Another 18 people have been reportedly killed on the streets of Myanmar as pro-democracy protests continue against the military coup, a human rights group says. Security forces have used tear gas, stun guns and grenades and opened fire with little warning in several towns and cities to break up protests, witnesses said. Two people were killed during clashes at a protest in the country's second-biggest city Mandalay, a witness and media reports said, while one person was reported killed when police opened fire in the main city of Yangon. The Monywa Gazette reported five people were killed in the central town when police opened fire. Student activist Moe Myint Hein, 25, said one person was shot and killed in the town of Myingyan, adding: "They opened fire on us with live bullets. One was killed, he's young, a teenage boy, shot in the head," Advertisement A spokesman for the ruling military council did not answer telephone calls seeking comment, Reuters … [Read more...] about Myanmar coup: Death toll of pro-democracy protesters rises to 18 as calls for peace from southeast Asian nations fail
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Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev celebrates his 90th birthday
Mikhail Gorbachev turned 90 on Tuesday, with several world leaders sending well-wishes to the former leader of the Soviet Union. The former leader of the Soviet Union and secretary-general of the Communist Party is considered by some as one of the greatest reformers of the 20th century — but remains a controversial figure at home. How did he celebrate his birthday? Still active, Gorbachev heads a political foundation and co-owns the Kremlin-critical newspaper, Novaya Gazeta . He celebrated his birthday while staying in a hospital as a precaution amid the coronavirus pandemic. Gorbachev was scheduled to have video calls with his aides and associates who gathered at his foundation to congratulate him. He also spoke with world leaders and read messages from admirers worldwide. Gorbi and the Germans: Mikhail Gorbachev at 90 Remembering the 'Fathers of Unity' The first and only president of the former Soviet Union turns 90 on March 2. Since German … [Read more...] about Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev celebrates his 90th birthday
Bridgerton star hits back at podcast host’s ‘fat’ jibe after Golden Globes appearance
A Bridgerton actress who was criticised for her weight after posting images of her Golden Globes outfit on Instagram has called for actors to be judged for their work, not their body. Nicola Coughlan posted a photo of her wearing a pastel yellow Molly Goddard evening dress and cropped black cardigan for the Golden Globes virtual red carpet on Sunday night. Despite a host of likes and positive responses - including from the designer herself - a comment from one journalist calling the 34-year-old "the fat girl from Bridgerton" quickly took the conversation in a negative direction. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nicola Coughlan (@nicolacoughlan) Big Calf podcast host Amanda Richards wrote: "The fat girl from Bridgerton is wearing a black cardigan at the Golden Globes [because] no matter how hot and stylish you are, if you're a fat girl there will always be a black cardigan you think about … [Read more...] about Bridgerton star hits back at podcast host’s ‘fat’ jibe after Golden Globes appearance
COVID-19: Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines ‘highly effective’ at preventing hospital admissions in over-80s, study finds
The Pfizer-BioNTech and Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccines are both highly effective at preventing over-80s from being admitted to hospital, according to a new study. Researchers in Bristol found that 14 days after one dose of the Pfizer vaccine, it was 79.3% effective at preventing people in that age group from developing symptomatic illness severe enough to be admitted. For AstraZeneca 's COVID-19 jab, the effectiveness was 80.4%. Live COVID updates from the UK and around the world What EU leaders said about AstraZeneca vaccine - and the data forcing a rethink The study tallies up with the Public Health Scotland (PHS) and Public Health England (PHE) reports released in February and on Monday respectively. Advertisement Professor Adam Finn, professor of paediatrics and chief investigator of the study at the University of Bristol, said his team took a different approach, using a smaller geographical area and … [Read more...] about COVID-19: Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines ‘highly effective’ at preventing hospital admissions in over-80s, study finds
Brain injury charity hopes for ‘cultural change’ as inquiry examines link between sport and dementia
A brain injury charity is hoping for a "cultural change" in how head injuries are treated in sport as MPs launch an inquiry into links with neurodegenerative disease. It comes amid claims the scope of the inquiry does not go far enough, "neglecting issues" at school and youth level. The sporting world also continues to learn of players and competitors who have been diagnosed with dementia , including members of the triumphant 1966 England World Cup football squad . In one study published in 2019, footballers were found to be three-and-a-half times more likely to die of a neurodegenerative disease than people of a similar age. Peter McCabe, chief executive of the charity Headway, will appear before the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee on 9 March to give evidence to the parliamentary inquiry into the link between sport and long-term brain injury. Advertisement He said: "Increased scrutiny from this influential cross-party group of … [Read more...] about Brain injury charity hopes for ‘cultural change’ as inquiry examines link between sport and dementia