India, July 30 -- A note seen during Dr Anthony Fauci's Senate hearing on Wednesday has drawn attention after the former top US infectious disease official repeatedly declined to answer questions about COVID-19 and related research, citing his Fifth Amendment rights.

A photograph taken during the hearing showed a note in front of Fauci that read: "On the advice of counsel, I respectfully decline to answer based upon my rights under the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution."

The note appeared as Fauci testified before lawmakers during a hearing focused on the origins of the COVID-19 virus and questions surrounding research funding.

During his opening statement, Fauci said he was refusing to answer questions on legal advice from his attor...