The agriculture ministry confirmed that Nara Prefecture in Japan reported its first case of Avian influenza this year, marking the 16th case nationwide. The outbreak, which began last month in Kagawa Prefecture, has led to the culling of over 130,000 chickens in Mihara city to prevent further spread. Japan's last significant bird flu outbreak occurred in January 2018. The European poultry industry is also on alert as the contagious bird flu spreads rapidly across the continent.

Bharat Biotech International Limited confirms that COVAXIN has shown better antibody response in children aged 2-18 years compared to adults, following successful phase II/III trials. The trials, conducted on 525 children, reported no serious adverse effects and demonstrated the vaccine's safety and immunogenicity. The data, submitted to the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation, led to emergency use approval for children aged 12-18 years. Bharat Biotech aims to reach an annualized production capacity of 1 billion doses by the end of 2021, with technology transfer activities underway in India, the United States, and other countries.

Protesters gathered outside the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building as the Olympic torch arrived, coinciding with the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics. Demonstrations are planned to continue near the Olympic stadium, despite heavy police regulation. The Olympics, starting amid pandemic restrictions and a state of emergency in Tokyo, have faced significant opposition with calls for cancellation. The opening ceremony will be scaled back with no mass choreography or large-scale performances, as COVID-19 cases among Games-accredited individuals have reached 67 since July 1.

Tokyo is preparing to host the 2020 Olympics amid a state of emergency due to rising COVID-19 cases. The city is adorned with Olympic symbols, and strict measures, including rigorous testing and no spectators, are in place to ensure safety. Residents express mixed feelings about the impact of these measures on athletes. The main venue, Japan National Stadium, is undergoing final preparations for the opening ceremony on July 23.

With the Tokyo Olympics approaching, the Indian diaspora in Tokyo is divided over the strict COVID-19 regulations imposed on athletes and officials from India and other countries. The Japanese government mandates daily COVID-19 tests and restricted interactions for arrivals from 11 countries, including India. The Indian Olympic Association criticizes these rules as discriminatory, while some Indian residents in Tokyo express concerns about the impact on athletes' performance. Others support the regulations for public health safety. The Indian contingent, with high expectations, prepares to compete with 86 athletes qualified so far.

With less than a month left for the 2021 Olympics, protests in Tokyo and other parts of Japan are intensifying, calling for the cancellation of the Games due to COVID-19 concerns. Protesters argue that the influx of international visitors could exacerbate the spread of the virus, including more contagious variants, and criticize the allocation of resources to the Olympics instead of public health. Despite the organizers' assurances of safety measures, the protesters remain unconvinced and plan to continue their demonstrations, bolstered by a viral #NoOlympic2020 campaign on social media.

Vitamin B12, also known as Cobalmin, is an essential water-soluble vitamin crucial for the production of red blood cells, DNA, and the proper functioning of the nervous system. Health researcher Abhishek Dhawan emphasizes the importance of monitoring Vitamin B12 levels to prevent deficiencies that can lead to serious health issues such as heart problems, neurological issues, and even depression or dementia. B12 absorption involves multiple steps in the digestive system, and deficiencies can occur even with a diet rich in B12 if these processes are impaired. Non-vegetarian foods are primary sources of B12, and supplements or injections may be necessary for those with deficiencies.

Over 900 Indian nationals are stranded in Japan due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown imposed by the Indian government. These individuals, who were in Japan for business trips or on company contracts, have been unable to return home since the lockdown began on March 25. Their visas are expiring, contracts have ended, and they lack medical insurance. The Indian embassy in Tokyo has been contacted through social media for assistance. The Vande Bharat Mission's second phase has offered some hope, with two flights to Mumbai and Delhi confirmed. However, concerns remain for those not shortlisted for these flights, especially from southern Indian states, and those without medical insurance facing high healthcare costs in Japan. The Indian embassy in Tokyo has not provided further information on additional flights, leaving many in a state of uncertainty and financial distress.