The number of deaths linked to coronavirus in India has moved past the 400,000 mark as the country tries to speed up its vaccination drive. Experts warn that the real number of fatalities might be much higher as many deaths are not officially recorded. India is only the third in the world behind the US and Brazil to record more than 400,000 deaths. The country has recorded 30 million cases – second only to the US.

Hundreds of dead sea animals have washed up in Sri Lanka, weeks after a cargo ship carrying dangerous chemicals caught fire and sank. The X-Press Pearl sank in early June off the coast of Colombo after it had been on fire for days. The remains of 176 turtles, 20 dolphins and four whales have washed ashore since, a court has heard. Experts fear the ship, which carried tonnes of oil in its tanks, will remain an environmental hazard for decades. The X-Press Pearl had had been carrying 278 tonnes of bunker fuel oil and 50 tonnes of gas oil when it caught fire on 20 May. It was also carrying 25 tonnes nitric acid, along with other chemicals and cosmetics. One environmental group had earlier said the ship’s toxic cargo threatened to create “a chemical soup” in the area.(BBC)…[+]

Australia will halve the number of international arrivals it accepts after Covid outbreaks put half the population in lockdown this week. The country’s strict border rules have only allowed Australians and people with exemptions to enter. From 14 July, Australia will accept just over 3,000 people a week – a measure likely to last until next year. The announcement sparked dismay among Australians who are overseas and separated from their families. But Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the measure would reduce pressure on the country’s quarantine system. Virus leaks from hotel quarantine – which is mandatory for all arrivals – have been the source of numerous outbreaks across the country. Australia is maintaining a Covid-elimination strategy until it can get the majority of its population vaccinated next year. Just 8% have been vaccinated so far. Mr Morrison’s government has faced criticism for its border policies over the past year, which have extended family separations and made it difficult for many Australians to return.(BBC)…[+]