WORLD

The need for a second booster dose of Covid vaccine is not on the agenda of the government as of now, official sources said amid renewed concerns about the viral infections in view of surge in some countries. A fourth Covid shot is unwarranted at the moment as most people in the country are yet to receive their third dose, they said. Also, there is no data available on the utility of a second booster for the currently used vaccines, the sources said. India began administering a precautionary or booster dose in January 2022 and till now only 28 per cent of the eligible population have taken it.

Ukrainians faced a grim start to 2023 as Sunday, January 1, 2023, brought more Russian missile and drone attacks following a blistering New Year's Eve assault that killed at least three civilians across the country, authorities reported.

Air raid sirens sounded in the capital shortly after midnight, followed by a barrage of missiles that interrupted the small celebrations residents held at home due to wartime curfews. Ukrainian officials alleged Moscow was deliberately targeting civilians along with critical infrastructure to create a climate of fear and destroy morale during the long winter months.

Pope Francis, in his address delivered in a New Year's Day service on Sunday at the Vatican, remembered his predecessor "beloved" Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, a day after the latter died aged 95.

"Today we entrust the beloved pope emeritus Benedict XVI to the most holy mother (the Virgin Mary), to accompany him in his passage from this world to God," said Francis. 

The pope presided over a Mass held in St Peter's Basilica as preparations continued for public viewing of Benedict's mortal remains in the same church for three days starting Monday. 

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) of the United States paid a heartfelt tribute on Friday to the late Brazilian football legend Pele, who died at the age of 82 and is widely regarded as the greatest and most beloved footballer in history.

The space agency posted a unique picture with the caption, "We mark the passing of the legendary Pele, known to many as the king of the "beautiful game." This image of a spiral galaxy in the constellation Sculptor shows the colours of Brazil."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday congratulated Benjamin Netanyahu on becoming Israel's new Prime Minister. 

PM Modi, on Twitter, said that he is "looking forward" to work together with Israel. "Heartiest congratulations Netanyahu for forming the government. Looking forward to working together to strengthen our strategic partnership," tweeted PM Modi.

Benjamin Netanyahu was sworn-in as Israel's new Prime Minister on Thursday for a sixth time, leading the Jewish state's most right-wing government to date.