Germany's pro-business Free Democrats (FDP) on Sunday voted on Sunday to back coalition agreement with the Social Democrats and the Greens. This has paved way for three-way alliance. The government formation is expected to take place next week.

The coalition forged this time is first of a kind at the federal level. Free Democrat, environmentalist Green Party and Olaf Scholz's centre-left Social Democratic Party are forming the government.

Urging his FDP to back the deal, party leader Christian Lindner said the coalition agreement would bring about a "new departure in Germany".

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-scare-germany-gets-tough-on-unvaccinated-imposes-restrictions-433591">Omicron scare: Germany gets tough on unvaccinated, imposes restrictions</a>

"Germany is waiting for this new departure," stressed Lindner, who is poised to become finance minister.

The SPD has already approved the agreement on Saturday. The Greens are due to announce the outcome of a member survey on the deal on Monday. The three parties are hoping that Germany's lower house of the parliament, the Bundestag will vote Olaf Scholz as next chancellor of the country.

The "traffic light" alliance, named after the parties'respective colours, will usher in a new era of relations with Europe, and plans to speed up digitalisation of the continents biggest economy and put a focus on fighting climate change.

Under their roadmap for Germany, the three parties want to bring forward an end to coal to 2030 from 2038. They also plan to put 15 million electric cars on the road by 2030, and ramp up the building of new homes to keep housing costs affordable.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Germany's pro-business Free Democrats (FDP) on Sunday voted on Sunday to back coalition agreement with the Social Democrats and the Greens. This has paved way for three-way alliance.

Germany's pro-business Free Democrats (FDP) on Sunday voted on Sunday to back coalition agreement with the Social Democrats and the Greens. This has paved way for three-way alliance. The government formation is expected to take place next week. The coalition forged this time is first of a kind at the federal level. Free Democrat, environmentalist Green Party and Olaf Scholz's centre-left Social Democratic Party are forming the government. Urging his FDP to back the deal, party leader Christian Lindner said the coalition agreement would bring about a "new departure in Germany". Also Read | Omicron scare: Germany gets tough on unvaccinated, imposes restrictions "Germany is waiting for this new departure," stressed Lindner, who is poised to become finance minister. The SPD has already approved the agreement on Saturday. The Greens are due to announce the outcome of a member survey on the deal on Monday. The three parties are hoping that Germany's lower house of the parliament, the Bundestag will vote Olaf Scholz as next chancellor of the country. The "traffic light" alliance, named after the parties'respective colours, will usher in a new era of relations with Europe, and plans to speed up digitalisation of the continents biggest economy and put a focus on fighting climate change. Under their roadmap for Germany, the three parties want to bring forward an end to coal to 2030 from 2038. They also plan to put 15 million electric cars on the road by 2030, and ramp up the building of new homes to keep housing costs affordable. (With inputs from agencies)

Germany: Free Democrats back coalition agreement

A major reason behind coronavirus spreading rapidly across the world is its high transmissibility. The virus can easily be spread from one person to another. Strict measures like lockdown and social distancing had to be introduced because of this. The world waited with bated breath as vaccines were being developed. Time before introduction of the vaccines was tough indeed.

But a team of researchers including those from University of Pennsylvania has developed a chewing gum that they say decreases transmission of coronavirus from a patient to other people.

Coronavirus gains access to bodily cells by attaching to a protein called ACE2. The chewing gum has a copy of ACE2 protein in it. So in a way, it mimics bodily cells. This tricks coronavirus into attaching with chewing gum chemicals thereby sparing body cells.

A Covid patient has high concentration of coronavirus in his saliva.

The researchers took saliva samples from Covid patients and mixed them with powdered form of the gum. It was found that the virus attached to the ACE2 receptors present in the gum. Th researchers say that 50 mg of the chewing gum reduced viral entry by 95 per cent.

Result of the study has been published in scientific journal 'Molecular Therapy'.

A major reason behind coronavirus spreading rapidly across the world is its high transmissibility. The virus can easily be spread from one person to another. Strict measures like lockdown and social distancing had to be introduced because of this.

A major reason behind coronavirus spreading rapidly across the world is its high transmissibility. The virus can easily be spread from one person to another. Strict measures like lockdown and social distancing had to be introduced because of this. The world waited with bated breath as vaccines were being developed. Time before introduction of the vaccines was tough indeed. But a team of researchers including those from University of Pennsylvania has developed a chewing gum that they say decreases transmission of coronavirus from a patient to other people. Coronavirus gains access to bodily cells by attaching to a protein called ACE2. The chewing gum has a copy of ACE2 protein in it. So in a way, it mimics bodily cells. This tricks coronavirus into attaching with chewing gum chemicals thereby sparing body cells. A Covid patient has high concentration of coronavirus in his saliva. The researchers took saliva samples from Covid patients and mixed them with powdered form of the gum. It was found that the virus attached to the ACE2 receptors present in the gum. Th researchers say that 50 mg of the chewing gum reduced viral entry by 95 per cent. Result of the study has been published in scientific journal 'Molecular Therapy'.

A special chewing gum to reduce Covid transmission? Scientists say yes

The European Union is not expected to ease Omicron travel curbs on southern African countries, Reuters said citing three sources. EU health ministers will discuss coronavirus pandemic and spread of Omicron variant on Tuesday.

EU states had agreed to &nbsp;impose travel curbs on travellers coming from seven southern African countries. This was done after these countries reported Omicron variant which is considered more infectious than previous variants

Bloomberg News, citing one diplomat familiar with the matter, reported on Monday that EU health ministers at a meeting on Tuesday may agree on the need for a PCR test for vaccinated third-country nationals from that region, which could allow some travel bans to be eased or lifted within a week.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-spreads-in-south-africa-as-president-ramaphosa-urges-vaccination-434673">Omicron spreads in South Africa as President Ramaphosa urges vaccination</a>

The travel ban "was meant always as a time-limited measure", one senior EU official told Reuters, adding however that there was no plan at the moment to lift it. "We are not yet working in that direction."

Another two EU sources familiar with the work of health ministers said no decision on travel bans was expected at Tuesday's meeting.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-pandemic-resulted-in-alarming-increase-in-malaria-deaths-who-434686">Coronavirus pandemic resulted in alarming increase in malaria deaths: WHO</a>

Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe are the southern African countries that have been targeted.

South Africa has criticised the travel ban which it said penalised the country for having the expertise to first identify the variant. The United States, Britain and many other countries imposed bans similar to those of the EU.

(With inputs from agencies)

The European Union is not expected to ease Omicron travel curbs on southern African countries, Reuters said citing three sources. EU health ministers will discuss coronavirus pandemic and spread of Omicron variant on Tuesday.

The European Union is not expected to ease Omicron travel curbs on southern African countries, Reuters said citing three sources. EU health ministers will discuss coronavirus pandemic and spread of Omicron variant on Tuesday. EU states had agreed to impose travel curbs on travellers coming from seven southern African countries. This was done after these countries reported Omicron variant which is considered more infectious than previous variants Bloomberg News, citing one diplomat familiar with the matter, reported on Monday that EU health ministers at a meeting on Tuesday may agree on the need for a PCR test for vaccinated third-country nationals from that region, which could allow some travel bans to be eased or lifted within a week. Also Read | Omicron spreads in South Africa as President Ramaphosa urges vaccination The travel ban "was meant always as a time-limited measure", one senior EU official told Reuters, adding however that there was no plan at the moment to lift it. "We are not yet working in that direction." Another two EU sources familiar with the work of health ministers said no decision on travel bans was expected at Tuesday's meeting. Also Read | Coronavirus pandemic resulted in alarming increase in malaria deaths: WHO Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe are the southern African countries that have been targeted. South Africa has criticised the travel ban which it said penalised the country for having the expertise to first identify the variant. The United States, Britain and many other countries imposed bans similar to those of the EU. (With inputs from agencies)

EU unlikely to lift Omicron travel curbs on southern African countries

Myanmar military junta chief reduced deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi's jail term by two years, said state&nbsp;media. The former state cousellor of Myanmar was sentenced to four years in jail on Monday (December 6). She faced charges of corruption, flouting Covid rules and more.

Suu Kyi and former president Win Myint had their sentences for incitement against the military and flouting coronavirus rules "pardoned to two years", from four by junta chief Min Aung Hlaing, state TV said.

Suu Kyi's government was toppled by military junta in a coup on February 1. The military used force to quell the subsequent protests that rocked the nation.

Suu Kyi's sentencing drew global condemnation. United Nations human rights chief Michelle Bachelet <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-deplores-suu-kyi-conviction-calls-trial-a-sham-434574">called trial of Aung San Suu Kyi a 'sham'</a>

The conviction of Suu Kyi "closes another door to political dialogue" in Myanmar, where the military took power on Feb. 1, and "will only deepen rejection of the coup", Bachelet said in a statement issued by her Geneva office.

“The conviction of the State Counsellor following a sham trial in secretive proceedings before a military-controlled court is nothing but politically-motivated,” Bachelet added.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-deplores-suu-kyi-conviction-calls-trial-a-sham-434574">UN deplores Suu Kyi conviction, calls trial a 'sham'</a>

Suu Kyi was handed the jail term for incitement against the military.

"This is an example of the harshness and the viciousness of the military," said&nbsp;spokesperson of Amnesty, the global human rights watchdog.

The US condemned Suu Kyi's sentence. It slammed the sentencing as an 'affront' to justice.

"We urge the regime to release Aung San Suu Kyi and all those unjustly detained, including other democratically elected officials," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.

The European Union was unhappy over Suu Kyi's sentencing as well.

"The European Union strongly condemns this politically motivated verdict, which constitutes another major setback for democracy in Myanmar since the military coup on 1 February 2021,” said EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell in a statement.

Aung San Suu Kyi is a Nobel laureate. The Nobel Committee has expressed concern as well.

"The Nobel Committee is concerned about what this means for the future of democracy in Myanmar. It is also concerned about the impact a long prison term may have on Aung San Suu Kyi personally," committee chairwoman Berit Reiss-Andersen told AFP in an email.

(With inputs from agencies)

Myanmar military junta chief reduced deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi's jail term by two years, said state media. The former state cousellor of Myanmar was sentenced to four years in jail on Monday (December 6).

Myanmar military junta chief reduced deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi's jail term by two years, said state media. The former state cousellor of Myanmar was sentenced to four years in jail on Monday (December 6). She faced charges of corruption, flouting Covid rules and more. Suu Kyi and former president Win Myint had their sentences for incitement against the military and flouting coronavirus rules "pardoned to two years", from four by junta chief Min Aung Hlaing, state TV said. Suu Kyi's government was toppled by military junta in a coup on February 1. The military used force to quell the subsequent protests that rocked the nation. Suu Kyi's sentencing drew global condemnation. United Nations human rights chief Michelle Bachelet called trial of Aung San Suu Kyi a 'sham' The conviction of Suu Kyi "closes another door to political dialogue" in Myanmar, where the military took power on Feb. 1, and "will only deepen rejection of the coup", Bachelet said in a statement issued by her Geneva office. “The conviction of the State Counsellor following a sham trial in secretive proceedings before a military-controlled court is nothing but politically-motivated,” Bachelet added. Also Read | UN deplores Suu Kyi conviction, calls trial a 'sham' Suu Kyi was handed the jail term for incitement against the military. "This is an example of the harshness and the viciousness of the military," said spokesperson of Amnesty, the global human rights watchdog. The US condemned Suu Kyi's sentence. It slammed the sentencing as an 'affront' to justice. "We urge the regime to release Aung San Suu Kyi and all those unjustly detained, including other democratically elected officials," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement. The European Union was unhappy over Suu Kyi's sentencing as well. "The European Union strongly condemns this politically motivated verdict, which constitutes another major setback for democracy in Myanmar since the military coup on 1 February 2021,” said EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell in a statement. Aung San Suu Kyi is a Nobel laureate. The Nobel Committee has expressed concern as well. "The Nobel Committee is concerned about what this means for the future of democracy in Myanmar. It is also concerned about the impact a long prison term may have on Aung San Suu Kyi personally," committee chairwoman Berit Reiss-Andersen told AFP in an email. (With inputs from agencies)

Aung San Suu Kyi's jail term reduced by two years: Reports

You know what's a black box right? A box inside aircrafts which collects vital information before the plane is about to crash. As irreversible the damage in that particular air crash is, information contained in the black box sheds some major light on reasons behind the crash. Analysis of this information helps in preventing such catastrophe in future.&nbsp;

A similar sort of black box is being built for Earth. So is Earth in danger? Is it akin to an aircraft primed for a crash? Many scientists say so. While this 'crash' may not be a literal one, effects of climate change are said to have massive impact on human civilisation.

This black box is being built on western coast of Tasmania, Australia. Its mission is to 'record every step' humankind takes towards eventual destruction.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-first-fossils-of-a-herd-of-11-dinosaurs-found-in-italy-433711">In a first, fossils of a herd of 11 dinosaurs found in Italy</a>

While all this business sounds gloomy, the information contained in this black box is expected to be a warning to future civilisations. In simpler terms, this may be a manual for 'how not to commit civilisational suicide'.

The black box is currently in beta stage of testing. When it's complete, this black box will be the size of a school bus with 3-inch-thick steel coating. It will have solar panels. It will also have data storage drives.

Once activated, the black box will measure atmospheric carbon levels and temperature changes. It will also be equipped with an algorithm that will enable it to surf the net in search of vital information, even social media posts.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-wants-you-to-help-in-establishing-a-nuclear-reactor-on-the-moon-by-2030-433415">NASA wants you to help in establishing a nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030</a>

This black box is being built by marketing communications company Clemenger BBDO in collaboration with researchers in University of Tasmania.

It is estimated that storage drives will last for next 30 to 50 years.

End of the world is THAT close? Yikes!

You know what's a black box right? A box inside aircrafts which collects vital information before the plane is about to crash. As irreversible the damage in that particular air crash is, information contained in the black box sheds some major light on reasons behind the crash.

You know what's a black box right? A box inside aircrafts which collects vital information before the plane is about to crash. As irreversible the damage in that particular air crash is, information contained in the black box sheds some major light on reasons behind the crash. Analysis of this information helps in preventing such catastrophe in future. A similar sort of black box is being built for Earth. So is Earth in danger? Is it akin to an aircraft primed for a crash? Many scientists say so. While this 'crash' may not be a literal one, effects of climate change are said to have massive impact on human civilisation. This black box is being built on western coast of Tasmania, Australia. Its mission is to 'record every step' humankind takes towards eventual destruction. Also Read | In a first, fossils of a herd of 11 dinosaurs found in Italy While all this business sounds gloomy, the information contained in this black box is expected to be a warning to future civilisations. In simpler terms, this may be a manual for 'how not to commit civilisational suicide'. The black box is currently in beta stage of testing. When it's complete, this black box will be the size of a school bus with 3-inch-thick steel coating. It will have solar panels. It will also have data storage drives. Once activated, the black box will measure atmospheric carbon levels and temperature changes. It will also be equipped with an algorithm that will enable it to surf the net in search of vital information, even social media posts. Also Read | NASA wants you to help in establishing a nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030 This black box is being built by marketing communications company Clemenger BBDO in collaboration with researchers in University of Tasmania. It is estimated that storage drives will last for next 30 to 50 years. End of the world is THAT close? Yikes!

This 'black box for Earth' will record everything as our civilisation dies

A leading opthalmologist in Pakistan has expressed sadness at lynching of Sri Lankan national in Sialkot. Dr Niaz Brohi, the opthalmologist, drew attention to the fact that 40 per cent of corneas used in Pakistan for eye transplant come from Sri Lanka and are donated by Sri Lankan citizens.

“We hang our heads in shame,” he has been quoted as saying by SAMAA digital.

He told the news platform that Pakistan was largest recipient of corneas from Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

Sri Lankan national Priyantha Kumara Diyawadana was lynched to death by a mob of hundreds on December 3 in Pakistan's Sialkot. The frenzied mob attacked Priyantha on suspicions that he had committed blasphemy. Priyantha, a manager of a factory was attacked, tortured and his body was burnt. As per media reports on post-mortem, all bones in his body were broken and the body was 99 per cent burnt.

Diyawadana's body was transferred to Lahore after the autopsy, according to a Punjab Police spokeswoman, where that was handed over to the Sri Lankan embassy.

Dr Brohi, who is a member of Sri Lanka Eye Donation Society from Pakistan. Samaa digital said that the society had donated 35,000 eye corneas to Pakistan.

“Sri Lankan donated us eyes, but we have lost sight,” Dr Brohi told the news platform

A leading opthalmologist in Pakistan has expressed sadness at lynching of Sri Lankan national in Sialkot. Dr Niaz Brohi, the opthalmologist, drew attention to the fact that 40 per cent of corneas used in Pakistan for eye transplant come from Sri Lanka and are donated by Sri Lankan citizens.

A leading opthalmologist in Pakistan has expressed sadness at lynching of Sri Lankan national in Sialkot. Dr Niaz Brohi, the opthalmologist, drew attention to the fact that 40 per cent of corneas used in Pakistan for eye transplant come from Sri Lanka and are donated by Sri Lankan citizens. “We hang our heads in shame,” he has been quoted as saying by SAMAA digital. He told the news platform that Pakistan was largest recipient of corneas from Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan national Priyantha Kumara Diyawadana was lynched to death by a mob of hundreds on December 3 in Pakistan's Sialkot. The frenzied mob attacked Priyantha on suspicions that he had committed blasphemy. Priyantha, a manager of a factory was attacked, tortured and his body was burnt. As per media reports on post-mortem, all bones in his body were broken and the body was 99 per cent burnt. Diyawadana's body was transferred to Lahore after the autopsy, according to a Punjab Police spokeswoman, where that was handed over to the Sri Lankan embassy. Dr Brohi, who is a member of Sri Lanka Eye Donation Society from Pakistan. Samaa digital said that the society had donated 35,000 eye corneas to Pakistan. “Sri Lankan donated us eyes, but we have lost sight,” Dr Brohi told the news platform

'Sri Lankans donated 35k eyes to Pakistanis, but we lost sight,' rues doctor after lynching

United Nations on Monday deplored conviction of Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi. UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet called for immediate release of Suu Kyi and called trial that convicted her a 'sham trial'

The conviction of Suu Kyi "closes another door to political dialogue" in Myanmar, where the military took power on Feb. 1, and "will only deepen rejection of the coup", Bachelet said in a statement issued by her Geneva office.

“The conviction of the State Counsellor following a sham trial in secretive proceedings before a military-controlled court is nothing but politically-motivated,” Bachelet added.

Aung San Suu Kyi, former State Counsellor of Myanmar was deposed by country's military in a coup on February 1 this year. The military did not budge and used force to quell nationwide protests that opposed the military rule.

On Monday, Suu Kyi was handed four-year jail term by the court. She&nbsp;had been accused of fomenting unrest against the military and violating Covid rules. She has also been accused by military of corruption.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-aung-san-suu-kyi-jailed-for-four-years-for-inciting-dissent-against-military-434482">Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi jailed for four years for inciting dissent against military</a>

The military has not given details of where Suu Kyi has been detained and it was not immediately clear if the sentencing would mean any immediate change in her circumstances.

The trial in the capital, Naypyitaw, has been closed to the media and the junta's public information outlets have not mentioned the proceedings. Suu Kyi's lawyers have been barred from communicating with the media and public.

(With inputs from agencies)

United Nations on Monday deplored conviction of Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi. UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet called for immediate release of Suu Kyi and called trial that convicted her a 'sham trial' The conviction of Suu Kyi "closes another door to political dialogue" in Myanmar, where the military took power on Feb.

United Nations on Monday deplored conviction of Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi. UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet called for immediate release of Suu Kyi and called trial that convicted her a 'sham trial' The conviction of Suu Kyi "closes another door to political dialogue" in Myanmar, where the military took power on Feb. 1, and "will only deepen rejection of the coup", Bachelet said in a statement issued by her Geneva office. “The conviction of the State Counsellor following a sham trial in secretive proceedings before a military-controlled court is nothing but politically-motivated,” Bachelet added. Aung San Suu Kyi, former State Counsellor of Myanmar was deposed by country's military in a coup on February 1 this year. The military did not budge and used force to quell nationwide protests that opposed the military rule. On Monday, Suu Kyi was handed four-year jail term by the court. She had been accused of fomenting unrest against the military and violating Covid rules. She has also been accused by military of corruption. Also Read | Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi jailed for four years for inciting dissent against military The military has not given details of where Suu Kyi has been detained and it was not immediately clear if the sentencing would mean any immediate change in her circumstances. The trial in the capital, Naypyitaw, has been closed to the media and the junta's public information outlets have not mentioned the proceedings. Suu Kyi's lawyers have been barred from communicating with the media and public. (With inputs from agencies)

UN deplores Suu Kyi conviction, calls trial a 'sham'

A US health authority said that 10 Covid cases were detected among crew and passengers of a Norwegian Cruise Line ship. The ship has thousands on board and was returning to New Orleans.

"The Norwegian Breakaway departed from New Orleans on Nov. 28 and stopped in Belize, Honduras and Mexico on its voyage," the Louisiana Department of Health tweeted Saturday.

"There are more than 3,200 individuals onboard."

Health department said that every individual aboard would be tested for Covid before they disembark.

"Those who test positive for COVID-19 will either (1) travel by personal vehicle directly to their personal residence or (2) self-isolate according to current (US Centers for Disease Control) guidelines in accommodations provided by NCL," the health department tweeted.

The global cruise industry has taken a severe hit during the pandemic.&nbsp;

In February 2020, when little was known about the new coronavirus, a cruise ship named "Diamond Princess" was quarantined off Japan.

More than 700 people on board tested positive for Covid-19 and 13 died, with Japanese authorities heavily criticised for insisting passengers and crew stay on the boat, where the virus continued to spread.

Cruise operations in the US were suspended in March 2020 when the CDC issued a "no sail order" to prevent the spread of Covid.&nbsp;

Some cruise ships resumed operations in Europe and elsewhere last year, but the ban remained in place in the United States.

After a year of crippling losses, cruise industry giants resumed trips from the US in May this year when the CDC gave the green light to allow trips with passengers and crew who are vaccinated.

Canada lifted its ban on cruise ships in its waters last month.

(With inputs from agencies)

A US health authority said that 10 Covid cases were detected among crew and passengers of a Norwegian Cruise Line ship. The ship has thousands on board and was returning to New Orleans.

A US health authority said that 10 Covid cases were detected among crew and passengers of a Norwegian Cruise Line ship. The ship has thousands on board and was returning to New Orleans. "The Norwegian Breakaway departed from New Orleans on Nov. 28 and stopped in Belize, Honduras and Mexico on its voyage," the Louisiana Department of Health tweeted Saturday. "There are more than 3,200 individuals onboard." Health department said that every individual aboard would be tested for Covid before they disembark. "Those who test positive for COVID-19 will either (1) travel by personal vehicle directly to their personal residence or (2) self-isolate according to current (US Centers for Disease Control) guidelines in accommodations provided by NCL," the health department tweeted. The global cruise industry has taken a severe hit during the pandemic. In February 2020, when little was known about the new coronavirus, a cruise ship named "Diamond Princess" was quarantined off Japan. More than 700 people on board tested positive for Covid-19 and 13 died, with Japanese authorities heavily criticised for insisting passengers and crew stay on the boat, where the virus continued to spread. Cruise operations in the US were suspended in March 2020 when the CDC issued a "no sail order" to prevent the spread of Covid. Some cruise ships resumed operations in Europe and elsewhere last year, but the ban remained in place in the United States. After a year of crippling losses, cruise industry giants resumed trips from the US in May this year when the CDC gave the green light to allow trips with passengers and crew who are vaccinated. Canada lifted its ban on cruise ships in its waters last month. (With inputs from agencies)

Ten Covid cases detected on cruise ship having thousands on board

India and Russia are due to hold first 2+2 format dialogue in New Delhi on December 6. Both countries are expected to discuss key bilateral, regional and international issues. Situation in the Indo-Pacific may be discussed as well. The inaugural meeting of the newly instituted 2 + 2 dialogue mechanism between both countries will be held at the level of the foreign and defence ministers.&nbsp;

"Both ministers are expected to discuss bilateral, regional and international political and defence issues within this format, as you know, we have with very few countries," The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi had said on Thursday.

He also informed that "the day (December 6) will begin with Defence Minister and his Russian counterpart, Sergey Shoygu, co-chairing what is known as the Intergovernmental Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation, in the morning."

Ministers of India and Russia are expected to hold detailed discussions over key regional and international topics. Developments in Afghanistan and Syria may also be discussed.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/russian-president-vladimir-putin-to-arrive-in-india-on-december-6-for-a-short-visit-434245">Russian President Vladimir Putin to arrive in India on December 6 for a short visit</a>

The ministers are expected to hold in-depth discussions of the key regional and international topics, including the situation in the Asia-Pacific region and developments in Afghanistan and Syria, as well as exchange views on interaction within the SCO and Russia, India and China (RIC), the Russian embassy had said in a statement on Friday.

"On December 6, Sergey Lavrov and Defence Minister Sergey Shoygu will meet with their Indian colleagues @DrSJaishankar and @rajnathsingh in New Delhi. &nbsp;They will discuss key regional and international matters, including in the Asia-Pacific," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia had said in a tweet.

Bagchi had said that Russian President Vladimir Putin will arrive here on Monday for the 21st India-Russia Annual Summit.

This will be the first in-person meeting between Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi after their meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Brasilia in November 2019.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

India and Russia are due to hold first 2+2 format dialogue in New Delhi on December 6. Both countries are expected to discuss key bilateral, regional and international issues.

India and Russia are due to hold first 2+2 format dialogue in New Delhi on December 6. Both countries are expected to discuss key bilateral, regional and international issues. Situation in the Indo-Pacific may be discussed as well. The inaugural meeting of the newly instituted 2 + 2 dialogue mechanism between both countries will be held at the level of the foreign and defence ministers. "Both ministers are expected to discuss bilateral, regional and international political and defence issues within this format, as you know, we have with very few countries," The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi had said on Thursday. He also informed that "the day (December 6) will begin with Defence Minister and his Russian counterpart, Sergey Shoygu, co-chairing what is known as the Intergovernmental Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation, in the morning." Ministers of India and Russia are expected to hold detailed discussions over key regional and international topics. Developments in Afghanistan and Syria may also be discussed. Also Read | Russian President Vladimir Putin to arrive in India on December 6 for a short visit The ministers are expected to hold in-depth discussions of the key regional and international topics, including the situation in the Asia-Pacific region and developments in Afghanistan and Syria, as well as exchange views on interaction within the SCO and Russia, India and China (RIC), the Russian embassy had said in a statement on Friday. "On December 6, Sergey Lavrov and Defence Minister Sergey Shoygu will meet with their Indian colleagues @DrSJaishankar and @rajnathsingh in New Delhi. They will discuss key regional and international matters, including in the Asia-Pacific," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia had said in a tweet. Bagchi had said that Russian President Vladimir Putin will arrive here on Monday for the 21st India-Russia Annual Summit. This will be the first in-person meeting between Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi after their meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Brasilia in November 2019. (With inputs from agencies)

Inaugural India-Russia 2+2 dialogue to take place today

Protests against Covid restrictions in Brussels turned violent on Sunday prompting the police to use water cannons and teargas. The protesters pelted officers with stones and fireworks.

A few thousand protesters initially marched peacefully through the centre of Belgian capital to the neighbourhood which hosts the headquarters of European Union institutions, where the demonstration reached its endpoint.

A group of protesters, wearing black hoods and chanting "liberte" (freedom) started to throw stones at the police when the protest march reached EU quarter.

Demonstrators were protesting rules imposed in October that oblige people to show COVID-19 passes to access bars and restaurants.

"I can't bear discrimination in any form, and now there's the vaccine pass which is discriminatory, sanctions for (unvaccinated) carers which are discriminatory too, there's mandatory vaccination which is heading our way," one protestor, martial arts teacher Alain Sienaort, said.

"That's all discrimination, so we have to fight it. We don't want a dictatorship."

The protest followed new measures announced on Friday to curb one of Europe's highest infection rates, including mandatory mask wearing for most primary school children and a lengthening of the school holidays.

In late November, a much larger number of demonstrators clashed violently with the police in Brussels. That led to dozens of arrests, injuries among police officers and widespread property damage.

(With inputs from agencies)

Protests against Covid restrictions in Brussels turned violent on Sunday prompting the police to use water cannons and teargas. The protesters pelted officers with stones and fireworks.

Protests against Covid restrictions in Brussels turned violent on Sunday prompting the police to use water cannons and teargas. The protesters pelted officers with stones and fireworks. A few thousand protesters initially marched peacefully through the centre of Belgian capital to the neighbourhood which hosts the headquarters of European Union institutions, where the demonstration reached its endpoint. A group of protesters, wearing black hoods and chanting "liberte" (freedom) started to throw stones at the police when the protest march reached EU quarter. Demonstrators were protesting rules imposed in October that oblige people to show COVID-19 passes to access bars and restaurants. "I can't bear discrimination in any form, and now there's the vaccine pass which is discriminatory, sanctions for (unvaccinated) carers which are discriminatory too, there's mandatory vaccination which is heading our way," one protestor, martial arts teacher Alain Sienaort, said. "That's all discrimination, so we have to fight it. We don't want a dictatorship." The protest followed new measures announced on Friday to curb one of Europe's highest infection rates, including mandatory mask wearing for most primary school children and a lengthening of the school holidays. In late November, a much larger number of demonstrators clashed violently with the police in Brussels. That led to dozens of arrests, injuries among police officers and widespread property damage. (With inputs from agencies)

Brussels: Protest march against Covid restrictions turns violent

Russia said on Sunday that a US spy plane nearly caused a 'mid-air' collision with a Russian commercial flight. Moscow said that that the 'catastrophe' was avoided when the Russian plane dived to avoid the collision.

On Friday morning a NATO CL600 reconnaissance aircraft descended rapidly in airspace above Black Sea. The descent took place across the planned route for Aeroflot passenger plane. The commercial plane was going from Tel Aviv to Moscow and there were 142 people on board, as per Russia's Federal Air Transport Agency's statement.

The Aeroflot flight reportedly had to drop 500 metres (1,600 feet) to keep its distance from the reconnaissance aircraft, which the pilots saw from the cockpit with the naked eye.

A second plane, a smaller CL650 aircraft, flying from the Black Sea resort Sochi to Skopje, the capital of Northern Macedonia, also had to divert to avoid the spy plane, the Russian air transport authority said Saturday.

"The direction and altitude of the commercial flights were immediately altered" to avoid a collision, the agency said, adding that the unknown plane did not respond to radio hails from air traffic control.

While the Federal Air Transport Agency did not say which nation had operated the spy plane, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova indicated on Sunday that the reconnaissance aircraft belonged to the United States.

"The actions of the US Air Force have created a threat to civil aviation," Zakharova said on messaging app Telegram.

"If now a catastrophe in the airspace over the open waters of the Black Sea has been averted, this does not mean that the United States and NATO can continue to risk people's lives with impunity."

The Federal Air Transport Agency said it would lodge a diplomatic protest.

"Increased activity by NATO aircraft near Russia's borders, including above the Black Sea, creates a risk of dangerous accidents involving civilian aircraft," the agency said.

The incident came as tensions rise between Russia and Western nations, which accuse Moscow of massing troops on its border with Ukraine in preparation for a possible invasion.

Russia has denied it has any such plans, in turn accusing NATO countries of "provocations" including military exercises near its borders.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia said on Sunday that a US spy plane nearly caused a 'mid-air' collision with a Russian commercial flight. Moscow said that that the 'catastrophe' was avoided when the Russian plane dived to avoid the collision.

Russia said on Sunday that a US spy plane nearly caused a 'mid-air' collision with a Russian commercial flight. Moscow said that that the 'catastrophe' was avoided when the Russian plane dived to avoid the collision. On Friday morning a NATO CL600 reconnaissance aircraft descended rapidly in airspace above Black Sea. The descent took place across the planned route for Aeroflot passenger plane. The commercial plane was going from Tel Aviv to Moscow and there were 142 people on board, as per Russia's Federal Air Transport Agency's statement. The Aeroflot flight reportedly had to drop 500 metres (1,600 feet) to keep its distance from the reconnaissance aircraft, which the pilots saw from the cockpit with the naked eye. A second plane, a smaller CL650 aircraft, flying from the Black Sea resort Sochi to Skopje, the capital of Northern Macedonia, also had to divert to avoid the spy plane, the Russian air transport authority said Saturday. "The direction and altitude of the commercial flights were immediately altered" to avoid a collision, the agency said, adding that the unknown plane did not respond to radio hails from air traffic control. While the Federal Air Transport Agency did not say which nation had operated the spy plane, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova indicated on Sunday that the reconnaissance aircraft belonged to the United States. "The actions of the US Air Force have created a threat to civil aviation," Zakharova said on messaging app Telegram. "If now a catastrophe in the airspace over the open waters of the Black Sea has been averted, this does not mean that the United States and NATO can continue to risk people's lives with impunity." The Federal Air Transport Agency said it would lodge a diplomatic protest. "Increased activity by NATO aircraft near Russia's borders, including above the Black Sea, creates a risk of dangerous accidents involving civilian aircraft," the agency said. The incident came as tensions rise between Russia and Western nations, which accuse Moscow of massing troops on its border with Ukraine in preparation for a possible invasion. Russia has denied it has any such plans, in turn accusing NATO countries of "provocations" including military exercises near its borders. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia says US spy plane threatened to cause mid-air collision

Pope Francis, during his visit to Greek island of Lesbos urged the world not to use issue or migrants urged for political gains. This was Pope's second visit to the Greek island that has become symbol of plight of refugees.

Pope's first visit in Lesbos was 2016. At that time, he had taken 12 Syrian refugees with him back to Italy.

In his latest visit to Lesbos, Pope met refugees at Mavrovoni camp. The camp holds 2300 people.

He lamented that "little has changed with regard to the issue of migration" since his last visit five years ago.

The Mediterranean, where thousands have died trying to make the crossing from north Africa to Europe, was still "a grim cemetery without tombstones".

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/for-the-first-time-in-two-decades-pope-francis-flies-to-athens-for-papal-visit-434068">For the first time in two decades, Pope Francis flies to Athens for papal visit</a>

"I am here to see your faces and look into your eyes. Eyes full of fear and expectancy, eyes that have seen violence and poverty, eyes streaked by too many tears," he said at the camp's reception and identification area.

Francis for the second straight day chided those who use the migration crisis for political ends.

"It is easy to stir up public opinion by instilling fear of others," he said, adding that people who are anti-immigrant "fail to speak with equal vehemence" about the exploitation of the poor, wars, and the arms industry.

"The remote causes should be attacked, not the poor people who pay the consequences and are even used for political propaganda," he said.

The camp, set up in a old army firing range, is made up of dozens of prefabricated structures, some similar to shipping containers and other, smaller ones made of plastic.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis, during his visit to Greek island of Lesbos urged the world not to use issue or migrants urged for political gains. This was Pope's second visit to the Greek island that has become symbol of plight of refugees.

Pope Francis, during his visit to Greek island of Lesbos urged the world not to use issue or migrants urged for political gains. This was Pope's second visit to the Greek island that has become symbol of plight of refugees. Pope's first visit in Lesbos was 2016. At that time, he had taken 12 Syrian refugees with him back to Italy. In his latest visit to Lesbos, Pope met refugees at Mavrovoni camp. The camp holds 2300 people. He lamented that "little has changed with regard to the issue of migration" since his last visit five years ago. The Mediterranean, where thousands have died trying to make the crossing from north Africa to Europe, was still "a grim cemetery without tombstones". Also Read | For the first time in two decades, Pope Francis flies to Athens for papal visit "I am here to see your faces and look into your eyes. Eyes full of fear and expectancy, eyes that have seen violence and poverty, eyes streaked by too many tears," he said at the camp's reception and identification area. Francis for the second straight day chided those who use the migration crisis for political ends. "It is easy to stir up public opinion by instilling fear of others," he said, adding that people who are anti-immigrant "fail to speak with equal vehemence" about the exploitation of the poor, wars, and the arms industry. "The remote causes should be attacked, not the poor people who pay the consequences and are even used for political propaganda," he said. The camp, set up in a old army firing range, is made up of dozens of prefabricated structures, some similar to shipping containers and other, smaller ones made of plastic. (With inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis visits refugee island, urges against exploitation of migrants for politics

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