Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday said that if anything happens to his&nbsp;daughter and senior PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz, then senior military and intelligence officials and PM Imran Khan would be responsible for it.&nbsp;

In a video message from London, Sharif said that they (the military establishment) have threatened to "smash" Maryam if she does not stop speaking against them.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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"You have stooped so low. First, you broke open the Karachi hotel room door where Maryam was staying. Now you are threatening her that if she does not stop, she will be smashed. If anything happens to her, Prime Minister Imran Khan, Army chief Gen&nbsp;Qamar Javed Bajwa, ISI head Lt&nbsp;Gen&nbsp;Faiz Hameed, and Gen&nbsp;Irfan Malik will be responsible," the former Pakistani PM said.&nbsp;

Sharif, who was jailed in a corruption case, is staying in London since November 2019.

He was allowed to leave the country by the Lahore High Court after his health deteriorated, and since then he has not returned to Pakistan.&nbsp;

WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ruckus-in-pak-senate-after-spy-cameras-found-hidden-inside-hall-watch-369911">Ruckus in Pak Senate after 'spy cameras' found hidden inside hall&nbsp;</a>

Sharif again accused the senior military officials of rigging the last general elections, to install Imran Khan as the prime minister.&nbsp;

"You (generals) rigged 2018 polls to impose inept Imran Khan on the nation and after the defeat in the Senate you helped your selected (PM Khan) to get vote of confidence and it is no more a secret," Nawaz said.&nbsp;

"What you have done is a grave crime and you will be answerable to your deeds."

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday said that if anything happens to his daughter and senior PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz, then senior military and intelligence officials and PM Imran Khan would be responsible for it.

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday said that if anything happens to his daughter and senior PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz, then senior military and intelligence officials and PM Imran Khan would be responsible for it. In a video message from London, Sharif said that they (the military establishment) have threatened to "smash" Maryam if she does not stop speaking against them. Watch | "You have stooped so low. First, you broke open the Karachi hotel room door where Maryam was staying. Now you are threatening her that if she does not stop, she will be smashed. If anything happens to her, Prime Minister Imran Khan, Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, ISI head Lt Gen Faiz Hameed, and Gen Irfan Malik will be responsible," the former Pakistani PM said. Sharif, who was jailed in a corruption case, is staying in London since November 2019. He was allowed to leave the country by the Lahore High Court after his health deteriorated, and since then he has not returned to Pakistan. WATCH | Ruckus in Pak Senate after 'spy cameras' found hidden inside hall Sharif again accused the senior military officials of rigging the last general elections, to install Imran Khan as the prime minister. "You (generals) rigged 2018 polls to impose inept Imran Khan on the nation and after the defeat in the Senate you helped your selected (PM Khan) to get vote of confidence and it is no more a secret," Nawaz said. "What you have done is a grave crime and you will be answerable to your deeds."

Nawaz Sharif says PM Imran Khan, senior military officials will be responsible if 'anything' happens to daughter

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern felt "very honoured" after she realised that a large insect has been named after her. &nbsp;

Hemiandrus jacinda is the name given to a new species of wētā, a giant flightless cricket, reports The Guardian.&nbsp;

The cricket is red in colour and "long-limbed," something which is similar to Ardern's Labour party colour and symbol.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealands-jacinda-ardern-lashes-out-at-greta-thunberg-349783">New Zealand's Jacinda Ardern lashes out at Greta Thunberg</a>

New Zealand's prime minister was "aware of this and very honoured," her spokesperson said.&nbsp;

"A beetle and a lichen, along with an ant in Saudi Arabia, have also been named after her."

Steven Trewick, the scientist who named and formally described the insect, said the name had struck him for "reflecting traits of the prime minister".

Trewick, a professor in evolutionary ecology at Massey University in New Zealand, said it was a "striking" and beautiful species.

The latest-discovered species is bigger and more brightly coloured than the 17 ground wētā that already exist, and found in native forests in Northland, Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Coromandel in the upper North Island.&nbsp;

Zootaxa journal described it for the first time on Friday as "comparatively large, long-limbed, glossy and predominantly orange-red".

Trewick said it was remarkable that jacinda was not found until now given that it had been discovered near densely populated regions and that it was "not a small, cryptic beast but a hefty insect with flamboyant colouring",

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern felt "very honoured" after she realised that a large insect has been named after her. Hemiandrus jacinda is the name given to a new species of wētā, a giant flightless cricket, reports The Guardian.

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern felt "very honoured" after she realised that a large insect has been named after her. Hemiandrus jacinda is the name given to a new species of wētā, a giant flightless cricket, reports The Guardian. The cricket is red in colour and "long-limbed," something which is similar to Ardern's Labour party colour and symbol. Also read | New Zealand's Jacinda Ardern lashes out at Greta Thunberg New Zealand's prime minister was "aware of this and very honoured," her spokesperson said. "A beetle and a lichen, along with an ant in Saudi Arabia, have also been named after her." Steven Trewick, the scientist who named and formally described the insect, said the name had struck him for "reflecting traits of the prime minister". Trewick, a professor in evolutionary ecology at Massey University in New Zealand, said it was a "striking" and beautiful species. The latest-discovered species is bigger and more brightly coloured than the 17 ground wētā that already exist, and found in native forests in Northland, Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Coromandel in the upper North Island. Zootaxa journal described it for the first time on Friday as "comparatively large, long-limbed, glossy and predominantly orange-red". Trewick said it was remarkable that jacinda was not found until now given that it had been discovered near densely populated regions and that it was "not a small, cryptic beast but a hefty insect with flamboyant colouring",

Jacinda Ardern 'very honoured' after large insect species gets her name

A Chinese woman who tried to conceive for one year was shocked to find out that she was actually born male.&nbsp;

The 25-year-old woman discovered that she is intersex after she underwent an X-ray of her injured ankle, reports SCMP.&nbsp;

An X-ray for an injured ankle revealed that Pingping's, whose name has been changed, bone had not developed since adolescence and further probe found she has not masturbated ever.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/miracle-baby-woman-becomes-pregnant-despite-being-virgin-369775">'Miracle baby': Woman becomes pregnant, despite being virgin</a>

"When I was young my mum took me to the doctor. The doctor said I was just developing slower than others sexually, and that I could have my period in a few years," Pingping told the local doctor.

"After I grew up, I found this issue quite embarrassing so I didn’t treat it seriously."

She said that there was no reason for her to feel anything other than a biological woman because of having female genitalia, the First Affiliated Hospital of College of Medicine, Zhejiang University in a statement on WeChat wrote this week.

Pingping asked the endocrinologist&nbsp;that:&nbsp;"My husband and I have been trying to have a baby for a year although it’s been in vain. Is that also related [to my bone age and absence of a period]?"

Tests showed she suffered from high blood pressure and low blood potassium.&nbsp;

This is a typical symptom of a disease called congenital adrenal hyperplasia, which could cause a sexual development disorder.&nbsp;

Doctors suggested this could be because her parents are closely related to each other.

A genetic test revealed her karyotype was 46,XY, something that is found in males who neither have genitalia either of male or female, said Doctor Dong Fengqin, the endocrinologist.

Pingping got to know that though she did not have a uterus or ovaries, she also lacked male genitalia or Adam's apple.

A Chinese woman who tried to conceive for one year was shocked to find out that she was actually born male. The 25-year-old woman discovered that she is intersex after she underwent an X-ray of her injured ankle, reports SCMP.

A Chinese woman who tried to conceive for one year was shocked to find out that she was actually born male. The 25-year-old woman discovered that she is intersex after she underwent an X-ray of her injured ankle, reports SCMP. An X-ray for an injured ankle revealed that Pingping's, whose name has been changed, bone had not developed since adolescence and further probe found she has not masturbated ever. Also read | 'Miracle baby': Woman becomes pregnant, despite being virgin "When I was young my mum took me to the doctor. The doctor said I was just developing slower than others sexually, and that I could have my period in a few years," Pingping told the local doctor. "After I grew up, I found this issue quite embarrassing so I didn’t treat it seriously." She said that there was no reason for her to feel anything other than a biological woman because of having female genitalia, the First Affiliated Hospital of College of Medicine, Zhejiang University in a statement on WeChat wrote this week. Pingping asked the endocrinologist that: "My husband and I have been trying to have a baby for a year although it’s been in vain. Is that also related [to my bone age and absence of a period]?" Tests showed she suffered from high blood pressure and low blood potassium. This is a typical symptom of a disease called congenital adrenal hyperplasia, which could cause a sexual development disorder. Doctors suggested this could be because her parents are closely related to each other. A genetic test revealed her karyotype was 46,XY, something that is found in males who neither have genitalia either of male or female, said Doctor Dong Fengqin, the endocrinologist. Pingping got to know that though she did not have a uterus or ovaries, she also lacked male genitalia or Adam's apple.

China: Married woman, who visited doctor over hurt ankle finds she was born man

The US said on Wednesday that Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will meet top Chinese officials next week, making this Biden administration's first face-to-face talks with its rival.&nbsp;

The State Department said Blinken and Sullivan will meet with senior Chinese official Yang Jiechi and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Anchorage in Texas on March 18.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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It will be held after Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's visit to Asia, to strengthen partners like India, Japan, and South Korea to shores up the alliance to counter Chinese aggression.&nbsp;

Last week, Blinken described China as "the biggest geopolitical test of the 21st century" as it alone can "seriously challenge the stable and open international system" in a speech.

The US state secretary also vowed to put alliances first in the Washington strategy.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-apt-to-counter-chinese-aggression-now-369523">Why apt to counter Chinese aggression now?</a>

US-China ties strained under the term of former president Donald Trump due to the outbreak of coronavirus. &nbsp;

Rights abuses in Hong Kong and China's authoritarian approach towards Tibet and Taiwan also triggered the US's anger, which led to the imposition of sanctions on several Chinese officials.&nbsp;

In February, US President Joe Biden spoke with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping where the former "underscored his fundamental concerns about Beijing’s coercive and unfair economic practices, crackdown in Hong Kong, human rights abuses in Xinjiang, and increasingly assertive actions in the region, including toward Taiwan."&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The US said on Wednesday that Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will meet top Chinese officials next week, making this Biden administration's first face-to-face talks with its rival.

The US said on Wednesday that Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will meet top Chinese officials next week, making this Biden administration's first face-to-face talks with its rival. The State Department said Blinken and Sullivan will meet with senior Chinese official Yang Jiechi and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Anchorage in Texas on March 18. Watch | It will be held after Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's visit to Asia, to strengthen partners like India, Japan, and South Korea to shores up the alliance to counter Chinese aggression. Last week, Blinken described China as "the biggest geopolitical test of the 21st century" as it alone can "seriously challenge the stable and open international system" in a speech. The US state secretary also vowed to put alliances first in the Washington strategy. Also read | Why apt to counter Chinese aggression now? US-China ties strained under the term of former president Donald Trump due to the outbreak of coronavirus. Rights abuses in Hong Kong and China's authoritarian approach towards Tibet and Taiwan also triggered the US's anger, which led to the imposition of sanctions on several Chinese officials. In February, US President Joe Biden spoke with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping where the former "underscored his fundamental concerns about Beijing’s coercive and unfair economic practices, crackdown in Hong Kong, human rights abuses in Xinjiang, and increasingly assertive actions in the region, including toward Taiwan."

Biden administration to hold first face-to-face meet with Chinese officials next week

The United States on Wednesday blacklisted two Islamist extremist organisations in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique over their connections with the Islamic State.&nbsp;

"The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) announced the launch of the Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP) in April 2019 to promote the presence of ISIS associated elements within Central, East, and Southern Africa," the State Department in a statement said.&nbsp;

"Although ISIS-associated media portray ISCAP as a unified structure, ISIS-DRC and ISIS-Mozambique are distinct groups with distinct origins."&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-blacklist-dozens-of-chinese-firms-including-smic-report-says-350642">US to blacklist dozens of Chinese firms including SMIC, report says</a>

The state department said that the two groups "have committed or pose a significant risk of committing acts of terrorism."

It also named the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in Congo and its leader Seka Musa Baluku and Mozambique's Ahlu Sunnah Wa-Jama and its chief Abu Yasir Hassan "specially designated global terrorists".

The ADF and Ahlu Sunnah Wa-Jama are dubbed by the US as ISIS-DRC and ISIS-Mozambique.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/why-global-terror-financing-watchdog-fatf-should-blacklist-pakistan-327515">Why global terror financing watchdog FATF should blacklist Pakistan</a>

The ADF, a Ugandan insurgent faction, has been involved in several brutal assaults on civilians since the army started operations against it in late 2019, reports news agency Reuters.&nbsp;

It has been blamed for the killing of more than 140 people in 2021, in about weekly attacks in Congo's restive east.&nbsp;

According to the UN, the ADF has killed approximate 850 people last year.&nbsp;

Laren Poole from the Bridgeway Foundation, a US-based thinktank said that the recognition and funding to the group by ISIS has pushed the group's deadly expansion.&nbsp;

Ahlu Sunnah Wa-Jama, called Al-Shabaab in Mozambique, staged its first attack in 2017.&nbsp;

Initially known largely for beheadings, the fighters declared allegiance to Islamic State in 2019 and have since intensified its operations.&nbsp;

The United States on Wednesday blacklisted two Islamist extremist organisations in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique over their connections with the Islamic State.

The United States on Wednesday blacklisted two Islamist extremist organisations in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique over their connections with the Islamic State. "The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) announced the launch of the Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP) in April 2019 to promote the presence of ISIS associated elements within Central, East, and Southern Africa," the State Department in a statement said. "Although ISIS-associated media portray ISCAP as a unified structure, ISIS-DRC and ISIS-Mozambique are distinct groups with distinct origins." Also read | US to blacklist dozens of Chinese firms including SMIC, report says The state department said that the two groups "have committed or pose a significant risk of committing acts of terrorism." It also named the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in Congo and its leader Seka Musa Baluku and Mozambique's Ahlu Sunnah Wa-Jama and its chief Abu Yasir Hassan "specially designated global terrorists". The ADF and Ahlu Sunnah Wa-Jama are dubbed by the US as ISIS-DRC and ISIS-Mozambique. Also read | Why global terror financing watchdog FATF should blacklist Pakistan The ADF, a Ugandan insurgent faction, has been involved in several brutal assaults on civilians since the army started operations against it in late 2019, reports news agency Reuters. It has been blamed for the killing of more than 140 people in 2021, in about weekly attacks in Congo's restive east. According to the UN, the ADF has killed approximate 850 people last year. Laren Poole from the Bridgeway Foundation, a US-based thinktank said that the recognition and funding to the group by ISIS has pushed the group's deadly expansion. Ahlu Sunnah Wa-Jama, called Al-Shabaab in Mozambique, staged its first attack in 2017. Initially known largely for beheadings, the fighters declared allegiance to Islamic State in 2019 and have since intensified its operations.

US blacklists two groups in Congo and Mozambique over connections with ISIS

Another tragedy is unfolding daily in Pakistan of forced conversion of minor Hindu girls.

In the last 26 days, three minor girls have been abducted and converted into Islam in the country.&nbsp;

The name of these girls are: Arti Meghwar, Reena Meghwar and Kavita Bai.

The families of these girls are fighting for justice, but the Pakistani judiciary couldn't be bothered less.

Let us begin with the story of Kavita, a 13-year-old&nbsp;who was kidnapped on March 8 from her home.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/protests-grow-in-pakistan-over-abduction-forced-conversion-of-catholic-teen-338958">Protests grow in Pakistan over abduction, forced conversion of Catholic teen</a>

Kavita's father said that five men dragged his daughter from their home and fled.

She was then brought before a cleric who held a public conversion ceremony.

Some old men gathered around her and formed a circle and read some Islamic prayers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-being-a-hindu-in-pakistan-369808">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-being-a-hindu-in-pakistan-369808/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The images are disturbing, to say the least.

Pakistan authorities said that the girl claims to be over 18-years-old and has converted of her own free will.

This is an excuse that we hear over and over and over again.

Every time a minor girl is converted, Pakistan says she did so willfully.

<h2>Matter of free will!</h2>

In August 2020, a 14-year-old Christian girl Maria Shahbaz was abducted and married in a similar fashion.

The court called it a matter of free will.&nbsp;

In October 2020, a 13-year-old Christian girl Arzoo Raja was abducted in broad daylight, converted to Islam and then married to her abductor.

The Pakistan judiciary again called it a matter of free will.&nbsp;

When the court hearing of Arzoo's case was held in Karachi, her mother was not even allowed inside the courtroom.

She begged and cried as the court made a mockery of the law.

The above cases make it clear that Pakistan's judiciary, lawmakers, government, clerics and their followers, all seem to be hand in glove in tormenting the minorities of their country. 
&nbsp;

Another tragedy is unfolding daily in Pakistan of forced conversion of minor Hindu girls. In the last 26 days, three minor girls have been abducted and converted into Islam in the country.

Another tragedy is unfolding daily in Pakistan of forced conversion of minor Hindu girls. In the last 26 days, three minor girls have been abducted and converted into Islam in the country. The name of these girls are: Arti Meghwar, Reena Meghwar and Kavita Bai. The families of these girls are fighting for justice, but the Pakistani judiciary couldn't be bothered less. Let us begin with the story of Kavita, a 13-year-old who was kidnapped on March 8 from her home. Also read | Protests grow in Pakistan over abduction, forced conversion of Catholic teen Kavita's father said that five men dragged his daughter from their home and fled. She was then brought before a cleric who held a public conversion ceremony. Some old men gathered around her and formed a circle and read some Islamic prayers. WATCH | The images are disturbing, to say the least. Pakistan authorities said that the girl claims to be over 18-years-old and has converted of her own free will. This is an excuse that we hear over and over and over again. Every time a minor girl is converted, Pakistan says she did so willfully. Matter of free will! In August 2020, a 14-year-old Christian girl Maria Shahbaz was abducted and married in a similar fashion. The court called it a matter of free will. In October 2020, a 13-year-old Christian girl Arzoo Raja was abducted in broad daylight, converted to Islam and then married to her abductor. The Pakistan judiciary again called it a matter of free will. When the court hearing of Arzoo's case was held in Karachi, her mother was not even allowed inside the courtroom. She begged and cried as the court made a mockery of the law. The above cases make it clear that Pakistan's judiciary, lawmakers, government, clerics and their followers, all seem to be hand in glove in tormenting the minorities of their country.

How minorities in Pakistan continue to suffer from forced conversions, marriages

After several Nordic nations suspended the use of Oxford-AstraZeneca's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine</a>, the European Union's drug regulator advised European countries to keep using the jabs during a probe of blood clots cases.&nbsp;

"The position of EMA's safety committee... is that the vaccine's benefits continue to outweigh its risks and the vaccine can continue to be administered while investigation of cases of thromboembolic events is ongoing," European Medicines Agency (EMA) in a statement said.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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"There is currently no indication that vaccination has caused these conditions, which are not listed as side effects with this vaccine."

The regulator's assurance comes after the United Kingdom defended Oxford's vaccine, saying it's "safe and effective".&nbsp;

"We've been clear that it's both safe and effective... and when people are asked to come forward and take it, they should do so in confidence," PM Boris Johnson's spokesman told reporters.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/denmark-suspends-use-of-astrazeneca-covid-vaccine-due-to-blood-clot-fears-369692">Denmark, Norway suspend use of AstraZeneca COVID vaccine due to blood clot fears</a>

He also said that country's vaccine programme results have lowered the number of Covid-19 cases, hospitalisations, and deaths, suggesting that the vaccine is safe.&nbsp;

Denmark, Norway and Iceland on Thursday temporarily paused the use of AstraZeneca's vaccine over cases of patients developing blood clots after receiving jabs.

Amongst the three nations, Denmark was the first to announce the suspension, with the country's health authority saying "serious cases of blood clots" have been detected.

However, it said that the measure is "precautionary" and at the moment it has found no connection between AstraZeneca's jabs and blood clots.

After several Nordic nations suspended the use of Oxford-AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine, the European Union's drug regulator advised European countries to keep using the jabs during a probe of blood clots cases.

After several Nordic nations suspended the use of Oxford-AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine, the European Union's drug regulator advised European countries to keep using the jabs during a probe of blood clots cases. "The position of EMA's safety committee... is that the vaccine's benefits continue to outweigh its risks and the vaccine can continue to be administered while investigation of cases of thromboembolic events is ongoing," European Medicines Agency (EMA) in a statement said. Watch | "There is currently no indication that vaccination has caused these conditions, which are not listed as side effects with this vaccine." The regulator's assurance comes after the United Kingdom defended Oxford's vaccine, saying it's "safe and effective". "We've been clear that it's both safe and effective... and when people are asked to come forward and take it, they should do so in confidence," PM Boris Johnson's spokesman told reporters. Also read | Denmark, Norway suspend use of AstraZeneca COVID vaccine due to blood clot fears He also said that country's vaccine programme results have lowered the number of Covid-19 cases, hospitalisations, and deaths, suggesting that the vaccine is safe. Denmark, Norway and Iceland on Thursday temporarily paused the use of AstraZeneca's vaccine over cases of patients developing blood clots after receiving jabs. Amongst the three nations, Denmark was the first to announce the suspension, with the country's health authority saying "serious cases of blood clots" have been detected. However, it said that the measure is "precautionary" and at the moment it has found no connection between AstraZeneca's jabs and blood clots.

Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine can be used until probe results: EU regulator

Iran slammed the United States on Thursday for continuing to follow former president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump's </a>policy of applying "maximum pressure".&nbsp;

"US claims it favours diplomacy; not Trump's failed policy of 'maximum pressure'," Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Twitter.

"Yet (US Secretary of State Antony Blinken) boasts abt (about) blocking Korea from transferring our OWN money to the Swiss Channel -- only used for food &amp; meds."&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-urges-us-iran-to-step-up-efforts-on-nuke-deal-369301/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He said sticking to the same approach will not "yield new results" for the US.&nbsp;

The Iranian foreign minister's comments came hours after Blinken hinted of the US continuing to oppose the release of Iranian funds worth billions of dollars until Tehran commits to full compliance with a nuclear deal.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
South Korea, an ally of the US, last month said it agreed on a way to release the Iranian money from oil sales but was waiting for Washington's nod.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-zarif-to-offer-constructive-plan-amid-hopes-of-informal-nuclear-talks-368392">Iran's Zarif to offer 'constructive' plan amid hopes of informal nuclear talks</a>

"...unless and until Iran comes back into compliance, they won't be getting that relief," Blinken said.&nbsp;

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden </a>has insisted Iran to comply with the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, a nuclear deal that was scrapped by Trump which further raised tensions between Tehran and Washington.&nbsp;

Iran slammed the United States on Thursday for continuing to follow former president Donald Trump's policy of applying "maximum pressure". "US claims it favours diplomacy; not Trump's failed policy of 'maximum pressure'," Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Twitter.

Iran slammed the United States on Thursday for continuing to follow former president Donald Trump's policy of applying "maximum pressure". "US claims it favours diplomacy; not Trump's failed policy of 'maximum pressure'," Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Twitter. "Yet (US Secretary of State Antony Blinken) boasts abt (about) blocking Korea from transferring our OWN money to the Swiss Channel -- only used for food & meds." Watch | He said sticking to the same approach will not "yield new results" for the US. The Iranian foreign minister's comments came hours after Blinken hinted of the US continuing to oppose the release of Iranian funds worth billions of dollars until Tehran commits to full compliance with a nuclear deal. South Korea, an ally of the US, last month said it agreed on a way to release the Iranian money from oil sales but was waiting for Washington's nod. Also read | Iran's Zarif to offer 'constructive' plan amid hopes of informal nuclear talks "...unless and until Iran comes back into compliance, they won't be getting that relief," Blinken said. US President Joe Biden has insisted Iran to comply with the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, a nuclear deal that was scrapped by Trump which further raised tensions between Tehran and Washington.

Iran slams US, says Trump's policy of 'maximum pressure' won't do any good

Amid a daily rise in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;cases, the Indian government on Thursday asked people to not lower their guard against the virus, underscoring the "pandemic is not yet over".

"We are very worried about the rise in cases in Maharashtra. Don't take this virus for granted. It can come up unexpectedly. If we have to remain free of this virus, COVID-appropriate behaviour, containment strategy as well as vaccination has to be brought in," NITI Aayog member (Health) VK Paul said.&nbsp;

Watch&nbsp;|

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The comments come as Maharashtra on Wednesday recorded 13,659 new Covid-19 cases, the highest this year as the state CM Uddhav Thackeray enforced lockdown measures in some regions.&nbsp;

Paul also cautioned Delhi and its adjacent regions over the rise in the positivity rate of the virus.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iran-says-received-150000-doses-of-indias-covid-jab-369695">Iran says received 150,000 doses of India's Covid jab</a>

"Be careful, be watchful. We still have a huge population at risk of this virus. This pandemic is not yet over. Be vigilant," the NITI Aayog official said.&nbsp;

Delhi on Thursday confirmed 409 new 19 cases, the most in about two months, while the positivity rate climbed to 0.59 per cent, according to the official data.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
India recorded its highest daily tally of coronavirus cases this year on Thursday with 22,854 new cases, bringing the total tally to 1,12,85,561, according to the Union Health Ministry figures.&nbsp;

Amid a daily rise in coronavirus cases, the Indian government on Thursday asked people to not lower their guard against the virus, underscoring the "pandemic is not yet over".

Amid a daily rise in coronavirus cases, the Indian government on Thursday asked people to not lower their guard against the virus, underscoring the "pandemic is not yet over". "We are very worried about the rise in cases in Maharashtra. Don't take this virus for granted. It can come up unexpectedly. If we have to remain free of this virus, COVID-appropriate behaviour, containment strategy as well as vaccination has to be brought in," NITI Aayog member (Health) VK Paul said. Watch | The comments come as Maharashtra on Wednesday recorded 13,659 new Covid-19 cases, the highest this year as the state CM Uddhav Thackeray enforced lockdown measures in some regions. Paul also cautioned Delhi and its adjacent regions over the rise in the positivity rate of the virus. Also read | Iran says received 150,000 doses of India's Covid jab "Be careful, be watchful. We still have a huge population at risk of this virus. This pandemic is not yet over. Be vigilant," the NITI Aayog official said. Delhi on Thursday confirmed 409 new 19 cases, the most in about two months, while the positivity rate climbed to 0.59 per cent, according to the official data. India recorded its highest daily tally of coronavirus cases this year on Thursday with 22,854 new cases, bringing the total tally to 1,12,85,561, according to the Union Health Ministry figures.

Indian govt voices concern over rise in Covid-19 cases, says 'be careful, watchful'

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said on Thursday that China is "open, transparent and cooperative" on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">novel coronavirus </a>and will continue to work with the World Health Organization (WHO) to find the origins of the virus.&nbsp;

"The Chinese side has acted in a fact-based manner, and with an open, transparent and cooperative approach. China has maintained communication with the WHO and provided the WHO mission support during their work in China concerning the origin of the virus," Chinese premier was quoted as saying by state-run CGTN.&nbsp;

He also said that Covid-19 is a global health contingency and like other nations, China also wants to know about the origins of it as early as possible.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/who-will-not-scrap-the-interim-report-on-covid-19-origin-368494/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Li said hat virus origin tracing is a complex scientific matter and requires cooperation between nations and continuous research.&nbsp;

"Covid-19 is a common enemy of humankind, and has affected so many members of the global community. We hope that all countries will join hands to achieve early victory over the virus," he said.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijings-public-health-workers-the-least-willing-in-china-to-get-coronavirus-vaccine-survey-368048">Beijing's public health workers the least willing in China to get coronavirus vaccine: Survey</a>

Meanwhile. a prominent member of the WHO's independent team that visited China to find the virus's origins said that "fairly soon," it will be found how the outbreak began.&nbsp;

Peter Daszak, the president of the New York-based EcoHealth Alliance, said collective scientific research might be able to pin down how animals with the deadly virus infected the first people in Wuhan last December.&nbsp;

He said the wildlife trade was the most probable explanation of how coronavirus reached Wuhan, where the first human cases were found.&nbsp;

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said on Thursday that China is "open, transparent and cooperative" on the novel coronavirus and will continue to work with the World Health Organization (WHO) to find the origins of the virus.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said on Thursday that China is "open, transparent and cooperative" on the novel coronavirus and will continue to work with the World Health Organization (WHO) to find the origins of the virus. "The Chinese side has acted in a fact-based manner, and with an open, transparent and cooperative approach. China has maintained communication with the WHO and provided the WHO mission support during their work in China concerning the origin of the virus," Chinese premier was quoted as saying by state-run CGTN. He also said that Covid-19 is a global health contingency and like other nations, China also wants to know about the origins of it as early as possible. Watch | Li said hat virus origin tracing is a complex scientific matter and requires cooperation between nations and continuous research. "Covid-19 is a common enemy of humankind, and has affected so many members of the global community. We hope that all countries will join hands to achieve early victory over the virus," he said. Also read | Beijing's public health workers the least willing in China to get coronavirus vaccine: Survey Meanwhile. a prominent member of the WHO's independent team that visited China to find the virus's origins said that "fairly soon," it will be found how the outbreak began. Peter Daszak, the president of the New York-based EcoHealth Alliance, said collective scientific research might be able to pin down how animals with the deadly virus infected the first people in Wuhan last December. He said the wildlife trade was the most probable explanation of how coronavirus reached Wuhan, where the first human cases were found.

China 'open, transparent' on Covid-19, will work with WHO to find origins: Premier Li Keqiang

Pfizer-BioNTech's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine</a>&nbsp;has an efficacy of 97 per cent in preventing symptomatic disease, a study based on real-world evidence published on Thursday said.&nbsp;

The study, conducted by the two pharma giants, also found that the vaccine's prevention against asymptomatic disease also stands at 94 per cent.

For the study, data from January 17 to March 6 from Israel's national vaccination campaign, has been taken.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/study-finds-uk-covid-19-variant-has-higher-mortality-rate-369630/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It also showed the vaccine is effective against a highly transmissible Covid-19 strain first found in the UK, known as B.1.1.7. Over 80 per cent of the specimens that were part of the study were of this variant.&nbsp;

However, since only a few people in Israel have been infected with the South African variant B.1.351, the vaccine's efficacy against this strain could not be found.&nbsp;

"This comprehensive real-world evidence ... can be of importance to countries around the world as they advance their own vaccination campaigns one year after the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic," Pfizer and BioNTech said in a statement as quoted by news agency AFP.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizer-coronavirus-vaccine-may-be-less-effective-in-obesity-study-367008">Pfizer coronavirus vaccine may be less effective in obesity: Study</a>

Earlier, a similar study which was based on data from between December 20, 2020 and February 1, 2021 had shown the efficacy of 94 per cent in preventing symptomatic cases and 92 per cent in avoiding asymptomatic disease.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the UK said on Thursday that Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine is "safe and effective "after Denmark suspended the jab's use.&nbsp;

"We've been clear that it's both safe and effective... and when people are asked to come forward and take it, they should do so in confidence," Prime Minister Boris Johnson's official spokesman said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Pfizer-BioNTech's coronavirus vaccine has an efficacy of 97 per cent in preventing symptomatic disease, a study based on real-world evidence published on Thursday said.

Pfizer-BioNTech's coronavirus vaccine has an efficacy of 97 per cent in preventing symptomatic disease, a study based on real-world evidence published on Thursday said. The study, conducted by the two pharma giants, also found that the vaccine's prevention against asymptomatic disease also stands at 94 per cent. For the study, data from January 17 to March 6 from Israel's national vaccination campaign, has been taken. Watch | It also showed the vaccine is effective against a highly transmissible Covid-19 strain first found in the UK, known as B.1.1.7. Over 80 per cent of the specimens that were part of the study were of this variant. However, since only a few people in Israel have been infected with the South African variant B.1.351, the vaccine's efficacy against this strain could not be found. "This comprehensive real-world evidence ... can be of importance to countries around the world as they advance their own vaccination campaigns one year after the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic," Pfizer and BioNTech said in a statement as quoted by news agency AFP. Also read | Pfizer coronavirus vaccine may be less effective in obesity: Study Earlier, a similar study which was based on data from between December 20, 2020 and February 1, 2021 had shown the efficacy of 94 per cent in preventing symptomatic cases and 92 per cent in avoiding asymptomatic disease. Meanwhile, the UK said on Thursday that Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine is "safe and effective "after Denmark suspended the jab's use. "We've been clear that it's both safe and effective... and when people are asked to come forward and take it, they should do so in confidence," Prime Minister Boris Johnson's official spokesman said.

Pfizer vaccine 97% effective in preventing symptomatic Covid-19 disease: Study

History tells us that most military blunders and political catastrophes could have been avoided only if the world had acted on time.

Today, we're at the same crossroads.

An expansionist China is not on the horizon anymore as it is sailing into the port.

Watch |

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-are-we-running-out-of-time-to-counter-china-369533/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Now is the time to counter Beijing's aggression and this urgency might sound alarming to some.

But we've got three reasons for backing this argument.

<h2>1. China's plans for the post-pandemic world order</h2>

March 11 marks one year when the coronavirus outbreak was declared a pandemic. By this time, the virus had travelled the world, sowing the seeds of this massive crisis.

In this one-year period, most countries have focused on saving lives.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/quad-looks-to-checkmate-aggressive-china-369518">Quad looks to 'checkmate' aggressive China</a>

They've made tall sacrifices, but China was busy plotting its rise.

It was making plans to utilise this pandemic for political and economic gains.

Let's tell you how.

As countries shut their borders, China opened its purse strings.

<h3>Hostile takeovers</h3>

Foreign companies were struggling to break even in 2020, so China swooped in and acquired these assets.

That too at dirt-cheap rates. The list includes 112 mergers and acquisitions in North America, 142 in Europe, 220 in Asia, and 30 in Oceania.&nbsp;

If you notice, these are places where Chinese strategic interests are challenged by the US, Canada, Australia, and India.

In 2020, China's overall foreign investment was 132.9 billion dollars, that too in the pandemic year.&nbsp;

The total value of its mergers and acquisitions was 46.4 billion dollars.

Countries were slow to realise what was happening and when they did, FDI laws were tightened.

The US, the European Union, Australia and India, all blocked China's predatory investments.

Strategic assets had to be protected, but for some companies, it was too late.

Beijing also scored a few trade deals in 2020.

Phase one of its agreement with the US was finalised.

But the crowning achievement was the EU investment deal.

They haggled for seven years without any progress.

Then suddenly in December 2020, a deal was announced.

In exchange for some vague promises, Chinese companies gained access to the European markets.

And of course, there was nothing concrete on human rights violations.

China's pandemic strategy was crude and hinged on one thing to ensure it wouldn't be blamed for the pandemic.

It launched a massive disinformation campaign, in which Chinese diplomats blamed the US military and Europe for the crisis.

Part two of this strategy was to sabotage the WHO probe.

The entire world knows the virus originated in Wuhan, but the WHO probe team couldn't find evidence.

They were denied access to bat caves, tailed by Chinese spies and arm-twisted into granting them a clean chit.

<h2>2. The imminent threat of China's regional expansionism</h2>

China used the pandemic to implement a new security law in Hong Kong that has effectively killed the promise of "one country, two systems".

In the South China Sea, Beijing has made piracy a maritime policy. It regularly intimidates foreign vessels, carries out military drills near disputed islands, and sends fighter jets into Taiwanese territory.

The top US military commander in the Indo-Pacific has made a grim prediction.

He feels China could invade Taiwan in the next six years.&nbsp;

This was always Beijing's plan, but the hourglass is a lot shorter than many expected.

<h2>3. The horrors of a China-led global system</h2>

China wants to dominate the world.

The Indo-Pacific is only the dress rehearsal.

Some may ask, what's the issue here?

America has dominated the world for decades and India, Britain, Brazil, and Australia have global ambitions.

The difference, however, is that the China-led world order is the end of democracy.

It will be the end of human rights and free thought.

Leadership shapes politics and Chinese leadership would vitiate global politics.

In the end, expansionism always fails, but not before claiming thousands of lives and dismantling dozens of cultures.

So the question is - how long will the world wait this time? 
&nbsp;

History tells us that most military blunders and political catastrophes could have been avoided only if the world had acted on time. Today, we're at the same crossroads.

History tells us that most military blunders and political catastrophes could have been avoided only if the world had acted on time. Today, we're at the same crossroads. An expansionist China is not on the horizon anymore as it is sailing into the port. Watch | Now is the time to counter Beijing's aggression and this urgency might sound alarming to some. But we've got three reasons for backing this argument. 1. China's plans for the post-pandemic world order March 11 marks one year when the coronavirus outbreak was declared a pandemic. By this time, the virus had travelled the world, sowing the seeds of this massive crisis. In this one-year period, most countries have focused on saving lives. Also read | Quad looks to 'checkmate' aggressive China They've made tall sacrifices, but China was busy plotting its rise. It was making plans to utilise this pandemic for political and economic gains. Let's tell you how. As countries shut their borders, China opened its purse strings. Hostile takeovers Foreign companies were struggling to break even in 2020, so China swooped in and acquired these assets. That too at dirt-cheap rates. The list includes 112 mergers and acquisitions in North America, 142 in Europe, 220 in Asia, and 30 in Oceania. If you notice, these are places where Chinese strategic interests are challenged by the US, Canada, Australia, and India. In 2020, China's overall foreign investment was 132.9 billion dollars, that too in the pandemic year. The total value of its mergers and acquisitions was 46.4 billion dollars. Countries were slow to realise what was happening and when they did, FDI laws were tightened. The US, the European Union, Australia and India, all blocked China's predatory investments. Strategic assets had to be protected, but for some companies, it was too late. Beijing also scored a few trade deals in 2020. Phase one of its agreement with the US was finalised. But the crowning achievement was the EU investment deal. They haggled for seven years without any progress. Then suddenly in December 2020, a deal was announced. In exchange for some vague promises, Chinese companies gained access to the European markets. And of course, there was nothing concrete on human rights violations. China's pandemic strategy was crude and hinged on one thing to ensure it wouldn't be blamed for the pandemic. It launched a massive disinformation campaign, in which Chinese diplomats blamed the US military and Europe for the crisis. Part two of this strategy was to sabotage the WHO probe. The entire world knows the virus originated in Wuhan, but the WHO probe team couldn't find evidence. They were denied access to bat caves, tailed by Chinese spies and arm-twisted into granting them a clean chit. 2. The imminent threat of China's regional expansionism China used the pandemic to implement a new security law in Hong Kong that has effectively killed the promise of "one country, two systems". In the South China Sea, Beijing has made piracy a maritime policy. It regularly intimidates foreign vessels, carries out military drills near disputed islands, and sends fighter jets into Taiwanese territory. The top US military commander in the Indo-Pacific has made a grim prediction. He feels China could invade Taiwan in the next six years. This was always Beijing's plan, but the hourglass is a lot shorter than many expected. 3. The horrors of a China-led global system China wants to dominate the world. The Indo-Pacific is only the dress rehearsal. Some may ask, what's the issue here? America has dominated the world for decades and India, Britain, Brazil, and Australia have global ambitions. The difference, however, is that the China-led world order is the end of democracy. It will be the end of human rights and free thought. Leadership shapes politics and Chinese leadership would vitiate global politics. In the end, expansionism always fails, but not before claiming thousands of lives and dismantling dozens of cultures. So the question is - how long will the world wait this time?

Why is it apt to counter Chinese aggression now?

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Abhilash Mahajan

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