Tokyo's governor on Saturday called on central government to declare a new state of emergency as the country battled a third wave of coronavirus infections. Yuriko Koike, the governor was joined by his counterpart from three neighbouring regions as they met Yasutoshi Nishimura, the minister in-charge of coronavirus response.

Officials in Japan in recent weeks, have asked restaurants and businesses to close early are have urged people to stay at home, measures that Koike said were having "some effect"

"But considering the number of cases and the situation of the medical system in Tokyo and the three neighbouring prefectures, we decided it was necessary to immediately and thoroughly curb the movement of people," she told reporters.

Nishimura, who earlier this week said a state of emergency could be necessary if cases continued to rise, said the government viewed the situation as "serious" and would discuss the request.

He said he had asked governors to request businesses further shorten their hours and that residents avoid non-essential outings after 8.00 pm.

On Thursday, Tokyo reported more than 1,300 new cases, far exceeding the previous high of 949 cases set late last month, with nationwide infections also breaking records. 
Japan imposed a first state of emergency in spring.

The measure allows local governors to call on businesses to close and to request people stay at home. It carries no penalties for non-compliance, but the requests were widely observed this spring.

(With AFP inputs)

Tokyo's governor on Saturday called on central government to declare a new state of emergency as the country battled a third wave of coronavirus infections. Yuriko Koike, the governor was joined by his counterpart from three neighbouring regions as they met Yasutoshi Nishimura, the minister in-charge of coronavirus response.

Tokyo's governor on Saturday called on central government to declare a new state of emergency as the country battled a third wave of coronavirus infections. Yuriko Koike, the governor was joined by his counterpart from three neighbouring regions as they met Yasutoshi Nishimura, the minister in-charge of coronavirus response. Officials in Japan in recent weeks, have asked restaurants and businesses to close early are have urged people to stay at home, measures that Koike said were having "some effect" "But considering the number of cases and the situation of the medical system in Tokyo and the three neighbouring prefectures, we decided it was necessary to immediately and thoroughly curb the movement of people," she told reporters. Nishimura, who earlier this week said a state of emergency could be necessary if cases continued to rise, said the government viewed the situation as "serious" and would discuss the request. He said he had asked governors to request businesses further shorten their hours and that residents avoid non-essential outings after 8.00 pm. On Thursday, Tokyo reported more than 1,300 new cases, far exceeding the previous high of 949 cases set late last month, with nationwide infections also breaking records. Japan imposed a first state of emergency in spring. The measure allows local governors to call on businesses to close and to request people stay at home. It carries no penalties for non-compliance, but the requests were widely observed this spring. (With AFP inputs)

Tokyo calls for state of emergency over third wave of coronavirus

Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif on Saturday accused Israel of trying to provoke a war. He said that &nbsp;Israel may try to do so by planning attacks on US forces in Iraq.

"New intelligence from Iraq indicate that Israeli agent-provocateurs are plotting attacks against Americans — putting an outgoing (President Donald) Trump in a bind with a fake casus belli (act justifying war)," tweeted Zarif.

"Be careful of a trap, @realDonaldTrump. Any fireworks will backfire badly," Zarif wrote.

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New intelligence from Iraq indicate that Israeli agent-provocateurs are plotting attacks against Americans—putting an outgoing Trump in a bind with a fake casus belli. 
 
Be careful of a trap, <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a>. Any fireworks will backfire badly, particularly against your same BFFs.
— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) <a href="https://twitter.com/JZarif/status/1345370089063915523?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

A lot of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-iran-beef-up-military-activity-in-gulf-ahead-of-soleimanis-first-death-anniversary-354027">muscle-flexing was observed from Iran</a> on January 2, 2021, just a day before completion of one year to assassination of&nbsp;top Iran commander Qassem Soleimani. On January 3, 2020 Soleimani was killed in US drone attack in Baghdad.

On Saturday, Iran Revolutionary Guards chief Hossein Salami vowed to respond any "action the enemy takes". He was visiting a strategic gulf island.

"We are here today to evaluate and be assured of our powerful capabilities at sea and against enemies who sometimes boast... and threaten," Salami said, according to the Guards' official website Sepahnews.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-plans-to-enrich-uranium-to-up-to-20-per-cent-conveys-iaea-354043">Iran plans to enrich uranium to up to 20 per cent, conveys IAEA</a>

Salami inspected troops stationed on Abu Musa island, accompanied by the Revolutionary Guard Corps navy commander Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri.

"We would respond with a reciprocal, decisive and strong blow to whatever action the enemy would take against us," Salami warned.

Abu Musa and the Greater and Lesser Tunb islands are located in the Gulf near the entrance to the strategic Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of world oil output passes.&nbsp;

(With AFP inputs)

Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif on Saturday accused Israel of trying to provoke a war. He said that Israel may try to do so by planning attacks on US forces in Iraq.

Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif on Saturday accused Israel of trying to provoke a war. He said that Israel may try to do so by planning attacks on US forces in Iraq. "New intelligence from Iraq indicate that Israeli agent-provocateurs are plotting attacks against Americans — putting an outgoing (President Donald) Trump in a bind with a fake casus belli (act justifying war)," tweeted Zarif. "Be careful of a trap, @realDonaldTrump. Any fireworks will backfire badly," Zarif wrote. New intelligence from Iraq indicate that Israeli agent-provocateurs are plotting attacks against Americans—putting an outgoing Trump in a bind with a fake casus belli. Be careful of a trap, @realDonaldTrump. Any fireworks will backfire badly, particularly against your same BFFs. — Javad Zarif (@JZarif) January 2, 2021 × A lot of muscle-flexing was observed from Iran on January 2, 2021, just a day before completion of one year to assassination of top Iran commander Qassem Soleimani. On January 3, 2020 Soleimani was killed in US drone attack in Baghdad. On Saturday, Iran Revolutionary Guards chief Hossein Salami vowed to respond any "action the enemy takes". He was visiting a strategic gulf island. "We are here today to evaluate and be assured of our powerful capabilities at sea and against enemies who sometimes boast... and threaten," Salami said, according to the Guards' official website Sepahnews. Also Read | Iran plans to enrich uranium to up to 20 per cent, conveys IAEA Salami inspected troops stationed on Abu Musa island, accompanied by the Revolutionary Guard Corps navy commander Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri. "We would respond with a reciprocal, decisive and strong blow to whatever action the enemy would take against us," Salami warned. Abu Musa and the Greater and Lesser Tunb islands are located in the Gulf near the entrance to the strategic Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of world oil output passes. (With AFP inputs)

Be careful of trap, Israel may provoke war with attacks on US forces: Iran to Trump

A massive rave party taking place since the New Year's Eve near Rennes in France was finally shut down by several hundred French police officials on Saturday. The party was attended by about 2500 revellers from across France and even from abroad. The party had caused huge concerns since social distancing and other coronavirus measures went for a toss. Local police tried stopping the party on January 1 but were forced to wait for reinforcements as revellers clashed with the officials injuring some and damaged police cars.

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said on Twitter that more than 1,200 party-goers had been issued with penalty notices as they left the site, adding that the event's organisers were being identified and would be prosecuted.

About 800 of the revellers were sanctioned for attending an illegal party, breaking curfew and not wearing masks, and the rest were mostly issued notices for using illegal drugs, Berthier said.

Prosecutors in Rennes have opened a probe into the illegal organisation of a musical event and violence against persons of authority, the prefecture said, while local health authorities urged party-goers to self-isolate for seven days.

France has highest number of COVID-19 cases in Western Europe. The country is stepping up coronavirus restriction imposing curfew in many states starting at 6 pm. The rave party had thus become a matter of concern as it had the potential of becoming a superspreader event.

In neighbouring Spain, police broke up a smaller warehouse rave near Barcelona that had also been going for more than 40 hours.

About 200 people attended the New Year's Eve rave in the village of Llinars del Valles, and dozens continued to party on Saturday - some refusing to leave and shouting abuse when police arrived at the scene.

The event's three organisers were arrested, Catalan's Mossos d'Esquadra police force said on Twitter, adding that the three and those who attended the party would be charged and faced fines of between 3,000 and 600,000 euros.

(With AFP inputs)

A massive rave party taking place since the New Year's Eve near Rennes in France was finally shut down by several hundred French police officials on Saturday. The party was attended by about 2500 revellers from across France and even from abroad.

A massive rave party taking place since the New Year's Eve near Rennes in France was finally shut down by several hundred French police officials on Saturday. The party was attended by about 2500 revellers from across France and even from abroad. The party had caused huge concerns since social distancing and other coronavirus measures went for a toss. Local police tried stopping the party on January 1 but were forced to wait for reinforcements as revellers clashed with the officials injuring some and damaged police cars. French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said on Twitter that more than 1,200 party-goers had been issued with penalty notices as they left the site, adding that the event's organisers were being identified and would be prosecuted. About 800 of the revellers were sanctioned for attending an illegal party, breaking curfew and not wearing masks, and the rest were mostly issued notices for using illegal drugs, Berthier said. Prosecutors in Rennes have opened a probe into the illegal organisation of a musical event and violence against persons of authority, the prefecture said, while local health authorities urged party-goers to self-isolate for seven days. France has highest number of COVID-19 cases in Western Europe. The country is stepping up coronavirus restriction imposing curfew in many states starting at 6 pm. The rave party had thus become a matter of concern as it had the potential of becoming a superspreader event. In neighbouring Spain, police broke up a smaller warehouse rave near Barcelona that had also been going for more than 40 hours. About 200 people attended the New Year's Eve rave in the village of Llinars del Valles, and dozens continued to party on Saturday - some refusing to leave and shouting abuse when police arrived at the scene. The event's three organisers were arrested, Catalan's Mossos d'Esquadra police force said on Twitter, adding that the three and those who attended the party would be charged and faced fines of between 3,000 and 600,000 euros. (With AFP inputs)

Massive rave party in France finally shut down by hundreds of police officials

Expert panel at&nbsp;Central Drugs Standard Control Organization&nbsp;has recommended emergency use of Covishield (AstraZeneca) vaccine for coronavirus vaccination in India. The panel has recommended AstraZeneca vaccine with certain conditions. The vaccine is being developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University. Serum Institute of India (SII) will manufacture the vaccine.

A decision on coronavirus vaccine made by Bharat Biotech is also likely.

As per reports, Serum Institute of India has already stored more than 50 million&nbsp;doses of Astrazeneca vaccine. SII had said several months ago that half of the vaccines it manufactures will be for vaccination purpose in India.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-oxford-vaccine-one-step-away-from-approval-in-india-353934">WATCH|</a>

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Indian&nbsp;government said on Wednesday that Pfizer Inc had sought more time to present data for emergency authorisation of a vaccine it has developed with Germany's BioNTech.

AstraZeneca/ Oxford University coronavirus vaccine has already got approval in Britain and Argentina for urgent public use. USA, which has approved Pfizer vaccine is likely to approve use of Astrazeneca vaccine in April. as per reports received on Thursday.

Moncef Slaoui, the chief advisor to Operation Warp Speed, the military-led US effort for vaccines, told reporters that US trials and assessments would be complete for approval "sometime in early April."

"Several tens of millions of doses will have been manufactured... and therefore will be available for use if the data supports its approval," he said.

(With agency inputs)

Expert panel at Central Drugs Standard Control Organization has recommended emergency use of Covishield (AstraZeneca) vaccine for coronavirus vaccination in India.

Expert panel at Central Drugs Standard Control Organization has recommended emergency use of Covishield (AstraZeneca) vaccine for coronavirus vaccination in India. The panel has recommended AstraZeneca vaccine with certain conditions. The vaccine is being developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University. Serum Institute of India (SII) will manufacture the vaccine. A decision on coronavirus vaccine made by Bharat Biotech is also likely. As per reports, Serum Institute of India has already stored more than 50 million doses of Astrazeneca vaccine. SII had said several months ago that half of the vaccines it manufactures will be for vaccination purpose in India. WATCH| × Indian government said on Wednesday that Pfizer Inc had sought more time to present data for emergency authorisation of a vaccine it has developed with Germany's BioNTech. AstraZeneca/ Oxford University coronavirus vaccine has already got approval in Britain and Argentina for urgent public use. USA, which has approved Pfizer vaccine is likely to approve use of Astrazeneca vaccine in April. as per reports received on Thursday. Moncef Slaoui, the chief advisor to Operation Warp Speed, the military-led US effort for vaccines, told reporters that US trials and assessments would be complete for approval "sometime in early April." "Several tens of millions of doses will have been manufactured... and therefore will be available for use if the data supports its approval," he said. (With agency inputs)

Indian panel recommends emergency use of AstraZeneca COVID vaccine with conditions

26/11 Mumbai terrorist attack mastermind Zaki-Ur-Rehman Lakhvi has been arrested in Pakistan. He was on bail since 2015. With completion of a year since top Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani nearby, tension between US and Iran are high. A new nanotech-based test is said to detect coronavirus infection in '10 seconds'. Read this and more in top 10 world news brief.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/2611-mumbai-terrorist-attack-mastermind-zaki-ur-rehman-lakhvi-arrested-in-pakistan-354032">26/11 Mumbai terrorist attack mastermind Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi arrested in Pakistan</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/2611-mumbai-terrorist-attack-mastermind-zaki-ur-rehman-lakhvi-arrested-in-pakistan-354032"><img alt="Lakhvi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9d7015a8-4d99-4f09-8f13-53bb42880a64" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/lakhvi.JPG" /></a> 
 
Lakhvi, who was on bail since 2015 in the Mumbai attack case, was arrested by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-plans-to-enrich-uranium-to-up-to-20-per-cent-conveys-iaea-354043">Iran plans to enrich uranium to up to 20 per cent, conveys IAEA</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-plans-to-enrich-uranium-to-up-to-20-per-cent-conveys-iaea-354043"><img alt="Iran" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="240127b5-0ae3-476c-a9be-cde13e6780f6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Iran_5.JPG" /></a> 
 
Iran's parliament passed a law last month which had mention of enrichment of uranium. The law was passed in response to the killing of Iran's top nuclear scientist

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-nanotech-based-technique-detects-covid-infection-in-10-seconds-354063">This nanotech-based technique detects COVID infection in 10 seconds</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-nanotech-based-technique-detects-covid-infection-in-10-seconds-354063"><img alt="Nanotech" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="12300ffa-7d2e-4c4d-8925-d38dcacff9d4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Nnaotech.JPG" /></a> 
 
Researchers at Bilkent University have developed Diagnovir, a diagnostic kit that is said to use nanotechnology to detect COVID infection

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/26-retirement-home-residents-die-of-covid-19-after-santa-claus-visit-in-belgium-354045">26 retirement home residents die of Covid-19 after Santa Claus visit in Belgium</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/26-retirement-home-residents-die-of-covid-19-after-santa-claus-visit-in-belgium-354045"><img alt="Oldage" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e385117c-31bb-43d9-bfb9-eb462693a438" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/oldage%20home.JPG" /></a> 
 
26 residents have died since the visit, and 85 more have tested positive for the coronavirus, along with 40 staff.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-iran-beef-up-military-activity-in-gulf-ahead-of-soleimanis-first-death-anniversary-354027">US, Iran beef up military activity in Gulf ahead of Soleimani's first death anniversary</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-iran-beef-up-military-activity-in-gulf-ahead-of-soleimanis-first-death-anniversary-354027"><img alt="US Iran" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="37371604-b46c-4193-827f-6d852a0e1576" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/US%20Iran.JPG" /></a> 
 
According to a report in CNN, Iran has increased its maritime presence in the Persian Gulf in the last two days and is also moving short-range ballistic missiles into neighbouring Iraq.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kabul-university-attack-mastermind-sentenced-to-death-354016">Kabul University attack mastermind sentenced to death</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kabul-university-attack-mastermind-sentenced-to-death-354016"><img alt="Kabul University" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5b997904-cf45-4310-8796-852f9468453f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Kabul%20university.JPG" /></a> 
 
The Supreme Court said that five other collaborators of the attack were sentenced to various jail terms on charges of treason, transfer of explosive materials and cooperation with the Islamic State (IS) terror group which claimed responsibility

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-authorities-approve-rs-235-crore-to-buy-ancestral-houses-of-dilip-kumar-raj-kapoor-354059">Pakistani authorities approve Rs 2.35 crore to buy ancestral houses of Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-authorities-approve-rs-235-crore-to-buy-ancestral-houses-of-dilip-kumar-raj-kapoor-354059"><img alt="Raj Kapoor" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4e653e56-863d-42a4-8d9d-28d618bd4185" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/dilip%20kumar%20raj%20kapoor.JPG" /></a> 
 
Officials have fixed the price of Dilip Kumar's four marla (101 square metre) house for Rs 80.56 lakh while that of Raj Kapoor's six marla house (151.75 square metre) for Rs 1.50 crore.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-women-killed-as-blast-hits-yemen-wedding-hall-354028">Five women killed as blast hits Yemen wedding hall</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-women-killed-as-blast-hits-yemen-wedding-hall-354028"><img alt="Yemen" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0fb4c891-6d05-4aff-b6a3-87e5d5afd920" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Yemen.JPG" /></a> 
 
The government and Huthi rebel forces blamed each other for the Friday night bombing of the hall near Hodeida's airport, a frontline between the warring sides on the edge of the Huthi-held town

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/party-determined-to-rid-pak-of-illegitimate-imran-khan-govt-pdm-chief-353985">Party determined to rid Pak of illegitimate Imran Khan govt: PDM chief</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/party-determined-to-rid-pak-of-illegitimate-imran-khan-govt-pdm-chief-353985"><img alt="Imran Khan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6fa94201-3567-4b80-a282-f9e84cae9bbf" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Imran%20khan_1.JPG" /></a> 
 
The opposition alliance chief said that rifts within the PDM are a campaign run by the media and added that the PDM is more determined to rid the country of Imran Khan and his illegitimate government.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-vaccine-in-south-dakota-came-with-a-side-effect-a-wedding-proposal-354009">Covid vaccine in South Dakota came with a side effect: a wedding proposal</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-vaccine-in-south-dakota-came-with-a-side-effect-a-wedding-proposal-354009"><img alt="Wedding proposal" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0d825d97-6295-47b9-bd49-8254fa79c922" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Wedding%20proposal.JPG" /></a>

The boyfriend was a winner throughout -- he left with both a fiancé and a dose of a Covid vaccine.

26/11 Mumbai terrorist attack mastermind Zaki-Ur-Rehman Lakhvi has been arrested in Pakistan. He was on bail since 2015. With completion of a year since top Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani nearby, tension between US and Iran are high.

26/11 Mumbai terrorist attack mastermind Zaki-Ur-Rehman Lakhvi has been arrested in Pakistan. He was on bail since 2015. With completion of a year since top Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani nearby, tension between US and Iran are high. A new nanotech-based test is said to detect coronavirus infection in '10 seconds'. Read this and more in top 10 world news brief. 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attack mastermind Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi arrested in Pakistan Lakhvi, who was on bail since 2015 in the Mumbai attack case, was arrested by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD). Iran plans to enrich uranium to up to 20 per cent, conveys IAEA Iran's parliament passed a law last month which had mention of enrichment of uranium. The law was passed in response to the killing of Iran's top nuclear scientist This nanotech-based technique detects COVID infection in 10 seconds Researchers at Bilkent University have developed Diagnovir, a diagnostic kit that is said to use nanotechnology to detect COVID infection 26 retirement home residents die of Covid-19 after Santa Claus visit in Belgium 26 residents have died since the visit, and 85 more have tested positive for the coronavirus, along with 40 staff. US, Iran beef up military activity in Gulf ahead of Soleimani's first death anniversary According to a report in CNN, Iran has increased its maritime presence in the Persian Gulf in the last two days and is also moving short-range ballistic missiles into neighbouring Iraq. Kabul University attack mastermind sentenced to death The Supreme Court said that five other collaborators of the attack were sentenced to various jail terms on charges of treason, transfer of explosive materials and cooperation with the Islamic State (IS) terror group which claimed responsibility Pakistani authorities approve Rs 2.35 crore to buy ancestral houses of Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor Officials have fixed the price of Dilip Kumar's four marla (101 square metre) house for Rs 80.56 lakh while that of Raj Kapoor's six marla house (151.75 square metre) for Rs 1.50 crore. Five women killed as blast hits Yemen wedding hall The government and Huthi rebel forces blamed each other for the Friday night bombing of the hall near Hodeida's airport, a frontline between the warring sides on the edge of the Huthi-held town Party determined to rid Pak of illegitimate Imran Khan govt: PDM chief The opposition alliance chief said that rifts within the PDM are a campaign run by the media and added that the PDM is more determined to rid the country of Imran Khan and his illegitimate government. Covid vaccine in South Dakota came with a side effect: a wedding proposal The boyfriend was a winner throughout -- he left with both a fiancé and a dose of a Covid vaccine.

Top 10 world news: Lakhvi arrested in Pakistan, Iran uranium enrichment, and more

The world has several coronavirus vaccines now. Vaccination has even started in some countries. But to determine whether a person has coronavirus or not still takes some minimum time. Now, scientists at a Turkish university say that they have developed an infection detection technique that can return the result in 10 seconds if a person is coronavirus positive.

Researchers at Bilkent University have developed Diagnovir, a diagnostic kit that is said to use nanotechnology to detect COVID infection.

In this method, a swab is taken from a person's mouth and mixed with a solution before and is then added to pathogen detection chip.

The chip then reportedly detects the infection by receiving a fluorescent signal.

A researcher from the university told media that the chip uses advanced optical methods to detect presence or absence of coronavirus.

"Finding out rapidly that a person is [COVID-19] positive to then quarantine them is very important to bring the pandemic under control," Bilkent University Rector Abdullah Atalar told Anadolu Agency.

If a person is coronavirus positive, the test results are obtained in 5-10 seconds while if a person is not infected, the results are obtained in 20 seconds.

The world has several coronavirus vaccines now. Vaccination has even started in some countries. But to determine whether a person has coronavirus or not still takes some minimum time.

The world has several coronavirus vaccines now. Vaccination has even started in some countries. But to determine whether a person has coronavirus or not still takes some minimum time. Now, scientists at a Turkish university say that they have developed an infection detection technique that can return the result in 10 seconds if a person is coronavirus positive. Researchers at Bilkent University have developed Diagnovir, a diagnostic kit that is said to use nanotechnology to detect COVID infection. In this method, a swab is taken from a person's mouth and mixed with a solution before and is then added to pathogen detection chip. The chip then reportedly detects the infection by receiving a fluorescent signal. A researcher from the university told media that the chip uses advanced optical methods to detect presence or absence of coronavirus. "Finding out rapidly that a person is [COVID-19] positive to then quarantine them is very important to bring the pandemic under control," Bilkent University Rector Abdullah Atalar told Anadolu Agency. If a person is coronavirus positive, the test results are obtained in 5-10 seconds while if a person is not infected, the results are obtained in 20 seconds.

This nanotech-based technique detects COVID infection in 10 seconds

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar on Saturday said that Indian government had approved emergency use of AstraZeneca/ Oxford University coronavirus vaccine, also known as Covishield in India. The minister said that the government had given a go-ahead on Friday. The vaccine had also got a go-ahead from expert panel at&nbsp;Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) had given its nod to the vaccine on Friday itself. Javadekar said that India had more than 50 million doses stockpiled.

The vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University will be manufactured by Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII).

As India gears up to take up the challenging task of inoculating millions of people, many Indian states on Saturday conducted dry-runs for vaccination&nbsp;to assess their ability and readiness to administer Covid-19 shots to hundreds of millions of people, including many in remote corners of the country.

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&nbsp;

Delhi, Punjab, Haryana along with Gujarat, Andra Pradesh and Assam were among many states and UTs that conducted dry runs for vaccination earlier in the day,&nbsp;aimed at testing the laid out mechanisms for the vaccination roll-out in the health system.

The Centre had directed earlier to conduct a dry run by all state and UTs on January 2 to test the linkages between planning and implementation, and to identify the challenges.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-panel-recommends-emergency-use-of-astrazeneca-covid-vaccine-with-conditions-353860">Indian panel recommends emergency use of AstraZeneca COVID vaccine with conditions</a>

As per the guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, all states selected their particular areas and districts to hold the dry run exercise at various government medical college, hospitals, medical centres and the community health centres.

While visiting one of dry run centres, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Saturday said that one crore healthcare workers and two crore frontline workers would be given free vaccine in the first phase of the inoculation drive.

"In the first phase of vaccination, free vaccine will be provided across the nation to most prioritised beneficiaries that include one crore healthcare and 2 crore frontline workers," Vardhan said in a tweet.

(With agency inputs)

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar on Saturday said that Indian government had approved emergency use of AstraZeneca/ Oxford University coronavirus vaccine, also known as Covishield in India.

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar on Saturday said that Indian government had approved emergency use of AstraZeneca/ Oxford University coronavirus vaccine, also known as Covishield in India. The minister said that the government had given a go-ahead on Friday. The vaccine had also got a go-ahead from expert panel at Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) had given its nod to the vaccine on Friday itself. Javadekar said that India had more than 50 million doses stockpiled. The vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University will be manufactured by Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII). As India gears up to take up the challenging task of inoculating millions of people, many Indian states on Saturday conducted dry-runs for vaccination to assess their ability and readiness to administer Covid-19 shots to hundreds of millions of people, including many in remote corners of the country. × Delhi, Punjab, Haryana along with Gujarat, Andra Pradesh and Assam were among many states and UTs that conducted dry runs for vaccination earlier in the day, aimed at testing the laid out mechanisms for the vaccination roll-out in the health system. The Centre had directed earlier to conduct a dry run by all state and UTs on January 2 to test the linkages between planning and implementation, and to identify the challenges. Also Read | Indian panel recommends emergency use of AstraZeneca COVID vaccine with conditions As per the guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, all states selected their particular areas and districts to hold the dry run exercise at various government medical college, hospitals, medical centres and the community health centres. While visiting one of dry run centres, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Saturday said that one crore healthcare workers and two crore frontline workers would be given free vaccine in the first phase of the inoculation drive. "In the first phase of vaccination, free vaccine will be provided across the nation to most prioritised beneficiaries that include one crore healthcare and 2 crore frontline workers," Vardhan said in a tweet. (With agency inputs)

Indian government okays emergency use of AstraZeneca COVID vaccine

In what can be a show of its intention to breach the 2015 accord, Iran has decided to enrich uranium to up to 20 per cent at its Fordow site buried inside a mountain. Iran has conveyed this to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations nuclear watchdog. This is the latest move on in several recent Iranian announcements to IAEA signifying that it is further breaching the nuclear deal. The violations started in 2019 in retaliation for USA's unilateral withdrawal from the agreement and reimposition of sanctions against Tehran.

Iran's parliament passed a law last month which had mention of enrichment of uranium. The law was passed in response to the killing of Iran's top nuclear scientist

Such moves by Iran could complicate efforts by U.S. President-elect Joe Biden to rejoin the deal. 
"Iran has informed the Agency that in order to comply with a legal act recently passed by the country`s parliament, the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran intends to produce low-enriched uranium (LEU) up to 20 per cent at the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant," the IAEA said in a statement.

An IAEA report to member states earlier on Friday obtained by Reuters used similar wording in describing a letter by Iran to the IAEA dated Dec. 31.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-iran-beef-up-military-activity-in-gulf-ahead-of-soleimanis-first-death-anniversary-354027">US, Iran beef up military activity in Gulf ahead of Soleimani's first death anniversary</a>

"Iran`s letter to the Agency ... did not say when this enrichment activity would take place," the IAEA statement said.

The tension between Iran and US <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-iran-beef-up-military-activity-in-gulf-ahead-of-soleimanis-first-death-anniversary-354027">has increased</a> as the first anniversary of killing of Iranian Major General Qassem Soleimani. He was killed on January 3, 2019, in US strike outside Baghdad airport.

(With Reuters inputs)

In what can be a show of its intention to breach the 2015 accord, Iran has decided to enrich uranium to up to 20 per cent at its Fordow site buried inside a mountain.

In what can be a show of its intention to breach the 2015 accord, Iran has decided to enrich uranium to up to 20 per cent at its Fordow site buried inside a mountain. Iran has conveyed this to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations nuclear watchdog. This is the latest move on in several recent Iranian announcements to IAEA signifying that it is further breaching the nuclear deal. The violations started in 2019 in retaliation for USA's unilateral withdrawal from the agreement and reimposition of sanctions against Tehran. Iran's parliament passed a law last month which had mention of enrichment of uranium. The law was passed in response to the killing of Iran's top nuclear scientist Such moves by Iran could complicate efforts by U.S. President-elect Joe Biden to rejoin the deal. "Iran has informed the Agency that in order to comply with a legal act recently passed by the country`s parliament, the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran intends to produce low-enriched uranium (LEU) up to 20 per cent at the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant," the IAEA said in a statement. An IAEA report to member states earlier on Friday obtained by Reuters used similar wording in describing a letter by Iran to the IAEA dated Dec. 31. Also Read | US, Iran beef up military activity in Gulf ahead of Soleimani's first death anniversary "Iran`s letter to the Agency ... did not say when this enrichment activity would take place," the IAEA statement said. The tension between Iran and US has increased as the first anniversary of killing of Iranian Major General Qassem Soleimani. He was killed on January 3, 2019, in US strike outside Baghdad airport. (With Reuters inputs)

Iran plans to enrich uranium to up to 20 per cent, conveys IAEA

The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) on Friday staged an anti-government rally in the national capital, demanding the restoration of constitutional monarchy and Hindu state in Nepal.

Hundreds of supporters of the RPP started the protest march from Bhrikutimandap which converged into an assembly at Ratnapark open ground in the heart of Kathmandu.

The party leaders criticised Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's act of dissolving the House of Representatives. 
Addressing the rally, RPP Chairpersons Kamal Thapa and Pashupati Shamsher Rana demanded Nepal be re-declared a Hindu state and constitutional monarchy be re-instated.

There is no alternative to reinstatement of constitutional monarchy and a Hindu state for protecting democracy and bringing political stability in the country, the RPP leaders said.

Nepal was declared a secular state in 2008 after the success of the people's movement of 2006 that saw the abolition of monarchy.

The party demanded a round table conference with the inclusion of the dethroned monarchy, effective management of corona pandemic, ending corruption and employment for youths.

The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) on Friday staged an anti-government rally in the national capital, demanding the restoration of constitutional monarchy and Hindu state in Nepal.

The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) on Friday staged an anti-government rally in the national capital, demanding the restoration of constitutional monarchy and Hindu state in Nepal. Hundreds of supporters of the RPP started the protest march from Bhrikutimandap which converged into an assembly at Ratnapark open ground in the heart of Kathmandu. The party leaders criticised Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's act of dissolving the House of Representatives. Addressing the rally, RPP Chairpersons Kamal Thapa and Pashupati Shamsher Rana demanded Nepal be re-declared a Hindu state and constitutional monarchy be re-instated. There is no alternative to reinstatement of constitutional monarchy and a Hindu state for protecting democracy and bringing political stability in the country, the RPP leaders said. Nepal was declared a secular state in 2008 after the success of the people's movement of 2006 that saw the abolition of monarchy. The party demanded a round table conference with the inclusion of the dethroned monarchy, effective management of corona pandemic, ending corruption and employment for youths.

RPP demands reinstatement of constitutional monarchy in Nepal

A massive rave party in northwestern France that disregarded all coronavirus norms has sent alarm bells ringing in the country. The partygoers, about 2500 of them, violently clashed with police who unsuccessfully tried to prevent and stop the party. The party took place on New Year's Eve and went on beyond the nationwide curfew of 8 pm.

The revellers had set up the illegal rave in Lieuron south of Rennes in Brittany after skirmishes with police, said a statement from the local prefecture. Many were still on the site Friday as a sanitary cordon was thrown up around it.

Local police tried to "prevent this event but faced fierce hostility from many partygoers" who set one of their cars of fire and threw bottles and stones, it said.

Such mass gatherings are strictly prohibited across France in accordance with coronavirus restrictions. The attendees had come from across France and even from abroad.

Prosecutors have opened an investigation into the illegal organisation of a musical gathering and premeditated violence against persons in authority.&nbsp;

Vehicles registered from all over France were still parked at the site Friday and many revellers were present as techno music thudded away, an AFP journalist said.

'Little social distancing'

Participants interviewed by AFP said that the revellers had included partygoers from foreign countries, including Spain and Britain. 
One participant, who gave his name as Jo from the Alsace region of eastern France and refused to be identified further, said they had all met at &nbsp;a meeting point on Thursday evening in the parking lot of a shopping centre.&nbsp;

Then the convoy headed for Lieuron where the police tried to prevent them from passing, he said.

He acknowledged that "very few had respected social distancing" at the event, which was supposed only to end later on Saturday. 
French authorities have been particularly concerned about mass wildcat rave parties throughout the pandemic but New Year's night was a particular concern.

In the southern city of Marseille, security forces halted an illegal party grouping some 300 people, police said. Over 150 people were warned and the three suspected organisers have been arrested.

(With AFP inputs)

A massive rave party in northwestern France that disregarded all coronavirus norms has sent alarm bells ringing in the country. The partygoers, about 2500 of them, violently clashed with police who unsuccessfully tried to prevent and stop the party.

A massive rave party in northwestern France that disregarded all coronavirus norms has sent alarm bells ringing in the country. The partygoers, about 2500 of them, violently clashed with police who unsuccessfully tried to prevent and stop the party. The party took place on New Year's Eve and went on beyond the nationwide curfew of 8 pm. The revellers had set up the illegal rave in Lieuron south of Rennes in Brittany after skirmishes with police, said a statement from the local prefecture. Many were still on the site Friday as a sanitary cordon was thrown up around it. Local police tried to "prevent this event but faced fierce hostility from many partygoers" who set one of their cars of fire and threw bottles and stones, it said. Such mass gatherings are strictly prohibited across France in accordance with coronavirus restrictions. The attendees had come from across France and even from abroad. Prosecutors have opened an investigation into the illegal organisation of a musical gathering and premeditated violence against persons in authority. Vehicles registered from all over France were still parked at the site Friday and many revellers were present as techno music thudded away, an AFP journalist said. 'Little social distancing' Participants interviewed by AFP said that the revellers had included partygoers from foreign countries, including Spain and Britain. One participant, who gave his name as Jo from the Alsace region of eastern France and refused to be identified further, said they had all met at a meeting point on Thursday evening in the parking lot of a shopping centre. Then the convoy headed for Lieuron where the police tried to prevent them from passing, he said. He acknowledged that "very few had respected social distancing" at the event, which was supposed only to end later on Saturday. French authorities have been particularly concerned about mass wildcat rave parties throughout the pandemic but New Year's night was a particular concern. In the southern city of Marseille, security forces halted an illegal party grouping some 300 people, police said. Over 150 people were warned and the three suspected organisers have been arrested. (With AFP inputs)

France: Massive rave party with little social distancing causes concern

Year in Google search 2020: Here's what people searched the most

A radio journalist in Afghanistan was shot dead on Friday. He is the fifth media worker to be killed in two months. Officials said that Besmullah Adel Aimaq, editor-in-chief of Voice of Ghor radio, in a car ambush in Ghor province.

He was travelling to Firor Koh city, the capital of Ghor province, said Aref Aber, the governor's spokesman. No group has yet claimed responsibility for Aimaq's murder.

The Afghan Journalists Safety Committee, a group working for the security of journalists in the violence-wracked country, confirmed the incident.

Many prominent Afghans have been ambushed and killed in recent months.

It comes weeks after the December 12 killing of Rahmatullah Nekzad, who was shot dead with a silenced pistol near his home in the restive eastern city of Ghazni.

Two Taliban inmates who were freed ahead of peace talks between the insurgents and the Afghan government have been arrested in connection with Nekzad's murder, Afghanistan's spy agency the National Directorate of Security (NDS) said late on Thursday.

About 5,000 Taliban inmates were released last year as part of a contentious prisoner swap ahead of the long-delayed peace talks that finally commenced on September 12.

The NDS said that after their release the two Taliban inmates joined a "terrorist group" in Ghazni which has carried out several assassinations.

The two, who have confessed to their crimes, had also assassinated a judge and two government employees, the agency said. 
The Taliban had denied responsibility for the murder of Nekzad.

(With AFP inputs)

A radio journalist in Afghanistan was shot dead on Friday. He is the fifth media worker to be killed in two months. Officials said that Besmullah Adel Aimaq, editor-in-chief of Voice of Ghor radio, in a car ambush in Ghor province.

A radio journalist in Afghanistan was shot dead on Friday. He is the fifth media worker to be killed in two months. Officials said that Besmullah Adel Aimaq, editor-in-chief of Voice of Ghor radio, in a car ambush in Ghor province. He was travelling to Firor Koh city, the capital of Ghor province, said Aref Aber, the governor's spokesman. No group has yet claimed responsibility for Aimaq's murder. The Afghan Journalists Safety Committee, a group working for the security of journalists in the violence-wracked country, confirmed the incident. Many prominent Afghans have been ambushed and killed in recent months. It comes weeks after the December 12 killing of Rahmatullah Nekzad, who was shot dead with a silenced pistol near his home in the restive eastern city of Ghazni. Two Taliban inmates who were freed ahead of peace talks between the insurgents and the Afghan government have been arrested in connection with Nekzad's murder, Afghanistan's spy agency the National Directorate of Security (NDS) said late on Thursday. About 5,000 Taliban inmates were released last year as part of a contentious prisoner swap ahead of the long-delayed peace talks that finally commenced on September 12. The NDS said that after their release the two Taliban inmates joined a "terrorist group" in Ghazni which has carried out several assassinations. The two, who have confessed to their crimes, had also assassinated a judge and two government employees, the agency said. The Taliban had denied responsibility for the murder of Nekzad. (With AFP inputs)

Afghanistan: Radio journalist shot dead in Ghor province

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