Coronavirus LIVE: WHO warns vaccines no magic bullet to contain virus

Coronavirus live updates: At 1,842,587, Maharashtra has the highest number of coronavirus cases, followed by Karnataka 890,360, Andhra Pradesh 870,675, Tamil Nadu 787,554, and Kerala 625,767

A health worker shows samples of a Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) employees for Covid-19 testing, in New Delhi. Photo: PTI

8:23 AM

US labour market losing steam as coronavirus pandemic rages

The US economy added the fewest workers in six months in November, hindered by a resurgence in new COVID-19 cases that, together with a lack of more government relief money, threatens to reverse the recovery from the pandemic recession.

The Labor Department's closely watched employment report on Friday also showed 3.9 million people have been out of work for at least six months, with many giving up, a sign of a lack of confidence in the labor market. The report, which only covered the first two weeks of November, when the current wave of coronavirus infections started, underscored the challenges facing President-elect Joe Biden when he takes over from President Donald Trump on Jan. 20.

Biden called the report "grim" and urged Congress and Trump to provide additional fiscal stimulus. "Americans need help and they need it now," the president-elect said in a statement.

7:59 AM

Responsibility of post-Covid world huge: PM Modi to IIT alumni

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday asked the IIT alumni across the world to contribute towards offering solutions for the post-COVID world, stating that the "responsibility is heavy but I know that your shoulders are capable".

"I urge you to debate, discuss and contribute to solutions in the emerging new world. The responsibility is heavy but I know that your shoulders are capable," Prime Minister Modi said at the Global IIT Summit through a video message. Read on...

7:48 AM

Coronavirus vaccine update: Bahrain grants emergency use for Pfizer, BioNTech vaccine

The island kingdom of Bahrain says it has become the second nation in the world to grant an emergency-use authorization for the coronavirus vaccine made by Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech.

The state-run Bahrain News Agency made the announcement on Friday night.

It said it followed thorough analysis and review of all available data. Bahrain had already granted an emergency-use authorization for a Chinese vaccine made by Sinopharm.

7:46 AM

Actor Neetu Kapoor, Varun Dhawan test positive for coronavirus

Veteran star Neetu Kapoor and actor Varun Dhawan on Friday tested positive for coronavirus in Chandigarh.

The two Bollywood actors, along with Anil Kapoor and Kiara Advani, were shooting for their upcoming movie "Jug Jugg Jeeyo" in the city.

According to a source close to the family, Neetu, 62, is now flying back to Mumbai after her actor-son Ranbir Kapoor made necessary arrangements. Read on...

7:26 AM