Beijing [China], May 16 (ANI): China has cancelled its spring climbing season on the Tibetan side of Mount Everest, citing concerns over a surge of COVID-19 infections in its neighbouring country Nepal.

The country is facing an extraordinary situation wherein a number of COVID-19 cases and consequential deaths have been on the rise in many States and UTs in the recent past. Dumping of dead bodies/ partially burnt or decomposed corpses in the river Ganga and its tributaries have recently been reported.

The COVID-19 Working Group chaired by Dr N K Arora had recommended extension of the gap between the first and second doses of COVISHIELD vaccine to 12-16 weeks. This has been accepted by Government of India on May 13, 2021. Government of India has communicated this change to States and UTs.

Kathmandu [Nepal], May 16 (ANI): Nepal on Sunday reported 7,368 new COVID-19 cases, taking the cumulative count of infections in the country to 4,55,020.

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], May 16 (ANI): Actor Shilpa Shetty Kundra and Raj Kundra are undoubtedly one of the most adorable couples in the Bollywood industry. Sharing an update of his husband's health, who tested positive for COVID-19 recently, Shilpa on Sunday shared a glimpse of her 'love in the times of corona' with her husband.

New Delhi [India], May 16 (ANI): National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), Union Ministry of Jal Shakti officials reviewed the status and action on prevention of dumping of dead bodies in Ganga with Uttar Pradesh and Bihar governments.

Two people lost their lives in Goa due to Tropical Cyclone Tauktae. One of the persons was crushed under an uprooted tree. Normal life was thrown out of gear due to the tropical storm in the state, heavy rains and gusty winds causing heavy damage across Goa.

Jakarta [Indonesia], May 16 (ANI/Xinhua): The Indonesian government has suspended the use of the CTMAV547 batch of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine following the death of a recipient in the capital of Jakarta recently, the Health Ministry said on Sunday.

Dhaka [Bangladesh], May 16 (ANI): The Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has launched a mass-masking campaign in the area to inculcate the practice of wearing masks and reduce transmission of COVID-19.

Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], May 16 (ANI): Amid the large-scale COVID-19 vaccination drives across the country, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Sunday directed Chief Secretary Vini Mahajan to explore the possibility of procurement of the newly received vaccine - Sputnik V for the immunisation of 18-44 age group.