Thousands of protesters demanded Moldovan government's resignation and snap parliamentary elections as they rallied in the country's capital on Sunday. Moldova last month elected pro-European Maia Sandu to the presidency, earning her a surprise victory over pro-Russian incumbent Igor Dodon.

However, Moldovan lawmakers passed a bill a bill this week that transferred control of intelligence agency from the president to the parliament. Mai Sandu then called on her supporters to rally againt this decision.

On Thursday, more than 5000 people rallied against the decision. Sunday saw even bigger protest. More than 50,000 protesters gathered in front of the parliament building, according to organisers.

AFP journalists at the scene said that at least 20,000 protesters had turned out.

The opposition said many more could not make it to the rally, and accused police of having blocked entry to Chisinau to those coming from outside, including farmers who had arrived in tractors.

During the protest, demonstrators chanted "Down with Dodon!" and "We will not give in!" Hundreds of police cordoned off the parliament building, but did not interfere with the rally.

Protesters also demanded inauguration of Sandu as the president on December 10. Moldova's constitutional court is expected to officially confirm her victory.&nbsp;

Her inauguration is currently scheduled for two weeks later.

"We cannot wait for the inauguration of the president on December 24," said opposition lawmaker and deputy speaker of parliament Alexandru Slusari.

"Igor Dodon will plunder the whole country in these two or three weeks."

Speaking at Sunday's rally, Sandu reiterated her call for the government to resign and for early parliamentary elections.

"Igor Dodon does not want to admit defeat," she told the crowd. "He wants now to set fire to the country, provoke chaos, drive Moldova into international isolation!"

(With AFP inputs)

Thousands of protesters demanded Moldovan government's resignation and snap parliamentary elections as they rallied in the country's capital on Sunday. Moldova last month elected pro-European Maia Sandu to the presidency, earning her a surprise victory over pro-Russian incumbent Igor Dodon.

Thousands of protesters demanded Moldovan government's resignation and snap parliamentary elections as they rallied in the country's capital on Sunday. Moldova last month elected pro-European Maia Sandu to the presidency, earning her a surprise victory over pro-Russian incumbent Igor Dodon. However, Moldovan lawmakers passed a bill a bill this week that transferred control of intelligence agency from the president to the parliament. Mai Sandu then called on her supporters to rally againt this decision. On Thursday, more than 5000 people rallied against the decision. Sunday saw even bigger protest. More than 50,000 protesters gathered in front of the parliament building, according to organisers. AFP journalists at the scene said that at least 20,000 protesters had turned out. The opposition said many more could not make it to the rally, and accused police of having blocked entry to Chisinau to those coming from outside, including farmers who had arrived in tractors. During the protest, demonstrators chanted "Down with Dodon!" and "We will not give in!" Hundreds of police cordoned off the parliament building, but did not interfere with the rally. Protesters also demanded inauguration of Sandu as the president on December 10. Moldova's constitutional court is expected to officially confirm her victory. Her inauguration is currently scheduled for two weeks later. "We cannot wait for the inauguration of the president on December 24," said opposition lawmaker and deputy speaker of parliament Alexandru Slusari. "Igor Dodon will plunder the whole country in these two or three weeks." Speaking at Sunday's rally, Sandu reiterated her call for the government to resign and for early parliamentary elections. "Igor Dodon does not want to admit defeat," she told the crowd. "He wants now to set fire to the country, provoke chaos, drive Moldova into international isolation!" (With AFP inputs)

Moldova: Thousands rally demanding government's resignation

Israel Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi on Sunday said that landmark Abraham Accords were like an 'opportunity' and that they were not struck at the 'expense' of the Palestinians. He was speaking at a regional security conference in Manama, Bahrain.

"The Abraham accords do not come at the expense of the Palestinians. Quite the opposite, they are an opportunity that should not be missed," he said in a virtual address.

The Abrham Accords, through which UAE and Bahrain broke decades of Arab consensus were decried by Palestinian leaders as a "stab in the back". The consensus among Arab countries meant that they would be no relations between them and Israel until it made peace with the Palestinians

Israeli foreign minister on Sunday said that the diplomati shift could help resolve Israel-Palestine conflict.

"I call on the Palestinians to change their minds and enter direct negotiation with us without preconditions. This is the only way to solve this conflict," he said.&nbsp;

"We believe as Israel moves from annexation to normalisation, there is a window to solve this conflict," he said, referring to its agreement to put annexation plans on hold in return for the normalisation deal.

The United States, which brokered the Abraham Accords, has been intensively negotiating for more Arab nations to come in board, notably Saudi Arabia, the biggest Gulf power.

Saudi to sign up?

Mutual concern over Iran has gradually brought Israel and Gulf nations closer, and there were reports last month that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had held secret talks in Saudi Arabia, fuelling speculation a normalisation accord could be in the making.

Riyadh, however, denied that the meeting, reportedly between Netanyahu and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, had occurred.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan told AFP in Manama Saturday that the kingdom's position remained resolute.

"We've been quite clear that in order for us to proceed with normalisation we will need to see a settlement of the Palestinian dispute and the formation of a viable state of Palestine along the lines envisioned in the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative," he said.

"Without a settlement between the Palestinians and the Israelis we are not going to see true peace and stability in the region."

Asked whether that effectively ruled out the establishment of ties with Israel any time soon, he said he was "optimistic that there is a path towards a resolution between the Palestinians and Israelis".&nbsp;

However, Prince Turki al-Faisal, the Saudi former intelligence chief who is said to be close to the top leadership, gave voice to the strong support that the Palestinian cause still has in the region, with a fiery presentation to the Manama meeting.&nbsp;

He accused Israel of depicting itself as a "small, existentially threatened country, surrounded by bloodthirsty killers who want to eradicate her from existence".

"And yet they profess that they want to be friends with Saudi Arabia," he said, outlining a history of forcible eviction of Palestinians and destroyed villages.

"You cannot treat an open wound with palliatives and painkillers. The Abraham Accords are not divine writ."

(With AFP inputs)

Israel Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi on Sunday said that landmark Abraham Accords were like an 'opportunity' and that they were not struck at the 'expense' of the Palestinians.

Israel Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi on Sunday said that landmark Abraham Accords were like an 'opportunity' and that they were not struck at the 'expense' of the Palestinians. He was speaking at a regional security conference in Manama, Bahrain. "The Abraham accords do not come at the expense of the Palestinians. Quite the opposite, they are an opportunity that should not be missed," he said in a virtual address. The Abrham Accords, through which UAE and Bahrain broke decades of Arab consensus were decried by Palestinian leaders as a "stab in the back". The consensus among Arab countries meant that they would be no relations between them and Israel until it made peace with the Palestinians Israeli foreign minister on Sunday said that the diplomati shift could help resolve Israel-Palestine conflict. "I call on the Palestinians to change their minds and enter direct negotiation with us without preconditions. This is the only way to solve this conflict," he said. "We believe as Israel moves from annexation to normalisation, there is a window to solve this conflict," he said, referring to its agreement to put annexation plans on hold in return for the normalisation deal. The United States, which brokered the Abraham Accords, has been intensively negotiating for more Arab nations to come in board, notably Saudi Arabia, the biggest Gulf power. Saudi to sign up? Mutual concern over Iran has gradually brought Israel and Gulf nations closer, and there were reports last month that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had held secret talks in Saudi Arabia, fuelling speculation a normalisation accord could be in the making. Riyadh, however, denied that the meeting, reportedly between Netanyahu and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, had occurred. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan told AFP in Manama Saturday that the kingdom's position remained resolute. "We've been quite clear that in order for us to proceed with normalisation we will need to see a settlement of the Palestinian dispute and the formation of a viable state of Palestine along the lines envisioned in the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative," he said. "Without a settlement between the Palestinians and the Israelis we are not going to see true peace and stability in the region." Asked whether that effectively ruled out the establishment of ties with Israel any time soon, he said he was "optimistic that there is a path towards a resolution between the Palestinians and Israelis". However, Prince Turki al-Faisal, the Saudi former intelligence chief who is said to be close to the top leadership, gave voice to the strong support that the Palestinian cause still has in the region, with a fiery presentation to the Manama meeting. He accused Israel of depicting itself as a "small, existentially threatened country, surrounded by bloodthirsty killers who want to eradicate her from existence". "And yet they profess that they want to be friends with Saudi Arabia," he said, outlining a history of forcible eviction of Palestinians and destroyed villages. "You cannot treat an open wound with palliatives and painkillers. The Abraham Accords are not divine writ." (With AFP inputs)

Israel calls Abraham Accords an 'opportunity' for Palestinians

Britain and the European Union sought on Sunday to strike an elusive trade deal, with failure likely to end with trade in chaos, markets tumbling and a huge economic price to pay.

Here are some of the potential pressure points of a no-trade deal after five years of Brexit crisis.

Sterling

Investors and banks have predicted that a deal will eventually be done, so a no-deal would hit sterling, according to major foreign exchange traders.

The shock referendum result on June 24, 2016 sent the pound down 8% against the U.S. dollar, its biggest one-day fall since the era of free-floating exchange rates began in the 1970s.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-gets-ready-for-roll-out-of-pfizers-covid-vaccine-this-week-347845">UK gets ready for roll-out of Pfizer's Covid vaccine this week</a>

That was nearly double the 4.3% drop on Sept. 16, 1992, when financier George Soros "broke the Bank of England" after his bets against the pound were instrumental in the currency`s exit from the European Exchange Rate Mechanism.

Trade

Overnight Britain would lose zero-tariff and zero-quota access to the European Single Market of 450 million consumers.

Britain would default to World Trade Organization (WTO) terms in its trade with the 27-state bloc, making it in effect as distant to its biggest trading partner as Australia.

Britain would impose its new UK global tariff (UKGT) on EU imports while the EU would impose its common external tariff on UK imports. Non-tariff barriers could hinder trade, with prices predicted to rise for consumers and businesses.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-eu-to-resume-talks-in-final-push-for-brexit-trade-deal-347809">UK, EU to resume talks in final push for Brexit trade deal</a>

Borders risk disruption, especially the main crossing points, with shortages of certain foods possible as Britain imports 60% of its fresh food.

Any disruption would be felt most keenly by sectors that rely on just-in-time supply chains, including autos, food and beverages. Other sectors likely to be affected would include textiles, pharmaceuticals, and chemical and petroleum products.

The EU is Britain`s biggest trading partner, accounting for 47% of its trade in 2019. It had a trade deficit of 79 billion pounds ($106 billion) with the EU, a surplus of 18 billion in services outweighed by a deficit of 97 billion pounds in goods.

Even with a deal, Britain`s reasonable worst-case scenario is that 7,000 trucks bound for the continent could stack up in the southern English county of Kent.

The&nbsp;economy

A no-trade deal would wipe an extra 2% off British economic output in 2021 while driving up inflation, unemployment and public borrowing, Britain`s Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has forecast.

The OBR said tariffs under WTO rules and border disruptions would hit parts of the economy such as manufacturing that were emerging relatively unscathed from the COVID-19 pandemic.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/brexit-uk-eu-trade-talks-to-resume-over-certain-issues-347935/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

The long-term hit could be costly for both Britain and the 27 remaining EU members. Germany, Europe`s biggest economy, is Britain`s biggest EU trading partner.

The shock would be felt unevenly across continental Europe, with those likely to be hit worst including Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Malta and Poland.

The Halle Institute for Economic Research has forecast that EU companies exporting to Britain could lose more than 700,000 jobs if no trade deal is agreed.

Northern Ireland

Both sides want to avoid a hard border between the United Kingdom`s Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in the EU. Implementing the Northern Ireland protocol of the 2020 Brexit Treaty will be complicated without a trade agreement.

Under the treaty, Northern Ireland remains, in effect, in the EU`s single market for goods and aligned to its customs rules after Dec. 31 unlike the rest of the United Kingdom.

Exactly how checks, regulations and paperwork will work between Britain and Northern Ireland is not yet clear. But without a trade deal, the divide between Britain and Northern Ireland would become more distinct.

Brexit without a trade deal could allow Northern Ireland to become a back door into the EU`s single market, thus raising the spectre of a hard border on the island of Ireland for the first time since a 1998 peace deal.

The 1998 Good Friday Agreement brought an end to three decades of sectarian violence between mainly Protestant Unionists who favour continued British rule and mainly Catholic Irish Nationalists who want a united Ireland.

Acrimony

Both sides would likely blame each other for any chaos after a no-deal exit and Europe would be split just as it faces the challenges of China`s rise, Russian assertiveness and the continuing fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Such a failure could shake the bloc that was created to bind the ruined nations of Europe into a global power after World War Two.

The EU would lose one of Europe`s leading military and intelligence powers, its second-largest economy and the only financial capital to rival New York.&nbsp; 
Britain would be alone, left far more dependent on its alliance with the United States.

Britain is also pushing ahead with legislation known as the Internal Market Bill that would allow it to break parts of the 2020 Brexit Treaty relating to Northern Ireland, making it unclear how far it would implement the divorce deal.

City of London

London, the world`s international financial capital, is largely ready for Brexit as a trade deal was never going to cover Britain`s most globally competitive industry.

While most banks and investors have found ways to navigate Britain`s departure from the bloc, the long-term impact of an acrimonious Brexit would be unpredictable and the EU would likely try to grab more market share from the City of London.

London is the centre of the world`s $6.6 trillion a day foreign currency markets, accounting for 43% of global turnover. Its nearest EU competitor, Paris, accounts for about 2%.

The British capital is also the global centre for euro trading, a potential headache for the European Central Bank.

Britain and the European Union sought on Sunday to strike an elusive trade deal, with failure likely to end with trade in chaos, markets tumbling and a huge economic price to pay.

Britain and the European Union sought on Sunday to strike an elusive trade deal, with failure likely to end with trade in chaos, markets tumbling and a huge economic price to pay. Here are some of the potential pressure points of a no-trade deal after five years of Brexit crisis. Sterling Investors and banks have predicted that a deal will eventually be done, so a no-deal would hit sterling, according to major foreign exchange traders. The shock referendum result on June 24, 2016 sent the pound down 8% against the U.S. dollar, its biggest one-day fall since the era of free-floating exchange rates began in the 1970s. Also Read | UK gets ready for roll-out of Pfizer's Covid vaccine this week That was nearly double the 4.3% drop on Sept. 16, 1992, when financier George Soros "broke the Bank of England" after his bets against the pound were instrumental in the currency`s exit from the European Exchange Rate Mechanism. Trade Overnight Britain would lose zero-tariff and zero-quota access to the European Single Market of 450 million consumers. Britain would default to World Trade Organization (WTO) terms in its trade with the 27-state bloc, making it in effect as distant to its biggest trading partner as Australia. Britain would impose its new UK global tariff (UKGT) on EU imports while the EU would impose its common external tariff on UK imports. Non-tariff barriers could hinder trade, with prices predicted to rise for consumers and businesses. Also Read | UK, EU to resume talks in final push for Brexit trade deal Borders risk disruption, especially the main crossing points, with shortages of certain foods possible as Britain imports 60% of its fresh food. Any disruption would be felt most keenly by sectors that rely on just-in-time supply chains, including autos, food and beverages. Other sectors likely to be affected would include textiles, pharmaceuticals, and chemical and petroleum products. The EU is Britain`s biggest trading partner, accounting for 47% of its trade in 2019. It had a trade deficit of 79 billion pounds ($106 billion) with the EU, a surplus of 18 billion in services outweighed by a deficit of 97 billion pounds in goods. Even with a deal, Britain`s reasonable worst-case scenario is that 7,000 trucks bound for the continent could stack up in the southern English county of Kent. The economy A no-trade deal would wipe an extra 2% off British economic output in 2021 while driving up inflation, unemployment and public borrowing, Britain`s Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has forecast. The OBR said tariffs under WTO rules and border disruptions would hit parts of the economy such as manufacturing that were emerging relatively unscathed from the COVID-19 pandemic. × The long-term hit could be costly for both Britain and the 27 remaining EU members. Germany, Europe`s biggest economy, is Britain`s biggest EU trading partner. The shock would be felt unevenly across continental Europe, with those likely to be hit worst including Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Malta and Poland. The Halle Institute for Economic Research has forecast that EU companies exporting to Britain could lose more than 700,000 jobs if no trade deal is agreed. Northern Ireland Both sides want to avoid a hard border between the United Kingdom`s Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in the EU. Implementing the Northern Ireland protocol of the 2020 Brexit Treaty will be complicated without a trade agreement. Under the treaty, Northern Ireland remains, in effect, in the EU`s single market for goods and aligned to its customs rules after Dec. 31 unlike the rest of the United Kingdom. Exactly how checks, regulations and paperwork will work between Britain and Northern Ireland is not yet clear. But without a trade deal, the divide between Britain and Northern Ireland would become more distinct. Brexit without a trade deal could allow Northern Ireland to become a back door into the EU`s single market, thus raising the spectre of a hard border on the island of Ireland for the first time since a 1998 peace deal. The 1998 Good Friday Agreement brought an end to three decades of sectarian violence between mainly Protestant Unionists who favour continued British rule and mainly Catholic Irish Nationalists who want a united Ireland. Acrimony Both sides would likely blame each other for any chaos after a no-deal exit and Europe would be split just as it faces the challenges of China`s rise, Russian assertiveness and the continuing fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. Such a failure could shake the bloc that was created to bind the ruined nations of Europe into a global power after World War Two. The EU would lose one of Europe`s leading military and intelligence powers, its second-largest economy and the only financial capital to rival New York. Britain would be alone, left far more dependent on its alliance with the United States. Britain is also pushing ahead with legislation known as the Internal Market Bill that would allow it to break parts of the 2020 Brexit Treaty relating to Northern Ireland, making it unclear how far it would implement the divorce deal. City of London London, the world`s international financial capital, is largely ready for Brexit as a trade deal was never going to cover Britain`s most globally competitive industry. While most banks and investors have found ways to navigate Britain`s departure from the bloc, the long-term impact of an acrimonious Brexit would be unpredictable and the EU would likely try to grab more market share from the City of London. London is the centre of the world`s $6.6 trillion a day foreign currency markets, accounting for 43% of global turnover. Its nearest EU competitor, Paris, accounts for about 2%. The British capital is also the global centre for euro trading, a potential headache for the European Central Bank.

Explainer: The potential impact of Brexit without a trade deal

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Sunday skipped meeting of Nepal Communist Party's standing committee. Although the reason of busy schedule and "high risk of COVID-19 infection" was given, Oli's absence is being viewed in relation to his worsening feud with Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda'.

Oli and Prachanda both are co-chairmen of the party and both factions are currently at loggerheads. Oli has categorically refused to step down.

However, Oli faction is numerically weak in the 43-member standing committee.

As per reports, the standing committee was going to discuss corruption allegations against Oli levelled by the Prachanda camp in the meeting on Sunday. This may have resulted in renewed demands for Oli's resignation.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-hundreds-protest-again-in-support-of-monarchy-347897">Nepal: Hundreds protest again in support of monarchy</a>

"Oli could not attend the standing committee meeting due to a busy schedule and the high risk of COVID-19 infection," said Surya Thapa, Oli`s advisor.

On Saturday, a pro-monarch march was held in the capital Kathmandu where hundreds took to the streets with national flags demanding the reinstatement of constitutional monarchy and declare Nepal a Hindu state.

(With ANI inputs)

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Sunday skipped meeting of Nepal Communist Party's standing committee. Although the reason of busy schedule and "high risk of COVID-19 infection" was given, Oli's absence is being viewed in relation to his worsening feud with Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda'.

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Sunday skipped meeting of Nepal Communist Party's standing committee. Although the reason of busy schedule and "high risk of COVID-19 infection" was given, Oli's absence is being viewed in relation to his worsening feud with Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda'. Oli and Prachanda both are co-chairmen of the party and both factions are currently at loggerheads. Oli has categorically refused to step down. However, Oli faction is numerically weak in the 43-member standing committee. As per reports, the standing committee was going to discuss corruption allegations against Oli levelled by the Prachanda camp in the meeting on Sunday. This may have resulted in renewed demands for Oli's resignation. Also Read | Nepal: Hundreds protest again in support of monarchy "Oli could not attend the standing committee meeting due to a busy schedule and the high risk of COVID-19 infection," said Surya Thapa, Oli`s advisor. On Saturday, a pro-monarch march was held in the capital Kathmandu where hundreds took to the streets with national flags demanding the reinstatement of constitutional monarchy and declare Nepal a Hindu state. (With ANI inputs)

Amid worsening feud with Prachanda, Nepal PM Oli skips party meet

In the wake of a Ranthambore tiger being spotted with wire snare around its neck, the forest department of the Rajasthan government has issued a `Red Alert` till February 28, 2021 for all wildlife reserves, sanctuaries, and parks in the state.

Under the `Red Alert`, all forest officials have been directed to intensify search operations and seek local police assistance to nab hunters and criminals.

The order issued on Saturday says, "All forest officials under the `Red Alert` have been directed to intensify search operations and seek help from local police to nab hunters and criminals. The department further cancels leaves of all field officers, and directions have been issued for effective patrolling against illegal activities in protected areas," it says further.

The order also added that reports had earlier been received from the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve about animals being caught in traps laid by hunters.

"Recently, five hunters have also been arrested in Mount Abu for hunting a sambar deer, looking to which red alert has been announced till February 2021," it said.

Forest department`s senior officer Shruti Sharma gave clear orders that all officers and employees will work seriously in hunting for the hunters during the red alert.

Earlier, a total of 26 tigers have also been reported missing from Ranthambore.

The tiger T-108 spotted with wire has raised many questions, such as, have these tigers also fallen prey like T-108? What happened to them is yet to be answered by the forest department officials.

Rajsamand MP, Diya Kumari, earlier in August had sent a letter to Union Minister of Environment and Forests Prakash Javadekar and raised a demand to issue necessary guidelines to the state government for investigating the causes of the recent tiger deaths so that such incidents do not recur.

In the wake of a Ranthambore tiger being spotted with wire snare around its neck, the forest department of the Rajasthan government has issued a `Red Alert` till February 28, 2021 for all wildlife reserves, sanctuaries, and parks in the state.

In the wake of a Ranthambore tiger being spotted with wire snare around its neck, the forest department of the Rajasthan government has issued a `Red Alert` till February 28, 2021 for all wildlife reserves, sanctuaries, and parks in the state. Under the `Red Alert`, all forest officials have been directed to intensify search operations and seek local police assistance to nab hunters and criminals. The order issued on Saturday says, "All forest officials under the `Red Alert` have been directed to intensify search operations and seek help from local police to nab hunters and criminals. The department further cancels leaves of all field officers, and directions have been issued for effective patrolling against illegal activities in protected areas," it says further. The order also added that reports had earlier been received from the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve about animals being caught in traps laid by hunters. "Recently, five hunters have also been arrested in Mount Abu for hunting a sambar deer, looking to which red alert has been announced till February 2021," it said. Forest department`s senior officer Shruti Sharma gave clear orders that all officers and employees will work seriously in hunting for the hunters during the red alert. Earlier, a total of 26 tigers have also been reported missing from Ranthambore. The tiger T-108 spotted with wire has raised many questions, such as, have these tigers also fallen prey like T-108? What happened to them is yet to be answered by the forest department officials. Rajsamand MP, Diya Kumari, earlier in August had sent a letter to Union Minister of Environment and Forests Prakash Javadekar and raised a demand to issue necessary guidelines to the state government for investigating the causes of the recent tiger deaths so that such incidents do not recur.

Red alert in Rajasthan after tiger spotted with wire snare around neck

Gujarat has started preparations for the COVID-19 vaccination, which would start with around 3.96 lakh healthcare workers, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said on Saturday.

"The Gujarat government has put together a cold chain infrastructure to store and transport the COVID-19 vaccine and made lists of priority beneficiaries. The first priority will be given to healthcare workers," he said while addressing the convocation ceremony at Marwadi University on Saturday.&nbsp;

"Around 3.96 lakh healthcare workers, including 2.71 lakh government doctors, nurses, and lab technicians as well as 1.25 lakh doctors, nurses, lab technicians and employees of private hospitals engaged in the COVID-19 duty will be given the first priority. People who will be vaccinated will be notified in advance through SMS about the date, time, and place," he added.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pfizer-seeks-emergency-approval-for-covid-vaccine-in-india-347819">Pfizer seeks emergency approval for Covid vaccine in India</a> 
 
He further said permanent refrigeration facility is available across 2,189 Primary Health Centres and Community Health Centres.&nbsp;

"The Union government has provided 150 out of 169 ice-lined refrigerators. The state will also arrange for 30 deep freezers," he said.

Meanwhile, the CM gave gold medals to the toppers during the convocation ceremony.

Gujarat has started preparations for the COVID-19 vaccination, which would start with around 3.96 lakh healthcare workers, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said on Saturday.

Gujarat has started preparations for the COVID-19 vaccination, which would start with around 3.96 lakh healthcare workers, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said on Saturday. "The Gujarat government has put together a cold chain infrastructure to store and transport the COVID-19 vaccine and made lists of priority beneficiaries. The first priority will be given to healthcare workers," he said while addressing the convocation ceremony at Marwadi University on Saturday. "Around 3.96 lakh healthcare workers, including 2.71 lakh government doctors, nurses, and lab technicians as well as 1.25 lakh doctors, nurses, lab technicians and employees of private hospitals engaged in the COVID-19 duty will be given the first priority. People who will be vaccinated will be notified in advance through SMS about the date, time, and place," he added. Also Read | Pfizer seeks emergency approval for Covid vaccine in India He further said permanent refrigeration facility is available across 2,189 Primary Health Centres and Community Health Centres. "The Union government has provided 150 out of 169 ice-lined refrigerators. The state will also arrange for 30 deep freezers," he said. Meanwhile, the CM gave gold medals to the toppers during the convocation ceremony.

Gujarat has started preparations for COVID-19 vaccination: CM

Pentagon on Sunday said that officials of its intelligence agencies will begin meeting members of US President-elect Joe Biden's transition team. Pentagon denied allegations that it was deliberately delaying commencement of the meetings. Washington Post has published a report on December 4 saying that Trump administration did not allow Biden's team to meet intelligence officials and US Defence Department "rejected" or "did not approve" requests for the meeting.

Pentagon released a statement and denied the allegations and said that it was fully cooperating with the President-elect's team.

“The accusation by anonymous sources that DoD has not been fulfilling its commitment to professionally assist any of the Agency Review Teams is demonstrably false and patently insulting,” said the statement.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/were-winning-this-election-trump-at-first-post-poll-rally-347807">'We're winning this election': Trump at first post-poll rally</a>

Donald Trump is yet to concede defeat in US Presidential Election 2020. He has continued levelling baseless charges of election fraud without presenting any evidence. In spite of suffering legal setbacks in number of courts in the US, Trump has chosen to repeat his allegations.

Even at his first post-poll rally in Georgia on Sunday (Indian Time) Trump said that he was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/were-winning-this-election-trump-at-first-post-poll-rally-347807">going to win the presidential election</a>.

"We're winning this election," Trump said.

"It's rigged. It's a fixed deal," he said of President-elect Joe Biden's victory.

In the immediate aftermath of the election results when it was amply clear that Biden had won, there was reluctance from Trump administration to co-operate in the transition process. It is a norm for the ourgoing administration to co-operate with the President-elect and his team so that power transfer takes place smoothly. 
&nbsp;

Pentagon on Sunday said that officials of its intelligence agencies will begin meeting members of US President-elect Joe Biden's transition team. Pentagon denied allegations that it was deliberately delaying commencement of the meetings.

Pentagon on Sunday said that officials of its intelligence agencies will begin meeting members of US President-elect Joe Biden's transition team. Pentagon denied allegations that it was deliberately delaying commencement of the meetings. Washington Post has published a report on December 4 saying that Trump administration did not allow Biden's team to meet intelligence officials and US Defence Department "rejected" or "did not approve" requests for the meeting. Pentagon released a statement and denied the allegations and said that it was fully cooperating with the President-elect's team. “The accusation by anonymous sources that DoD has not been fulfilling its commitment to professionally assist any of the Agency Review Teams is demonstrably false and patently insulting,” said the statement. Also Read | 'We're winning this election': Trump at first post-poll rally Donald Trump is yet to concede defeat in US Presidential Election 2020. He has continued levelling baseless charges of election fraud without presenting any evidence. In spite of suffering legal setbacks in number of courts in the US, Trump has chosen to repeat his allegations. Even at his first post-poll rally in Georgia on Sunday (Indian Time) Trump said that he was going to win the presidential election. "We're winning this election," Trump said. "It's rigged. It's a fixed deal," he said of President-elect Joe Biden's victory. In the immediate aftermath of the election results when it was amply clear that Biden had won, there was reluctance from Trump administration to co-operate in the transition process. It is a norm for the ourgoing administration to co-operate with the President-elect and his team so that power transfer takes place smoothly.

Pentagon spy agencies to meet Biden team after facing accusations of non-cooperation

Indonesia's social affairs minister was arrested on Saturday for allegedly accepting bribes links to food aid worth USD 1.2 million. The aid was meant for those hit by coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

Juliari Batubara turned himself in on Sunday at Indonesia's anti-corruption agency's headquarters. On Saturday, the anti-corruption agents seized suitcases, enveloped and backpacks stuffed with cash in a sting operation. Batubara was named a suspect after the sting operation.

Batubara is the second minister in President Joko Widodo's government to be arrested over alleged graft in recent weeks

"That's the people's money... it's aid urgently needed to help during Covid-19 and for the national economic recovery," Widodo said after Batubara's arrest, vowing he would not protect any corrupt officials. Widodo was quoted by AFP.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-summons-uk-envoy-over-papua-separatist-leader-347895">Indonesia summons UK envoy over Papua separatist leader</a>

Batubara has been accused of involvement in a bribery scheme linked to one such aid project.

Indonesia's economy -- Southeast Asia's biggest -- has been hit hard by the pandemic, and the government has rolled out aid programmes such as food packages to help those in need.

Officials allege that Batubara received more than USD 1 million from two contractors who were appointed to supply basic food packages for people hit by coronavirus pandemic.

For each package, Batubara would receive 10,000 rupiah, or USD 0.71, officials alleged.

If found guilty, he could face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of one billion rupiah (USD 70,000).

(With AFP inputs)

Indonesia's social affairs minister was arrested on Saturday for allegedly accepting bribes links to food aid worth USD 1.2 million. The aid was meant for those hit by coronavirus pandemic.

Indonesia's social affairs minister was arrested on Saturday for allegedly accepting bribes links to food aid worth USD 1.2 million. The aid was meant for those hit by coronavirus pandemic. Juliari Batubara turned himself in on Sunday at Indonesia's anti-corruption agency's headquarters. On Saturday, the anti-corruption agents seized suitcases, enveloped and backpacks stuffed with cash in a sting operation. Batubara was named a suspect after the sting operation. Batubara is the second minister in President Joko Widodo's government to be arrested over alleged graft in recent weeks "That's the people's money... it's aid urgently needed to help during Covid-19 and for the national economic recovery," Widodo said after Batubara's arrest, vowing he would not protect any corrupt officials. Widodo was quoted by AFP. Also Read | Indonesia summons UK envoy over Papua separatist leader Batubara has been accused of involvement in a bribery scheme linked to one such aid project. Indonesia's economy -- Southeast Asia's biggest -- has been hit hard by the pandemic, and the government has rolled out aid programmes such as food packages to help those in need. Officials allege that Batubara received more than USD 1 million from two contractors who were appointed to supply basic food packages for people hit by coronavirus pandemic. For each package, Batubara would receive 10,000 rupiah, or USD 0.71, officials alleged. If found guilty, he could face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of one billion rupiah (USD 70,000). (With AFP inputs)

Indonesia minister arrested over COVID aid bribes

Thai researchers have unearthed a partially fossilised, rare skeleton of Bryde whale. The skeleton is believed to be around 5000 years old. It was found at an inland site west of Bangkok. A cyclist found the 12.5 metre long skeleton. The vertebrae were exposed from the ground. The discovery was made in early November. Excavation is going on since.

"This whale skeleton is thought to be the only one in Asia," said Pannipa Saetian, a geologist in the Fossil Protection division of the Department of Mineral Resources.

"It’s very rare to find such a discovery in near-perfect condition," said Pannipa, estimating that about 90% of the whale's skeleton had been recovered.

"Yesterday we found the right shoulder and fin," she said, noting that about 36 backbone pieces had been unearthed.

The bones needed to be carbon-dated in order to determine the exact age of the skeleton, she said.

Once the painstaking process of cleaning and preserving the fragile skeleton is complete it will be exhibited.

Scientists hope the skeleton will provide more information to aid research into Bryde's whale populations existing today as well as the geological conditions at the time.

Bryde's whales, sometimes known as tropical whales for their preference for warmer waters, are found in coastal waters in parts of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, including in the Gulf of Thailand.

(With Reuters inputs)

Thai researchers have unearthed a partially fossilised, rare skeleton of Bryde whale. The skeleton is believed to be around 5000 years old. It was found at an inland site west of Bangkok.

Thai researchers have unearthed a partially fossilised, rare skeleton of Bryde whale. The skeleton is believed to be around 5000 years old. It was found at an inland site west of Bangkok. A cyclist found the 12.5 metre long skeleton. The vertebrae were exposed from the ground. The discovery was made in early November. Excavation is going on since. "This whale skeleton is thought to be the only one in Asia," said Pannipa Saetian, a geologist in the Fossil Protection division of the Department of Mineral Resources. "It’s very rare to find such a discovery in near-perfect condition," said Pannipa, estimating that about 90% of the whale's skeleton had been recovered. "Yesterday we found the right shoulder and fin," she said, noting that about 36 backbone pieces had been unearthed. The bones needed to be carbon-dated in order to determine the exact age of the skeleton, she said. Once the painstaking process of cleaning and preserving the fragile skeleton is complete it will be exhibited. Scientists hope the skeleton will provide more information to aid research into Bryde's whale populations existing today as well as the geological conditions at the time. Bryde's whales, sometimes known as tropical whales for their preference for warmer waters, are found in coastal waters in parts of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, including in the Gulf of Thailand. (With Reuters inputs)

Thai researchers excavate rare whale skeleton

President Donald Trump is venturing out of Washington on Saturday for his first political appearance since his election defeat to Joe Biden, campaigning in Georgia where two run-off races will decide the fate of the US Senate.

The president takes the stage at 7:00 pm (0000 Sunday GMT) in the southern city of Valdosta, exactly one month before special January 5 elections.

It is just under a month since he was declared the loser in the presidential race.

Yet at a time when most defeated presidents would be working to burnish their legacy, Trump -- who has yet to concede to Biden -- has barely left the White House, sending out a stream of angry tweets challenging the result and demanding that Republicans nationwide defend him.

That includes the party in Georgia, which Biden won by a mere 12,000 votes.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-allies-take-pennsylvania-vote-complaint-to-us-supreme-court-347797">Donald Trump allies take Pennsylvania vote complaint to US Supreme Court</a>

The stakes in the run-off elections there are sky-high. Former president Barack Obama laid them out at a virtual rally on Friday, saying that "the special election in Georgia is going to determine ultimately the course of the Biden presidency."

If Democratic challengers Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff defeat Republican senators Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue, the Senate will be evenly divided at 50-50, meaning Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris would cast any deciding votes, as the Constitution dictates.

The race has drawn enormous attention, with donors nationwide pouring in hundreds of millions of dollars and with figures as prominent as Obama, Vice President Mike Pence -- and now Trump himself -- scrambling to boost voter turnout.

Mixed messaging

But Trump has placed himself in a difficult spot. Since Biden won the November 3 election, the president has repeatedly, and baselessly, attacked the US electoral system as riddled with "fraud."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-us-senate-majority-in-the-pot-parties-bring-out-big-guns-for-georgia-elections-347720">With US Senate majority in the pot, parties bring out big guns for Georgia elections</a>

Despite an overwhelming series of setbacks in the courts, the president and his lawyers have advanced wild conspiracy theories (one involving long-dead Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez) to explain Biden's victory.&nbsp;

Now analysts say he might have created a political monster -- having undercut Georgia voters' faith in the election system just as he needs them to turn out on January 5.

A headline in the Valdosta Daily Times summed up the conflicted feeling among area voters: "Trump in Valdosta: S.Ga. excited, outraged by presidential visit."&nbsp;

Virus record set

Part of the "outrage" stems from the notion of yet another mass Trump rally coming on a day when the banner headline in the Atlanta Journal Constitution reads: "State sets single-day virus record."

Masks will be required and temperatures taken at the airport rally, local television channel WALB reported.&nbsp;

Trump's ability to excite his supporters remains powerful, and he thrives on the campaign rally setting.

But some voters even in long conservative Georgia are expressing weariness over the constant drama surrounding the president.

Analysts said it could make a crucial difference whether Trump, in Valdosta, merely repeats his litany of election grievances or instead addresses the importance of maintaining Senate control.

"It will be good for the rally if it's about Perdue and Kelley Loeffler and how we need to go vote," Spud Bowen, a Republican businessman from Tifton, Georgia, told the Valdosta Daily Times, "but I am certainly not in the mood to hear any more name-calling."&nbsp;

Thin line

Loeffler and Perdue have walked moved cautiously, urging Georgians to vote without directly challenging Trump's angry complaints.

Loeffler said she was "SO proud to have our President's support."

But Trump has not made things easier for Georgia Republicans, angrily attacking officials in his own party over his loss there, starting with Governor Brian Kemp.

"I'm ashamed that I endorsed him," Trump said of Kemp, furious that the governor did not denounce Republican secretary of state Brad Raffenspberger -- branded an "enemy of the state" by the president -- for certifying the election.&nbsp;

He tweeted against both men again on Saturday, hours before flying to Georgia, suggesting they were not true "Republicans."

It was unclear whether Kemp and Loeffler would attend the rally Saturday; a young Loeffler staff member and family friend of Kemp's, Harrison Deal, died in a car crash Friday.

For the 74-year-old Trump, who is considering a fresh White House run in 2024, the Georgia rally represents a gamble.

His performance there could boost his political chances, said conservative commentator Marc Thiessen.&nbsp;

But "if he lets Democrats take back the Senate because he was focused on rooting out some mythical communist conspiracy to steal the 2020 election, he will go down in ignominy," Thiessen wrote in The Washington Post.

President Donald Trump is venturing out of Washington on Saturday for his first political appearance since his election defeat to Joe Biden, campaigning in Georgia where two run-off races will decide the fate of the US Senate.

President Donald Trump is venturing out of Washington on Saturday for his first political appearance since his election defeat to Joe Biden, campaigning in Georgia where two run-off races will decide the fate of the US Senate. The president takes the stage at 7:00 pm (0000 Sunday GMT) in the southern city of Valdosta, exactly one month before special January 5 elections. It is just under a month since he was declared the loser in the presidential race. Yet at a time when most defeated presidents would be working to burnish their legacy, Trump -- who has yet to concede to Biden -- has barely left the White House, sending out a stream of angry tweets challenging the result and demanding that Republicans nationwide defend him. That includes the party in Georgia, which Biden won by a mere 12,000 votes. Also Read | Donald Trump allies take Pennsylvania vote complaint to US Supreme Court The stakes in the run-off elections there are sky-high. Former president Barack Obama laid them out at a virtual rally on Friday, saying that "the special election in Georgia is going to determine ultimately the course of the Biden presidency." If Democratic challengers Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff defeat Republican senators Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue, the Senate will be evenly divided at 50-50, meaning Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris would cast any deciding votes, as the Constitution dictates. The race has drawn enormous attention, with donors nationwide pouring in hundreds of millions of dollars and with figures as prominent as Obama, Vice President Mike Pence -- and now Trump himself -- scrambling to boost voter turnout. Mixed messaging But Trump has placed himself in a difficult spot. Since Biden won the November 3 election, the president has repeatedly, and baselessly, attacked the US electoral system as riddled with "fraud." Also Read | With US Senate majority in the pot, parties bring out big guns for Georgia elections Despite an overwhelming series of setbacks in the courts, the president and his lawyers have advanced wild conspiracy theories (one involving long-dead Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez) to explain Biden's victory. Now analysts say he might have created a political monster -- having undercut Georgia voters' faith in the election system just as he needs them to turn out on January 5. A headline in the Valdosta Daily Times summed up the conflicted feeling among area voters: "Trump in Valdosta: S.Ga. excited, outraged by presidential visit." Virus record set Part of the "outrage" stems from the notion of yet another mass Trump rally coming on a day when the banner headline in the Atlanta Journal Constitution reads: "State sets single-day virus record." Masks will be required and temperatures taken at the airport rally, local television channel WALB reported. Trump's ability to excite his supporters remains powerful, and he thrives on the campaign rally setting. But some voters even in long conservative Georgia are expressing weariness over the constant drama surrounding the president. Analysts said it could make a crucial difference whether Trump, in Valdosta, merely repeats his litany of election grievances or instead addresses the importance of maintaining Senate control. "It will be good for the rally if it's about Perdue and Kelley Loeffler and how we need to go vote," Spud Bowen, a Republican businessman from Tifton, Georgia, told the Valdosta Daily Times, "but I am certainly not in the mood to hear any more name-calling." Thin line Loeffler and Perdue have walked moved cautiously, urging Georgians to vote without directly challenging Trump's angry complaints. Loeffler said she was "SO proud to have our President's support." But Trump has not made things easier for Georgia Republicans, angrily attacking officials in his own party over his loss there, starting with Governor Brian Kemp. "I'm ashamed that I endorsed him," Trump said of Kemp, furious that the governor did not denounce Republican secretary of state Brad Raffenspberger -- branded an "enemy of the state" by the president -- for certifying the election. He tweeted against both men again on Saturday, hours before flying to Georgia, suggesting they were not true "Republicans." It was unclear whether Kemp and Loeffler would attend the rally Saturday; a young Loeffler staff member and family friend of Kemp's, Harrison Deal, died in a car crash Friday. For the 74-year-old Trump, who is considering a fresh White House run in 2024, the Georgia rally represents a gamble. His performance there could boost his political chances, said conservative commentator Marc Thiessen. But "if he lets Democrats take back the Senate because he was focused on rooting out some mythical communist conspiracy to steal the 2020 election, he will go down in ignominy," Thiessen wrote in The Washington Post.

Trump to appear in Georgia in gamble over control of US Senate

An Afghan army-led joint force of corps, commandos and other fighters have conducted an operation against the Taliban in the eastern province of Laghman, leaving 61 terrorists killed or seriously injured, Brig. Gen. Zalmai Nabard, the commander of the 1st Infantry Brigade in Laghman, said.

"As a result of the operation, 44 Taliban terrorists, including seven key commanders, were killed and 17 others were seriously wounded," Nabard said.

According to the military, the six-day operation was conducted in Laghman`s Dawlat Shah and Alishang districts.

The army officer claimed that the areas had been completely cleared of the Taliban and that security checkpoints had been set up there.

An Afghan army-led joint force of corps, commandos and other fighters have conducted an operation against the Taliban in the eastern province of Laghman, leaving 61 terrorists killed or seriously injured, Brig.

An Afghan army-led joint force of corps, commandos and other fighters have conducted an operation against the Taliban in the eastern province of Laghman, leaving 61 terrorists killed or seriously injured, Brig. Gen. Zalmai Nabard, the commander of the 1st Infantry Brigade in Laghman, said. "As a result of the operation, 44 Taliban terrorists, including seven key commanders, were killed and 17 others were seriously wounded," Nabard said. According to the military, the six-day operation was conducted in Laghman`s Dawlat Shah and Alishang districts. The army officer claimed that the areas had been completely cleared of the Taliban and that security checkpoints had been set up there.

Afghan Army operation in Laghman leaves 44 Taliban terrorists dead

Indian capital New Delhi is expected to receive first batch of coronavirus vaccines by the end of December, reported IANS citing quoted by officials of the Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital. Cold chain points across the country are remodelling themselves to support storage of COVID-19 vaccine.

BL Sherwal, medical director of the hospital, said that a separate facility in the hospital has been demarcated to store the vaccine doses which are expected to arrive by the month end.

"The vaccine doses would arrive at the storage units by the end of December. To store them in Delhi, we have demarcated a building on the campus which is currently undergoing refurbishment," he said.

Centre has found a three-storey building in the hospiptal premises to be suitable for storage of the vaccine.

Sherwal informed IANS that the Centre is providing deep refrigerators of different kinds to support the storage temperature of the variety of vaccines which are currently under different stages of clinical trials.

"The Centre would provide us with deep refrigerators with storage capacity ranging from -20 to -70-degree Celsius. Besides, model 228, which are regular refrigerators used to store medical drugs, would also come along," Sherwal told IANS.

He also said that the refurbishment of the demarcated vaccine storage facility would be completed in the next few days while the deep refrigerators would arrive by mid-December. "Currently, we are remodelling the electrical points and other infrastructure as per the requirements of the deep refrigerators," Sherwal added.

The Centre had recently asked the states and Union Territories to review cold storage and refrigerated vans used for the already existing universal immunisation programme. Under the programme, around 28,000 cold chain points are used, along with 700 refrigerated vans.

The Centre has also drawn up a plan under which the first dose of vaccine, whichever candidate is available, will first be administered to 1 crore healthcare workers across the country.

Five vaccine candidates are in various stages of trials in India under the Serum Institute of India, Bharat Biotech, Zydus Cadila, Russian Sputnik - V in collaboration with Dr Reddy, and Biological E.

The Pune-based Serum Institute of India, which is testing and manufacturing the Oxford-AstraZeneca candidate, has said that it will apply for emergency marketing authorisation of the vaccine in little over a month`s time. The vaccine being manufactured by it can be stored at temperatures between 2 and 8-degree Celsius.

The lowest minimum temperature at which vaccines can be kept to maintain the cold chain in most areas in the country is -25-degree Celsius as there is only one vaccine in India -- Bharat Biotech`s Rotavirus vaccine -- which needs to be stored at -20-degree Celsius.

(With IANS inputs)

Indian capital New Delhi is expected to receive first batch of coronavirus vaccines by the end of December, reported IANS citing quoted by officials of the Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital.

Indian capital New Delhi is expected to receive first batch of coronavirus vaccines by the end of December, reported IANS citing quoted by officials of the Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital. Cold chain points across the country are remodelling themselves to support storage of COVID-19 vaccine. BL Sherwal, medical director of the hospital, said that a separate facility in the hospital has been demarcated to store the vaccine doses which are expected to arrive by the month end. "The vaccine doses would arrive at the storage units by the end of December. To store them in Delhi, we have demarcated a building on the campus which is currently undergoing refurbishment," he said. Centre has found a three-storey building in the hospiptal premises to be suitable for storage of the vaccine. Sherwal informed IANS that the Centre is providing deep refrigerators of different kinds to support the storage temperature of the variety of vaccines which are currently under different stages of clinical trials. "The Centre would provide us with deep refrigerators with storage capacity ranging from -20 to -70-degree Celsius. Besides, model 228, which are regular refrigerators used to store medical drugs, would also come along," Sherwal told IANS. He also said that the refurbishment of the demarcated vaccine storage facility would be completed in the next few days while the deep refrigerators would arrive by mid-December. "Currently, we are remodelling the electrical points and other infrastructure as per the requirements of the deep refrigerators," Sherwal added. The Centre had recently asked the states and Union Territories to review cold storage and refrigerated vans used for the already existing universal immunisation programme. Under the programme, around 28,000 cold chain points are used, along with 700 refrigerated vans. The Centre has also drawn up a plan under which the first dose of vaccine, whichever candidate is available, will first be administered to 1 crore healthcare workers across the country. Five vaccine candidates are in various stages of trials in India under the Serum Institute of India, Bharat Biotech, Zydus Cadila, Russian Sputnik - V in collaboration with Dr Reddy, and Biological E. The Pune-based Serum Institute of India, which is testing and manufacturing the Oxford-AstraZeneca candidate, has said that it will apply for emergency marketing authorisation of the vaccine in little over a month`s time. The vaccine being manufactured by it can be stored at temperatures between 2 and 8-degree Celsius. The lowest minimum temperature at which vaccines can be kept to maintain the cold chain in most areas in the country is -25-degree Celsius as there is only one vaccine in India -- Bharat Biotech`s Rotavirus vaccine -- which needs to be stored at -20-degree Celsius. (With IANS inputs)

Coronavirus vaccine doses to arrive in Delhi by December end, says official

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Manas Joshi

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.