Miss Venezuela makes its way through the pandemic

Dubai's Expo-2020 opens for visitors, during which the United Arab Emirates hopes to welcome about 25 million guests, as it is considered the first universal exhibition held in the Middle East and the largest event globally since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

After his small Manhattan food stand lost its customers during the coronavirus pandemic, Abdul Rahman -- an Afghan vendor who arrived in New York in 1992 -- has resumed service, albeit at a fraction of former business since offices are still far from full. Rahman and the thousands of street vendors like him were hoping things would finally go back to normal in September. But that's far from the case.

Developers in Florida have begun building the world's first pandemic-ready skyscraper, which will integrate the Miami Worldcenter complex. With a price tag of $500-million, the Legacy Tower is planned to contain 310 luxurious residences, 219 hotel rooms and 10-floors of medical facilities - featuring bacteria-killing robots, touchless technology and modern air purification systems which developers hope will protect residents against future pandemics.

The revision comes as the post-pandemic recovery falters in advanced economies, including the US and Germany. The IMF has kept its growth forecast for 2022 unchanged but has warned of "dangerous" divergent recoveries.

Nearly 50 countries are dealing with serious hunger levels as 320 million people lost access to adequate food last year, a newly released index shows.

The team of 26 scientists is set to revive the stalled investigation into the origins of the virus. Meanwhile, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro confirmed that he will not be vaccinated. Follow DW for the latest.

Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) has started hosting its five-day dance music festival after the Dutch government lifted restrictions on the entertainment sector, as well as clubs and bars. The event has been scaled down compared to previous years, while measures are in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19, including on-site testing.

Amnesty said that many governments had used the pandemic as an opportunity to further restrict freedom of expression. It also cited the role of social media in the spread of misinformation.

Romania is getting crushed by one of the worst coronavirus waves in Europe. Vaccine skepticism and inaction on the part of the president, the administration and authorities are largely to blame.

Hospitals in Germany risk seeing ICU beds as full as they were at the height of the pandemic. Coronavirus infections and hospitalizations have spiked in recent days.

Australia reopened its borders Monday, permitting citizens to return and exit the country. Foreign workers in Australia remain unable to do so though.

After a dramatic drop during the pandemic lockdowns, carbon dioxide emissions are near record levels again, with China's share increasing to nearly a third of the total, researchers say.