News in Brief -2024-05-15

New Covid-19 sub-variant unlikely to
cause infection peak in China
BEIJING, May 14: The KP.2 sub-variant of COVID-19, which has become increasingly prevalent on a global scale, is unlikely to cause a new infection peak in China in the near future, the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration said on Tuesday. As of Sunday, KP.2-sequenced cases accounted for 0.05 percent to 0.30 percent of all locally sequenced cases reported each week in China, which is at an "extremely low" level, according to experts from the administration. — Xinhua
Myanmar junta plans Octr national census
YANGON, May 14: A top Myanmar general has called for a national census to take place in October, state media reported Tuesday, even as swathes of the country remain outside the junta's control. The military has justified its 2021 coup with unsubstantiated claims of widespread fraud in 2020 elections won resoundingly by civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD). — AFP
Mumbai billboard collapse claims 14 lives
MUMBAI, May 14: At least 14 people have died and dozens were injured after a huge billboard fell on them during a thunderstorm in India's financial capital Mumbai, according to local authorities. The billboard collapsed on some houses and a petrol station next to a busy road in the eastern suburb of Ghatkopar following gusty winds and rain late on Monday. Scores were trapped following the incident with rescue operations continuing till early on Tuesday. — Reuters