The Afghanistan government believes that it can hold its ground without the help of foreign forces.&nbsp;

But the question is what about the Taliban?

Is it prepared to participate in a democratic process?

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Would it agree to share power in the republic of Afghanistan? Or does it still insist on leading an Islamic Emirate?

We asked Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif about this.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-indian-nsas-speak-in-the-backdrop-of-bidens-announcement-of-troop-withdrawal-377984">Afghan, Indian NSAs speak in the backdrop of Biden's announcement of troop withdrawal</a>

He mentioned of the threat of violence. Because the risk of an escalation is real.

The Taliban has promised fresh attacks If the foreign forces don't meet the deadline to withdraw.&nbsp;

Is the Taliban just waiting for the Americans to leave before it makes its first moves?

Afghanistan feels that would be a mistake.

Afghan National Security Advisor Hamdullah Mohib said that there has been "no change in the Taliban".

The world saw a Taliban regime more than 20 years ago and it's a different world now.

Is it also a different Taliban? Is it more in tune with the times?

Iran does not believe this as Zarif said the Taliban wants to take Afghanistan back to the 90s.

Has the Taliban not changed?

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was guarded in his response.

He did say very clearly that Afghanistan has certainly changed.

And that any agreement made now should not undo the gains made in the past. 
&nbsp;

The Afghanistan government believes that it can hold its ground without the help of foreign forces. But the question is what about the Taliban? Is it prepared to participate in a democratic process?

The Afghanistan government believes that it can hold its ground without the help of foreign forces. But the question is what about the Taliban? Is it prepared to participate in a democratic process? × Would it agree to share power in the republic of Afghanistan? Or does it still insist on leading an Islamic Emirate? We asked Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif about this. Also read | Afghan, Indian NSAs speak in the backdrop of Biden's announcement of troop withdrawal He mentioned of the threat of violence. Because the risk of an escalation is real. The Taliban has promised fresh attacks If the foreign forces don't meet the deadline to withdraw. Is the Taliban just waiting for the Americans to leave before it makes its first moves? Afghanistan feels that would be a mistake. Afghan National Security Advisor Hamdullah Mohib said that there has been "no change in the Taliban". The world saw a Taliban regime more than 20 years ago and it's a different world now. Is it also a different Taliban? Is it more in tune with the times? Iran does not believe this as Zarif said the Taliban wants to take Afghanistan back to the 90s. Has the Taliban not changed? India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was guarded in his response. He did say very clearly that Afghanistan has certainly changed. And that any agreement made now should not undo the gains made in the past.

Has Taliban really changed?

India likes to see a transition in Afghanistan that is "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled".&nbsp;

The question is: How will New Delhi enable that?

Watch |&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

The answer to this is: by engaging constructively.

The Afghan National Security Advisor Hamdullah Mohib told us this morning he had a conversation with India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/has-taliban-really-changed-378054">Has Taliban really changed?</a>

India's stakes are high and External Affair Minister S Jaishankar shared with us that India is running development projects in all 34 provinces of Afghanistan.

However, New Delhi's approach has met with criticism too.

In a conversation at Stanford University this week, former US National Security Adviser HR McMaster spoke about the fears of Pakistan.

He spoke about how Islamabad needs to maintain influence in Afghanistan because it fears a strategic encirclement by India.

Jaishankar said there is an attempt to create a misleading narrative around New Delhi's assistance to Afghanistan.

"Look at our record," Jaishankar said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

India likes to see a transition in Afghanistan that is "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled". The question is: How will New Delhi enable that? Watch | The answer to this is: by engaging constructively.

India likes to see a transition in Afghanistan that is "Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled". The question is: How will New Delhi enable that? Watch | The answer to this is: by engaging constructively. The Afghan National Security Advisor Hamdullah Mohib told us this morning he had a conversation with India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Also read | Has Taliban really changed? India's stakes are high and External Affair Minister S Jaishankar shared with us that India is running development projects in all 34 provinces of Afghanistan. However, New Delhi's approach has met with criticism too. In a conversation at Stanford University this week, former US National Security Adviser HR McMaster spoke about the fears of Pakistan. He spoke about how Islamabad needs to maintain influence in Afghanistan because it fears a strategic encirclement by India. Jaishankar said there is an attempt to create a misleading narrative around New Delhi's assistance to Afghanistan. "Look at our record," Jaishankar said.

Decoding India's role as Afghanistan set to begin a new chapter

Two months back, India and Pakistan decided to renew a ceasefire agreement.

The announcement came out of nowhere and was big news all over the world. A lot of questions were unanswered, but a few weeks later, a report came out which said the UAE had brokered talks between India and Pakistan.

Watch |&nbsp;

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Neither Islamabad nor New Delhi has responded to the report.

So what exactly was in this report?

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/under-pm-modi-india-more-likely-to-respond-with-force-to-pakistani-provocation-us-intelligence-report-377388">Under PM Modi, India 'more likely' to respond with force to Pakistani provocation: US intelligence report</a>

It talked about a three-step peace process: a ceasefire, followed by reinstating envoys and finally a lasting settlement on Kashmir.

The UAE acted as a mediator as Emirati officials handled the backroom talks between India and Pakistan.

Until now, there was no official word on this and the report was based on unnamed sources and conjecture.&nbsp;

But now, a senior Emirati diplomat has confirmed the UAE's role.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-did-the-uae-broker-indo-pak-talks-377837">Watch |</a>

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UAE's ambassador to the US Yousef Al Otaiba, one of the senior-most diplomats in the country, confirmed this.&nbsp;

The UAE maintains warm ties with Pakistan and India, which was enough to bring both sides to the table.

But a lasting Kashmir resolution is aiming too high.

The ambassador realises this, and said the UAE just wants a functional and operational relationship.

To be clear, there were indications that something was brewing.

In November, India's foreign minister S Jaishankar visited Dubai and the very next month his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi also landed in the city.

Cut to March 2021, when the Pakistani leadership was waving a white flag with its Army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa talking of peace.

He called a stable Indo-Pak relationship, the key to unlocking South Asia's potential.

India responded with caution because we've seen this before peace offers, followed by deadly attacks.

India's demands have been clear from the start: Stop funding terror groups and we'll talk business.

The India-Pakistan conflict isn't new, neither is the question of Kashmir.

India insists it's a strictly bilateral issue.

Many countries have tried to cool tensions in the past and all ended in failure.

Pakistan can't retain a government long enough to hold talks with India and when things appear to be positive, the tanks roll in from Rawalpindi. 
&nbsp;

Two months back, India and Pakistan decided to renew a ceasefire agreement. The announcement came out of nowhere and was big news all over the world. A lot of questions were unanswered, but a few weeks later, a report came out which said the UAE had brokered talks between India and Pakistan.

Two months back, India and Pakistan decided to renew a ceasefire agreement. The announcement came out of nowhere and was big news all over the world. A lot of questions were unanswered, but a few weeks later, a report came out which said the UAE had brokered talks between India and Pakistan. Watch | Neither Islamabad nor New Delhi has responded to the report. So what exactly was in this report? Also read | Under PM Modi, India 'more likely' to respond with force to Pakistani provocation: US intelligence report It talked about a three-step peace process: a ceasefire, followed by reinstating envoys and finally a lasting settlement on Kashmir. The UAE acted as a mediator as Emirati officials handled the backroom talks between India and Pakistan. Until now, there was no official word on this and the report was based on unnamed sources and conjecture. But now, a senior Emirati diplomat has confirmed the UAE's role. Watch | UAE's ambassador to the US Yousef Al Otaiba, one of the senior-most diplomats in the country, confirmed this. The UAE maintains warm ties with Pakistan and India, which was enough to bring both sides to the table. But a lasting Kashmir resolution is aiming too high. The ambassador realises this, and said the UAE just wants a functional and operational relationship. To be clear, there were indications that something was brewing. In November, India's foreign minister S Jaishankar visited Dubai and the very next month his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi also landed in the city. Cut to March 2021, when the Pakistani leadership was waving a white flag with its Army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa talking of peace. He called a stable Indo-Pak relationship, the key to unlocking South Asia's potential. India responded with caution because we've seen this before peace offers, followed by deadly attacks. India's demands have been clear from the start: Stop funding terror groups and we'll talk business. The India-Pakistan conflict isn't new, neither is the question of Kashmir. India insists it's a strictly bilateral issue. Many countries have tried to cool tensions in the past and all ended in failure. Pakistan can't retain a government long enough to hold talks with India and when things appear to be positive, the tanks roll in from Rawalpindi.

Despite UAE's efforts, Indo-Pak relations likely to remain rocky

The US has imposed sanctions on six Pakistani nationals and four of their organisations for aiding Russian companies to evade sanctions by fraudulent measures.&nbsp;

The US Department of Treasury in a statement said that Pakistan nationals who are sanctioned are: Mohsin Raza, Mujtaba Raza, Syed Hasnain, Muhammad Hayat, Syed Raza and Shahzad Ahmed. &nbsp;&nbsp;

It also mentioned the companies, namely, Second Eye Solution (SES), also known as Forwarderz, along with its three other frontals Fresh Air Farm House, Like Wise, and MK.

Watch |&nbsp;

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The sanctions were part of measures taken against individuals and entities that tried to allegedly influence the 2020 US presidential election.&nbsp;

"Treasury will target Russian leaders, officials, intelligence services, and their proxies that attempt to interfere in the US electoral process or subvert US democracy," Treasury Secretary Janet L Yellen was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.&nbsp;

She added that this is the beginning of a new Washington campaign against the Kremlin's malign behaviour.

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/world/us-slaps-sanctions-on-russia-expels-10-diplomats-377760">US slaps sanctions on Russia, expels 10 diplomats over poll meddlling, cyber attack</a>

The US department alleged that Second Eye Solution (SES) is an organisation that specialises in making and selling fraudulent identities and has helped the banned Russian Internet Research Agency or IRA, the troll farm, in hiding its identity to evade sanctions.

 
&nbsp;

The US has imposed sanctions on six Pakistani nationals and four of their organisations for aiding Russian companies to evade sanctions by fraudulent measures. The US Department of Treasury in a statement said that Pakistan nationals who are sanctioned are: Mohsin Raza, Mujtaba Raza, Syed Hasnain, Muhammad Hayat, Syed Raza and Shahzad Ahmed.

The US has imposed sanctions on six Pakistani nationals and four of their organisations for aiding Russian companies to evade sanctions by fraudulent measures. The US Department of Treasury in a statement said that Pakistan nationals who are sanctioned are: Mohsin Raza, Mujtaba Raza, Syed Hasnain, Muhammad Hayat, Syed Raza and Shahzad Ahmed. It also mentioned the companies, namely, Second Eye Solution (SES), also known as Forwarderz, along with its three other frontals Fresh Air Farm House, Like Wise, and MK. Watch | The sanctions were part of measures taken against individuals and entities that tried to allegedly influence the 2020 US presidential election. "Treasury will target Russian leaders, officials, intelligence services, and their proxies that attempt to interfere in the US electoral process or subvert US democracy," Treasury Secretary Janet L Yellen was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. She added that this is the beginning of a new Washington campaign against the Kremlin's malign behaviour. Also read | US slaps sanctions on Russia, expels 10 diplomats over poll meddlling, cyber attack The US department alleged that Second Eye Solution (SES) is an organisation that specialises in making and selling fraudulent identities and has helped the banned Russian Internet Research Agency or IRA, the troll farm, in hiding its identity to evade sanctions.

US imposes sanctions on 6 Pakistani nationals for aiding Russian companies

The Indian government said on Friday they are focussing&nbsp;on&nbsp;repatriating&nbsp;bodies of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/18-indians-among-23-dead-in-lpg-tanker-blast-in-sudan-266258">Indian workers </a>who lost their lives in a fire tragedy in Sudan.

"We are in contact with the families of six Indians who have lost their lives in Sudan. Our efforts will also be focused on how to repatriate bodies of those died," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokeperson Raveesh Kumar said.&nbsp;

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Raveesh Kumar: We are in contact with the families of 6 Indian who have lost their lives in Sudan. Our efforts will also be focused how to repatriate bodies of those who have lost their lives.
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1202908490802483200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Kumar also said that 58 Indian workers were working in the factory. Six Indian workers were killed in the incident. Eight Indians are getting treated in the hospital, 11 are unidentified and 33 are safe, Kumar added.&nbsp;

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Raveesh Kumar, MEA: 58 Indian workers were working at the factory in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sudan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sudan</a>. 6 Indian workers were killed in the incident. 8 Indians are in hospital and 11 people are unidentified. 33 Indians are safe. <a href="https://t.co/Kx1X1VPmZQ">pic.twitter.com/Kx1X1VPmZQ</a>
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On Tuesday, a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-23-killed-over-130-injured-as-massive-fire-engulfs-factory-in-sudan-266029">ceramic factory </a>was enguled in massive fire in Sudanese capital Khartoum, when an oil tanker exploded while unloading, killing 23 workers. On Wednesday, the Indian embassy claimed that 18 Indians are killed in the incident. However, they added that the figures are not confirmed.&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed his anguish over the fire accident. He also said that the Indian embassy in Sudan is providing all sorts of help to the ones affected in the incident.&nbsp;

"Anguished by the blast in a ceramic factory in Sudan, where some Indian workers have lost their lives and some are injured. My thoughts are with the bereaved families and prayers with the injured," PM Modi tweeted.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, in a tweet, also expressed his grief over the tragedy on Wednesday, adding that the Indian embassy representative has rushed to the spot and a 24-hour hotline has been set by the embassy of India Khartoum.&nbsp;

On the day of the blast, the Sudanese administration said that the preliminary investigation suggests that the necessary fire safety equipment were missing from the factory and the inflammable factory materials were improperly stored that aggravated the fire.

&nbsp;

The Indian government said on Friday they are focussing on repatriating bodies of the Indian workers who lost their lives in a fire tragedy in Sudan. "We are in contact with the families of six Indians who have lost their lives in Sudan.

The Indian government said on Friday they are focussing on repatriating bodies of the Indian workers who lost their lives in a fire tragedy in Sudan. "We are in contact with the families of six Indians who have lost their lives in Sudan. Our efforts will also be focused on how to repatriate bodies of those died," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokeperson Raveesh Kumar said. Raveesh Kumar: We are in contact with the families of 6 Indian who have lost their lives in Sudan. Our efforts will also be focused how to repatriate bodies of those who have lost their lives. — ANI (@ANI) December 6, 2019 × Kumar also said that 58 Indian workers were working in the factory. Six Indian workers were killed in the incident. Eight Indians are getting treated in the hospital, 11 are unidentified and 33 are safe, Kumar added. Raveesh Kumar, MEA: 58 Indian workers were working at the factory in #Sudan. 6 Indian workers were killed in the incident. 8 Indians are in hospital and 11 people are unidentified. 33 Indians are safe. pic.twitter.com/Kx1X1VPmZQ — ANI (@ANI) December 6, 2019 × On Tuesday, a ceramic factory was enguled in massive fire in Sudanese capital Khartoum, when an oil tanker exploded while unloading, killing 23 workers. On Wednesday, the Indian embassy claimed that 18 Indians are killed in the incident. However, they added that the figures are not confirmed. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed his anguish over the fire accident. He also said that the Indian embassy in Sudan is providing all sorts of help to the ones affected in the incident. "Anguished by the blast in a ceramic factory in Sudan, where some Indian workers have lost their lives and some are injured. My thoughts are with the bereaved families and prayers with the injured," PM Modi tweeted. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, in a tweet, also expressed his grief over the tragedy on Wednesday, adding that the Indian embassy representative has rushed to the spot and a 24-hour hotline has been set by the embassy of India Khartoum. On the day of the blast, the Sudanese administration said that the preliminary investigation suggests that the necessary fire safety equipment were missing from the factory and the inflammable factory materials were improperly stored that aggravated the fire.

From sex scandals to ship dancing: Australia's embarrassing woes continue

Workplace harassment comes in many forms, from sexual harassment to offensive jokes and to gender-based discrimination.

In China, one employee decided to stand for herself as she beat her boss with a mop after he constantly sent her lewd text messages.

Watch |&nbsp;

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The woman has become an internet sensation in China, but the incident has also spurred up the debate about the persistence of workplace harassment.

Also, the smallest of incidents can ruin a great job and turn any company into an unproductive environment.

The story is about a government worker in China whose boss was sending her harassing text messages.

She decided to do what many workers would not dare to, as she tossed water on his face and thrashed him with the business end of a mop.

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/world/the-most-unsafe-workplace-parliament-australian-women-say-375759">‘The most unsafe workplace’? Parliament, Australian women say</a>

The woman has been identified as Zhou and the man has been identified as Wang, the deputy director of a state-run poverty alleviation agency.

According to reports, Wang was sending Zhou unwanted text messages, and others in the office had received similar unwelcome attention.

On being confronted, all he could do was hide his face and make failed attempts at offering an apology.

It is unclear when the incident took place, but the 14-minute video has been viewed millions of times.

Social media users were full of praises for what they called an uncommon display of resistance in a country with limited workplace protections against sexual harassment.

But, workplace harassment is all-pervasive and a 2019 survey backs this claim.&nbsp;

According to the survey, 25 per cent to 85 per cent of all American women experienced sexual harassment at their workplace.

In the UK, 13 per cent of women experienced various forms of verbal or visual harassment and India witnessed a 14 per cent rise in sexual harassment the very same year.

In another global survey in 2020, 58 per cent of harased women did not file a complaint.

Only 25 per cent of the victims said they could easily report the incident.

About 50 per cent of women who were victims agreed that harassment hurt their career and 99 per cent of employees said they could successfully recognise workplace harassment.

As many as 56 per cent of men believed that reported workplace harassment goes unpunished and only 1 per cent of the victims confronted their harassers.

Workplace harassment is a global plague and the root cause of why it persists is the unwillingness of a victim's colleagues to speak up and the failure of employers to implement their policies.

There is also intimidation and ridicule based on one's performance.

Often, all these forms of harassment go unreported since victims are unsure of what to do or are given lack of support from their colleagues or simply because their bosses are indispensable!

 
&nbsp;

Workplace harassment comes in many forms, from sexual harassment to offensive jokes and to gender-based discrimination. In China, one employee decided to stand for herself as she beat her boss with a mop after he constantly sent her lewd text messages.

Workplace harassment comes in many forms, from sexual harassment to offensive jokes and to gender-based discrimination. In China, one employee decided to stand for herself as she beat her boss with a mop after he constantly sent her lewd text messages. Watch | The woman has become an internet sensation in China, but the incident has also spurred up the debate about the persistence of workplace harassment. Also, the smallest of incidents can ruin a great job and turn any company into an unproductive environment. The story is about a government worker in China whose boss was sending her harassing text messages. She decided to do what many workers would not dare to, as she tossed water on his face and thrashed him with the business end of a mop. Also read | ‘The most unsafe workplace’? Parliament, Australian women say The woman has been identified as Zhou and the man has been identified as Wang, the deputy director of a state-run poverty alleviation agency. According to reports, Wang was sending Zhou unwanted text messages, and others in the office had received similar unwelcome attention. On being confronted, all he could do was hide his face and make failed attempts at offering an apology. It is unclear when the incident took place, but the 14-minute video has been viewed millions of times. Social media users were full of praises for what they called an uncommon display of resistance in a country with limited workplace protections against sexual harassment. But, workplace harassment is all-pervasive and a 2019 survey backs this claim. According to the survey, 25 per cent to 85 per cent of all American women experienced sexual harassment at their workplace. In the UK, 13 per cent of women experienced various forms of verbal or visual harassment and India witnessed a 14 per cent rise in sexual harassment the very same year. In another global survey in 2020, 58 per cent of harased women did not file a complaint. Only 25 per cent of the victims said they could easily report the incident. About 50 per cent of women who were victims agreed that harassment hurt their career and 99 per cent of employees said they could successfully recognise workplace harassment. As many as 56 per cent of men believed that reported workplace harassment goes unpunished and only 1 per cent of the victims confronted their harassers. Workplace harassment is a global plague and the root cause of why it persists is the unwillingness of a victim's colleagues to speak up and the failure of employers to implement their policies. There is also intimidation and ridicule based on one's performance. Often, all these forms of harassment go unreported since victims are unsure of what to do or are given lack of support from their colleagues or simply because their bosses are indispensable!

Workplace harassment: A global plague amid pandemic

Taiwan has built thousands of homes for the poor in Paraguay, upgraded the country’s health care system, awarded hundreds of scholarships and even helped fund the futuristic Congress building in the capital, spending generously over decades to nurture their diplomatic ties.

But the alliance, which makes Paraguay one of only 15 nations to have full diplomatic relations with Taiwan, and the only one in South America, is facing an existential threat as Paraguay’s quest for vaccines becomes increasingly desperate.

With its health care system buckling as COVID-19 cases soar, Paraguayan officials across the political spectrum say the time has come to consider dumping Taiwan, which doesn’t export vaccines, in order to establish diplomatic ties with China, which does.

“This is really a life-and-death situation,” said Pepe Zhang, an associate director at the Atlantic Council who specializes in relations between Latin America and China. “In this very acute phase of the pandemic, less resourceful countries like Paraguay are asking where they’re going to get the vaccine.”

Zhang and a growing number of Paraguayans have come to see China as the most likely path to getting the vaccines they need — at least in the short run.

Western pharmaceutical companies have prioritized shipments to wealthy nations that placed orders early, leaving Latin America to rely predominantly on Chinese vaccines to blunt an epidemic that has left a brutal toll.

That has given Beijing considerable leverage in a region where it has a broad constellation of investments and projects. Suddenly, wresting Paraguay from Taiwan’s orbit — which would advance Beijing’s goal of politically isolating an island it regards as its territory — appears within reach.

Euclides Acevedo, Paraguay’s foreign minister, said recently that Beijing made it clear it was interested in establishing ties with Paraguay. He has dangled that prospect of making the diplomatic switch as he has sought to pressure Taiwan and its ally, the United States, to get vaccines to Paraguay quickly.

“What good is a fraternal embrace that leaves us in a state of respiratory failure?” Acevedo said late last month in an interview on the television network Telefuturo. “I think our strategic allies, including the United States and Taiwan, must respond.”

Beijing’s one-China principle forces countries to choose between having full diplomatic relations with Beijing or Taipei. Three countries in Latin America blindsided and angered the U.S. government in recent years by abruptly severing ties with Taiwan following secret negotiations with Beijing. The switch by those nations — Panama, the Dominican Republic and El Salvador — came with promises of growing trade with Beijing and has made them early recipients of Chinese vaccines.

Acevedo said Paraguay should explore what it would gain by doing the same. “President Xi Jinping has keen interest in partnering with us,” he said. “It’s a political debate that should draw input from all segments of the state and all of society.”

Yet it’s not clear that Paraguay has taken formal steps toward exploring a flip.

Charles Andrew Tang, who heads the China-Paraguay Chamber of Commerce, said he advised officials at the health ministry earlier this year on the paperwork they would need to fill out to request purchasing Chinese vaccines.

Tang, who is seen in Paraguay as a key interlocutor with the Chinese government, said it was conceivable that Chinese vaccine manufacturers would sell vaccines to Paraguay even without formal diplomatic relations.

But he said the onus was on officials in Paraguay to make the first move.

“If the Paraguayan government would like to speak to China, they can speak to China,” he said. “It’s very simple. China is there, not pressuring Paraguay, not threatening Paraguay.”

Officials in Taiwan recently accused China of using “vaccine diplomacy” to pressure Paraguay to sever ties with Taipei. China’s foreign ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian, said China was doing nothing of the sort, calling its vaccine deals “completely aboveboard” and humanitarian minded.

“The virus can spread across borders, but mankind’s love also transcends borders,” he told reporters.

This week China’s main COVID-19 vaccine manufacturer, Sinovac, made a gesture that is certain to fuel speculation about Beijing’s plans in Paraguay.

The South American soccer federation CONMEBOL, which is based in Paraguay, announced it was receiving a donation of 50,000 doses of CoronaVac, the COVID-19 vaccine produced by Beijing-based Sinovac.

“The leaders of this company have understood the enormous social and cultural value of soccer in South American countries,” the federation’s president, Alejandro Domínguez, said in a statement, calling the donation a “noble gesture.”

Despite all these signals, Taiwan’s position in Paraguay may be safer than it appears, said Lee McClenny, who served as the U.S. ambassador in Paraguay until September. While Cabinet members and business owners have pressured President Mario Abdo Benítez to forge ties with China, the Chinese government didn’t show much interest in getting Paraguay to flip, he said.

“On the ground I didn’t see very effective efforts to make this happen,” McClenny said.

Besides, McClenny added, the Paraguayan president takes a special pride in the relationship with Taiwan, which was brokered in the 1950s by his late father, who served as the personal secretary to Alfredo Stroessner, the dictator who ran the country for 35 years. And Taiwanese aid has made a major impact in the landlocked, impoverished nation.

“It’s effective and benefits people’s lives in real ways,” McClenny said about Taiwan’s assistance.

The Biden administration has signaled its unease about the prospect that Paraguay could cut a deal with China. In a phone call with Abdo Benítez last month, Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged the Paraguay government to continue to “work with democratic and global partners, including Taiwan, to overcome this global pandemic,” according to a summary of the call provided by the State Department.

That message rankles opposition lawmakers, including leftist Sen. Esperanza Martínez, who served as health minister from 2008 to 2012. Martínez has long favored establishing relations with China, arguing that Paraguay stands to benefit in the long run by expanding trade. She said Washington’s exhortation was immoral.

“We’re being loyal to people who impose rules on us while we die,” she said. “Our allies are vaccinating people morning, afternoon and night while they block us from getting vaccines, saying we’ll turn into communists.” 
&nbsp;

Taiwan has built thousands of homes for the poor in Paraguay, upgraded the country’s health care system, awarded hundreds of scholarships and even helped fund the futuristic Congress building in the capital, spending generously over decades to nurture their diplomatic ties.

Taiwan has built thousands of homes for the poor in Paraguay, upgraded the country’s health care system, awarded hundreds of scholarships and even helped fund the futuristic Congress building in the capital, spending generously over decades to nurture their diplomatic ties. But the alliance, which makes Paraguay one of only 15 nations to have full diplomatic relations with Taiwan, and the only one in South America, is facing an existential threat as Paraguay’s quest for vaccines becomes increasingly desperate. With its health care system buckling as COVID-19 cases soar, Paraguayan officials across the political spectrum say the time has come to consider dumping Taiwan, which doesn’t export vaccines, in order to establish diplomatic ties with China, which does. “This is really a life-and-death situation,” said Pepe Zhang, an associate director at the Atlantic Council who specializes in relations between Latin America and China. “In this very acute phase of the pandemic, less resourceful countries like Paraguay are asking where they’re going to get the vaccine.” Zhang and a growing number of Paraguayans have come to see China as the most likely path to getting the vaccines they need — at least in the short run. Western pharmaceutical companies have prioritized shipments to wealthy nations that placed orders early, leaving Latin America to rely predominantly on Chinese vaccines to blunt an epidemic that has left a brutal toll. That has given Beijing considerable leverage in a region where it has a broad constellation of investments and projects. Suddenly, wresting Paraguay from Taiwan’s orbit — which would advance Beijing’s goal of politically isolating an island it regards as its territory — appears within reach. Euclides Acevedo, Paraguay’s foreign minister, said recently that Beijing made it clear it was interested in establishing ties with Paraguay. He has dangled that prospect of making the diplomatic switch as he has sought to pressure Taiwan and its ally, the United States, to get vaccines to Paraguay quickly. “What good is a fraternal embrace that leaves us in a state of respiratory failure?” Acevedo said late last month in an interview on the television network Telefuturo. “I think our strategic allies, including the United States and Taiwan, must respond.” Beijing’s one-China principle forces countries to choose between having full diplomatic relations with Beijing or Taipei. Three countries in Latin America blindsided and angered the U.S. government in recent years by abruptly severing ties with Taiwan following secret negotiations with Beijing. The switch by those nations — Panama, the Dominican Republic and El Salvador — came with promises of growing trade with Beijing and has made them early recipients of Chinese vaccines. Acevedo said Paraguay should explore what it would gain by doing the same. “President Xi Jinping has keen interest in partnering with us,” he said. “It’s a political debate that should draw input from all segments of the state and all of society.” Yet it’s not clear that Paraguay has taken formal steps toward exploring a flip. Charles Andrew Tang, who heads the China-Paraguay Chamber of Commerce, said he advised officials at the health ministry earlier this year on the paperwork they would need to fill out to request purchasing Chinese vaccines. Tang, who is seen in Paraguay as a key interlocutor with the Chinese government, said it was conceivable that Chinese vaccine manufacturers would sell vaccines to Paraguay even without formal diplomatic relations. But he said the onus was on officials in Paraguay to make the first move. “If the Paraguayan government would like to speak to China, they can speak to China,” he said. “It’s very simple. China is there, not pressuring Paraguay, not threatening Paraguay.” Officials in Taiwan recently accused China of using “vaccine diplomacy” to pressure Paraguay to sever ties with Taipei. China’s foreign ministry spokesman, Zhao Lijian, said China was doing nothing of the sort, calling its vaccine deals “completely aboveboard” and humanitarian minded. “The virus can spread across borders, but mankind’s love also transcends borders,” he told reporters. This week China’s main COVID-19 vaccine manufacturer, Sinovac, made a gesture that is certain to fuel speculation about Beijing’s plans in Paraguay. The South American soccer federation CONMEBOL, which is based in Paraguay, announced it was receiving a donation of 50,000 doses of CoronaVac, the COVID-19 vaccine produced by Beijing-based Sinovac. “The leaders of this company have understood the enormous social and cultural value of soccer in South American countries,” the federation’s president, Alejandro Domínguez, said in a statement, calling the donation a “noble gesture.” Despite all these signals, Taiwan’s position in Paraguay may be safer than it appears, said Lee McClenny, who served as the U.S. ambassador in Paraguay until September. While Cabinet members and business owners have pressured President Mario Abdo Benítez to forge ties with China, the Chinese government didn’t show much interest in getting Paraguay to flip, he said. “On the ground I didn’t see very effective efforts to make this happen,” McClenny said. Besides, McClenny added, the Paraguayan president takes a special pride in the relationship with Taiwan, which was brokered in the 1950s by his late father, who served as the personal secretary to Alfredo Stroessner, the dictator who ran the country for 35 years. And Taiwanese aid has made a major impact in the landlocked, impoverished nation. “It’s effective and benefits people’s lives in real ways,” McClenny said about Taiwan’s assistance. The Biden administration has signaled its unease about the prospect that Paraguay could cut a deal with China. In a phone call with Abdo Benítez last month, Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged the Paraguay government to continue to “work with democratic and global partners, including Taiwan, to overcome this global pandemic,” according to a summary of the call provided by the State Department. That message rankles opposition lawmakers, including leftist Sen. Esperanza Martínez, who served as health minister from 2008 to 2012. Martínez has long favored establishing relations with China, arguing that Paraguay stands to benefit in the long run by expanding trade. She said Washington’s exhortation was immoral. “We’re being loyal to people who impose rules on us while we die,” she said. “Our allies are vaccinating people morning, afternoon and night while they block us from getting vaccines, saying we’ll turn into communists.”

Paraguay's Covid crisis gives China diplomatic opening

Maharashtra will face a shortage of 12,000 to 15,000 Remdesivir injections, used to treat COVID-19 patients, for the next two to three days, state Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Minister Rajendra Shingane said on Friday.

He said pharma companies manufacturing Remdesivir have stepped up production but it will take time for the new stock to reach the market.

Speaking to reporters here, he said, "Companies that produce Remdesivir injection have increased their production but it will take some time for the vials to hit the market. If we consider a 10-12 per cent shortage, Maharashtra will continue to face a shortage of 12,000 to 15,000 Remdesivir vials for the next two to three days."

Blaming companies for delay in supply of the much sough-after COVID-19 drug, the FDA minister said, "The heads of Remdesivir-making companies had 15 days back assured me to supply around 55,000 vials of the injection. However, till April 15 these companies could provide only 37,000 to 39,000 vials to the state."

"I held a video conference meeting with the CEOs and MDs of some of the companies that produce Remdesivir today again. These companies have now assured me that supply will be streamlined April 19 onwards,"&nbsp;he said.

He lauded the Centre's move to ban the export of Remdesivir.

"Ready stocks of Remdesivir (which were bound for shipments abroad) are available even in Maharashtra. Some of the company representatives met me with a proposal of allowing these stocks to be sold in Maharashtra,"&nbsp;Shingane said.

"Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has also issued orders allowing export-bound stocks to be sold in the state (following the ban). I do not know how much such vials are available (with companies)," he said.

He also spoke about companies supplying the medicine to Maharashtra.

Shingane said, "Cipla Ltd and Hetero Labs Ltd have been good in their supplies to Maharashtra right from the beginning. Other companies such as Mylan and Zydus Cadilla Healthcare Ltd also supplied the medicine to some extent. However, supplies from other Remdesivir producers, including Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd, Jubilant Lifesciences and Sun Pharma, were as low as zero in the beginning."

Non-adherence of government and experts advise on judicious use of Remdesivir has caused the current shortage, the minister said.

"Government hospitals in the state did not face any shortage, while private hospitals ignored advise on careful use of Remdesivir,"&nbsp;said the FDA minister.&nbsp;

Maharashtra will face a shortage of 12,000 to 15,000 Remdesivir injections, used to treat COVID-19 patients, for the next two to three days, state Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Minister Rajendra Shingane said on Friday.

Maharashtra will face a shortage of 12,000 to 15,000 Remdesivir injections, used to treat COVID-19 patients, for the next two to three days, state Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Minister Rajendra Shingane said on Friday. He said pharma companies manufacturing Remdesivir have stepped up production but it will take time for the new stock to reach the market. Speaking to reporters here, he said, "Companies that produce Remdesivir injection have increased their production but it will take some time for the vials to hit the market. If we consider a 10-12 per cent shortage, Maharashtra will continue to face a shortage of 12,000 to 15,000 Remdesivir vials for the next two to three days." Blaming companies for delay in supply of the much sough-after COVID-19 drug, the FDA minister said, "The heads of Remdesivir-making companies had 15 days back assured me to supply around 55,000 vials of the injection. However, till April 15 these companies could provide only 37,000 to 39,000 vials to the state." "I held a video conference meeting with the CEOs and MDs of some of the companies that produce Remdesivir today again. These companies have now assured me that supply will be streamlined April 19 onwards," he said. He lauded the Centre's move to ban the export of Remdesivir. "Ready stocks of Remdesivir (which were bound for shipments abroad) are available even in Maharashtra. Some of the company representatives met me with a proposal of allowing these stocks to be sold in Maharashtra," Shingane said. "Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has also issued orders allowing export-bound stocks to be sold in the state (following the ban). I do not know how much such vials are available (with companies)," he said. He also spoke about companies supplying the medicine to Maharashtra. Shingane said, "Cipla Ltd and Hetero Labs Ltd have been good in their supplies to Maharashtra right from the beginning. Other companies such as Mylan and Zydus Cadilla Healthcare Ltd also supplied the medicine to some extent. However, supplies from other Remdesivir producers, including Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd, Jubilant Lifesciences and Sun Pharma, were as low as zero in the beginning." Non-adherence of government and experts advise on judicious use of Remdesivir has caused the current shortage, the minister said. "Government hospitals in the state did not face any shortage, while private hospitals ignored advise on careful use of Remdesivir," said the FDA minister.

Maharashtra to face shortage of Remdesivir for next 2 to 3 days: Minister 

Amid a steep rise in coronavirus cases, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday undertook a comprehensive review to ensure adequate medical grade oxygen supply in the country and called for ramping up its production.

With cases hitting a new peak in several parts of the country, the demand for medical oxygen has increased as it is a critical component in the treatment of COVID-19-affected patients.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-second-wave-of-covid-19-is-affecting-more-children-377673/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Prime Minister Modi took a comprehensive review to ensure adequate medical grade oxygen supply in the country, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a statement.

Inputs from ministries like health, steel, road transport, and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) were also shared with the prime minister during the review, it said.

Prime Minister Modi stressed that it is important to ensure synergy across ministries and state governments, the PMO said.

He also took a detailed review of the current situation of oxygen supply and projected use in the coming 15 days across 12 high-burden states -- Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan.

The PMO said that an overview of district-level situation in these states was presented to the prime minister. 
He was informed that the Centre and states are in regular contact and estimates for projected demand have been shared with states as on April 20, April 25 and April 30, it said.

The PMO said, accordingly, 4,880 MT , 5,619 MT and 6,593 MT have been allocated to these 12 states for meeting their projected demand of medical oxygen as on April 20, April 25 and April 30, respectively.

The prime minister was briefed about production capacity in the country to meet the rising demand, it said. 
He suggested increasing oxygen production as per capacity of each plant.

It was discussed that surplus stocks of oxygen supply in steel plants are being offered for medical use, the PMO said.

The prime minister also asked officials to ensure seamless and free movement of tankers carrying oxygen throughout the country.

The government has exempted all inter-state movement of oxygen tankers from registration of permits to enable easier movement, the PMO's statement said.

Prime Minister Modi was informed that states and transporters have been asked to ensure tankers move round the clock with drivers working in shifts to ensure faster turnaround and adequate capacity to meet the surge in demand.

Cylinder filling plants will also be permitted to work for 24 hours with necessary safeguards, the PMO said.

The government is allowing industrial cylinders to be used for medical oxygen after due purging, it said. 
Similarly, nitrogen and argon tankers will be automatically allowed to be converted to oxygen tankers to overcome the potential shortage of tankers.

During the review, officials also briefed the prime minister about the efforts being made to import medical grade oxygen, the PMO said.

India added a record 2,17,353 new coronavirus infections in a day taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 1,42,91,917, while active cases surpassed the 15-lakh mark, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Amid a steep rise in coronavirus cases, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday undertook a comprehensive review to ensure adequate medical grade oxygen supply in the country and called for ramping up its production.

Amid a steep rise in coronavirus cases, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday undertook a comprehensive review to ensure adequate medical grade oxygen supply in the country and called for ramping up its production. With cases hitting a new peak in several parts of the country, the demand for medical oxygen has increased as it is a critical component in the treatment of COVID-19-affected patients. Watch | Prime Minister Modi took a comprehensive review to ensure adequate medical grade oxygen supply in the country, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a statement. Inputs from ministries like health, steel, road transport, and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) were also shared with the prime minister during the review, it said. Prime Minister Modi stressed that it is important to ensure synergy across ministries and state governments, the PMO said. He also took a detailed review of the current situation of oxygen supply and projected use in the coming 15 days across 12 high-burden states -- Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan. The PMO said that an overview of district-level situation in these states was presented to the prime minister. He was informed that the Centre and states are in regular contact and estimates for projected demand have been shared with states as on April 20, April 25 and April 30, it said. The PMO said, accordingly, 4,880 MT , 5,619 MT and 6,593 MT have been allocated to these 12 states for meeting their projected demand of medical oxygen as on April 20, April 25 and April 30, respectively. The prime minister was briefed about production capacity in the country to meet the rising demand, it said. He suggested increasing oxygen production as per capacity of each plant. It was discussed that surplus stocks of oxygen supply in steel plants are being offered for medical use, the PMO said. The prime minister also asked officials to ensure seamless and free movement of tankers carrying oxygen throughout the country. The government has exempted all inter-state movement of oxygen tankers from registration of permits to enable easier movement, the PMO's statement said. Prime Minister Modi was informed that states and transporters have been asked to ensure tankers move round the clock with drivers working in shifts to ensure faster turnaround and adequate capacity to meet the surge in demand. Cylinder filling plants will also be permitted to work for 24 hours with necessary safeguards, the PMO said. The government is allowing industrial cylinders to be used for medical oxygen after due purging, it said. Similarly, nitrogen and argon tankers will be automatically allowed to be converted to oxygen tankers to overcome the potential shortage of tankers. During the review, officials also briefed the prime minister about the efforts being made to import medical grade oxygen, the PMO said. India added a record 2,17,353 new coronavirus infections in a day taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 1,42,91,917, while active cases surpassed the 15-lakh mark, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday.

PM Modi calls for increasing production of medical grade oxygen

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus </a>crisis in Brazil is not seeming to end, and now reports are coming in from the country suggesting that many hospitals are running out of sedatives.&nbsp;

News agency Associated Press reported that several reports are coming to the fore saying medical professionals are being forced to intubate patients without the use of sedatives.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/brazil-govts-negligence-of-covid-19-causing-humanitarian-catastrophe-377985/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

For the unversed, intubation is a process in which a ventilator helps a patient to inhale oxygen when the body struggles to breathe on its own.&nbsp;

A doctor at the Albert Schweitzer municipal hospital said health workers diluted sedatives for days to increase the stock.&nbsp;

However, when they ran out of it, doctors and nurses started using neuromuscular blockers and tying patients to their beds, the doctor added.&nbsp;

"You relax the muscles and do the procedure easily, but we don’t have sedation," the doctor said.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/world/brazil-investigates-reports-of-vaccines-being-exchanged-for-illegal-gold-377659">Brazil investigates reports of vaccines being exchanged for illegal gold</a> 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;"Some try to talk, resist. They’re conscious."

Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo have both raised concerns over the lack of sedatives, with Sao Paulo's Health Secretary saying the city's ability to nurse severe Covid-19 patients is on the brink of collapse.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Marcelo Queiroga said the country is engaging with Spain and other nations to get emergency drugs.&nbsp;

He added that hospitals were also struggling to get enough oxygen.

 
&nbsp;

The coronavirus crisis in Brazil is not seeming to end, and now reports are coming in from the country suggesting that many hospitals are running out of sedatives.

The coronavirus crisis in Brazil is not seeming to end, and now reports are coming in from the country suggesting that many hospitals are running out of sedatives. News agency Associated Press reported that several reports are coming to the fore saying medical professionals are being forced to intubate patients without the use of sedatives. Watch | For the unversed, intubation is a process in which a ventilator helps a patient to inhale oxygen when the body struggles to breathe on its own. A doctor at the Albert Schweitzer municipal hospital said health workers diluted sedatives for days to increase the stock. However, when they ran out of it, doctors and nurses started using neuromuscular blockers and tying patients to their beds, the doctor added. "You relax the muscles and do the procedure easily, but we don’t have sedation," the doctor said. Also read | Brazil investigates reports of vaccines being exchanged for illegal gold "Some try to talk, resist. They’re conscious." Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo have both raised concerns over the lack of sedatives, with Sao Paulo's Health Secretary saying the city's ability to nurse severe Covid-19 patients is on the brink of collapse. Meanwhile, Health Minister Marcelo Queiroga said the country is engaging with Spain and other nations to get emergency drugs. He added that hospitals were also struggling to get enough oxygen.

Patients tied to beds in Brazil as country runs out of sedatives: Reports

A glance at 'City of Roses' in the desert Kingdom

Philippine foreign policy experts and lawmakers have asked President Rodrigo Duterte to end his "policy of subservience" towards China, saying the Filipino leader's silence is leading to hundreds of Chinese vessels lining up in Manila's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea.

Though military chief and country's top diplomat have asked China to withdraw its vessels from the region, Duterte has maintained his silence over the issue.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/gravitas-south-china-sea-china-and-us-send-warships-into-disputed-waters-375776/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Earlier his spokesperson said that the Filipino president is pursuing "diplomatic initiatives" in "private".&nbsp;

On Thursday, the Philippine Coast Guard said that despite continual demands to Chinese vessels to leave Whitsun Reef, at least 240 Chinese vessels were present in the area till Wednesday, Al Jazeera reported.&nbsp;

The ships were first seen on March 7 at Whitsun Reef, which is about 320 km (200 miles) west of Palawan Island and in the Philippine EEZ, according to the International Court of Arbitration at The Hague.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="wionews.com/world/philippines-summons-chinese-ambassador-over-reef-dispute-in-south-china-sea-377299">Philippines summons Chinese ambassador over reef dispute in South China Sea&nbsp;</a> 
&nbsp;

Opposition Senator Leila de Lima on Thursday said that the country could become "just another one of China's satellites" if Duterte and the Philippines military fail to confront Beijing.&nbsp;

She also said that despite the US's support regarding Manila's position in the South China Sea, the Filipino president's "policy of grovelling before China" could damage the integrity of the country's territory. &nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Philippine foreign policy experts and lawmakers have asked President Rodrigo Duterte to end his "policy of subservience" towards China, saying the Filipino leader's silence is leading to hundreds of Chinese vessels lining up in Manila's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea.

Philippine foreign policy experts and lawmakers have asked President Rodrigo Duterte to end his "policy of subservience" towards China, saying the Filipino leader's silence is leading to hundreds of Chinese vessels lining up in Manila's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea. Though military chief and country's top diplomat have asked China to withdraw its vessels from the region, Duterte has maintained his silence over the issue. Watch | Earlier his spokesperson said that the Filipino president is pursuing "diplomatic initiatives" in "private". On Thursday, the Philippine Coast Guard said that despite continual demands to Chinese vessels to leave Whitsun Reef, at least 240 Chinese vessels were present in the area till Wednesday, Al Jazeera reported. The ships were first seen on March 7 at Whitsun Reef, which is about 320 km (200 miles) west of Palawan Island and in the Philippine EEZ, according to the International Court of Arbitration at The Hague. Also read | Philippines summons Chinese ambassador over reef dispute in South China Sea Opposition Senator Leila de Lima on Thursday said that the country could become "just another one of China's satellites" if Duterte and the Philippines military fail to confront Beijing. She also said that despite the US's support regarding Manila's position in the South China Sea, the Filipino president's "policy of grovelling before China" could damage the integrity of the country's territory.

Philippine President Duterte asked to confront China in South China Sea

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