The positivity rate of Covid-19 dipped below 5 per cent in the national capital on Thursday, for the first time since October 7, after Delhi conducted a record number of tests in the last 24 hours.

Exactly 57 days ago on October 7, the positivity rate of new cases had fallen below 5 per cent to 4.9 per cent.

The capital city reported 3,734 new cases of the Covid-19 on Thursday, out of the 75,230 tests conducted in the past 24 hours. The positivity rate remained at 4.9 per cent. Meanwhile, 82 deaths were recorded in the same time period while 4,834 people recovered from the deadly disease in the same duration. The total tally of cases has reached 5,82,058 while the death toll has risen to 9,424.

Meanwhile, of the total 75,230 tests conducted in the last 24 hours, 33,298 were done through RT-PCR and 41,932 were Rapid Antigen Tests. The capital city has conducted 65,00,700 tests so far, according to a bulletin issued by the Delhi health department.

The development has come just a day after Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain predicted the positivity rate to fall below 5 per cent. He had stated on Wednesday that the government sees the prospect of Covid-19 positivity rate going down to 5 pert cent in the next few days.

Delhi`s positivity rate, which had crossed 15 per cent on November 15, hovered in the 6-8 per cent range in the last one week.

However, while the positivity rate and the number of cases have gone drastically down in the last few days, the fatalities have still remained a matter of worry. In November alone, the capital city reported 2,663 deaths which was 29 per cent of the total fatalities Delhi saw since the pandemic started. Meanwhile, a 32.2 per cent rise in the tally of coronavirus cases was reported in November only.

Meanwhile, the Delhi government on Thursday submitted before a Supreme Court bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan that various issues - including ICU beds, testing, cremation of Covid bodies and fire safety standards at hospitals - are being monitored at the highest level.

Senior advocate K.V. Viswanathan, representing the Delhi government, submitted that the designated testing agencies are also providing figures in connection with positivity rate. The bench, also comprising Justices R.S. Reddy and M.R. Shah, queried on the mechanism to check the figures which are coming out every day. The bench wanted to know if there are any mechanisms to cross-check these figures?

Viswanathan submitted that he would take instructions and then inform the court on the audit mechanism. He added that accredited agencies are giving these figures and the number of ICU beds in Delhi has increased to 5,010 while the government has also augmented the testing.

The Centre in an affidavit had blamed the poor approach of the Delhi government for the rising number of Covid-19 cases in the national capital. However, Viswanathan during the hearing said both the Centre and the Delhi government "will together fight this out".

The bench will hear the matter next on December 9.

The positivity rate of Covid-19 dipped below 5 per cent in the national capital on Thursday, for the first time since October 7, after Delhi conducted a record number of tests in the last 24 hours.

The positivity rate of Covid-19 dipped below 5 per cent in the national capital on Thursday, for the first time since October 7, after Delhi conducted a record number of tests in the last 24 hours. Exactly 57 days ago on October 7, the positivity rate of new cases had fallen below 5 per cent to 4.9 per cent. The capital city reported 3,734 new cases of the Covid-19 on Thursday, out of the 75,230 tests conducted in the past 24 hours. The positivity rate remained at 4.9 per cent. Meanwhile, 82 deaths were recorded in the same time period while 4,834 people recovered from the deadly disease in the same duration. The total tally of cases has reached 5,82,058 while the death toll has risen to 9,424. Meanwhile, of the total 75,230 tests conducted in the last 24 hours, 33,298 were done through RT-PCR and 41,932 were Rapid Antigen Tests. The capital city has conducted 65,00,700 tests so far, according to a bulletin issued by the Delhi health department. The development has come just a day after Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain predicted the positivity rate to fall below 5 per cent. He had stated on Wednesday that the government sees the prospect of Covid-19 positivity rate going down to 5 pert cent in the next few days. Delhi`s positivity rate, which had crossed 15 per cent on November 15, hovered in the 6-8 per cent range in the last one week. However, while the positivity rate and the number of cases have gone drastically down in the last few days, the fatalities have still remained a matter of worry. In November alone, the capital city reported 2,663 deaths which was 29 per cent of the total fatalities Delhi saw since the pandemic started. Meanwhile, a 32.2 per cent rise in the tally of coronavirus cases was reported in November only. Meanwhile, the Delhi government on Thursday submitted before a Supreme Court bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan that various issues - including ICU beds, testing, cremation of Covid bodies and fire safety standards at hospitals - are being monitored at the highest level. Senior advocate K.V. Viswanathan, representing the Delhi government, submitted that the designated testing agencies are also providing figures in connection with positivity rate. The bench, also comprising Justices R.S. Reddy and M.R. Shah, queried on the mechanism to check the figures which are coming out every day. The bench wanted to know if there are any mechanisms to cross-check these figures? Viswanathan submitted that he would take instructions and then inform the court on the audit mechanism. He added that accredited agencies are giving these figures and the number of ICU beds in Delhi has increased to 5,010 while the government has also augmented the testing. The Centre in an affidavit had blamed the poor approach of the Delhi government for the rising number of Covid-19 cases in the national capital. However, Viswanathan during the hearing said both the Centre and the Delhi government "will together fight this out". The bench will hear the matter next on December 9.

Delhi: Covid positivity rate drops below 5 per cent for first time since Oct 7

In a major move, the defence ministry has approved the creation of a new post of deputy chief for military operations and strategic planning in the Army as part of mega reforms in the Army headquarters, official sources said on Thursday.

The ministry has also completed formalities for creation of another new post of Director-General of Information Warfare, they said.

The ministry had given in-principle approval for creation of both the posts last year as part of the first batch of reforms in the Army, and now the formal process for it has been completed, the sources said.

They said the post of deputy chief of the Army staff (strategy) has been created to deal with military operations, military intelligence, strategic planning and operational logistics. It will be the third post of deputy chief in the Army.

Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt Gen Paramjit Singh is set to become the first deputy chief of Army staff (strategy), they said.

The sources said the new post of director general of information warfare has been created in keeping with the needs of the future battlefield, hybrid warfare and social media realities.

The Army headquarters had instituted four studies with an overall aim to enhance the operational and functional efficiency of the force, optimise budget expenditure, facilitate modernisation and address aspirations. 
The recommendation to create the new posts was made as a result of the studies.

In a major move, the defence ministry has approved the creation of a new post of deputy chief for military operations and strategic planning in the Army as part of mega reforms in the Army headquarters, official sources said on Thursday.

In a major move, the defence ministry has approved the creation of a new post of deputy chief for military operations and strategic planning in the Army as part of mega reforms in the Army headquarters, official sources said on Thursday. The ministry has also completed formalities for creation of another new post of Director-General of Information Warfare, they said. The ministry had given in-principle approval for creation of both the posts last year as part of the first batch of reforms in the Army, and now the formal process for it has been completed, the sources said. They said the post of deputy chief of the Army staff (strategy) has been created to deal with military operations, military intelligence, strategic planning and operational logistics. It will be the third post of deputy chief in the Army. Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt Gen Paramjit Singh is set to become the first deputy chief of Army staff (strategy), they said. The sources said the new post of director general of information warfare has been created in keeping with the needs of the future battlefield, hybrid warfare and social media realities. The Army headquarters had instituted four studies with an overall aim to enhance the operational and functional efficiency of the force, optimise budget expenditure, facilitate modernisation and address aspirations. The recommendation to create the new posts was made as a result of the studies.

Indian government approves new army posts for military ops, strategic planning

Iran's foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Tuesday urged US President-elect Joe Biden to end America's 'rogue' behaviour. He also appealed him to lift the crippling sanctions. He rejected talks of renegotiating 2015 nuclear deal

Mohammad Javad Zarif said that when President Donald Trump left the landmark agreement, the United States had breached a UN Security Council resolution endorsing it.

"The US has been in grave breach of that resolution because the Trump administration has been a rogue regime," Zarif said in an online interview held as part of the Mediterranean Dialogues event, hosted by Italy.&nbsp;

"Now if President-elect Biden wants to continue to be a rogue regime, then he can continue to be asking for negotiations to implement its commitments," he added.

"The United States must stop, the United States must cease its violations of international law. It doesn't require any negotiations."

US-Iran tensions escalated after Trump unilaterally withdrew from the nuclear agreement in 2018 and reimposed, then toughened, sanctions that have hammered Iran's economy.

Biden has signalled he will return the US to the deal, which offered Tehran relief from international sanctions in exchange for guarantees, verified by the United Nations, that its nuclear programme has no military aims.

Outgoing Secretary of State Mike Pompeo issued veiled criticism of Biden as he marked the 84th birthday of Iranian-American Mohammad Bagher Namazi, who along with his businessman son and at least one other US citizen remains in prison on vague security charges.

"There should be no deals with Iran until these men are released," Pompeo wrote on Twitter.

Biden told The New York Times this week that if Iran returned to compliance, the US would rejoin, after which he would seek to tighten Iran's nuclear constraints and address concerns about both its missile programme and Iran's support for militants in the region.

But Zarif said: "We will not renegotiate a deal which we negotiated." 
And he added that Western powers should look to their own behaviour before criticising Iran.

"Last year the West sold to the Persian Gulf more weapons than it sold to any other part of the world. Over $100 billion worth of weapons were sold to this region. Is the West ready to stop this malign behaviour?" Zarif said.

He also complained at what he characterised as a lack of European outrage at the assassination of one of Iran's leading nuclear scientists, Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, outside Tehran last week -- an attack that Tehran has blamed on Israel.

"When they (the West) are ready to deal with those problems of their own malign behaviour in the region... then they can start talking about other things," he said.

"As long as they're not able to put up, they have to shut up."

(With AFP inputs)

Iran's foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Tuesday urged US President-elect Joe Biden to end America's 'rogue' behaviour. He also appealed him to lift the crippling sanctions.

Iran's foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Tuesday urged US President-elect Joe Biden to end America's 'rogue' behaviour. He also appealed him to lift the crippling sanctions. He rejected talks of renegotiating 2015 nuclear deal Mohammad Javad Zarif said that when President Donald Trump left the landmark agreement, the United States had breached a UN Security Council resolution endorsing it. "The US has been in grave breach of that resolution because the Trump administration has been a rogue regime," Zarif said in an online interview held as part of the Mediterranean Dialogues event, hosted by Italy. "Now if President-elect Biden wants to continue to be a rogue regime, then he can continue to be asking for negotiations to implement its commitments," he added. "The United States must stop, the United States must cease its violations of international law. It doesn't require any negotiations." US-Iran tensions escalated after Trump unilaterally withdrew from the nuclear agreement in 2018 and reimposed, then toughened, sanctions that have hammered Iran's economy. Biden has signalled he will return the US to the deal, which offered Tehran relief from international sanctions in exchange for guarantees, verified by the United Nations, that its nuclear programme has no military aims. Outgoing Secretary of State Mike Pompeo issued veiled criticism of Biden as he marked the 84th birthday of Iranian-American Mohammad Bagher Namazi, who along with his businessman son and at least one other US citizen remains in prison on vague security charges. "There should be no deals with Iran until these men are released," Pompeo wrote on Twitter. Biden told The New York Times this week that if Iran returned to compliance, the US would rejoin, after which he would seek to tighten Iran's nuclear constraints and address concerns about both its missile programme and Iran's support for militants in the region. But Zarif said: "We will not renegotiate a deal which we negotiated." And he added that Western powers should look to their own behaviour before criticising Iran. "Last year the West sold to the Persian Gulf more weapons than it sold to any other part of the world. Over $100 billion worth of weapons were sold to this region. Is the West ready to stop this malign behaviour?" Zarif said. He also complained at what he characterised as a lack of European outrage at the assassination of one of Iran's leading nuclear scientists, Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, outside Tehran last week -- an attack that Tehran has blamed on Israel. "When they (the West) are ready to deal with those problems of their own malign behaviour in the region... then they can start talking about other things," he said. "As long as they're not able to put up, they have to shut up." (With AFP inputs)

End 'rogue' US behaviour: Iran to Biden

More countries are taking steps towards common use of coronavirus vaccines. Russia is likely to begin vaccination drive from December. Meanwhile US President Donald Trump is said to be in a mood to fire Attorney General William Barr. Read this and more in Top 10 world news

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-ban-of-ccp-members-abnormal-mindset-towards-communist-party-says-china-347242">US ban of CCP members: Abnormal mindset towards Communist Party, says China</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-ban-of-ccp-members-abnormal-mindset-towards-communist-party-says-china-347242"><img alt="CCP" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="932e4b30-a242-4959-aa4f-b3138b18cc0e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/ccp.JPG" /></a> 
Reports that the US government will issue new entry rules for Chinese Communist Party members travelling to the United States.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-begin-vaccination-drive-against-covid-19-from-december-5-347225">Russia to begin vaccination drive against COVID-19 from December 5</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-begin-vaccination-drive-against-covid-19-from-december-5-347225"><img alt="Vaccine" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="489684b4-636a-40ee-b595-48e54bb3208c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/vaccine_1.JPG" /></a> 
 
Russian mayor Sergei Sobyanin asserted that teachers, doctors and social workers will be the first to be administered the Sputnik V vaccine.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-trump-fire-us-attorney-general-barr-it-cant-be-ruled-out-347241">Will Trump fire US Attorney General Barr? It can't be ruled out</a>

<img alt="Trump" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fcf8c459-0163-49fb-9e31-9a6ba0133dea" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Trump_7.JPG" />

If Trump fires William Barr, he will not be the first Attorney General Trump has compelled to leave office.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-pakistan-pm-jamali-who-held-office-under-musharraf-dies-347184">Former Pakistan PM Jamali, who held office under Musharraf, dies</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-pakistan-pm-jamali-who-held-office-under-musharraf-dies-347184"><img alt="Jamali" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="36f0783c-50c3-454b-8dfc-3bfddce88e8b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/jamali.JPG" /></a> 
 
Jamali took office in November 2002 when Musharraf allowed holding parliamentary elections after coming into power via a military coup

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/china-unveils-guidelines-on-mobile-apps-collection-of-personal-data-347206">China unveils guidelines on mobile apps' collection of personal data</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/china-unveils-guidelines-on-mobile-apps-collection-of-personal-data-347206"><img alt="China" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bb1efa57-c46f-4ce4-be3b-d5b1b65bf834" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/China_4.JPG" /></a> 
 
China has increased scrutiny of its technology sector in recent weeks, last month drafting anti-monopoly rules for tech firms

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-begins-transfer-of-rohingya-to-controversial-island-347135">Bangladesh begins controversial transfer of Rohingya to island</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-begins-transfer-of-rohingya-to-controversial-island-347135"><img alt="Rohingya" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="15517b96-2088-4168-b9f8-7989371cc635" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Rohingya.JPG" /></a> 
 
Almost a million Rohingya -- most of whom fled a military offensive in neighbouring Myanmar in 2017 -- live in a vast network of squalid camps in south-east Bangladesh.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/czech-republic-to-open-diplomatic-office-in-jerusalem-347224">Czech Republic to open diplomatic office in Jerusalem</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/czech-republic-to-open-diplomatic-office-in-jerusalem-347224"><img alt="Czech" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="738aec21-6c34-4997-9375-7a0c949faa73" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Jerusalem.JPG" /></a> 
 
Czech Republic has long been one of Israel's steadiest supporters in the European Union and its president, Milos Zeman, has backed the idea of relocating the Czech embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv. However no steps have been taken.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-coronavirus-daily-death-toll-highest-since-april-cdc-urges-citizens-not-to-travel-during-christmas-347269">US coronavirus daily death toll highest since April; CDC urges citizens not to travel during Christmas</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-coronavirus-daily-death-toll-highest-since-april-cdc-urges-citizens-not-to-travel-during-christmas-347269"><img alt="USA" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c9a002bb-1224-4740-bd44-67ae55af2a81" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/us%20coronav.JPG" /></a> 
The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention said citizens who haven't got themselves tested should avoid "nonessential activities" for ten days after travel.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-coronavirus-vaccine-candidate-arrives-in-brazil-347266">Chinese coronavirus vaccine candidate arrives in Brazil</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-coronavirus-vaccine-candidate-arrives-in-brazil-347266"><img alt="vaccine" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="22b6a394-ff43-4989-80b3-c7c2f252f1c5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/coronavirus_2.JPG" /></a> 
 
It is the second shipment of the vaccine, which still needs approval from federal health regulator Anvisa before it can be used, to arrive in Brazil, after 120,000 doses landed from China on Nov. 19

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-approves-rules-to-improve-bureaucracy-performance-347267">Pakistan PM Imran Khan approves rules to improve bureaucracy performance</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-approves-rules-to-improve-bureaucracy-performance-347267"><img alt="Imran Khan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2df8d205-f7d1-4bc1-9c45-f6238b2d3854" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Imran%20Khan_0.JPG" /></a> 
Imran Khan said before it had been seen that at whatever point an official (yet not the power) was allocated to hold request, he generally discarded the issue either by granting minor discipline or under some impact or weight

More countries are taking steps towards common use of coronavirus vaccines. Russia is likely to begin vaccination drive from December. Meanwhile US President Donald Trump is said to be in a mood to fire Attorney General William Barr.

More countries are taking steps towards common use of coronavirus vaccines. Russia is likely to begin vaccination drive from December. Meanwhile US President Donald Trump is said to be in a mood to fire Attorney General William Barr. Read this and more in Top 10 world news US ban of CCP members: Abnormal mindset towards Communist Party, says China Reports that the US government will issue new entry rules for Chinese Communist Party members travelling to the United States. Russia to begin vaccination drive against COVID-19 from December 5 Russian mayor Sergei Sobyanin asserted that teachers, doctors and social workers will be the first to be administered the Sputnik V vaccine. Will Trump fire US Attorney General Barr? It can't be ruled out If Trump fires William Barr, he will not be the first Attorney General Trump has compelled to leave office. Former Pakistan PM Jamali, who held office under Musharraf, dies Jamali took office in November 2002 when Musharraf allowed holding parliamentary elections after coming into power via a military coup China unveils guidelines on mobile apps' collection of personal data China has increased scrutiny of its technology sector in recent weeks, last month drafting anti-monopoly rules for tech firms Bangladesh begins controversial transfer of Rohingya to island Almost a million Rohingya -- most of whom fled a military offensive in neighbouring Myanmar in 2017 -- live in a vast network of squalid camps in south-east Bangladesh. Czech Republic to open diplomatic office in Jerusalem Czech Republic has long been one of Israel's steadiest supporters in the European Union and its president, Milos Zeman, has backed the idea of relocating the Czech embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv. However no steps have been taken. US coronavirus daily death toll highest since April; CDC urges citizens not to travel during Christmas The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention said citizens who haven't got themselves tested should avoid "nonessential activities" for ten days after travel. Chinese coronavirus vaccine candidate arrives in Brazil It is the second shipment of the vaccine, which still needs approval from federal health regulator Anvisa before it can be used, to arrive in Brazil, after 120,000 doses landed from China on Nov. 19 Pakistan PM Imran Khan approves rules to improve bureaucracy performance Imran Khan said before it had been seen that at whatever point an official (yet not the power) was allocated to hold request, he generally discarded the issue either by granting minor discipline or under some impact or weight

Top 10 world news: China lashes out at US, coronavirus vaccine latest, and more!

India on Thursday slammed Pakistan for trying to link the Kulbhushan Jadhav case with another case of an Indian, who has completed his sentence but is still in jail and awaits repatriation.

After Pakistani media reports claimed that the counsel for the Indian High Commission, Shahnawaz Noon, had told the Islamabad High Court that Deputy Indian High Commissioner Gaurav Ahluwalia wants to explain India's stance over appointment of a lawyer for death-row prisoner Jadhav, New Delhi said Noon had made the remarks without any authorisation and appears to have acted under pressure from the Pakistani establishment.

At a media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, "Pakistan is trying to link the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav with another prisoner's case."

Giving a background to the other case, Srivastava said in a routine consular practice, Noon was selected by the Indian High Commission to appear in the case for release and repatriation of Indian prisoner Mohammad Ismail, who has completed his sentence but continues to be in jail in Pakistan.

"However, during proceedings of the case regarding Ismail, Pakistan Attorney General raised the matter pertaining to Jadhav, though the two cases are not connected in any way," he said.

"Mr. Noon is reported to have made those statements which are not true and are in contravention of our stand in the case. He appears to have acted under pressure from the Pakistani establishment to make such statements for which he has no authorisation," Srivastava said.

Noon has misrepresented the position of the Indian High Commission, he said. 
Srivastava said Noon was clearly told by the Indian High Commission that he had no authority to represent either the government of India or Jadhav.

"Our Mission in Islamabad has written to Mr. Noon reiterating that he has no authority to represent Mr. Jadhav and has no basis to suggest that the Indian Cd'A would appear in the court," Srivastava said.

"As regards our position on Jadhav, I have clarified this on several instances in the past, Pakistan has failed to respond on core issues pertaining to the case, including provision of all documents, providing unimpeded, unhindered and unconditional consular access to Jadhav and this is required to provide the basis for an effective review and reconsideration of the case as ordered by the ICJ," he said.

In 2017, India approached the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Pakistan for denial of consular access to Jadhav and challenging the death sentence handed to him by a military court.

The Hague-based ICJ ruled in July 2019 that Pakistan must undertake an "effective review and reconsideration" of the conviction and sentence of Jadhav and also to grant consular access to India without further delay.

India has slammed Pakistan for adopting a "farcical" approach in denying available legal remedies to Jadhav against his death sentence in contravention of the ICJ order.

Jadhav, a retired Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and terrorism in April 2017.

Asked about reports that Pakistan has sent approval for the appointment of Suresh Kumar as India's new Charge d'Affaires (CDA) at its mission in Islamabad, Srivstava said the process of appointment is still ongoing.

To another question on the Azad Pattan hydro-power project on the Jhelum river in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), he said, "We have seen media reports about conclusion of agreements related to this project that you mention, this is the Azad Pattan hydropower project."

"We have consistently conveyed our strong protest to Pakistan on its attempts to bring material changes on Indian territories under its illegal and forcible occupation, including by constructing the hydro power projects like this project," Srivastava said.

India's position is consistent and clear that the entire Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have been, are and will remain integral and inalienable parts of India, he asserted.

Asked about Chinese Defence Minister Gen. Wei Fenghe's recent visit to Pakistan and the discussion on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects passing through PoK, Srivastava said he would not like to comment on the visit, but added that India's stand on the CPEC projects is clear and both countries aware of it.

"The CPEC projects violate India's sovereignty and territorial integrity and we have in the past protested and raised concerns over it with both countries," he said.

India on Thursday slammed Pakistan for trying to link the Kulbhushan Jadhav case with another case of an Indian, who has completed his sentence but is still in jail and awaits repatriation.

India on Thursday slammed Pakistan for trying to link the Kulbhushan Jadhav case with another case of an Indian, who has completed his sentence but is still in jail and awaits repatriation. After Pakistani media reports claimed that the counsel for the Indian High Commission, Shahnawaz Noon, had told the Islamabad High Court that Deputy Indian High Commissioner Gaurav Ahluwalia wants to explain India's stance over appointment of a lawyer for death-row prisoner Jadhav, New Delhi said Noon had made the remarks without any authorisation and appears to have acted under pressure from the Pakistani establishment. At a media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, "Pakistan is trying to link the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav with another prisoner's case." Giving a background to the other case, Srivastava said in a routine consular practice, Noon was selected by the Indian High Commission to appear in the case for release and repatriation of Indian prisoner Mohammad Ismail, who has completed his sentence but continues to be in jail in Pakistan. "However, during proceedings of the case regarding Ismail, Pakistan Attorney General raised the matter pertaining to Jadhav, though the two cases are not connected in any way," he said. "Mr. Noon is reported to have made those statements which are not true and are in contravention of our stand in the case. He appears to have acted under pressure from the Pakistani establishment to make such statements for which he has no authorisation," Srivastava said. Noon has misrepresented the position of the Indian High Commission, he said. Srivastava said Noon was clearly told by the Indian High Commission that he had no authority to represent either the government of India or Jadhav. "Our Mission in Islamabad has written to Mr. Noon reiterating that he has no authority to represent Mr. Jadhav and has no basis to suggest that the Indian Cd'A would appear in the court," Srivastava said. "As regards our position on Jadhav, I have clarified this on several instances in the past, Pakistan has failed to respond on core issues pertaining to the case, including provision of all documents, providing unimpeded, unhindered and unconditional consular access to Jadhav and this is required to provide the basis for an effective review and reconsideration of the case as ordered by the ICJ," he said. In 2017, India approached the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Pakistan for denial of consular access to Jadhav and challenging the death sentence handed to him by a military court. The Hague-based ICJ ruled in July 2019 that Pakistan must undertake an "effective review and reconsideration" of the conviction and sentence of Jadhav and also to grant consular access to India without further delay. India has slammed Pakistan for adopting a "farcical" approach in denying available legal remedies to Jadhav against his death sentence in contravention of the ICJ order. Jadhav, a retired Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and terrorism in April 2017. Asked about reports that Pakistan has sent approval for the appointment of Suresh Kumar as India's new Charge d'Affaires (CDA) at its mission in Islamabad, Srivstava said the process of appointment is still ongoing. To another question on the Azad Pattan hydro-power project on the Jhelum river in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), he said, "We have seen media reports about conclusion of agreements related to this project that you mention, this is the Azad Pattan hydropower project." "We have consistently conveyed our strong protest to Pakistan on its attempts to bring material changes on Indian territories under its illegal and forcible occupation, including by constructing the hydro power projects like this project," Srivastava said. India's position is consistent and clear that the entire Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have been, are and will remain integral and inalienable parts of India, he asserted. Asked about Chinese Defence Minister Gen. Wei Fenghe's recent visit to Pakistan and the discussion on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects passing through PoK, Srivastava said he would not like to comment on the visit, but added that India's stand on the CPEC projects is clear and both countries aware of it. "The CPEC projects violate India's sovereignty and territorial integrity and we have in the past protested and raised concerns over it with both countries," he said.

Pakistan trying to link Jadhav matter with another Indian's case: MEA

Brazil has received 1 million doses of coronavirus vaccine being developed by Sinovac Biotech. The vaccine is undergoing late-stage testing by Butantan Institute biomedical centre in Sao Paulo state. The vaccines were received at the institute.

The materials for the CoronaVac vaccine, which will be packaged and labeled at Butantan's facilities, arrived at Sao Paulo's Guarulhos airport.

It is the second shipment of the vaccine, which still needs approval from federal health regulator Anvisa before it can be used, to arrive in Brazil, after 120,000 doses landed from China on Nov. 19.

"By the end of this month of December, we will be receiving 6 million doses," and another 40 million by January 15, Sao Paulo Governor João Doria said.

Doria watched as the consignment arrived at Guarulhos International airport.

The Governor is going it alone on vaccines. He said he hopes to roll out the vaccine in his state by January even if it is not part of the federal government's immunisation plan to counter COVID-19.

He said that the vaccine would save of millions of lives, as Brazil has now registered 6,436,650 cases and 174,515 deaths due to coronavirus, the second highest death rate in the world after the United States.

Anvisa said on Wednesday it was open to approving COVID-19 vaccines for emergency use, that authorizations would be analyzed on a case-by-case basis and that to be considered the vaccine must be in late-stage trials in Brazil. It said no requests had been received so far.

According to data already available from previous stages of clinical trials, Butantan and Sinovac claim that the vaccine candidate was shown to be safe and induced an immune response in 97% of the volunteers.

(With Reuters inputs) 
&nbsp;

Brazil has received 1 million doses of coronavirus vaccine being developed by Sinovac Biotech. The vaccine is undergoing late-stage testing by Butantan Institute biomedical centre in Sao Paulo state.

Brazil has received 1 million doses of coronavirus vaccine being developed by Sinovac Biotech. The vaccine is undergoing late-stage testing by Butantan Institute biomedical centre in Sao Paulo state. The vaccines were received at the institute. The materials for the CoronaVac vaccine, which will be packaged and labeled at Butantan's facilities, arrived at Sao Paulo's Guarulhos airport. It is the second shipment of the vaccine, which still needs approval from federal health regulator Anvisa before it can be used, to arrive in Brazil, after 120,000 doses landed from China on Nov. 19. "By the end of this month of December, we will be receiving 6 million doses," and another 40 million by January 15, Sao Paulo Governor João Doria said. Doria watched as the consignment arrived at Guarulhos International airport. The Governor is going it alone on vaccines. He said he hopes to roll out the vaccine in his state by January even if it is not part of the federal government's immunisation plan to counter COVID-19. He said that the vaccine would save of millions of lives, as Brazil has now registered 6,436,650 cases and 174,515 deaths due to coronavirus, the second highest death rate in the world after the United States. Anvisa said on Wednesday it was open to approving COVID-19 vaccines for emergency use, that authorizations would be analyzed on a case-by-case basis and that to be considered the vaccine must be in late-stage trials in Brazil. It said no requests had been received so far. According to data already available from previous stages of clinical trials, Butantan and Sinovac claim that the vaccine candidate was shown to be safe and induced an immune response in 97% of the volunteers. (With Reuters inputs)

Chinese coronavirus vaccine candidate arrives in Brazil

Apple is facing fresh lawsuits in Europe for function of its software that has the effect of slowing down older versions of iPhones. An advocacy group has brought these lawsuits against the tech giant.

As per Euroconsumer, the advocacy group's statement reported in the media, the class action lawsuits cover 2 million iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6S and 6S Plus in Belgium, Italy, Spain and Portugal.

Apple was forced to admit in 2017 that software updates aimed at preventing battery crash caused older iPhones to slow down. Apple had received widespread flak after the admission.

Earlier this year in US, Apple was forced to pay owners of certain iPhones USD 25 per device over the same issue. This resulted in Apple having to shell out half a billion dollars.

The lawsuit filed by Euroconsumers mirrors this case and seeks USD 72 as compensation per consumer. If the lawsuit succeeds, Apple will have to pay more than 200 million dollars.

Apple is facing fresh lawsuits in Europe for function of its software that has the effect of slowing down older versions of iPhones. An advocacy group has brought these lawsuits against the tech giant.

Apple is facing fresh lawsuits in Europe for function of its software that has the effect of slowing down older versions of iPhones. An advocacy group has brought these lawsuits against the tech giant. As per Euroconsumer, the advocacy group's statement reported in the media, the class action lawsuits cover 2 million iPhone 6, 6 Plus, 6S and 6S Plus in Belgium, Italy, Spain and Portugal. Apple was forced to admit in 2017 that software updates aimed at preventing battery crash caused older iPhones to slow down. Apple had received widespread flak after the admission. Earlier this year in US, Apple was forced to pay owners of certain iPhones USD 25 per device over the same issue. This resulted in Apple having to shell out half a billion dollars. The lawsuit filed by Euroconsumers mirrors this case and seeks USD 72 as compensation per consumer. If the lawsuit succeeds, Apple will have to pay more than 200 million dollars.

Apple faces lawsuits in Europe for slowing down old iPhones

US Attorney General William Barr may be the latest in the line of fire of current US President Donald Trump who is still mounting a desperate battle to prove that US Election 2020 was a fraud. Barr on Tuesday said that the Justice Department had not found indication that there was fraud in recently concluded elections.

"... to date, we have not seen fraud on a scale that could have effected a different outcome in the election" Barr told Associated Press on Tuesday.

Now, NBC News has mentioned an unnamed US administrative official who said that Trump has not ruled out firing Barr.

Donald Trump is yet to concede the elections to Joe Biden even when it is amply clear that he has lost. He has continued with his allegations of fraud without presenting evidence. He has maintained that he has a lot of evidence.

Trump's legal team has failed to bring any luck their way as it has suffered setbacks after setbacks in number of courts in the US.

Trump's ire has claimed more officials in the past. Head of Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Chris Krebs was fired soon after he said that US Elections were "most secure".

If Trump fires William Barr, he will not be the first Attorney General Trump has compelled to leave office. Jeff Sessions, the former Attorney General had angered Trump when he recused himself in a Russian election interference investigation.

US Attorney General William Barr may be the latest in the line of fire of current US President Donald Trump who is still mounting a desperate battle to prove that US Election 2020 was a fraud.

US Attorney General William Barr may be the latest in the line of fire of current US President Donald Trump who is still mounting a desperate battle to prove that US Election 2020 was a fraud. Barr on Tuesday said that the Justice Department had not found indication that there was fraud in recently concluded elections. "... to date, we have not seen fraud on a scale that could have effected a different outcome in the election" Barr told Associated Press on Tuesday. Now, NBC News has mentioned an unnamed US administrative official who said that Trump has not ruled out firing Barr. Donald Trump is yet to concede the elections to Joe Biden even when it is amply clear that he has lost. He has continued with his allegations of fraud without presenting evidence. He has maintained that he has a lot of evidence. Trump's legal team has failed to bring any luck their way as it has suffered setbacks after setbacks in number of courts in the US. Trump's ire has claimed more officials in the past. Head of Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Chris Krebs was fired soon after he said that US Elections were "most secure". If Trump fires William Barr, he will not be the first Attorney General Trump has compelled to leave office. Jeff Sessions, the former Attorney General had angered Trump when he recused himself in a Russian election interference investigation.

Will Trump fire US Attorney General Barr? It can't be ruled out

The Czech Republic said on Wednesday that it will add a diplomatic presence in its Jerusalem office, essentially opening a diplomatic office. The country said that the move was aimed at boosting services for Czech citizens in Israel and it did not amount to opening a new embassy.

Czech Republic has long been one of Israel's steadiest supporters in the European Union and its president, Milos Zeman, has backed the idea of relocating the Czech embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv. However no steps have been taken.

Israel has welcomed the Czech announcement. Israel considers all of Jerusalem as its capital. However, this is not recognised by most countries.&nbsp;

Palestinians seek the city’s east, which Israel captured in a 1967 war, as capital of a future state.

Given the city’s disputed status and sensitivity in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, most countries with embassies in Israel have opened them in its commercial capital of Tel Aviv.

The Czech foreign ministry said the establishment of an office with a diplomat in Jerusalem, alongside an honorary consulate there, was not connected to the ongoing peace process in the Middle East nor was in any anticipation of its results.

It said that having a diplomat would let it carry out more services for Czech citizens, such as replacing lost documents, which can currently only be done at the embassy in Tel Aviv.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi, writing on Twitter, said he had spoken with his Czech counterpart and congratulated him on a decision that “emphasizes our strong friendship and strategic partnership”.

(With Reuters inputs)

The Czech Republic said on Wednesday that it will add a diplomatic presence in its Jerusalem office, essentially opening a diplomatic office. The country said that the move was aimed at boosting services for Czech citizens in Israel and it did not amount to opening a new embassy.

The Czech Republic said on Wednesday that it will add a diplomatic presence in its Jerusalem office, essentially opening a diplomatic office. The country said that the move was aimed at boosting services for Czech citizens in Israel and it did not amount to opening a new embassy. Czech Republic has long been one of Israel's steadiest supporters in the European Union and its president, Milos Zeman, has backed the idea of relocating the Czech embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv. However no steps have been taken. Israel has welcomed the Czech announcement. Israel considers all of Jerusalem as its capital. However, this is not recognised by most countries. Palestinians seek the city’s east, which Israel captured in a 1967 war, as capital of a future state. Given the city’s disputed status and sensitivity in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, most countries with embassies in Israel have opened them in its commercial capital of Tel Aviv. The Czech foreign ministry said the establishment of an office with a diplomat in Jerusalem, alongside an honorary consulate there, was not connected to the ongoing peace process in the Middle East nor was in any anticipation of its results. It said that having a diplomat would let it carry out more services for Czech citizens, such as replacing lost documents, which can currently only be done at the embassy in Tel Aviv. Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi, writing on Twitter, said he had spoken with his Czech counterpart and congratulated him on a decision that “emphasizes our strong friendship and strategic partnership”. (With Reuters inputs)

Czech Republic to open diplomatic office in Jerusalem

Britain has become the first Western country to approve a Covid-19 vaccine for general use, giving the green light to the Pfizer/BioNTech drug.

As authorities in the US and Europe probe other candidates, here is how countries have sped up their approval procedures to face up to the pandemic.

Britain: 'rolling reviews'

Britain was able to approve the Pfizer vaccine after the independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) gave its all-clear.

The MHRA used a "rolling review" process from June to assess the vaccine in record time.

Teams of scientists had worked "around the clock" on different aspects of the safety assessment, often tackling several topics in parallel, MHRA chief June Raine said.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock and others claimed that Britain's departure from the EU had allowed it to approve the vaccine faster than its continental neighbours.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-could-have-broken-out-in-us-before-being-officially-confirmed-in-china-347127">Coronavirus could have broken out in US before being officially confirmed in China</a> 
 
"Unlike the EMA (European Medicines Agency), they can ask questions as they go and obtain responses faster as a single agency," said Penny Ward, professor in pharmaceutical medicine at King's College London.

Raine insisted that "no corners whatsoever have been cut" in the vaccine approval process.

Jonathan Van-Tam, deputy chief medical officer for England, told the BBC on Thursday that "I actually don't expect other regulators... to be very far behind with this vaccine," saying approvals elsewhere were likely "a matter of days".

EU: accelerated procedures

The Amsterdam-based EMA, which regulates medicines across the 27 EU countries, has also turned to a "rolling review" process for safety and effectiveness data from Covid-19 vaccine developers.

All three of the most advanced candidates -- Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna and Oxford/Astrazeneca -- have been subject to the scheme for several weeks already.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-immunise-100-million-people-by-february-top-official-347067">US to immunise 100 million people by February: Top official</a> 
 
According to the EMA, the accelerated procedures are granted for medicines "that fulfil an unmet medical need on the basis of less complete data than normally required."

The normal pipeline for vaccines would see all the data collected and submitted at the very start of the authorisation process.

An EMA decision on Pfizer/BioNTech's vaccine is expected "by December 29 at the latest", while a ruling on Moderna's version should follow by January 12.

It is up to the European Commission in Brussels to issue the final green light.

US: advisory committee

Both Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna have requested emergency use authorisation (EUA) for their Covid-19 vaccines from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

But the American process is slower than the British one and involves a public consultation.

<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/1st-batch-of-170000-doses-to-arrive-in-new-york-by-dec-15-347136/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 FDA carries out its own analysis of the vaccine and calls on an independent advisory committee.

"The FDA process is a completely transparent process with independent experts commenting and asking questions and recommending or advising the agency," Moncef Slaoui, scientific advisor to Washington's Operation Warp Speed (OWS) program, said Wednesday.

The advisory committee is scheduled for a December 10 meeting on the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine and for Moderna on December 17.

FDA decisions on the two drugs should follow those meetings. If the agency approves them, the vaccines could be available in the US -- the world's hardest-hit country with more than 270,000 deaths -- in December.

Russia: simplified procedure

Testing on medical products under development is carried out by the Russian health ministry's "scientific centre for evaluation of medicines".

According to its official vaccine website, "unlike many countries, there is a system of state testing, using comparable medications, a double-blind study and other control tests independent of the developers".

President Vladimir Putin ordered the government to simplify procedures for state registration of some medicines, so as to speed up approval for a vaccine.

Testing on the country's Sputnik V vaccine began in mid-February, and on August 1 the first and second phases of clinical trials were complete.

Authorities approved the inoculation on August 11 before Phase 3 trials had even begun. The large-scale study on 40,000 volunteers is now complete, but results have not been made public.

Putin has told authorities to begin "large-scale" vaccinations among at-risk populations from next week.

The drugs should be made generally available to the Russian public in early 2021.

Russia has also started a mass vaccination campaign in the army, expecting to vaccinate 80,000 soldiers by the end of this year and more than 400,000 servicemen in the future.

China: Last-stage trials and emergency use

China has four coronavirus vaccines in phase 3 trials -- typically the last step before regulatory approval -- but has not released much of its data.

Although regulators have yet to approve China's vaccines for mass distribution, the country has approved some advanced candidates for emergency use, giving jabs to people ranging from state employees to international students since July.

Nearly a million people have already taken an experimental vaccine by Sinopharm, the company said in November. Another firm, Sinovac Biotech, earlier said almost all its employees and their families had voluntarily taken its vaccine.

Britain has become the first Western country to approve a Covid-19 vaccine for general use, giving the green light to the Pfizer/BioNTech drug. As authorities in the US and Europe probe other candidates, here is how countries have sped up their approval procedures to face up to the pandemic.

Britain has become the first Western country to approve a Covid-19 vaccine for general use, giving the green light to the Pfizer/BioNTech drug. As authorities in the US and Europe probe other candidates, here is how countries have sped up their approval procedures to face up to the pandemic. Britain: 'rolling reviews' Britain was able to approve the Pfizer vaccine after the independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) gave its all-clear. The MHRA used a "rolling review" process from June to assess the vaccine in record time. Teams of scientists had worked "around the clock" on different aspects of the safety assessment, often tackling several topics in parallel, MHRA chief June Raine said. Health Secretary Matt Hancock and others claimed that Britain's departure from the EU had allowed it to approve the vaccine faster than its continental neighbours. Also Read | Coronavirus could have broken out in US before being officially confirmed in China "Unlike the EMA (European Medicines Agency), they can ask questions as they go and obtain responses faster as a single agency," said Penny Ward, professor in pharmaceutical medicine at King's College London. Raine insisted that "no corners whatsoever have been cut" in the vaccine approval process. Jonathan Van-Tam, deputy chief medical officer for England, told the BBC on Thursday that "I actually don't expect other regulators... to be very far behind with this vaccine," saying approvals elsewhere were likely "a matter of days". EU: accelerated procedures The Amsterdam-based EMA, which regulates medicines across the 27 EU countries, has also turned to a "rolling review" process for safety and effectiveness data from Covid-19 vaccine developers. All three of the most advanced candidates -- Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna and Oxford/Astrazeneca -- have been subject to the scheme for several weeks already. Also Read | US to immunise 100 million people by February: Top official According to the EMA, the accelerated procedures are granted for medicines "that fulfil an unmet medical need on the basis of less complete data than normally required." The normal pipeline for vaccines would see all the data collected and submitted at the very start of the authorisation process. An EMA decision on Pfizer/BioNTech's vaccine is expected "by December 29 at the latest", while a ruling on Moderna's version should follow by January 12. It is up to the European Commission in Brussels to issue the final green light. US: advisory committee Both Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna have requested emergency use authorisation (EUA) for their Covid-19 vaccines from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). But the American process is slower than the British one and involves a public consultation. × The FDA carries out its own analysis of the vaccine and calls on an independent advisory committee. "The FDA process is a completely transparent process with independent experts commenting and asking questions and recommending or advising the agency," Moncef Slaoui, scientific advisor to Washington's Operation Warp Speed (OWS) program, said Wednesday. The advisory committee is scheduled for a December 10 meeting on the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine and for Moderna on December 17. FDA decisions on the two drugs should follow those meetings. If the agency approves them, the vaccines could be available in the US -- the world's hardest-hit country with more than 270,000 deaths -- in December. Russia: simplified procedure Testing on medical products under development is carried out by the Russian health ministry's "scientific centre for evaluation of medicines". According to its official vaccine website, "unlike many countries, there is a system of state testing, using comparable medications, a double-blind study and other control tests independent of the developers". President Vladimir Putin ordered the government to simplify procedures for state registration of some medicines, so as to speed up approval for a vaccine. Testing on the country's Sputnik V vaccine began in mid-February, and on August 1 the first and second phases of clinical trials were complete. Authorities approved the inoculation on August 11 before Phase 3 trials had even begun. The large-scale study on 40,000 volunteers is now complete, but results have not been made public. Putin has told authorities to begin "large-scale" vaccinations among at-risk populations from next week. The drugs should be made generally available to the Russian public in early 2021. Russia has also started a mass vaccination campaign in the army, expecting to vaccinate 80,000 soldiers by the end of this year and more than 400,000 servicemen in the future. China: Last-stage trials and emergency use China has four coronavirus vaccines in phase 3 trials -- typically the last step before regulatory approval -- but has not released much of its data. Although regulators have yet to approve China's vaccines for mass distribution, the country has approved some advanced candidates for emergency use, giving jabs to people ranging from state employees to international students since July. Nearly a million people have already taken an experimental vaccine by Sinopharm, the company said in November. Another firm, Sinovac Biotech, earlier said almost all its employees and their families had voluntarily taken its vaccine.

How the world has sped up vaccine approvals

Israel's Alternate Prime Minister Benny Gantz on Tuesday, said that his party will vote for the opposition's bill to dissolve the parliament. If this happens, Israel will be one step closer to witnessing fourth election in under two years. Gantz's Blue and White party is the key partner in the current ruling coalition led by PM Benjamin Netanyahu.

The coalition is precarious, and it was formed after three bitterly fought elections between Netanyahu and Gantz. However, these elections failed to produce a clear winner.

Gantz, a former army chief serving as defence minister, said that Netanyahu's refusal to support a budget proposal made clear that the premier wanted to take Israel back to the polls.&nbsp;

In a televised address he said that Blue and White "will vote tomorrow in favour of dissolving the Knesset (Israel's parliament)."&nbsp;

Wednesday's vote on an opposition-backed measure is however preliminary.&nbsp;

If it passes, it will still require at least two additional successful Knesset readings before a new election must be called.

Shortly before Gantz spoke, Netanyahu released a video on Twitter in which he urged Gantz to vote against the measure.&nbsp;

"Now is not the time for elections," Netanyahu said. "Now is the time for unity."

The Netanyahu-Gantz unity government, agreed in April, was in part aimed at providing Israel desperately-needed stability following the worst political crisis in its history and as the coronavirus pandemic was gathering pace.&nbsp;

Netanyahu was to serve as prime minister for the first half of the three year deal, with Gantz taking over in November 2021.&nbsp;

The deal included several provisions that would have automatically triggered the collapse of the coalition, including a failure to pass a budget.&nbsp;

Netanyahu's critics accuse of him of refusing to pass a two-year budget as a tactic to ensure he is not forced to hand over the prime minister's job to Gantz.&nbsp;

(With AFP inputs)

Israel's Alternate Prime Minister Benny Gantz on Tuesday, said that his party will vote for the opposition's bill to dissolve the parliament. If this happens, Israel will be one step closer to witnessing fourth election in under two years.

Israel's Alternate Prime Minister Benny Gantz on Tuesday, said that his party will vote for the opposition's bill to dissolve the parliament. If this happens, Israel will be one step closer to witnessing fourth election in under two years. Gantz's Blue and White party is the key partner in the current ruling coalition led by PM Benjamin Netanyahu. The coalition is precarious, and it was formed after three bitterly fought elections between Netanyahu and Gantz. However, these elections failed to produce a clear winner. Gantz, a former army chief serving as defence minister, said that Netanyahu's refusal to support a budget proposal made clear that the premier wanted to take Israel back to the polls. In a televised address he said that Blue and White "will vote tomorrow in favour of dissolving the Knesset (Israel's parliament)." Wednesday's vote on an opposition-backed measure is however preliminary. If it passes, it will still require at least two additional successful Knesset readings before a new election must be called. Shortly before Gantz spoke, Netanyahu released a video on Twitter in which he urged Gantz to vote against the measure. "Now is not the time for elections," Netanyahu said. "Now is the time for unity." The Netanyahu-Gantz unity government, agreed in April, was in part aimed at providing Israel desperately-needed stability following the worst political crisis in its history and as the coronavirus pandemic was gathering pace. Netanyahu was to serve as prime minister for the first half of the three year deal, with Gantz taking over in November 2021. The deal included several provisions that would have automatically triggered the collapse of the coalition, including a failure to pass a budget. Netanyahu's critics accuse of him of refusing to pass a two-year budget as a tactic to ensure he is not forced to hand over the prime minister's job to Gantz. (With AFP inputs)

Israel may face fourth election in just two years

A bomb attack slightly wounded Russian embassy staff in the Afghan capital Kabul on Tuesday, Russian's foreign affairs ministry said in a statement.

An improvised explosive device exploded not far from the embassy as one of their cars was driving past, it said. Several embassy staff on board were slightly hurt.

An initial assessment suggests the attack had been intended for the Afghan security forces, the statement continued. But they had not ruled out that embassy staff were in fact the target, and the embassy was tightening its security.

The ministry also called on the Afghan authorities to take steps to ensure the safety of the Russian embassy staff there.

Violence has also surged in Kabul in recent weeks, with more than 50 people killed in two assaults on educational centres and a rocket attack.&nbsp;

And a suicide car bomb attack Sunday killed at least 30 security personnel at an army base on the outskirts of Ghazni city, capital of the eastern province of Ghazni, one of the deadliest attacks targeting government forces in months.

A bomb attack slightly wounded Russian embassy staff in the Afghan capital Kabul on Tuesday, Russian's foreign affairs ministry said in a statement. An improvised explosive device exploded not far from the embassy as one of their cars was driving past, it said.

A bomb attack slightly wounded Russian embassy staff in the Afghan capital Kabul on Tuesday, Russian's foreign affairs ministry said in a statement. An improvised explosive device exploded not far from the embassy as one of their cars was driving past, it said. Several embassy staff on board were slightly hurt. An initial assessment suggests the attack had been intended for the Afghan security forces, the statement continued. But they had not ruled out that embassy staff were in fact the target, and the embassy was tightening its security. The ministry also called on the Afghan authorities to take steps to ensure the safety of the Russian embassy staff there. Violence has also surged in Kabul in recent weeks, with more than 50 people killed in two assaults on educational centres and a rocket attack. And a suicide car bomb attack Sunday killed at least 30 security personnel at an army base on the outskirts of Ghazni city, capital of the eastern province of Ghazni, one of the deadliest attacks targeting government forces in months.

Afghanistan blast injures Russian embassy staff

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.