INDIA’s health ministry on Monday (6) said that 109 people in the country have died of COVID-19 so far and there are 4,067 confirmed cases.
The number of active COVID-19 cases stands at 3,666, as many as 291 people were cured and discharged, and one has migrated, it said. The total number of cases includes 65 foreign nationals.
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As per data, 21 fresh deaths were reported from Maharashtra, two each from Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu and one from Punjab.
Maharashtra has reported the most coronavirus deaths at 45, followed by Gujarat at 11, Madhya Pradesh at nine, Telangana and Delhi at seven each, Tamil Nadu at five and Punjab at six.
Karnataka has reported four deaths, while West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh have recorded three fatalities each. Two deaths each have been reported from Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, and Kerala.
Bihar, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana have reported one fatality each, according to the data.
The highest number of confirmed cases is from Maharashtra at 690, followed by Tamil Nadu at 571 and Delhi at 503.
The number cases in Telengana have gone up to 321, in Kerala to 314 and in Rajasthan to 253. There are 227 COVID-19 cases in Uttar Pradesh, 226 in Andhra Pradesh, 165 in Madhya Pradesh, 151 in Karnataka and 122 in Gujarat.
Jammu and Kashmir has reported 106 cases, Haryana 84, West Bengal 80 and Punjab 68.
Thirty people are afflicted with COVID-19 in Bihar, while Assam and Uttarakhand have reported 26 novel coronavirus cases each.
Odisha has 21 positive cases, Chandigarh 18, Ladakh 14 and Himachal Pradesh 13. Ten cases have been reported from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, while Chhattisgarh has nine cases of the infection.
Goa has reported seven COVID-19 cases, followed by Puducherry with five cases, Jharkhand three and Manipur two cases. Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh have reported one infection each.
Society, a food and drink venue in Manchester, has announced the launch of the UK’s first official National Beer Garden Day. The inaugural event is set to take place on Thursday 22 May 2025 and aims to celebrate the long-standing British tradition of enjoying drinks outdoors.
Located in the heart of Manchester city centre, Society is known for its beer garden, which is situated beside a secluded fountain and features over 40 taps offering a wide variety of drinks. The venue has now designated 22 May as an annual date to recognise the social and cultural value of beer gardens across the UK.
To mark the occasion, Society will offer a special ‘National Beer Garden Day Bar Tab’ to the first customer who visits the venue and says “Happy National Beer Garden Day” at the bar. The tab will be valid for use at the venue on the day of the event.
The initiative encourages people nationwide to visit their local beer gardens with friends, family, or colleagues to make the most of the warmer weather and longer evenings. Whether opting for a pint, a cider, a cocktail, or a soft drink, participants are also being invited to share photos of their beer garden experience on social media using the hashtag #NationalBeerGardenDay. Society plans to feature selected images on its own social media platforms.
Despite Manchester’s reputation for rainy weather, the city ranks second in the UK, after London, for outdoor drinking and dining, based on popularity and availability of venues. This strong local enthusiasm for al fresco socialising was a key reason behind Society’s decision to launch the national initiative from the city.
Nick Gregory, co-founder of Society, said: “We’ve always been blown away by how popular our beer garden is here in Manchester. It’s truly admirable to see how even the most fleeting sunshine brings our fantastic Society fans outside to enjoy their pints by the fountain. We thought that spirit should be celebrated alongside the national endeavour of beer garden enjoyment and hence National Beer Garden Day was born. We’ll see you in the beer garden!”
The launch comes at a time when UK pubs often benefit significantly from good weather. According to the British Beer and Pub Association, heatwaves can bring in up to £30 million in additional income for the industry. Beer gardens are not only seen as a place to enjoy drinks but are also considered important community spaces for social interaction and leisure.
As part of preparations for the day, Society has made several improvements to its outdoor area, including adding more tables and chairs and updating the surrounding planters. These changes aim to enhance the overall experience for visitors and better integrate the garden into its setting by the Rochdale Canal Lake.
To coincide with the event and the arrival of lighter evenings, Society is offering a range of seasonal drinks on tap. These include the Stargazer, a fruity and tangy sour IPA; the Peach Cooler Shaker, which blends peach, apricot, and milk sugars; and a distinctive White Chocolate and Raspberry Stout. Although the stout appears clear like a pale ale, it delivers the rich, sweet flavour typically associated with darker beers.
The organisers hope National Beer Garden Day will become a recurring event, encouraging people across the country to embrace outdoor socialising and support their local pubs and bars.
The event is open to all and does not require registration or tickets. Participation simply involves visiting a beer garden of choice and enjoying a drink in celebration of the occasion.
England is set to become the first country in the world to introduce a national gonorrhoea vaccination programme, in a move hailed by health officials as a “landmark moment for sexual health”. The rollout will begin on 1 August 2025 and will use an existing meningitis B vaccine, known as 4CMenB, to help combat soaring cases of gonorrhoea and growing concerns over antibiotic resistance.
The sexually transmitted infection (STI) reached record levels in England in 2023, with more than 85,000 cases reported — the highest number since records began in 1918. Health experts have warned that strains of the bacteria responsible for gonorrhoea, neisseria gonorrhoeae, are becoming increasingly resistant to current treatments.
The 4CMenB vaccine is currently used in the NHS childhood immunisation programme to protect against meningococcal group B disease, which can lead to serious conditions such as meningitis and sepsis. It is routinely administered to babies at eight weeks, 16 weeks, and one year of age. The vaccine contains proteins from neisseria meningitidis, a bacterium closely related to the gonorrhoea-causing strain, and has shown moderate effectiveness against gonorrhoea in clinical studies.
Research conducted by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) estimates that the 4CMenB jab could provide between 32.7% and 42% protection against gonorrhoea. While it is not expected to completely prevent infection, experts say it significantly reduces the risk and offers vital protection, particularly for groups most at risk.
Dr Amanda Doyle, national director for primary care and community services at NHS England, said: “The launch of a world-first routine vaccination for gonorrhoea is a huge step forward for sexual health. It will be crucial in protecting individuals, helping to prevent the spread of infection, and reducing the rising rates of antibiotic-resistant strains of the bacteria.”
The vaccine will be offered through local authority-commissioned sexual health services, with eligible individuals identified and contacted in the coming weeks. At their appointment, patients will also be offered vaccinations for mpox (previously known as monkeypox), human papillomavirus (HPV), and hepatitis A and B.
Computer illustration of neisseria gonorrhoeaeAlamy
Gonorrhoea is currently the second most common bacterial STI in the UK. Symptoms may include green or yellow discharge from the genitals, pain while urinating, and rectal discomfort. Women may also experience lower abdominal pain or bleeding between periods. However, many people with the infection do not display any symptoms, increasing the risk of undetected transmission.
The new programme is being introduced amid warnings over rising resistance to ceftriaxone, the antibiotic most commonly used to treat gonorrhoea. In some cases, the bacteria have developed the ability to survive and multiply even after exposure to the drug. There is also growing concern about the emergence of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains — those which do not respond to ceftriaxone or second-line treatments.
According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), 17 cases of ceftriaxone-resistant gonorrhoea were recorded between January 2024 and March 2025, alongside nine XDR cases. This marks an increase from the five XDR cases reported between 2022 and 2023.
Dr Sema Mandal, consultant epidemiologist and deputy director at UKHSA, welcomed the vaccine rollout. “Not only will this rollout provide much-needed protection to those that need it most, but it will make the UK the first country in the world to offer this protection and a world leader in protecting people against gonorrhoea,” she said.
Health minister Ashley Dalton also urged eligible individuals to take up the offer of vaccination. “By targeting those most at risk, we can reduce transmission rates from this unpleasant disease that is becoming harder to treat and prevent thousands of cases over the next few years,” she said. “Getting vaccinated is not only about keeping yourself safe but also about helping tackle the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.”
The JCVI has previously highlighted that, unlike other infections, previous episodes of gonorrhoea offer little to no immunity against reinfection, making vaccination an important preventative step.
Richard Angell, chief executive of the sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust, called the jab a “gamechanger”, estimating that it could reduce new gonorrhoea cases by as much as 40%. He added, “This is a significant step forward in the fight against STIs and antimicrobial resistance. We encourage everyone eligible to come forward and get protected.”
NHS England is currently coordinating with local health teams to prepare for the rollout and ensure the new programme is fully operational from the start of August.
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Burger King UK is offering limited-time deals via its mobile app
Burger King UK has launched one of its biggest menu updates in recent years, introducing new items and bringing back popular favourites as part of its summer offering.
The latest additions include the Kansas BBQ Chicken Fries, a twist on the original Chicken Fries, featuring a crispy golden coating with a sweet and smoky barbecue flavour inspired by Midwestern American cuisine. These are aimed at customers looking for a flavourful snack or something to share during the warmer months.
Also introduced is the Kansas BBQ King Box, a value meal priced at £5.99. The box includes the new BBQ Chicken Stacker burger, four Kansas BBQ Chicken Fries, regular fries, and a drink. The Stacker, which is expected to be a key draw, is designed to appeal to those seeking a satisfying barbecue-inspired option.
Burger King has also brought back the Gourmet Kings Bacon Caesar range, which proved popular with customers during previous promotions. This premium line-up includes the choice of a 100% British and Irish Angus beef burger or a crispy-coated chicken breast, both topped with creamy Caesar mayo. The sauce is described by the brand as offering a rich, garlicky flavour for a more indulgent experience.
In addition, the fast-food chain is launching a Spicy Mayo range, introducing a fiery twist to two well-known menu items – the Whopper and the Chicken Royale. These updated versions aim to give customers a bolder option while maintaining the core elements of the classic burgers.
To mark the launch of the summer menu, Burger King UK is offering limited-time deals via its mobile app. From 20 to 22 May, customers can take advantage of a buy-one-get-one-free offer on the Gourmet Kings Bacon Caesar burgers. A similar promotion will run for the Spicy Mayo range between 27 and 29 May.
Burger King UK’s latest menu revamp highlights the brand’s ongoing efforts to introduce variety and value while catering to evolving customer preferences. With a combination of new flavours and returning favourites, the chain aims to attract both loyal fans and new diners during the summer period.
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The government described as a “lack of control” and growing “illegality” in the holiday rentals market
The Spain Airbnb crackdown has led to more than 65,000 holiday rental listings being removed from the platform, as the Spanish government takes firm action to address breaches in national regulations and respond to growing housing concerns.
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs ordered the mass delisting due to thousands of properties lacking valid licence numbers, having unclear ownership records, or showing discrepancies between listed information and official housing databases. The government said these violations warranted immediate removal from Airbnb’s platform.
This action is part of a wider effort to bring order to Spain’s short-term rental sector and alleviate the country's worsening housing affordability crisis, especially in major tourist destinations such as Madrid, Andalusia and Catalonia, where the volume of tourist rentals has surged.
Consumer Affairs Minister Pablo Bustinduy said the government aimed to end what he described as a “lack of control” and growing “illegality” in the holiday rentals market. “No more excuses. Enough with protecting those who make a business out of the right to housing in our country,” he said during a press briefing.
The decision follows a broader trend of local authorities in Spain cracking down on tourist rentals. In 2023, the city of Barcelona announced a plan to eliminate all 10,000 of its licensed short-term lets by 2028, arguing that housing must be prioritised for long-term residents rather than tourists.
The Spain Airbnb crackdown reflects rising pressure on public officials to act, as protests continue over high rents and property prices, particularly in cities with large tourism industries. Many residents and campaigners argue that the expansion of short-term rentals has significantly reduced the availability of affordable housing.
- YouTubeYouTube/ WGN News
According to official data, there were approximately 321,000 licensed holiday rental properties across Spain as of November 2023, representing a 15% increase compared to 2020. Authorities believe many more operate without licences, prompting the Consumer Affairs Ministry to open a formal investigation into Airbnb in December.
In response to earlier scrutiny, Airbnb said it requires hosts to confirm they have permission to rent their properties and that they follow local laws. However, the company also claimed the government had not provided a clear list of non-compliant listings. It added that not all owners are required to hold a licence and questioned whether the ministry had the authority to regulate digital platforms.
Airbnb has yet to issue a formal response to the latest action.
The Spain Airbnb crackdown aligns with similar efforts across Europe, including in Portugal, the Netherlands and parts of Italy, where governments are introducing stricter regulations on short-term rentals in a bid to balance tourism with long-term housing needs.
As Spain continues to grapple with housing shortages and rising costs, the government has made clear that further measures may follow to ensure platforms and property owners comply with national laws.
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Stars are turning memories into marketing in 2025’s most nostalgic campaigns
From 90s fashion flashbacks to revived cartoon icons, 2025 is proving that everything old is new again or at least in celebrity-fronted brand campaigns. This decade, nostalgia isn’t just a vibe, but a full-blown economy. Across fashion, gaming, beauty, and music, brands are digging into pop culture’s archives to strike an emotional chord with consumers. Whether it’s John Cena teaming up with SpongeBob SquarePants for a gaming crossover, or Beyoncé revisiting a classic Levi’s ad from 1991, the throughline is clear: audiences crave the familiar but with a fresh twist.
But why does it work? Because in a world of algorithm-chasing trends and digital fatigue, nothing hits harder than the warm, fuzzy punch of ‘remember when’. And the biggest names in entertainment, fashion, and music are cashing in big time. Here are 10 brilliant nostalgia plays of 2025, ranked by how hard they made us yell, "Take my money!"
John Cena x Brawl Stars x SpongeBob SquarePants
WWE legend and actor John Cena teamed up with Supercell’s Brawl Stars to celebrate the 25th anniversary of SpongeBob SquarePants. The ad hilariously shows Cena’s phone sinking into the ocean, merging the worlds of Brawl Stars and Bikini Bottom. This crossover not only brought together gaming and animation fans but also played on Cena’s iconic wrestling persona, generating significant buzz online.
French DJ David Guetta collaborated with Hypaton and Europe to release ‘The Final Countdown 2025’, reimagining the classic 1986 rock anthem with an electronic twist. The track blends Guetta’s EDM style with the song’s epic essence, hitting both new listeners and long-time fans. This modern revival became an instant hit on streaming platforms, proving that the iconic track’s spirit is still alive.
Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning Farewell
At the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, Tom Cruise made a surprise appearance to promote Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, the eighth and final instalment of the franchise. Cruise’s global promotional tour, complete with daring stunts and a rare TikTok appearance, stirred nostalgia while celebrating the 25-year legacy of the iconic spy series.
Fronting Louis Vuitton’s Resort 2025 campaign, Zendaya brought back the brand’s iconic Takashi Murakami cherry print. With over 70 pieces bringing together early 2000s aesthetics and contemporary fashion, the campaign was a nod to a nostalgic fashion era, and Zendaya’s star power made it a viral hit.
Hailey Bieber led Rhode Beauty’s ‘Peptide Lip Shape’ campaign, embracing ’90s nostalgia with pastel visuals reminiscent of films like Clueless. Accompanied by singer-dancer Tate McRae, the campaign’s vibrant aesthetic and Bieber’s influence made it a top trend on beauty blogs and social media.
As the face of Tommy Hilfiger’s Tommy Girl capsule collection, Wonyoung from IVE channelled the brand’s 1990s fragrance and preppy fashion. The collection marked Tommy Girl’s 40th anniversary, and Wonyoung’s global fanbase ensured the campaign’s success, bringing together retro and modern streetwear.
Beyoncé starred in Levi’s RE:IMAGINE ‘Pool Hall’ campaign, paying homage to the brand’s iconic early-1990s ads. Set in a vintage pool hall, the spot featured classic 501 jeans and retro styling. Beyoncé’s stardom revived Levi’s heritage, and her social media teasers racked up over 12 million views, boosting denim sales significantly.
Salt-N-Pepa & Grandma’s Cookies ‘Sweet Beat’ Campaign
Hip-hop icons Salt-N-Pepa teamed up with Grandma’s Cookies to launch the ‘Sweet Beat’ campaign, remixing the childhood rhyme ‘Who Stole the Cookie from the Cookie Jar?’ into a catchy rap. The ad’s playful throwback vibes and Salt-N-Pepa’s performance made it a hit among both millennials and Gen Z, while social media challenges fuelled its viral status.
Hellmann’s recreated the iconic diner scene from When Harry Met Sally with Meg Ryan, Billy Crystal, and Sydney Sweeney. The commercial cleverly mixes the classic rom-com’s charm with contemporary humour, resonating with audiences who fondly remember the original 1989 film. The ad’s light-hearted nostalgia made it a memorable Super Bowl moment.
Comedian Chloe Fineman starred in Maybelline’s ‘Ugly Cry, Perfect Liner’ campaign, channelling the dramatic emotions of 1990s music videos. The ad humorously presents Maybelline’s Tattoo Studio Ink Pen Eyeliner, playing off the durability of makeup during emotional moments. Fineman’s quirky take on ’90s pop culture became a social media favourite.
Let’s be real: nostalgia isn’t just marketing. It’s emotional time travel. These stars know exactly which buttons to push: the cartoons we watched, the songs we screamed into hairbrushes, the jeans we begged our parents to buy. And in 2025? They’re not just selling products. They’re selling a feeling; one that says, ‘Remember this? Yeah, you loved it. Here it is again.’