New York’s Times Square is known for its extravagant-style countdown to a new year, but the coronavirus pandemic seemed to have cast off its evil eye on this celebration.

Times Square to scale down New Year celebrations amid fears of Omicron spread

Here are some of the top stories to start off your day: Japan's cabinet approved a record defence budget of 5.4 trillion yen ($47.2 billion) for the fiscal year beginning in April on Friday, bolstering the country's capabilities to counter challenges from China.

Morning news brief: Japan's defence budget, Boris Johnson's warning against Omicron, and more

Mary Kesterson, 67, was strolling maskless through Houston’s teeming Galleria mall this week, among a sea of shoppers hunting for last-minute gifts. She was aware of the mounting anxiety across the country over the highly transmissible omicron variant of the coronavirus, and as an older American, she was a member of a group at heightened risk from the virus.

For seniors, the season brings worry and resolve

US-based chipmaker Intel has issued an apology to China for asking its suppliers to not source any products or labour from Xinjiang region. Towards the beginning of this month, Intel had sent out an annual letter to its suppliers In which it was mentioned that it had been “required to ensure that its supply chain does not use any labour or source goods or services” from Xinjiang region of China.

Intel apologises to Chinese population for hurting their sentiments over Xinjiang comments

As tensions between China and Taiwan are escalating, Japan and US have reportedly drawn up a draft plan for a joint operation in case of emergency. According to local reports from Japan’s Kyodo news agency, American and Japanese armed forces are coming together to get ready for any possible escalation in Taiwan, caused by China.

Japan and US draft joint military plan to protect Taiwan from China: Report

Hugging is fast becoming a forgotten concept in the UK due to the fear of coronavirus, a survey has revealed recently. As per a survey conducted by YouGov and PA news agency, since the COVID-19 pandemic began, nearly 70 per cent people are to shy away from shaking hands with someone who does not live in the same house as them.

Amid Omicron spread, hugging has decreased and anxiety has increased: Survey

A little after US launched a formal investigation about Tesla allowing drivers to play video games on the front centre touchscreen, the Elon Musk-owned company has decided to discontinue the idea.

No more 'Passenger Play' for Tesla drivers as company stops video games in cars

One of the highest summits in the Alps, Matterhorn, is not very stable and in fact moves back and forth in every two seconds, as per experts. Researchers from the Technical University of Munich conducted research regarding the vibrations of the iconic peak and found out that the mountain actually moves back and forth.

Sway talks: Matterhorn moves back and forth every two seconds: Study

As the coronavirus’ new variant, Omicron, is doubling up cases all around the world, China has also observed a surge in cases and has now started testing citizens.

China's Xi'an starts testing for millions as Covid cases surge

What would you do if someone mistakenly transfers money in your account? Return it to them, we assume. A similar incident took place when Taliban accidentally transferred money into the bank account of the Afghan embassy in Tajikistan.

Taliban accidentally transfers money to Tajikistan-based opposition; embassy refuses to pay back: Report

A new review of the US’ Defence Department has revealed that nearly 100 service members actively took part in the Capitol attack that was carried out by Trump supporters on January 6.

Nearly 100 people in US military took part in extremist activity, Pentagon reveals

Despite growing number of Covid cases and mounting pressure from locals, UK’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson has decided that no lockdown will be imposed in the country till Christmas.

Boris Johnson decides on 'no lockdown' before Christmas

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Zee News Rajasthan

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