COVID-19: I’m optimistic about use of Convalescent Plasma – Janet Olatunde

India is expected to launch a digital version of its currency, the rupee. The plan for the sovereign-backed digital currency comes as the popularity of cryptocurrencies is on the rise.

Buckingham Palace has announced that Queen Elizabeth has tested positive for COVID-19

Here are a few reasons to pick up a copy of The Guardian on Wednesday⁣.⁣

One of Nigeria's five authors of her National Anthem, Professor Babatunde Ogunnaike is dead. Professor Ogunnaike emerged as one of five, whose words and phrases were combined to form the national anthem.

For a long time, many saw Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a comic actor who stumbled into the presidency. During the confrontation with Russia, however, the 44-year-old has matured into a respected statesman.

More than 6 million people around the world have died from COVID-related causes, according to the US Johns Hopkins University. Meanwhile, Hong Kong is struggling with a surge in cases.

In an interview with FRANCE 24 on Monday, former US national security adviser and retired lieutenant general Herbert Raymond McMaster said that Ukraine can win the war with Russia, remarking that President Vladimir Putin had already lost the conflict in a sense by not winning outright.

The NSU, Hanau, the Breitscheidplatz Christmas market — these names evoke memories of terrorist attacks in Germany's recent past. As leaders meet to commemorate the victims, some say more needs to be done to help them.

Find these stories and much more when you grab a copy of The Guardian on Thursday.⁣⁣

The omicron variant is driving case numbers in parts of China to levels not seen since coronavirus first emerged. But keeping case numbers at near zero means continued disruptions and lockdowns.

Even as it said Germany likely passed the peak of omicron infections, the Robert Koch Institute warned coronavirus cases remained high. Despite this, the country is considering relaxing quarantine rules.

Pakistan's lower legislative chamber has been dissolved after a vote of no confidence in Prime Minister Imran Khan was blocked. The country will hold fresh elections in 90 days unless the Supreme Court rules otherwise.