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NEW DELHI: Passengers booking tickets through travel agents on international flightsoperating under the Vande Bharat Missionmust not pay more than the fares mentioned on Air Indias website, the Civil Aviation Ministry said on Wednesday. Scheduled international passenger flights continue to remain suspended in India since March 23 amid the coronaviruspandemic. However, since May 6, international charter flights have been operated by Air India under the Vande Bharat Mission to help stranded people reach their destinations. Private carriers have also operated a certain number of flights under this mission. "Passengers booking tickets for #VBM flights through travel agents, may please note that they should not pay more than the fares mentioned on the Air India website. Passengers facing issues of overcharging by travel agents may write to gmsm@airindia. in," the ministry said on Twitter. India had on July 16 formed bilateral air bubbles with countries like the US, Germany and France that allows airlines of both the countries in the pact to operate special international charter flights. The aviation sector has been significantly impacted due to the travel restrictions imposed in India and other countries in view of the coronavirus pandemic. All airlines in India have taken cost-cutting measures such as pay cuts, leave without pay and firing of employees in order to conserve cash. India resumed domestic passenger flights from May 25 after a gap of two months due to the coronavirus pandemic. The airlines have been allowed to operate only a maximum of 45 per cent of their pre-Coviddomestic flights. However, occupancy rate in Indian domestic flights has been around just 50-60 per cent since May 25.

FIFA ratifies coronavirus relief for football bodies | Football News - T...

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FIFA has ratified a coronavirus relief planthat will make $1. 5 billion available to football communitiesand national associationsaround the world. All of the 211 FIFA member associations will receive a $1 million grant "to protect and restart football" and can access interest-free loans of up to $5 million. Each member association will also receive an additional $500,000 grant for womens football during the plans third phase. The massive spending plan aims to help mens and womens professional football as well as youth and grassroots soccer through a system of grants and loans. Each of the six football confederations will also receive a grant of $2 million. FIFA expects to make the funds available by January 2021.