Mideast's confirmed coronavirus death toll goes over 50,000
Dubai: The confirmed death toll from the coronavirus went over 50,000 in the Middle East on Thursday as the pandemic continues.
That's according to a count from The Associated Press, based on official numbers offered by health authorities across the region.
Those numbers still may be an undercount, though, as testing in war-torn nations like Libya and Yemen remains extremely limited.
The top UN official for Libya on Wednesday warned the coronavirus pandemic in the war-ravaged country appears to be spiraling out of control. Yemen's Houthi rebels, who hold parts of the nation, have refused to release virus statistics.
The hardest-hit nation remains Iran, which saw the region's first major outbreak. Over 21,900 people have died there from the virus, with over 380,000 confirmed cases and 328,000 recoveries.
Israel just recorded a record-high 3,000 new cases in a day as the country's coronavirus czar is set to submit a list of more detailed recommended restrictions where infection rates have been highest. Israel earned praise for its early handling of the virus crisis and imposing tight movement restrictions. But since reopening the economy in May, new cases have spiked to record levels and the government has been blamed for mismanaging the resurgence.
Pakistan's numbers have continued to decline befuddling expectations in mid-June when even the authorities were anticipating a massive increase in cases. In Afghanistan, the government also has opened up its recreational facilities and most businesses. But experts fear the real numbers are likely far higher than officially reported.
The United Arab Emirates, which has embarked on a mass testing campaign, saw its highest daily confirmed new case count in over three months. That came as schools have reopened in the country and Dubai has offered itself as a tourist destination.
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Amit Shah hails Yediyurappa as leader who created a new path
Chitradurga: Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the five decades of public life and political struggle of former Karnataka Chief Minister B. S. Yediyurappa serve as an inspiration for the younger generation.
Speaking at the ‘BSY Abhimanotsava’ held to honour Yediyurappa, Shah lauded his journey from a humble background to becoming one of Karnataka’s most influential political leaders.
During the event, Shah released two books titled ‘Kendavare-Kamala Aralida Kathe’ and ‘Sadana Shikari-Yediyurappanavara Gudugina Nudigalu’.
Shah said there are leaders who simply walk on existing roads and leaders who create new paths for others to follow, and described Yediyurappa as a leader who has shown a new direction.
“He came from an ordinary family. His willpower, the values of the Sangh and his patriotism guided him throughout his life,” Shah said.
He recalled that Yediyurappa travelled to villages on a bicycle when buses were unavailable and worked tirelessly to strengthen the BJP at the grassroots level.
Shah said Yediyurappa had walked thousands of kilometres and led several struggles in support of farmers, which earned him the reputation of being a farmer leader. He added that Yediyurappa had even undergone imprisonment during these movements.
Referring to political developments in West Bengal, Shah said the BJP Chief Minister took oath there on the same day that Karnataka was celebrating Yediyurappa’s 50 years in public life. He described it as the beginning of a new chapter in the land associated with Swami Vivekananda and Syama Prasad Mookerjee.
At the programme, former minister C. T. Ravi presented details of Yediyurappa’s 50 years of public service. Yediyurappa was felicitated at the event.
Also present were BJP national general secretary (organisation) B. L. Santhosh, several dignitaries and seers.
