LONDON: Two British hospitals are using blockchain technology to keep tabs on the storage and supply of temperature-sensitive COVID-19 vaccines, the companies behind the initiative said on Tuesday, in one of the first such initiatives in the world. Two hospitals, in central England’s Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick, are expanding their use of a distributed ledger, an offshoot of blockchain, from tracking …

LAHORE: In the first phase, 300,000 health workers have been registered in Punjab for the coronavirus vaccination programme. Chief Minister Punjab Usman Buzdar in his tweet stated that the arrangements for the coronavirus vaccination in the province have been finalised and as many as 637 staff members of 189 hospitals of the province have completed their training for the vaccination …

LONDON: A long position on bitcoin overtook “long tech” as the trade fund managers said was the most crowded in January, Bank of America’s monthly fund manager survey showed on Tuesday. For the first time since October, a long position on technology companies was knocked off the top spot, as investors said that long bitcoin was the most crowded trade. …

KARACHI: The daily numbers of Covid pandemic have on Tuesday reported 778 new infections across Sindh while the new deaths in this period were 17. According to the updates shared by the chief minister for the 24-hour span today, new 17 deaths have taken total mortality to 3,830 in the province since the viral infection broke out. CM Sindh Murad …

ISTANBUL: Ankara has imposed advertising bans on Twitter, Periscope and Pinterest after they failed to appoint local representatives in Turkey under a new social media law, according to decisions published on Tuesday. Under the law, which critics say stifles dissent, social media companies that do not appoint such representatives are liable for a series of penalties, including the latest move …

MELBOURNE: More players were forced into hard quarantine ahead of the Australian Open with officials confirming on Monday that four additional participants, including an athlete, tested positive for Covid-19 among those arriving in Melbourne. Health authorities in Victoria state have now reported nine infections among passengers who arrived on charter flights for the February 8-21 Australian Open and officials said …

KARACHI: Sindh completed a swift demolition of Balochistan on Monday to maintain their top slot in the Pakistan Cup, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are fractionally behind the leaders on net run rate after the sixth-round action. Both Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa now have eight points apiece since Northern lost their third straight fixture — against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa — to remain stuck …

India pulled off a record run-chase in a thrilling final session to hand Australia their first defeat at Brisbane’s Gabba ground since 1988 and clinch the four-Test series 2-1 on Tuesday. Wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant starred with a swashbuckling 89 not out as the injury-depleted visitors overhauled the 328-run target with three overs to go, winning by three wickets. Australia had …

TOKYO: Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga vowed on Monday to forge ahead with preparations to hold the Tokyo Olympics this summer, in the face of growing public opposition as Japan battles a surge in coronavirus infections. In a speech opening a new Parliament session, Suga said his government would revise laws to make anti-virus measures enforceable with penalties and compensation. Early …

KARACHI: South Africa captain Quinton de Kock warned his charges on Monday to face a trial by spin when the tourists take on Pakistan in the opening Test of the two-match series here at the National Stadium from Jan 26. Addressing his arrival virtual media conference at the start of the month-long tour during which they will also play three …