The World Health Organization chief voiced alarm on Monday at India's record-breaking wave of Covid-19 cases and deaths, saying the organisation was rushing to help address the crisis.
"The situation in India is beyond heartbreaking," Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters.
He spoke as India battles a catastrophic coronavirus wave that has overwhelmed hospitals, with crematoriums working at full capacity.
A surge in recent days has seen patients' families taking to social media to beg for oxygen supplies and locations of available hospital beds, and has forced the capital New Delhi to extend a week-long lockdown.
"WHO is doing everything we can, providing critical equipment and supplies," Tedros said.
He said the UN health agency was among other things sending "thousands of oxygen concentrators, prefabricated mobile field hospitals and laboratory supplies".
The WHO also said it had transferred more than 2,600 of its experts from various programmes, including polio and tuberculosis, to work with Indian health authorities to help respond to the pandemic.
The country of 1.3 billion has become the latest hotspot of a pandemic that has killed more than three million people worldwide, even as richer countries take steps towards normality with accelerating vaccination programmes.
The US and Britain rushed ventilators and vaccine materials to help India weather the crisis, while a range of other countries also pledged support.
- Global surge -
Since the virus that causes Covid-19 first surfaced in China in late 2019, the disease has killed more than 3.1 million people out of at least 147 million infected, according to a tally from official sources compiled by AFP.
Tedros on Monday lamented that global new case numbers have been rising for the past nine weeks straight.
"To put it in perspective," he said, "there were almost as many cases globally last week as in the first five months of the pandemic."
The United States remains the worst-affected country, with some 572,200 deaths and over 32 million infections, followed by Brazil and Mexico.
But India, in fourth place, has in recent days been driving the global caseload.
The country, which has recorded over 195,000 deaths, registered 2,812 new deaths and 352,991 new infections on Monday alone -- its highest tolls since the start of the pandemic.
"The exponential growth that we've seen in case numbers is really, truly astonishing," Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO's technical lead on Covid-19, told reporters.
She warned that India was not unique, pointing out that a number of countries had seen "similar trajectories of increases in transmission".
"This can happen in a number of countries ... if we let our guard down," she said.
"We're in a fragile situation."
- Covax hit -
Meanwhile, the Indian crisis has taken a toll on the Covax programme aimed at providing equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines, with a particular focus on 92 poorer nations.
Prior to the surge, India was exporting tens of millions of AstraZeneca shots made domestically by the Serum Institute through Covax, which is co-run by the WHO, the Gavi vaccine alliance and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).
But once cases started surging, New Delhi froze exports -- including to Covax -- to prioritise India.
This has left Covax short 90 million doses that had been intended for 60 low-income countries in March and April, the WHO and Gavi said.
"Those have not been made available given the crisis in India. Now they're being used domestically," Gavi chief Seth Berkley told the briefing.
Covax, he said, was "looking at other options" while waiting for the supplies to resume.
Among other things, the Covax partners have appealed to countries that have excess vaccine doses to share them with the programme.
Berkley said that it was "early days" on those discussions, but so far France, New Zealand and Spain had vowed to share some of their doses.
To date, some 40.8 million Covid-19 vaccine doses have been distributed to 118 countries and territories through Covax.
Bryan Johnson, a 47-year-old tech entrepreneur from California, has become a prominent figure in the global longevity movement, attracting both fascination and criticism for his intense health regime. Known for creating the “Don’t Die” project, Johnson has turned his body into a human laboratory, experimenting with extreme methods to delay ageing and boost long-term health.
From tech success to health obsession
Johnson made headlines in 2013 after selling his company, Braintree, to PayPal for $800 million. Following years of depression and personal upheaval, including leaving the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and divorcing his wife, Johnson redirected his focus to health and longevity.
Now, he claims to live with a singular goal: to be the healthiest and most biologically youthful person alive. He documents his journey on social media, where he has 1.8 million Instagram followers, and recently appeared in the Netflix documentary Don’t Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever.
A day in the life of Bryan Johnson
Johnson’s daily routine is strict and meticulously planned. He wakes at 4:30am and begins his day with light therapy to regulate his circadian rhythm, followed by exercise, sauna sessions, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. He wears a red-light cap for hair growth and consumes a carefully measured breakfast.
He takes around 40 supplements each day, including vitamin D, magnesium, creatine and collagen peptides. His calorie intake is limited to 2,250 per day, with a focus on plant-based ingredients and healthy fats such as olive oil, which he includes in his shakes and meals. His final meal is consumed at least four hours before bedtime.
His bedtime is 8:30pm, following a wind-down routine involving reading, journaling and family time. He avoids evening exercise and limits screen time in the evening to promote better sleep.
Tracking health by the numbers
Johnson tracks an extraordinary range of metrics. He takes over 33,000 internal images daily via colonoscopy, monitors his heart rate and organ performance, and even uses the presence of night-time erections as a marker of biological health. He believes these physiological signs indicate whether the body is functioning at an optimal level.
His health data includes:
Heart health comparable to a 37-year-old
Skin age estimated at 28
Lung capacity of an 18-year-old
Body fat consistently between 5 and 6 per cent
One hour of daily exercise plus several high-intensity sessions weekly
Longevity as a lifestyle
For Johnson, rejuvenation is not a hobby but a competitive pursuit. “Rejuvenation is my sport,” he explains. “I feel energetic, clear-headed and my mood is stable. That’s my reward. It’s just a really great way to navigate life.”
He argues that most people begin by criticising his lifestyle but often reconsider once they see results. “People are initially critical, then they want to feel good too – and then they change their habits.”
Despite his regimented lifestyle, Johnson makes space for community. He hosts early morning dance parties and evening gatherings to maintain social connections, which he views as essential for health and longevity. He describes socialising as “one of the most important things anyone can do.”
Parenting and personal life
Johnson shares his health principles with his teenage son, Talmage, and the pair enjoy outdoor sports such as hiking, biking and running. He has previously undergone plasma transfusions involving his son, although he has since moved on to other treatments.
He discontinued taking rapamycin after research suggested it could accelerate ageingNetflix
His approach to relationships and dating is less straightforward. He admits that his tightly structured life can make romantic partnerships difficult due to scheduling demands.
Treatments he’s abandoned
Johnson is open about treatments that have not worked. He discontinued taking rapamycin after research suggested it could accelerate ageing, despite initial promise in anti-ageing studies.
He also avoids environmental pollutants by minimising plastic use in his home and kitchen, testing water monthly for contaminants, and even manufacturing some of his own food to control for heavy metals.
A controversial but influential figure
While his methods may appear extreme, Johnson says he is motivated by a desire to avoid the health decline he experienced during his depression. “The greatest joy in my day is that I don’t feel depressed,” he says. “Even though I take so much heat in the world… I feel great, I’m having fun and I enjoy life.”
Rather than aiming to live forever, he says his focus is simply not wanting to die now. “We all want to wake up tomorrow and feel great, for our body to move, and to have no aches and pains. It’s about being your best, moment to moment.”
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The Matilda chocolate cake has gained popularity over the years
A new chocolate cake inspired by the famous scene in Matilda has launched in Tesco stores across the UK, capturing attention from chocolate fans nationwide. Developed by Studio Bakery, the indulgent cake pays tribute to the iconic moment when Bruce Bogtrotter was forced to eat a large chocolate cake by Miss Trunchbull in Roald Dahl’s beloved story.
24-layer chocolate cake now in Tesco
The Studio Bakery Matilda cake, now available in Tesco branches and online, is described as a rich, decadent dessert featuring 24 layers of chocolate sponge and ganache. The cake is made with an all-butter dark chocolate sponge and is finished with a luscious chocolate ganache, offering a fudgy and gooey texture.
Studio Bakery, based in Lancashire, described the creation as “a 24-layer love letter to chocolate in all its fudgy, gooey glory”. They added, “Every slice is hand-cut, hand-finished, and properly decadent, making it perfect for parties, birthdays, or a solo moment of glory with a spoon and zero regrets.”
According to Tesco’s listing, the cake is suitable for up to 10 servings and can be enjoyed either cold or warmed in the microwave for 30–40 seconds for a more intense flavour.
Chocolate fans raise concern over price
Despite the excitement, some shoppers have expressed concerns about the cake’s retail price of £16. Food reviewer @johns_snackreviews shared a post on Instagram highlighting the launch, writing: “NEW Matilda Cake by the Studio Bakery! Out now at Tesco for £16!”
Several users responded with mixed reactions. One wrote, “16 quid for cake! No ta,” while another asked, “£16. Is it worth that price?” A third added: “Omg need, but £16?”
However, others responded more positively. One user joked, “Bruce Bogtrotter is on his way to Tesco,” referencing the character from Matilda, while another said the cake looked “unreal”.
Popularity of Matilda-inspired treats
The Matilda chocolate cake has gained popularity over the years, inspiring home bakers and commercial producers alike. Earlier this year, Leeds-based bakery Baked launched a 24-inch version of the cake called Bertha, sold through luxury retailer Fortnum & Mason in London.
Some shoppers have expressed concerns about the cake’s retail price of £16.Studio Bakery
The Tesco version, produced by Studio Bakery, is a more accessible option for shoppers who want to enjoy a slice of the iconic dessert without baking it themselves or spending a premium.
Product availability and Tesco's response
The Studio Bakery Matilda cake is currently available in Tesco stores and online. While the retailer has not yet responded to questions about pricing or promotional plans, the product has already generated considerable attention on social media.
The combination of nostalgia, indulgence, and social media buzz may help maintain the cake’s popularity despite the pricing concerns.
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The festival was warmly received by recipients and appreciated by local residents
Madhavipriyadas Swami of SGVP Holistic Hospital in Ahmedabad led a mango distribution drive in 2025, providing free mangoes to poor and needy families as part of the SGVP Mango Festival.
The event was held at the SGVP campus and aimed to support underprivileged communities by distributing fresh seasonal fruit during the summer. Thousands of mangoes were handed out to individuals from economically weaker backgrounds.
Thousands of mangoes were handed out to individuals from economically weaker backgroundsSGVP
Swami Madhavipriyadas personally oversaw the initiative, highlighting the hospital’s continued commitment to community welfare and seva (service). Volunteers and staff members of the hospital participated in the event, ensuring the distribution was well-organised and reached the intended beneficiaries.
With the support of its spiritual and community leadersSGVP
The mango distribution is one of SGVP’s ongoing efforts to uplift disadvantaged sections of society by offering food, healthcare, and support. Organisers said the gesture was not only about providing fruit but also about spreading kindness and compassion.
The festival was warmly received by recipients and appreciated by local residents. SGVP plans to continue similar charitable activities in future, with the support of its spiritual and community leaders.
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The lowest-hanging full moon visible from the UK since 2006
A full Strawberry Moon is set to light up UK skies tonight, and while the name might sound whimsical, it harks back to ancient survival. This year’s version is even more special, astronomers say it will be the lowest-hanging full moon visible from the UK since 2006, thanks to a rare celestial rhythm called a major lunar standstill.
This striking phenomenon won’t return until 2043, giving tonight's event a once-in-a-generation status.
Not just folklore: Why the full moon mattered
Before artificial light, people used the moon to tell time, track seasons, and plan everything from planting to hunting. Full moons were the most reliable markers in the sky. June’s full moon, now called the Strawberry Moon, earned its name because it marked the brief, crucial window to harvest wild strawberries in parts of North America and Europe.
It was more than poetic. For agrarian and tribal societies, knowing when fruit would ripen, or when tides would shift, often meant the difference between feast and famine.
The names of full moons, like the Wolf Moon in January or the Hunter’s Moon in October, served as practical reminders in cultures where survival was tuned to nature’s cycles. In Britain, Anglo-Saxon traditions also named full moons to align with seasonal activities, including “Mead Moon” and “Hay Moon” in midsummer.
What makes this Strawberry Moon rare?
Tonight’s full moon won’t just carry a historical name, it will also appear exceptionally low in the southern sky over the UK, due to a major lunar standstill.
This standstill is part of an 18.6-year lunar cycle in which the Moon’s orbit tilts to its extreme, causing it to rise and set at its furthest points on the horizon. When the Moon is full during this period, it appears dramatically low to those living at higher latitudes like the UK.
The last time this happened was in 2006, and the next opportunity will be in 2043. Astronomers say the effect is subtle but visually striking, especially for those who catch it just above the horizon.
Why the Moon may look larger and warmer in colour
Because the Moon will sit low on the horizon, it may appear larger and redder than usual. This is due to two overlapping effects:
The Moon illusion is a psychological effect that makes low-lying moons seem unusually large when viewed against trees, rooftops or hills.
Atmospheric filtering: as the Moon’s light passes through more of the Earth’s atmosphere, shorter blue light wavelengths are scattered, leaving red and orange tones, similar to what we see during sunsets.
Despite its name, the Strawberry Moon isn’t pink. The reddish glow has nothing to do with strawberries and everything to do with basic physics.
When and where to see the Strawberry Moon in the UK
Date: The Strawberry Moon will reach its peak tonight, Wednesday, 11 June, though it will appear nearly full on surrounding nights.
Time: Moonrise begins shortly after sunset, and it will set in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Best locations: Look towards the southeast horizon from an open space, countryside, hilltops or coastal areas are ideal. Avoid areas with tall buildings or trees.
Much of England and southern Scotland is expected to have clear skies, while parts of Northern Ireland, the Western Isles and the southwest may face some cloud cover.
What to watch for: Shadow, light and silence
Unlike a solar eclipse or meteor shower, the Strawberry Moon offers no sudden burst of activity. Instead, it invites quiet observation.
The last time this happened was in 2006Getty Images
You may notice longer shadows, a softer night glow, and even subtle changes in wildlife behaviour—birds going quiet or insects emerging as the Moon brightens the landscape.
Photographers and night hikers often prefer these low full moons because the warm-toned light adds depth and contrast to landscapes. Tonight could offer one of the most photogenic lunar rises of the decade.
A celestial rhythm worth remembering
With artificial light, GPS, and 24-hour timekeeping, it’s easy to forget how much our ancestors depended on full moons like this one. The Strawberry Moon full moon is more than a curious title; it’s a symbol of our shared rhythm with the Earth and sky.
And with tonight’s lunar standstill adding a rare twist to a long-standing tradition, it’s the perfect moment to pause and look up, knowing that the same glowing sphere was once used to mark the start of strawberry picking, midsummer festivals, and the passing of seasons.
Next time it swings this low, many of today’s children will be adults. That alone makes it worth stepping outside.
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This included visible skid marks, fast-paced music and an overall emphasis on speed
A television advert for the chocolate bar Twix has been banned in the UK by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) after it was found to promote unsafe driving. The advert, produced by Mars-Wrigley, featured a high-speed car chase involving two identical caramel-coloured cars, which ends in a crash with one vehicle stacked on top of the other, resembling a Twix bar.
Complaints raise driving safety concerns
The ASA received five complaints, with viewers arguing that the advert encouraged dangerous and irresponsible driving. Mars-Wrigley defended the campaign, describing it as having a “cinematic presentation” set in a “fantastical and absurd” world. Clearcast, the body that approves ads for broadcast, supported this view.
Advert breaches Highway Code expectations
While the ASA acknowledged the crash scene was unrealistic and exaggerated, it ruled the first half of the ad appeared to show driving that would likely breach legal standards set by the Highway Code. This included visible skid marks, fast-paced music and an overall emphasis on speed.
- YouTubeYouTube/ TWIX
The ASA stated that the advert “must not appear again” in its current form as it “condoned unsafe driving”.
Mars-Wrigley and Clearcast defend advert
Mars-Wrigley insisted that all vehicles were filmed at legal speeds and that any real-life imitation would reflect lawful driving. The company also said the ad reflected Twix’s well-known “absurd and playful” tone.
Clearcast added that the stylised nature of the advert made it clear it was not to be emulated and did not imply that safe driving was boring.
ASA issues warning to Mars-Wrigley
The ASA instructed Mars-Wrigley to avoid condoning or encouraging irresponsible driving in future advertising, particularly anything that could breach the Highway Code.
Twix is part of the Mars-Wrigley product range, which also includes M&Ms, Celebrations and Maltesers.