Smiles behind the masks as India opens up again

THE Taj Mahal reopened to tourists today as India, still reeling from a disastrous second wave of the pandemic, rushed to lift restrictions in a bid to revitalise its economy.

The landmark was closed in early April as India introduced strict measures to contain a surge in Covid-19 infections that is still killing thousands every day. In New York, fireworks lit up the sky as the state celebrated 70 per cent of eligible residents being vaccinated and the lifting of most restrictions. Governor Andrew Cuomo hailed it as “a momentous day” as he lifted virtually all remaining Covid-19 restrictions.