UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday lauded India's role in the world as vaccine making hub. He applauded India for supply of COVID-19 doses to countries around the world. India is called pharmacy of the world and it is world's biggest makers of vaccines. Indian companies like Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech have played instrumental role in manufacture COVID-19 vaccines.

"I would like to say how much we count on India. I mean, India has one of the most advanced pharmaceutical industries. India played a very important role in the production of generics for use that was a very important element of democratisation of access to medicines all over the world," Guterres said.

"..we strongly hope that India will have all the instruments that are necessary to play a major role in making sure that a global vaccination campaign becomes possible. I think that the production capacity of India is one of the best assets the world has today, and I hope the world understands that it must be fully used," he said.

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India has airlifted more than 6 million COVID-19 doses to nine countries in Phase-I under its initiative termed "Vaccine Maitri". Contractual supplies to various countries are also being undertaken in a phased manner and New Delhi has said it will gradually supply to the COVAX facility of the World Health Organization.

COVAX is the global initiative to ensure rapid and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines for all countries, regardless of income level.

This month, COVAX had announced that, pending WHO emergency use listings, nearly 150 million doses of the AstraZeneca/Oxford candidate are anticipated to be available in the first quarter of 2021, via existing agreements with the Serum Institute of India (SII) and AstraZeneca.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-may-damage-sperm-quality-reduce-male-fertility-study-359981">Coronavirus may damage sperm quality, reduce male fertility: Study</a>

The Joe Biden administration has also applauded India for sending crucial supplies of the COVID19 vaccine to a host of South Asian nations, describing India as "a true friend" who is using its pharma to help the global community.

India has already rolled out a massive coronavirus vaccination drive under which two vaccines, Covishield and Covaxin, are being administered to frontline health workers across the country. The country plans to vaccinate about 300 million citizens in the first six months.

Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives have received India's COVID-19 vaccines under grant assistance in sync with its "Neighbourhood First" policy.

(With PTI inputs)

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday lauded India's role in the world as vaccine making hub. He applauded India for supply of COVID-19 doses to countries around the world.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday lauded India's role in the world as vaccine making hub. He applauded India for supply of COVID-19 doses to countries around the world. India is called pharmacy of the world and it is world's biggest makers of vaccines. Indian companies like Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech have played instrumental role in manufacture COVID-19 vaccines. "I would like to say how much we count on India. I mean, India has one of the most advanced pharmaceutical industries. India played a very important role in the production of generics for use that was a very important element of democratisation of access to medicines all over the world," Guterres said. "..we strongly hope that India will have all the instruments that are necessary to play a major role in making sure that a global vaccination campaign becomes possible. I think that the production capacity of India is one of the best assets the world has today, and I hope the world understands that it must be fully used," he said. × India has airlifted more than 6 million COVID-19 doses to nine countries in Phase-I under its initiative termed "Vaccine Maitri". Contractual supplies to various countries are also being undertaken in a phased manner and New Delhi has said it will gradually supply to the COVAX facility of the World Health Organization. COVAX is the global initiative to ensure rapid and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines for all countries, regardless of income level. This month, COVAX had announced that, pending WHO emergency use listings, nearly 150 million doses of the AstraZeneca/Oxford candidate are anticipated to be available in the first quarter of 2021, via existing agreements with the Serum Institute of India (SII) and AstraZeneca. Also Read | Coronavirus may damage sperm quality, reduce male fertility: Study The Joe Biden administration has also applauded India for sending crucial supplies of the COVID19 vaccine to a host of South Asian nations, describing India as "a true friend" who is using its pharma to help the global community. India has already rolled out a massive coronavirus vaccination drive under which two vaccines, Covishield and Covaxin, are being administered to frontline health workers across the country. The country plans to vaccinate about 300 million citizens in the first six months. Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives have received India's COVID-19 vaccines under grant assistance in sync with its "Neighbourhood First" policy. (With PTI inputs)

UN chief praises Indian vaccine making capacity, calls it an asset

Union Budget 2021 will be preceded by presentation of Economic Survey 2020-2021 in the Indian Parliament. The survey will be presented today. Economic survey is an assessment of the year gone by. It measures the effect of various government schemes on the economy and sets the stage for Union Budget to be presented. Economic survey kicks off the budget session of the parliament. Prior to tabling of the survey, President Ram Nath Kovind will address a joint session of both houses of the parliament. WION will bring you all updates of the survey via its LIVE streams

If you want to watch the economic survey online on WION live TV <a href="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv">here is the link</a>.

The LIVE stream will be available on Facebook as well, click here for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WIONews">WION's FB page</a>

WION will also livestream economic survey on its Youtube channel. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_gUM8rL-Lrg6O3adPW9K1g">Here is the link</a>.

The livestream will be available on Twitter as well. <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews">Here is the link to Twitter page</a>

All eyes are on this year's economic survey as 2020 saw unprecedented impact on global economy due to coronavirus pandemic. India has the challenge to bring the economy back on track. The budget and economic survey this year are hence important.

Stay tuned to WION for latest updates on Economic Survey 2020-21

Union Budget 2021 will be preceded by presentation of Economic Survey 2020-2021 in the Indian Parliament. The survey will be presented today. Economic survey is an assessment of the year gone by.

Union Budget 2021 will be preceded by presentation of Economic Survey 2020-2021 in the Indian Parliament. The survey will be presented today. Economic survey is an assessment of the year gone by. It measures the effect of various government schemes on the economy and sets the stage for Union Budget to be presented. Economic survey kicks off the budget session of the parliament. Prior to tabling of the survey, President Ram Nath Kovind will address a joint session of both houses of the parliament. WION will bring you all updates of the survey via its LIVE streams If you want to watch the economic survey online on WION live TV here is the link. The LIVE stream will be available on Facebook as well, click here for WION's FB page WION will also livestream economic survey on its Youtube channel. Here is the link. The livestream will be available on Twitter as well. Here is the link to Twitter page All eyes are on this year's economic survey as 2020 saw unprecedented impact on global economy due to coronavirus pandemic. India has the challenge to bring the economy back on track. The budget and economic survey this year are hence important. Stay tuned to WION for latest updates on Economic Survey 2020-21

Budget 2021: How to watch Economic Survey 2020-21 LIVE streaming

On the same day as the US saying that it was "outraged" at the acquittal of killer of Daniel Pearl, Sindh government in Pakistan has filed a review petition before Pakistan Supreme Court. The court on Thursday had ordered the immediate release of Omar Saeed Sheikh, the prime suspect in Daniel Pearl killing who was convicted of the murder by a lower court in Pakistan. The review petition has been filed against the order given by Pakistan Supreme Court on Thursday.&nbsp;

Daniel Pearl was South Asia bureau chief of Wall Street Journal. He was abducted and killed in 2002. His killing was filmed. The entire incident had caused outrage globally.

Pearl was researching a story about Islamist militants when he was abducted in the southern port megacity of Karachi in Sindh province in January 2002.

Nearly a month later, after a string of ransom demands, a graphic video showing his decapitation was given to officials.

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&nbsp;

Sheikh, a British-born jihadist who once studied at the London School of Economics and had been involved in previous kidnappings of foreigners, was arrested days after Pearl's abduction.&nbsp;

He was later sentenced to death by hanging after telling a Karachi court that Pearl had already been killed days before the gruesome video of the journalist's beheading had been released.

Pearl's family on Thursday called the decision to free him "a travesty of justice" and pleaded for US intervention in the case.&nbsp;

On Friday, US President Joe Biden's chief spokeswoman Jen Psaki made USA's displeasure clear. She said that US was &nbsp;"outraged by the Pakistani Supreme Court's decision"&nbsp;

She called the ruling "an affront to terrorism victims everywhere" and demanded the Pakistani government "review its legal options."

(With AFP inputs)

On the same day as the US saying that it was "outraged" at the acquittal of killer of Daniel Pearl, Sindh government in Pakistan has filed a review petition before Pakistan Supreme Court.

On the same day as the US saying that it was "outraged" at the acquittal of killer of Daniel Pearl, Sindh government in Pakistan has filed a review petition before Pakistan Supreme Court. The court on Thursday had ordered the immediate release of Omar Saeed Sheikh, the prime suspect in Daniel Pearl killing who was convicted of the murder by a lower court in Pakistan. The review petition has been filed against the order given by Pakistan Supreme Court on Thursday. Daniel Pearl was South Asia bureau chief of Wall Street Journal. He was abducted and killed in 2002. His killing was filmed. The entire incident had caused outrage globally. Pearl was researching a story about Islamist militants when he was abducted in the southern port megacity of Karachi in Sindh province in January 2002. Nearly a month later, after a string of ransom demands, a graphic video showing his decapitation was given to officials. × Sheikh, a British-born jihadist who once studied at the London School of Economics and had been involved in previous kidnappings of foreigners, was arrested days after Pearl's abduction. He was later sentenced to death by hanging after telling a Karachi court that Pearl had already been killed days before the gruesome video of the journalist's beheading had been released. Pearl's family on Thursday called the decision to free him "a travesty of justice" and pleaded for US intervention in the case. On Friday, US President Joe Biden's chief spokeswoman Jen Psaki made USA's displeasure clear. She said that US was "outraged by the Pakistani Supreme Court's decision" She called the ruling "an affront to terrorism victims everywhere" and demanded the Pakistani government "review its legal options." (With AFP inputs)

Daniel Pearl killing: After US displeasure, Pakistan files review petition in supreme court

Bitcoin jumped 14 per cent in Friday to attain two-week high after Tesla chief Elon Musk tagged the cryptocurrency on Twitter. Elon Musk has tagged the cryptocurrency in his Twitter biography. He simply wrote "#bitcoin" in his biography on the social media site. The cryptocurrency was trading at $37,800 as of 0936 GMT.

Elon Musk is known for making market-moving comments on Twitter.

GameStop Corp , which has been at the centre of retail trading frenzy, surged 50% on Tuesday after Musk tweeted "Gamestonk!!", along with a link to the Reddit Wallstreetbets stock trading discussion group.

Musk, in December, asked about possibility of converting "large transactions" of Tesla's balance sheet into bitcoin. He said this during Twitter exchange with a well-known advocate for bitcoin.

(With Reuters inputs)

Bitcoin jumped 14 per cent in Friday to attain two-week high after Tesla chief Elon Musk tagged the cryptocurrency on Twitter. Elon Musk has tagged the cryptocurrency in his Twitter biography.

Bitcoin jumped 14 per cent in Friday to attain two-week high after Tesla chief Elon Musk tagged the cryptocurrency on Twitter. Elon Musk has tagged the cryptocurrency in his Twitter biography. He simply wrote "#bitcoin" in his biography on the social media site. The cryptocurrency was trading at $37,800 as of 0936 GMT. Elon Musk is known for making market-moving comments on Twitter. GameStop Corp , which has been at the centre of retail trading frenzy, surged 50% on Tuesday after Musk tweeted "Gamestonk!!", along with a link to the Reddit Wallstreetbets stock trading discussion group. Musk, in December, asked about possibility of converting "large transactions" of Tesla's balance sheet into bitcoin. He said this during Twitter exchange with a well-known advocate for bitcoin. (With Reuters inputs)

Bitcoin jumps 14 per cent to two-week high after Elon Musk tag

How badly do you want coronavirus vaccine? Well, majority of people would express their eagerness. After all, the world is eager to break coronavirus shackles and lead life just like old times.

But would you deprive someone of their right to vaccine by taking it out of turn? Falsify identity? Such a deed would definitely not find any approval. But a rich couple in Canada is facing heat for hogging coronavirus vaccines meant for the elderly among indigenous group. The couple is looking at jailtime as well.

Casino executive Rodney Baker and his wife Ekaterina Baker secretly travelled to Yukon territory in Canada, posed as someone else in order to get the vaccine.

Authorities had sent a vaccination team to Beaver Creek. This area has a population that has many elderly persons of White River First Nation indigenous population.

The Bakers took a chartered flight to reach Beaver Creek. Then they post as local motel employees in order to get vaccinated. There is an outrage in the local community due to the incident. As per media reports, the couple has not made any attempt to apologise to the community.

The couple was fined USD 1800. However, locals are not happy as they point out that the millionaire couple can easily pay this amount and go about their lives as if nothing had happened. The police are carrying out further investigation.

How badly do you want coronavirus vaccine? Well, majority of people would express their eagerness. After all, the world is eager to break coronavirus shackles and lead life just like old times.

How badly do you want coronavirus vaccine? Well, majority of people would express their eagerness. After all, the world is eager to break coronavirus shackles and lead life just like old times. But would you deprive someone of their right to vaccine by taking it out of turn? Falsify identity? Such a deed would definitely not find any approval. But a rich couple in Canada is facing heat for hogging coronavirus vaccines meant for the elderly among indigenous group. The couple is looking at jailtime as well. Casino executive Rodney Baker and his wife Ekaterina Baker secretly travelled to Yukon territory in Canada, posed as someone else in order to get the vaccine. Authorities had sent a vaccination team to Beaver Creek. This area has a population that has many elderly persons of White River First Nation indigenous population. The Bakers took a chartered flight to reach Beaver Creek. Then they post as local motel employees in order to get vaccinated. There is an outrage in the local community due to the incident. As per media reports, the couple has not made any attempt to apologise to the community. The couple was fined USD 1800. However, locals are not happy as they point out that the millionaire couple can easily pay this amount and go about their lives as if nothing had happened. The police are carrying out further investigation.

Millionaire couple takes COVID vaccine meant for indigenous people, faces jailtime

Portugal parliament is expected to pass a law that will allow medically assisted euthanasia. The law, if passed will make Portugal fourth country in Europe to legalise euthanasia. The proposal to change the law was approved in February in the Catholic-majority country. The bill legalises access to assisted suicide for adult patients in a situation of "extreme suffering and irreversible damage". Doctors and psychiatrists must validate the decision if the patient's ability to make a "free and informed" choice is in doubt. The vote is expected to take place around midday (local time) today.

Any new bill must then be signed into law by recently re-elected president Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, a staunch Catholic and conservative who has not publicly taken a position on the issue.

The president can choose to veto the law but a second vote by lawmakers can override the decision.

"People deserve the right to be able to choose," said retired oncologist Jorge Espirito Santo, who has campaigned for years to make euthanasia legal.

He added he was expecting a "historic day".

The Catholic Church, which predominates in Portugal, campaigned against the draft bills both among its faithful and those of other denominations.

"The Church's position has not changed," spokesman for the Portuguese Episcopal Conference, Father Manuel Barbosa told AFP.

"Of course we hope that this law will not be approved."&nbsp;

Euthanasia is legal in three European countries -- Belgium, The Netherlands and Luxemburg -- while others allow terminally ill people to refuse life-maintaining treatment or to have help to die.

(With AFP inputs)

Portugal parliament is expected to pass a law that will allow medically assisted euthanasia. The law, if passed will make Portugal fourth country in Europe to legalise euthanasia.

Portugal parliament is expected to pass a law that will allow medically assisted euthanasia. The law, if passed will make Portugal fourth country in Europe to legalise euthanasia. The proposal to change the law was approved in February in the Catholic-majority country. The bill legalises access to assisted suicide for adult patients in a situation of "extreme suffering and irreversible damage". Doctors and psychiatrists must validate the decision if the patient's ability to make a "free and informed" choice is in doubt. The vote is expected to take place around midday (local time) today. Any new bill must then be signed into law by recently re-elected president Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, a staunch Catholic and conservative who has not publicly taken a position on the issue. The president can choose to veto the law but a second vote by lawmakers can override the decision. "People deserve the right to be able to choose," said retired oncologist Jorge Espirito Santo, who has campaigned for years to make euthanasia legal. He added he was expecting a "historic day". The Catholic Church, which predominates in Portugal, campaigned against the draft bills both among its faithful and those of other denominations. "The Church's position has not changed," spokesman for the Portuguese Episcopal Conference, Father Manuel Barbosa told AFP. "Of course we hope that this law will not be approved." Euthanasia is legal in three European countries -- Belgium, The Netherlands and Luxemburg -- while others allow terminally ill people to refuse life-maintaining treatment or to have help to die. (With AFP inputs)

Portuguese parliament to vote on euthanasia legalisation

Taliban said that one of their top negotiator met Russian officials in Moscow and discussed Afghan peace process. This development came just a week after Biden administration said would review Washington's deal with the insurgents. Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, deputy head of Taliban negotiating team met Russian President Vladimir Putin's special envoy for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulo and other foreign ministry officials in Moscow.

"The ongoing situation of the intra-Afghan negotiations and subjects concerning the full implementation of the Doha agreement were discussed during the meeting," Taliban spokesman Mohammad Naeem said on Twitter, referring to the US-Taliban deal signed in the Qatari capital in February 2020.

Taliban representatives had visited Russia several times before striking February 2020 peace deal with the USA.

The deal paved the way for the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Afghanistan by May this year -- in return for the insurgents offering some security guarantees and agreeing to hold peace talks with Afghan government. 
The peace talks began on September 12 but violence has surged in Afghanistan.

High-profile assassinations have increased in recent months, particularly in Kabul, where several journalists, activists, judges and politicians have been murdered in brazen daylight attacks.

Officials blame the Taliban for the killings, though the group has steadfastly denied any involvement.

During the talks in Moscow on Thursday, the Russian side "spoke in favour of the early launch of meaningful and constructive inter-Afghan negotiations, leading to an end to the bloody civil war," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement.

Despite months of discussions, the peace talks between the Taliban and Afghan government in Doha have largely stalled, according to Kabul's negotiating team.&nbsp;

(With AFP inputs)

Taliban said that one of their top negotiator met Russian officials in Moscow and discussed Afghan peace process. This development came just a week after Biden administration said would review Washington's deal with the insurgents.

Taliban said that one of their top negotiator met Russian officials in Moscow and discussed Afghan peace process. This development came just a week after Biden administration said would review Washington's deal with the insurgents. Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, deputy head of Taliban negotiating team met Russian President Vladimir Putin's special envoy for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulo and other foreign ministry officials in Moscow. "The ongoing situation of the intra-Afghan negotiations and subjects concerning the full implementation of the Doha agreement were discussed during the meeting," Taliban spokesman Mohammad Naeem said on Twitter, referring to the US-Taliban deal signed in the Qatari capital in February 2020. Taliban representatives had visited Russia several times before striking February 2020 peace deal with the USA. The deal paved the way for the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Afghanistan by May this year -- in return for the insurgents offering some security guarantees and agreeing to hold peace talks with Afghan government. The peace talks began on September 12 but violence has surged in Afghanistan. High-profile assassinations have increased in recent months, particularly in Kabul, where several journalists, activists, judges and politicians have been murdered in brazen daylight attacks. Officials blame the Taliban for the killings, though the group has steadfastly denied any involvement. During the talks in Moscow on Thursday, the Russian side "spoke in favour of the early launch of meaningful and constructive inter-Afghan negotiations, leading to an end to the bloody civil war," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement. Despite months of discussions, the peace talks between the Taliban and Afghan government in Doha have largely stalled, according to Kabul's negotiating team. (With AFP inputs)

Taliban negotiator discusses Afghan peace deal with Russia

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny will remain in detention ahead of hearing scheduled to take place next month. US President Joe Biden has withdrawn plans to shelve H4 work permits that allow spouses of H1-B visa holders to work in US. Meanwhile China has warned Taiwan that independence 'means war'. Read this and more in our Top 10 world news.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-must-be-allowed-to-work-free-from-political-interference-china-on-virus-probe-359878">WHO must be allowed to work free from political interference: China on virus probe</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-must-be-allowed-to-work-free-from-political-interference-china-on-virus-probe-359878"><img alt="China" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aa9d48fb-e098-4392-b6ee-0b70449e1d65" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/China_9.JPG" /></a> 
 
The origin of the virus has become the bone of contention between China and the US with Chinese state media citing the presence of the virus in imported frozen food.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-critic-navalny-to-remain-in-detention-ahead-of-hearing-next-month-359905">Kremlin critic Navalny to remain in detention ahead of hearing next month</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-critic-navalny-to-remain-in-detention-ahead-of-hearing-next-month-359905"><img alt="Navalny" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="666de129-607c-4a7b-a463-908cd9fd8f7a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Navalny_0.JPG" /></a> 
 
Thursday's ruling came after Navalny's team called for fresh demonstrations on Sunday against Putin's 20-year rule.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-biden-withdraws-plans-to-shelve-h4-work-permit-allowing-spouses-of-h1-b-holders-to-work-in-us-359861">President Biden withdraws plans to shelve H4 work permit allowing spouses of H1-B holders to work in US</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-biden-withdraws-plans-to-shelve-h4-work-permit-allowing-spouses-of-h1-b-holders-to-work-in-us-359861"><img alt="Work visa" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cb972f20-16d6-420a-a4ce-d041b94a4c26" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Passport.JPG" /></a> 
 
The US government issues H-4 visa to family members of those who possess the H1-B visa which include spouse and children under 21 years of age.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-warns-taiwan-that-independence-means-war-359865">China warns Taiwan that independence 'means war'</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-warns-taiwan-that-independence-means-war-359865"><img alt="Taiwan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="19fd62a5-0bfb-4e1e-a268-5f2075487f6d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Taiwan_0.JPG" /></a> 
 
Taiwan, claimed by China as its own territory, reported multiple Chinese fighter jets and bombers entering its southwestern air defence identification zone last weekend, prompting Washington to urge Beijing to stop pressuring Taiwan

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizer-says-covid-vaccine-effective-against-uk-south-africa-mutations-359921">Pfizer says Covid vaccine effective against UK, South Africa mutations</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizer-says-covid-vaccine-effective-against-uk-south-africa-mutations-359921"><img alt="Pfizer" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bbe863b3-d36c-4d13-992b-fca9d331adfc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Pfizer_0.JPG" /></a> 
 
Pfizer/BioNTech, which had previously said it was unlikely that the strain originally found in Britain could escape vaccine protection, said Thursday that early tests suggest their immunisation would be similarly protective against the variant in South Africa

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-tells-google-facebook-and-twitter-to-extend-fake-news-watch-covid-19-in-focus-359909">EU tells Google, Facebook and Twitter to extend fake news watch, COVID-19 in focus</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-tells-google-facebook-and-twitter-to-extend-fake-news-watch-covid-19-in-focus-359909"><img alt="Facebook" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="05cd03f8-588f-4a44-b487-dd729b4456b5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Facebook_0.JPG" /></a> 
 
Social media and online platforms have come under fire globally over the spread of fake news, leading to calls for regulators to force them to do more or face cumbersome rules.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pharma-distributors-in-talks-with-us-for-cut-of-covid-vaccine-shipping-deal-359900">Pharma distributors in talks with US for cut of Covid vaccine shipping deal</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pharma-distributors-in-talks-with-us-for-cut-of-covid-vaccine-shipping-deal-359900"><img alt="COVID" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e6bb70eb-7866-4032-abdf-81e0786aa253" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/CORONA.JPG" /></a> 
 
President Joe Biden has called the initial phase of the vaccination campaign a "dismal failure" and with vaccinations in the United States at around 1 million per day, the new administration wants to expand and improve the program.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijing-warns-biden-says-containing-china-is-mission-impossible-359890">Beijing warns Biden, says containing China is 'mission impossible'</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijing-warns-biden-says-containing-china-is-mission-impossible-359890"><img alt="Beijing" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cec54186-d1b0-4224-b20b-f9720b9c986e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/China%20US.JPG" /></a> 
 
The warning came as the Biden administration works to shore up its Asian alliances against Beijing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-to-meet-top-shiite-cleric-grand-ayatollah-ali-sistani-during-iraq-visit-359898">Pope Francis to meet top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani during Iraq visit</a>

<img alt="Pope" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1b77dcd0-8fb3-44f8-b67e-a59167b482b6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Pope.JPG" />

Pope Francis will visit Ira from March 5 to 8. He has plans of visiting Baghdad, the northern city of Mosul and Ur

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-president-bolsonaro-blasts-media-over-reports-on-condensed-milk-359859">Brazil President Bolsonaro blasts media over reports on condensed milk</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-president-bolsonaro-blasts-media-over-reports-on-condensed-milk-359859"><img alt="Bolsonaro" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7d245b15-0bcf-4652-a748-e116200168af" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Bolsonaro.JPG" /></a> 
 
Brazilian social media was flooded with memes linking Bolsonaro with condensed milk on Tuesday -- including one that portrayed soldiers painting a curb with paint cans filled with the viscous liquid

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny will remain in detention ahead of hearing scheduled to take place next month. US President Joe Biden has withdrawn plans to shelve H4 work permits that allow spouses of H1-B visa holders to work in US.

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny will remain in detention ahead of hearing scheduled to take place next month. US President Joe Biden has withdrawn plans to shelve H4 work permits that allow spouses of H1-B visa holders to work in US. Meanwhile China has warned Taiwan that independence 'means war'. Read this and more in our Top 10 world news. WHO must be allowed to work free from political interference: China on virus probe The origin of the virus has become the bone of contention between China and the US with Chinese state media citing the presence of the virus in imported frozen food. Kremlin critic Navalny to remain in detention ahead of hearing next month Thursday's ruling came after Navalny's team called for fresh demonstrations on Sunday against Putin's 20-year rule. President Biden withdraws plans to shelve H4 work permit allowing spouses of H1-B holders to work in US The US government issues H-4 visa to family members of those who possess the H1-B visa which include spouse and children under 21 years of age. China warns Taiwan that independence 'means war' Taiwan, claimed by China as its own territory, reported multiple Chinese fighter jets and bombers entering its southwestern air defence identification zone last weekend, prompting Washington to urge Beijing to stop pressuring Taiwan Pfizer says Covid vaccine effective against UK, South Africa mutations Pfizer/BioNTech, which had previously said it was unlikely that the strain originally found in Britain could escape vaccine protection, said Thursday that early tests suggest their immunisation would be similarly protective against the variant in South Africa EU tells Google, Facebook and Twitter to extend fake news watch, COVID-19 in focus Social media and online platforms have come under fire globally over the spread of fake news, leading to calls for regulators to force them to do more or face cumbersome rules. Pharma distributors in talks with US for cut of Covid vaccine shipping deal President Joe Biden has called the initial phase of the vaccination campaign a "dismal failure" and with vaccinations in the United States at around 1 million per day, the new administration wants to expand and improve the program. Beijing warns Biden, says containing China is 'mission impossible' The warning came as the Biden administration works to shore up its Asian alliances against Beijing. Pope Francis to meet top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani during Iraq visit Pope Francis will visit Ira from March 5 to 8. He has plans of visiting Baghdad, the northern city of Mosul and Ur Brazil President Bolsonaro blasts media over reports on condensed milk Brazilian social media was flooded with memes linking Bolsonaro with condensed milk on Tuesday -- including one that portrayed soldiers painting a curb with paint cans filled with the viscous liquid

Top 10 world news: Navalny to remain detained, H4 work permits may continue, and more

A study has put New Zealand at the top of the list that arranged countries on the basis of how effective their response to coronavirus was. The top 10 countries have some surprises just as bad position assumed by developed nations in the list.

The study was carried out by Lowy Institute, a think tank in Australia. The page having interactive representation of the study says that the study was carried out "with publicly available and comparable data on the virus have managed the pandemic to date following their hundredth confirmed case of COVID-19"

"Countries have been sorted into broad categories — by regions, political systems, population size, and economic development — to determine whether significant variations exist between different types of states in the handling of the pandemic." says the Lowy Institute website.

The rankings feature 98 countries from all corners of the world.

It's probably not a surprise that New Zealand bagged the top spot. The country was coronavirus-free when the world was in the thick of the pandemic. At a time when hard lockdowns were imposed across the world, New Zealand was able to resume public activities as the pandemic was brought under control. New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern was praised for the country's response to the pandemic.

Some countries have made surprise appearance in the top 10. Africa is often seen as the most 'backward' continent. But Rwanda managed to bag the sixth position.

It was not a surprise that the USA received poor marks. The most powerful nation in the world was placed at 94th position among 98 countries in the list. The UK was at 66th position. The first European country to feature on the list is Cyprus at number 5.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-must-be-allowed-to-work-free-from-political-interference-china-on-virus-probe-359878">WHO must be allowed to work free from political interference: China on virus probe</a>

Here are the top-10 countries in the list

1. New Zealand

2. Vietnam

3. Taiwan

4. Thailand

5. Cyprus

6. Rwanda

7. Iceland

8. Australia

9. Latvia

10. Sri Lanka

A study has put New Zealand at the top of the list that arranged countries on the basis of how effective their response to coronavirus was. The top 10 countries have some surprises just as bad position assumed by developed nations in the list.

A study has put New Zealand at the top of the list that arranged countries on the basis of how effective their response to coronavirus was. The top 10 countries have some surprises just as bad position assumed by developed nations in the list. The study was carried out by Lowy Institute, a think tank in Australia. The page having interactive representation of the study says that the study was carried out "with publicly available and comparable data on the virus have managed the pandemic to date following their hundredth confirmed case of COVID-19" "Countries have been sorted into broad categories — by regions, political systems, population size, and economic development — to determine whether significant variations exist between different types of states in the handling of the pandemic." says the Lowy Institute website. The rankings feature 98 countries from all corners of the world. It's probably not a surprise that New Zealand bagged the top spot. The country was coronavirus-free when the world was in the thick of the pandemic. At a time when hard lockdowns were imposed across the world, New Zealand was able to resume public activities as the pandemic was brought under control. New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern was praised for the country's response to the pandemic. Some countries have made surprise appearance in the top 10. Africa is often seen as the most 'backward' continent. But Rwanda managed to bag the sixth position. It was not a surprise that the USA received poor marks. The most powerful nation in the world was placed at 94th position among 98 countries in the list. The UK was at 66th position. The first European country to feature on the list is Cyprus at number 5. Also Read | WHO must be allowed to work free from political interference: China on virus probe Here are the top-10 countries in the list 1. New Zealand 2. Vietnam 3. Taiwan 4. Thailand 5. Cyprus 6. Rwanda 7. Iceland 8. Australia 9. Latvia 10. Sri Lanka

Here are top 10 countries that battled COVID pandemic the best

Pope Francis will meet top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani during first-ever papal visit to Iraq, as per a senior Catholic cleric. Louis Sako, patriarch of Iraq's Chaldean Catholic Church, said it would be a "private visit" between the two religious figures. The visit will be "without formalities".

Sako hoped that the two religious figures would sign document on "human fraternity for world peace". The document is an inter-religious text condemning extremism that the Pope signed with leading Sunni cleric, the grand imam of Al-Azhar, Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, in 2019.

Pope Francis will visit Ira from March 5 to 8. He has plans of visiting Baghdad, the northern city of Mosul and Ur, where Abraham is said to have been born.

Iraq once counted more than 1.5 million Christians, but the community has been ravaged by successive conflicts.

Following the US-led invasion of 2003, sectarian warfare prompted followers of Iraq's multiple Christian denominations to flee and attacks by the Islamic State group in 2014 further hit all minority communities.

Now, an estimated 400,000 Christians remain in Iraq.&nbsp;

(With AFP inputs)

Pope Francis will meet top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani during first-ever papal visit to Iraq, as per a senior Catholic cleric. Louis Sako, patriarch of Iraq's Chaldean Catholic Church, said it would be a "private visit" between the two religious figures.

Pope Francis will meet top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani during first-ever papal visit to Iraq, as per a senior Catholic cleric. Louis Sako, patriarch of Iraq's Chaldean Catholic Church, said it would be a "private visit" between the two religious figures. The visit will be "without formalities". Sako hoped that the two religious figures would sign document on "human fraternity for world peace". The document is an inter-religious text condemning extremism that the Pope signed with leading Sunni cleric, the grand imam of Al-Azhar, Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, in 2019. Pope Francis will visit Ira from March 5 to 8. He has plans of visiting Baghdad, the northern city of Mosul and Ur, where Abraham is said to have been born. Iraq once counted more than 1.5 million Christians, but the community has been ravaged by successive conflicts. Following the US-led invasion of 2003, sectarian warfare prompted followers of Iraq's multiple Christian denominations to flee and attacks by the Islamic State group in 2014 further hit all minority communities. Now, an estimated 400,000 Christians remain in Iraq. (With AFP inputs)

Pope Francis to meet top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani during Iraq visit

Hundreds of Rohingya refugees are missing from a refugee camp in Indonesia. There are fears that the refugees have been trafficked to neighbouring Malaysia. The makeshift camp only has 112 refugees. The camp is located in Lhokseumawe on Indonesia's northern coast. In June and September last year, about 400 refugees had arrived at the camp.

Neither local authorities nor the UN could account for the whereabouts of the refugees from the stateless Muslim minority from Myanmar, who are feared to have enlisted traffickers to help them cross the Malacca strait into Malaysia.&nbsp;

"We don't know yet where they went," said Ridwan Jalil, head of the Rohingya taskforce in Lhokseumawe. "But they'll escape if they can find any hole to leave because that is their goal."

A military crackdown in 2017 (dubbed a genocide by UN investigators) forced 750,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee across the borders to Bangladesh.

Thousands have since paid smugglers to get them out of Bangladesh, enduring harrowing, months-long sea journeys punctuated by illness, beatings by traffickers and near-starvation rations to reach Indonesia and Malaysia.&nbsp;

At least 18 Rohingya from the Lhokseumawe camp and over a dozen suspected traffickers were recently apprehended by police several hundred kilometres south in Medan city, a frequent staging point for illegal crossings into Malaysia, authorities said.&nbsp; 
The refugees have been asked not to leave the camp, the UN's refugee agency said, given the risks involved in making the journey.

"But (they) left despite our constant efforts to remind them about the danger and risks they could face by leaving, including if they used the services of smugglers," said UNHCR spokeswoman Mitra Suryono.

"But we have to remember that many of (them) have relatives in other countries such as Malaysia. That may be one of the reasons why they continued their journey," she added.

Rights groups blamed the Indonesian government, which drastically reduced security at the settlement when the Rohingya were placed under the supervision of UNHCR last month. 
&nbsp;

Hundreds of Rohingya refugees are missing from a refugee camp in Indonesia. There are fears that the refugees have been trafficked to neighbouring Malaysia. The makeshift camp only has 112 refugees.

Hundreds of Rohingya refugees are missing from a refugee camp in Indonesia. There are fears that the refugees have been trafficked to neighbouring Malaysia. The makeshift camp only has 112 refugees. The camp is located in Lhokseumawe on Indonesia's northern coast. In June and September last year, about 400 refugees had arrived at the camp. Neither local authorities nor the UN could account for the whereabouts of the refugees from the stateless Muslim minority from Myanmar, who are feared to have enlisted traffickers to help them cross the Malacca strait into Malaysia. "We don't know yet where they went," said Ridwan Jalil, head of the Rohingya taskforce in Lhokseumawe. "But they'll escape if they can find any hole to leave because that is their goal." A military crackdown in 2017 (dubbed a genocide by UN investigators) forced 750,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee across the borders to Bangladesh. Thousands have since paid smugglers to get them out of Bangladesh, enduring harrowing, months-long sea journeys punctuated by illness, beatings by traffickers and near-starvation rations to reach Indonesia and Malaysia. At least 18 Rohingya from the Lhokseumawe camp and over a dozen suspected traffickers were recently apprehended by police several hundred kilometres south in Medan city, a frequent staging point for illegal crossings into Malaysia, authorities said. The refugees have been asked not to leave the camp, the UN's refugee agency said, given the risks involved in making the journey. "But (they) left despite our constant efforts to remind them about the danger and risks they could face by leaving, including if they used the services of smugglers," said UNHCR spokeswoman Mitra Suryono. "But we have to remember that many of (them) have relatives in other countries such as Malaysia. That may be one of the reasons why they continued their journey," she added. Rights groups blamed the Indonesian government, which drastically reduced security at the settlement when the Rohingya were placed under the supervision of UNHCR last month.

Hundreds of Rohingyas go missing from Indonesian refugee camp

US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) &nbsp;declared a nationwide alert on Wednesday over threat from domestic anti-government extremists. The department said that there was a possibility of violence from those having 'perceived grievances fueled by false narratives'.

"Information suggests that some ideologically-motivated violent extremists with objections to the exercise of governmental authority and the presidential transition, as well as other perceived grievances fueled by false narratives, could continue to mobilize to incite or commit violence," the department said.&nbsp;

The National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin said a heightened threat of attack "will persist in the weeks following the successful presidential inauguration," which took place on January 20.

However, the bulletin said that the department did not have specific information&nbsp;

The alert said there had been mounting threats since last year from domestic violent extremists motivated by Covid-19 restrictions, Biden's defeat of Donald Trump in the November election, police brutality and illegal immigration.

Security agencies in the US have been on their toes after the violence a Capitol Building on January 6. DHS said the motivations behind the attack could remain in place for coming months.

The department urged the public to report suspicious activity and threats of violence.

US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) declared a nationwide alert on Wednesday over threat from domestic anti-government extremists. The department said that there was a possibility of violence from those having 'perceived grievances fueled by false narratives'.

US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) declared a nationwide alert on Wednesday over threat from domestic anti-government extremists. The department said that there was a possibility of violence from those having 'perceived grievances fueled by false narratives'. "Information suggests that some ideologically-motivated violent extremists with objections to the exercise of governmental authority and the presidential transition, as well as other perceived grievances fueled by false narratives, could continue to mobilize to incite or commit violence," the department said. The National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin said a heightened threat of attack "will persist in the weeks following the successful presidential inauguration," which took place on January 20. However, the bulletin said that the department did not have specific information The alert said there had been mounting threats since last year from domestic violent extremists motivated by Covid-19 restrictions, Biden's defeat of Donald Trump in the November election, police brutality and illegal immigration. Security agencies in the US have been on their toes after the violence a Capitol Building on January 6. DHS said the motivations behind the attack could remain in place for coming months. The department urged the public to report suspicious activity and threats of violence.

US issues nationwide alert over domestic 'violent extremists'

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