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.

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.