Former Hong Kong lawmaker and pro-democracy activist Sixtus Leung is seeking asylum in the US. On Friday, he said that he had left the city and was in the US. Many democracy activists and former legislators have left Hong Kong since Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law since June.

"I, Sixtus 'Baggio' Leung... hereby declare the severance of all ties with my family in Hong Kong," the 34 year-old said in a Facebook post.

Haven Assistance, an overseas democracy group found by Hong Kong activists in exile, said Leung had left Hong Kong on November 30, arrived in the US the next day and decided to "seek asylum in the US amid profound political persecution".

"Because of his political views, Mr. Leung said he was first illegitimately deprived of his representation and voting rights, and subsequent retaliation and suppression followed," Haven Assistance said in a statement.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-media-mogul-jimmy-lai-produced-in-court-on-national-security-charge-349307">Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai produced in court on national security charge</a>

Leung and a fellow activist were jailed for four weeks for unlawful assembly and attempted forcible entry after trying to barge into a Legislative Council meeting in 2016.

On Saturday, media tycoon and one of the most prominent pro-democracy figures in Hong Kong Jimmy Lai was produced in court. He has been charged under the national security law and has been accused of "collusion with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security".&nbsp;

(With AFP inputs)

Former Hong Kong lawmaker and pro-democracy activist Sixtus Leung is seeking asylum in the US. On Friday, he said that he had left the city and was in the US. Many democracy activists and former legislators have left Hong Kong since Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law since June.

Former Hong Kong lawmaker and pro-democracy activist Sixtus Leung is seeking asylum in the US. On Friday, he said that he had left the city and was in the US. Many democracy activists and former legislators have left Hong Kong since Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law since June. "I, Sixtus 'Baggio' Leung... hereby declare the severance of all ties with my family in Hong Kong," the 34 year-old said in a Facebook post. Haven Assistance, an overseas democracy group found by Hong Kong activists in exile, said Leung had left Hong Kong on November 30, arrived in the US the next day and decided to "seek asylum in the US amid profound political persecution". "Because of his political views, Mr. Leung said he was first illegitimately deprived of his representation and voting rights, and subsequent retaliation and suppression followed," Haven Assistance said in a statement. Also Read | Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai produced in court on national security charge Leung and a fellow activist were jailed for four weeks for unlawful assembly and attempted forcible entry after trying to barge into a Legislative Council meeting in 2016. On Saturday, media tycoon and one of the most prominent pro-democracy figures in Hong Kong Jimmy Lai was produced in court. He has been charged under the national security law and has been accused of "collusion with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security". (With AFP inputs)

Former Hong Kong lawmaker seeks asylum in US

UK on Saturday said it was concerned as Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai was charged under national security law and produced in court on Saturday. Jimmy Lai, owner of Hong Kong's best-selling Apple Daily, is a high-profile pro-democracy figure who criticises Beijing.

"The UK remains deeply concerned about the Hong Kong authorities' focus on pursuing legal cases against pro-democracy figures like Jimmy Lai," a spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson told reporters.

"We have raised this case with the authorities and will continue to lobby them at senior levels to end their targeting of pro-democracy voices."

Jimmy Lai faces charges of "collusion with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security".&nbsp;

Lai has held UK citizenship since before Britain handed Hong Kong back to Chinese rule in 1997. However, Britain's foreign ministry has said it cannot offer him consular assistance as China does not recognise dual nationality.

Offences under the new law carry a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-media-mogul-jimmy-lai-produced-in-court-on-national-security-charge-349307">Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai produced in court on national security charge</a>

China's clampdown on Hong Kong has dramatically accelerated since it imposed the security law in June, with opposition politicians disqualified from the legislature and dozens of activists charged or investigated.

Some pro-democracy figures have fled abroad. One, Nathan Law, on Wednesday held his first meeting with a UK minister after relocating to Britain in July.

(With AFP inputs)

UK on Saturday said it was concerned as Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai was charged under national security law and produced in court on Saturday. Jimmy Lai, owner of Hong Kong's best-selling Apple Daily, is a high-profile pro-democracy figure who criticises Beijing.

UK on Saturday said it was concerned as Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai was charged under national security law and produced in court on Saturday. Jimmy Lai, owner of Hong Kong's best-selling Apple Daily, is a high-profile pro-democracy figure who criticises Beijing. "The UK remains deeply concerned about the Hong Kong authorities' focus on pursuing legal cases against pro-democracy figures like Jimmy Lai," a spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson told reporters. "We have raised this case with the authorities and will continue to lobby them at senior levels to end their targeting of pro-democracy voices." Jimmy Lai faces charges of "collusion with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security". Lai has held UK citizenship since before Britain handed Hong Kong back to Chinese rule in 1997. However, Britain's foreign ministry has said it cannot offer him consular assistance as China does not recognise dual nationality. Offences under the new law carry a maximum sentence of life in prison. Also Read | Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai produced in court on national security charge China's clampdown on Hong Kong has dramatically accelerated since it imposed the security law in June, with opposition politicians disqualified from the legislature and dozens of activists charged or investigated. Some pro-democracy figures have fled abroad. One, Nathan Law, on Wednesday held his first meeting with a UK minister after relocating to Britain in July. (With AFP inputs)

Deeply concerned, says UK after Hong Kong media tycoon produced in court

Several workers in Telangana were injured when a major fire broke out on Saturday in a chemical factory in an industrial area of Hyderabad.

The blaze was reported at 1.30 p.m. from the Vindhya Organics factory in the Bollaram industrial area of Sangareddy district. Massive clouds of dark smoke was seen billowing out from the factory premises as people were rushing away from the vicinity in panic.

Eight people with burn injuries were rushed to a nearby hospital, of whom two were reported to be critical.

Operations was still underway to douse the fire and rescue those reportedly trapped inside the factory.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/6-airports-required-fast-says-telangana-cm-to-centre-349314">6 airports required fast, says Telangana CM to Centre</a>

Fire tenders were rushed in from Kukatpally, Patancheru, and Miyapur areas from the adjoining areas.

Police officials attributed the blaze to a chemical solvent that caught fire. "Operation to rescue people possibly trapped inside the factory is underway," they said.

Several workers in Telangana were injured when a major fire broke out on Saturday in a chemical factory in an industrial area of Hyderabad. The blaze was reported at 1.

Several workers in Telangana were injured when a major fire broke out on Saturday in a chemical factory in an industrial area of Hyderabad. The blaze was reported at 1.30 p.m. from the Vindhya Organics factory in the Bollaram industrial area of Sangareddy district. Massive clouds of dark smoke was seen billowing out from the factory premises as people were rushing away from the vicinity in panic. Eight people with burn injuries were rushed to a nearby hospital, of whom two were reported to be critical. Operations was still underway to douse the fire and rescue those reportedly trapped inside the factory. Also Read | 6 airports required fast, says Telangana CM to Centre Fire tenders were rushed in from Kukatpally, Patancheru, and Miyapur areas from the adjoining areas. Police officials attributed the blaze to a chemical solvent that caught fire. "Operation to rescue people possibly trapped inside the factory is underway," they said.

Fire in Hyderabad factory: Several injured, many feared trapped

Hong Kong media tycoon and China-critic Jimmy Lai was produced in court on Saturday to face charges under Hong Kong's national security law. He has been accused of colluding with foreign countries by calling on overseas governments to sanction Hong Kong and China in response to the crackdown on pro-democracy activism in the city. If Jimmy Lai is found guilty, he may spend his life in jail.

Jimmy Lai is the most high-profile person who has been charged under the new law.

The prosecutor told the court that Lai broke the security law between July 1 and December 1 by requesting that a foreign country or institution, organisation or individual "impose sanctions or blockade, or engage in other hostile activities" against Hong Kong and China.

Lai was dressed in a suit and appeared calm. He said he acknowledged the charges.

Chief Magistrate Victor So, one of the six magistrates hand-picked by the city's pro-Beijing leader Carrie Lam to handle national security cases, said the prosecution needed time to further investigate.

This included examining more than a thousand messages from Lai's Twitter accounts, a number of media interviews the tycoon gave, and a number of overseas visits in relation to calls for US sanctions against Hong Kong and China.

After the hearing, Lai's supporters shouted words of encouragement, which he returned with a heart-shape hand gesture.

Lai's popular Apple Daily newspaper, citing sources, said the bulk of the police case revolved around social media posts and interviews Lai gave to Western media.

It reported that the police allegations said Lai had followed 53 people on Twitter including US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen and a member of Britain's Conservative Party, Luke de Pulford, and that he had 120,000 followers including Tiananmen student protest leaders Wang Dan and Wuer Kai Xi.&nbsp;

(With AFP inputs)

Hong Kong media tycoon and China-critic Jimmy Lai was produced in court on Saturday to face charges under Hong Kong's national security law. He has been accused of colluding with foreign countries by calling on overseas governments to sanction Hong Kong and China in response to the crackdown on pro-democracy activism in the city.

Hong Kong media tycoon and China-critic Jimmy Lai was produced in court on Saturday to face charges under Hong Kong's national security law. He has been accused of colluding with foreign countries by calling on overseas governments to sanction Hong Kong and China in response to the crackdown on pro-democracy activism in the city. If Jimmy Lai is found guilty, he may spend his life in jail. Jimmy Lai is the most high-profile person who has been charged under the new law. The prosecutor told the court that Lai broke the security law between July 1 and December 1 by requesting that a foreign country or institution, organisation or individual "impose sanctions or blockade, or engage in other hostile activities" against Hong Kong and China. Lai was dressed in a suit and appeared calm. He said he acknowledged the charges. Chief Magistrate Victor So, one of the six magistrates hand-picked by the city's pro-Beijing leader Carrie Lam to handle national security cases, said the prosecution needed time to further investigate. This included examining more than a thousand messages from Lai's Twitter accounts, a number of media interviews the tycoon gave, and a number of overseas visits in relation to calls for US sanctions against Hong Kong and China. After the hearing, Lai's supporters shouted words of encouragement, which he returned with a heart-shape hand gesture. Lai's popular Apple Daily newspaper, citing sources, said the bulk of the police case revolved around social media posts and interviews Lai gave to Western media. It reported that the police allegations said Lai had followed 53 people on Twitter including US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen and a member of Britain's Conservative Party, Luke de Pulford, and that he had 120,000 followers including Tiananmen student protest leaders Wang Dan and Wuer Kai Xi. (With AFP inputs)

Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai produced in court on national security charge

US President Donald Trump lashed out at US Supreme Court after it dealt what is perceived as a final and fatal blow to his claims of fraud in US Presidential Election 2020. US Supreme Court rejected lawsuit by Texas and other states that demanded&nbsp;throwing out of election results in four states. Trump called the decision a 'legal disgrace'.

"The Supreme Court really let us down. No Wisdom, No Courage!" wrote Trump, adding in a later Tweet, "It is a legal disgrace, an embarrassment to the USA!!!"

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“We’ve not gotten any court to judge this (the vote) on its merit.” <a href="https://twitter.com/DanPatrick?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DanPatrick</a> of Texas. It is a legal disgrace, an embarrassment to the USA!!!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1337634953211817984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The decision by US Supreme Court has cleared way for US electoral college to cast its votes and formally certify Joe Biden's victory. The Electoral College will meet on Monday (December 14)

Biden, a Democrat, has amassed 306 votes to Trump's 232 in the state-by-state Electoral College, which allots votes to all 50 states and the District of Columbia based on population.

The four states in question - Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin - contributed a combined 62 votes to Biden's total. To win the White House, 270 votes are needed.

Trump is yet to concede the election. Ever since it was certain that Joe Biden had defeated him in presidential elections, Trump has made baseless claims of election fraud without providing any evidence. Even when he suffered number of legal defeats prior to Supreme Court verdict, he was not willing to concede.

Trump's goal had long been for a case to reach the Supreme Court, where he had placed three new justices in his first term and where conservatives hold a 6-3 majority. The lawsuit brought by Texas and supported by 17 other states and more than 100 Republican members of Congress gave him that opportunity.

In the run-up the Nov. 3 election, Trump had pushed for the swift confirmation of Justice Amy Coney Barrett, with the publicly stated hope that she could be in a position to help rule on an election challenge.

But Barrett and the two other justices appointed by Trump - Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh - signed onto the court's order derailing the Texas suit without comment.

(With Reuters inputs)

US President Donald Trump lashed out at US Supreme Court after it dealt what is perceived as a final and fatal blow to his claims of fraud in US Presidential Election 2020.

US President Donald Trump lashed out at US Supreme Court after it dealt what is perceived as a final and fatal blow to his claims of fraud in US Presidential Election 2020. US Supreme Court rejected lawsuit by Texas and other states that demanded throwing out of election results in four states. Trump called the decision a 'legal disgrace'. "The Supreme Court really let us down. No Wisdom, No Courage!" wrote Trump, adding in a later Tweet, "It is a legal disgrace, an embarrassment to the USA!!!" “We’ve not gotten any court to judge this (the vote) on its merit.” @DanPatrick of Texas. It is a legal disgrace, an embarrassment to the USA!!! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 12, 2020 × The decision by US Supreme Court has cleared way for US electoral college to cast its votes and formally certify Joe Biden's victory. The Electoral College will meet on Monday (December 14) Biden, a Democrat, has amassed 306 votes to Trump's 232 in the state-by-state Electoral College, which allots votes to all 50 states and the District of Columbia based on population. The four states in question - Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin - contributed a combined 62 votes to Biden's total. To win the White House, 270 votes are needed. Trump is yet to concede the election. Ever since it was certain that Joe Biden had defeated him in presidential elections, Trump has made baseless claims of election fraud without providing any evidence. Even when he suffered number of legal defeats prior to Supreme Court verdict, he was not willing to concede. Trump's goal had long been for a case to reach the Supreme Court, where he had placed three new justices in his first term and where conservatives hold a 6-3 majority. The lawsuit brought by Texas and supported by 17 other states and more than 100 Republican members of Congress gave him that opportunity. In the run-up the Nov. 3 election, Trump had pushed for the swift confirmation of Justice Amy Coney Barrett, with the publicly stated hope that she could be in a position to help rule on an election challenge. But Barrett and the two other justices appointed by Trump - Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh - signed onto the court's order derailing the Texas suit without comment. (With Reuters inputs)

'Legal disgrace', says Trump as US Supreme Court gives final blow to his election fraud claims

First international aid convoy has reached the capital of Ethiopia's war-torn Tigray region, reported AFP quoting International Committee of the Red Cross. Tigray region has seen intense conflict as Ethiopian forces have clashed with those in Tigray for control of the region.

Seven Red Cross trucks brought medicines and medical equipment for 400 wounded as well as relief supplies.

"It is the first international aid to arrive in Mekele since fighting erupted in Tigray more than one month ago," the Geneva-based ICRC said.

Ethiopian government had imposed a communication blackout as a result of which it was hard to accurately ascertain the situation inside Tigray during the conflict. International agencies including the United Nations had repeatedly underlined the humanitarian crisis in Tigray which saw an exodus of thousands of civilians into neighbouring regions and even neighbouring countries.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopia-returning-eritrean-refugees-to-tigray-camps-un-shows-concern-349234">Ethiopia returning Eritrean refugees to Tigray camps; UN shows concern</a>

Ethiopia's current Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, a Nobel peace prize recipient last year, has stressed that the humanitarian aid program in the Tigray region will be led by his government. There have been numerous call from around the world for Ethiopian government to step-up its efforts to help civilians many of whom are facing shortage of food, water and medicines.&nbsp;

(With AFP inputs)

First international aid convoy has reached the capital of Ethiopia's war-torn Tigray region, reported AFP quoting International Committee of the Red Cross. Tigray region has seen intense conflict as Ethiopian forces have clashed with those in Tigray for control of the region.

First international aid convoy has reached the capital of Ethiopia's war-torn Tigray region, reported AFP quoting International Committee of the Red Cross. Tigray region has seen intense conflict as Ethiopian forces have clashed with those in Tigray for control of the region. Seven Red Cross trucks brought medicines and medical equipment for 400 wounded as well as relief supplies. "It is the first international aid to arrive in Mekele since fighting erupted in Tigray more than one month ago," the Geneva-based ICRC said. Ethiopian government had imposed a communication blackout as a result of which it was hard to accurately ascertain the situation inside Tigray during the conflict. International agencies including the United Nations had repeatedly underlined the humanitarian crisis in Tigray which saw an exodus of thousands of civilians into neighbouring regions and even neighbouring countries. Also Read | Ethiopia returning Eritrean refugees to Tigray camps; UN shows concern Ethiopia's current Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, a Nobel peace prize recipient last year, has stressed that the humanitarian aid program in the Tigray region will be led by his government. There have been numerous call from around the world for Ethiopian government to step-up its efforts to help civilians many of whom are facing shortage of food, water and medicines. (With AFP inputs)

First international aid convoy arrives in Tigray: Report 

The State Department’s acting inspector general will step down from his role on Friday, according to a spokesman for the inspector general’s office. The decision came as Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s office criticized the watchdog agency regarding a report it published about official trips taken by Pompeo’s wife.

Matthew Klimow, the acting inspector general, was already scheduled to leave his post later this month because of provisions in the Vacancies Reform Act, a law that allows acting officials to serve for no more than 210 days after a role is declared vacant.

It was the latest sign of upheaval in the department’s office of the inspector general, which investigates corruption and wrongdoing at the agency and has had a tumultuous relationship with Pompeo and top officials.

The inspector general’s office on Thursday released a report that said State Department officials did not have sufficient documentation for some official trips taken by Susan Pompeo, Pompeo’s wife. The report said no laws had been broken and that no penalty should be assessed. This is one of two investigations into Pompeo’s potential misuse of government resources.

Shortly after the report was released, Pompeo’s office released a statement saying the couple was “fully vindicated from baseless claims” by Democrats and the media. His office went on to criticize the inspector general’s office for wasting “both time and taxpayer resources on this report.”

Ryan Holden, a spokesman for the inspector general’s office, did not say that Klimow’s departure was because of criticism from Pompeo’s office. He said Klimow’s tenure was “always anticipated” to end and that the departing inspector general had “a desire to return” to the embassy in Turkmenistan, where Klimow was the U.S. ambassador before becoming acting inspector general.

The State Department declined to comment on Klimow’s decision to exit the role earlier than expected.

Klimow’s plans to leave his post this week was reported earlier Thursday by The Washington Post.

In May, President Donald Trump fired a previous inspector general at the State Department, Steve Linick, at Pompeo’s private urging. Linick had opened investigations into Pompeo’s potential misuse of department resources and his effort to push arms sales to Saudi Arabia.

Linick was succeeded by Stephen Akard, who stepped down from his role after less than three months.

Pompeo and his wife are still subject to another investigation into potential misuse of government resources. This one concerns allegations that a political appointee was asked to perform personal and political tasks for Pompeo and his wife, including picking up dry cleaning, making restaurant reservations and walking the family dog, Sherman.

Pompeo has dismissed accusations at the center of that inquiry and has repeatedly refused to meet with inspector general staff on the issue.

The State Department’s acting inspector general will step down from his role on Friday, according to a spokesman for the inspector general’s office. The decision came as Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s office criticized the watchdog agency regarding a report it published about official trips taken by Pompeo’s wife.

The State Department’s acting inspector general will step down from his role on Friday, according to a spokesman for the inspector general’s office. The decision came as Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s office criticized the watchdog agency regarding a report it published about official trips taken by Pompeo’s wife. Matthew Klimow, the acting inspector general, was already scheduled to leave his post later this month because of provisions in the Vacancies Reform Act, a law that allows acting officials to serve for no more than 210 days after a role is declared vacant. It was the latest sign of upheaval in the department’s office of the inspector general, which investigates corruption and wrongdoing at the agency and has had a tumultuous relationship with Pompeo and top officials. The inspector general’s office on Thursday released a report that said State Department officials did not have sufficient documentation for some official trips taken by Susan Pompeo, Pompeo’s wife. The report said no laws had been broken and that no penalty should be assessed. This is one of two investigations into Pompeo’s potential misuse of government resources. Shortly after the report was released, Pompeo’s office released a statement saying the couple was “fully vindicated from baseless claims” by Democrats and the media. His office went on to criticize the inspector general’s office for wasting “both time and taxpayer resources on this report.” Ryan Holden, a spokesman for the inspector general’s office, did not say that Klimow’s departure was because of criticism from Pompeo’s office. He said Klimow’s tenure was “always anticipated” to end and that the departing inspector general had “a desire to return” to the embassy in Turkmenistan, where Klimow was the U.S. ambassador before becoming acting inspector general. The State Department declined to comment on Klimow’s decision to exit the role earlier than expected. Klimow’s plans to leave his post this week was reported earlier Thursday by The Washington Post. In May, President Donald Trump fired a previous inspector general at the State Department, Steve Linick, at Pompeo’s private urging. Linick had opened investigations into Pompeo’s potential misuse of department resources and his effort to push arms sales to Saudi Arabia. Linick was succeeded by Stephen Akard, who stepped down from his role after less than three months. Pompeo and his wife are still subject to another investigation into potential misuse of government resources. This one concerns allegations that a political appointee was asked to perform personal and political tasks for Pompeo and his wife, including picking up dry cleaning, making restaurant reservations and walking the family dog, Sherman. Pompeo has dismissed accusations at the center of that inquiry and has repeatedly refused to meet with inspector general staff on the issue.

State department watchdog announces early departure as Pompeo criticizes his office

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai was charged under new national security law on Friday. Jimmy Lai has a pro-democracy leaning and is a strong critic of Beijing. Lai has been accused of colluding with foreign forces. Jimmy Lai was detained last week.

"After further investigation by the police's National Security Department, a 73-year old man is charged with one count of 'collusion with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security," police said in a statement.

Hong Kong authorities have intensified a crackdown on key opposition figures since Beijing circumvented the territory's legislature and imposed sweeping national security legislation on the global financial centre on June 30.

Critics of the national security law say that the law crushes freedoms enshrined under the "one country, two systems" formula, while supporters say it will bring stability after prolonged anti-China, pro-democracy protests last year.

Joshua Wong, a prominent activist was jailed for more than 13 months last week for his role in an anti-government rally in 2019.

(With agency inputs)

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai was charged under new national security law on Friday. Jimmy Lai has a pro-democracy leaning and is a strong critic of Beijing. Lai has been accused of colluding with foreign forces.

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai was charged under new national security law on Friday. Jimmy Lai has a pro-democracy leaning and is a strong critic of Beijing. Lai has been accused of colluding with foreign forces. Jimmy Lai was detained last week. "After further investigation by the police's National Security Department, a 73-year old man is charged with one count of 'collusion with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security," police said in a statement. Hong Kong authorities have intensified a crackdown on key opposition figures since Beijing circumvented the territory's legislature and imposed sweeping national security legislation on the global financial centre on June 30. Critics of the national security law say that the law crushes freedoms enshrined under the "one country, two systems" formula, while supporters say it will bring stability after prolonged anti-China, pro-democracy protests last year. Joshua Wong, a prominent activist was jailed for more than 13 months last week for his role in an anti-government rally in 2019. (With agency inputs)

Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai charged under national security law

Love them or hate them, monoliths are here to stay. Atleast they are here to pop up every day in God knows which corner of Earth. The newest of the monoliths has appeared oh-so-mysteriously in Poland. And no just anywhere in Poland, but in its capital Warsaw on the banks of Vistula river. Local media reported that joggers noticed the monolith.

The monolith in Poland stands about 3 metres (10 feet) tall. Has a dull silver colour and is held together by screws. It has appeared near a major bridge in Warsaw.

"A mysterious and unusual installation has emerged on the beach on the right (river) bank," Warsaw's Vistula district authorities said on their Facebook page. &nbsp;

"If you spend your time actively on the Vistula river, it won't escape your attention," they added, without elaborating.

"I was expecting some kind of metaphysical experience, but it's not really all that impressive," a woman visiting the site on Thursday who declined to be named told AFP.&nbsp;

No one claimed responsibility for the installation as of Thursday.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/another-monolith-pops-up-in-texas-this-time-348451">Another monolith pops up, in Texas this time</a>

Monolith appearances have been everywhere on social media since last month. First it was found in Utah. Monoliths were then found in Romania, California, Belgium and on Isle of Wight. They have also been spotted in Spain Germany and Colombia.

On Thursday (December 9) a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-monolith-in-england-has-a-message-dont-consider-it-a-work-of-banksy-348939">monolith was found on Glastonbury Tor</a> in England but since it was written that it was "not Banksy" on it, this appearance was taken more as a joke.

On Wednesday (December 8)&nbsp;another monolith was spotted in El Paso, Texas.

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The monolith sounds hollow as hell really light easy to tip over and move <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ElPaso?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ElPaso</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/monolith?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#monolith</a> <a href="https://t.co/AVq0pSVx71">pic.twitter.com/AVq0pSVx71</a>
— Unelectable Airwaves Podcast 🌹 🔮 (@UnelectableA) <a href="https://twitter.com/UnelectableA/status/1336156215059992577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The monolith was later found removed.

Love them or hate them, monoliths are here to stay. Atleast they are here to pop up every day in God knows which corner of Earth. The newest of the monoliths has appeared oh-so-mysteriously in Poland.

Love them or hate them, monoliths are here to stay. Atleast they are here to pop up every day in God knows which corner of Earth. The newest of the monoliths has appeared oh-so-mysteriously in Poland. And no just anywhere in Poland, but in its capital Warsaw on the banks of Vistula river. Local media reported that joggers noticed the monolith. The monolith in Poland stands about 3 metres (10 feet) tall. Has a dull silver colour and is held together by screws. It has appeared near a major bridge in Warsaw. "A mysterious and unusual installation has emerged on the beach on the right (river) bank," Warsaw's Vistula district authorities said on their Facebook page. "If you spend your time actively on the Vistula river, it won't escape your attention," they added, without elaborating. "I was expecting some kind of metaphysical experience, but it's not really all that impressive," a woman visiting the site on Thursday who declined to be named told AFP. No one claimed responsibility for the installation as of Thursday. Also Read | Another monolith pops up, in Texas this time Monolith appearances have been everywhere on social media since last month. First it was found in Utah. Monoliths were then found in Romania, California, Belgium and on Isle of Wight. They have also been spotted in Spain Germany and Colombia. On Thursday (December 9) a monolith was found on Glastonbury Tor in England but since it was written that it was "not Banksy" on it, this appearance was taken more as a joke. On Wednesday (December 8) another monolith was spotted in El Paso, Texas. The monolith sounds hollow as hell really light easy to tip over and move #ElPaso #monolith pic.twitter.com/AVq0pSVx71 — Unelectable Airwaves Podcast 🌹 🔮 (@UnelectableA) December 8, 2020 × The monolith was later found removed.

New monolith alert: In Poland, on Vistula riverbank in Warsaw

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Thursday that first doses of coronavirus vaccine will arrive in the country in a matter of days. He was speaking with reporters. His comments came just a day after Canada's health regulators granted emergency approval Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. 30,000 doses will arrive in Canada in the beginning.

"The first 30,000 doses are expected to arrive on Canadian soil in just a few days," said Trudeau.

He said that the federal government will cover the cost of the vaccine. He also said that his government will create a federal vaccine support program to address the unintended adverse effects of vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccine.

Canada is expected to receive up to 249,000 doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech before the end of December, which will allow up to 124,500 Canadians to be vaccinated before the end of the year, Trudeau said on Monday.

Public health officials say the plan is to vaccinate 40 to 50 percent of Canadians by next summer and complete the COVID-19 immunization program by September 30, 2021. As of Tuesday, Canadian authorities have reported over 440,000 coronavirus cases and more than 13,000 virus-related fatalities.

(With Reuters inputs)

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Thursday that first doses of coronavirus vaccine will arrive in the country in a matter of days. He was speaking with reporters.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Thursday that first doses of coronavirus vaccine will arrive in the country in a matter of days. He was speaking with reporters. His comments came just a day after Canada's health regulators granted emergency approval Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. 30,000 doses will arrive in Canada in the beginning. "The first 30,000 doses are expected to arrive on Canadian soil in just a few days," said Trudeau. He said that the federal government will cover the cost of the vaccine. He also said that his government will create a federal vaccine support program to address the unintended adverse effects of vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccine. Canada is expected to receive up to 249,000 doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech before the end of December, which will allow up to 124,500 Canadians to be vaccinated before the end of the year, Trudeau said on Monday. Public health officials say the plan is to vaccinate 40 to 50 percent of Canadians by next summer and complete the COVID-19 immunization program by September 30, 2021. As of Tuesday, Canadian authorities have reported over 440,000 coronavirus cases and more than 13,000 virus-related fatalities. (With Reuters inputs)

Coronavirus vaccine to arrive in Canada in 'a few days', says PM Justin Trudeau

A panel of outside advisors to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has voted to endorse the emergency use of Pfizer Inc's coronavirus vaccine. This paves the way for USFDA to clear the vaccine for its use in the US. Brexit trade deal talks between Britain and European Union (EU) are still in uncertain stage. UK PM Boris Johnson has said that there was 'strong possibility' of a no-deal Brexit. Read this and more in our morning new brief.

 
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BioNTech last month said a two-dose regimen of the vaccine was 95% effective in preventing illness from COVID-19. 
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The trade deal talks between EU and Britain are stuck on issues such as competition rules, fishing rights and economic fair play

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His comments came just a day after Canada's health regulators granted emergency approval Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. 30,000 doses will arrive in Canada in the beginning

 
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A spokesperson for the US State Department further called on any Eritrean soldiers there to pull out.

 
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A panel of outside advisors to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has voted to endorse the emergency use of Pfizer Inc's coronavirus vaccine. This paves the way for USFDA to clear the vaccine for its use in the US.

A panel of outside advisors to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has voted to endorse the emergency use of Pfizer Inc's coronavirus vaccine. This paves the way for USFDA to clear the vaccine for its use in the US. Brexit trade deal talks between Britain and European Union (EU) are still in uncertain stage. UK PM Boris Johnson has said that there was 'strong possibility' of a no-deal Brexit. Read this and more in our morning new brief. US FDA advisors recommend authorisation of Pfizer Covid vaccine BioNTech last month said a two-dose regimen of the vaccine was 95% effective in preventing illness from COVID-19. Strong possibility of no-deal Brexit: UK PM Boris Johnson The trade deal talks between EU and Britain are stuck on issues such as competition rules, fishing rights and economic fair play Coronavirus vaccine to arrive in Canada in 'few days', says PM Justin Trudeau His comments came just a day after Canada's health regulators granted emergency approval Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. 30,000 doses will arrive in Canada in the beginning US believes in reports of involvement of Eritrean troops in Tigray conflict A spokesperson for the US State Department further called on any Eritrean soldiers there to pull out. 250-kg live bomb from 1971 war found buried near Dhaka airport On information, the bomb disposal unit of the Air Force's Bangabandhu Base rushed to the spot and defused the 250-kg bomb, the Defence Ministry said in a statement. US brokers deal establishing ties between Israel and Morocco ×

Morning news brief: USFDA advisors okay COVID vaccine, Johnson mulls no-deal Brexit, more

Leaders of European Union on Friday decided to draw up a list of Turkish targets to impose sanctions. These sanctions are in response to Turkey's activities of prospecting for gas in Greek and Cypriot waters.

"The council adopted sanctions in the face of Turkey's 'unilateral actions and provocations'," French minister for European affairs Clement Beaune tweeted, citing the conclusions agreed by the bloc's 27 leaders.

AFP quoted a diplomat who said that the sanctions would target individuals and that further measures could be imposed "if Turkey pursues its actions"

EU leaders did not agree to seek an arms embargo. They did not also seek to target entire sector of Turkey's economy.

But the conclusions, released by a European Council spokesman, called for a list to be drawn up of targets for "restrictive measures".

The leaders mandated chief EU diplomat Josep Borrell to prepare a report on more measures that could be taken to "expand the scope" of the action, to be submitted by next March.

"The idea is to turn the vice progressively," a diplomat said.&nbsp;

"Turkey has engaged in unilateral actions and provocations and escalated its rhetoric against the EU, EU Member States and European leaders," the leaders said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-set-to-sanction-turkey-over-russian-defence-system-348947">US set to sanction Turkey over Russian defence system</a>

"Turkish unilateral and provocative activities in the Eastern Mediterranean are still taking place, including in Cyprus's exclusive economic zone."

On the eve of the EU summit, Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan dismissed the sanctions threat.

"Turkey does not care much about any sanctions decision to be made by the EU," he said.&nbsp;

"The EU has never treated us honestly. The EU has never stood by any promise it has given us but we always remained patient and we are still patient."

Greece, with French backing, has led the charge for tougher EU action against Turkey, which has repeatedly sent a gas drilling vessel into disputed waters.

(With AFP inputs)

Leaders of European Union on Friday decided to draw up a list of Turkish targets to impose sanctions. These sanctions are in response to Turkey's activities of prospecting for gas in Greek and Cypriot waters.

Leaders of European Union on Friday decided to draw up a list of Turkish targets to impose sanctions. These sanctions are in response to Turkey's activities of prospecting for gas in Greek and Cypriot waters. "The council adopted sanctions in the face of Turkey's 'unilateral actions and provocations'," French minister for European affairs Clement Beaune tweeted, citing the conclusions agreed by the bloc's 27 leaders. AFP quoted a diplomat who said that the sanctions would target individuals and that further measures could be imposed "if Turkey pursues its actions" EU leaders did not agree to seek an arms embargo. They did not also seek to target entire sector of Turkey's economy. But the conclusions, released by a European Council spokesman, called for a list to be drawn up of targets for "restrictive measures". The leaders mandated chief EU diplomat Josep Borrell to prepare a report on more measures that could be taken to "expand the scope" of the action, to be submitted by next March. "The idea is to turn the vice progressively," a diplomat said. "Turkey has engaged in unilateral actions and provocations and escalated its rhetoric against the EU, EU Member States and European leaders," the leaders said. Also Read | US set to sanction Turkey over Russian defence system "Turkish unilateral and provocative activities in the Eastern Mediterranean are still taking place, including in Cyprus's exclusive economic zone." On the eve of the EU summit, Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan dismissed the sanctions threat. "Turkey does not care much about any sanctions decision to be made by the EU," he said. "The EU has never treated us honestly. The EU has never stood by any promise it has given us but we always remained patient and we are still patient." Greece, with French backing, has led the charge for tougher EU action against Turkey, which has repeatedly sent a gas drilling vessel into disputed waters. (With AFP inputs)

European Union plans to impose more sanctions on Turkey

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