The government of India's southern state of Karnataka on Saturday announced that home quarantine has been made mandatory for people who travelling from Japan, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Thailand and South Korea, nations witnessing a sharp rise in Covid cases.&nbsp;Earlier, the Union government in India had stated that those travelling from these countries must submit their negative RT-PCR test reports before they exit from the airport.

On Saturday, the Karnataka state health department issued revised guidelines stating, “Asymptomatic passengers shall leave the airport and self-monitor their health for Covid symptoms and comply to Covid appropriate behaviour (CAB) like wearing of face masks, social distancing, practice respiratory and hand hygiene, etc. and strictly remain under home quarantine for next seven days.”

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amid-covid-scare-indian-ministry-asked-to-monitor-pharma-exports-to-china-548375">Amid Covid scare, Indian commerce ministry asked to monitor pharma exports to China</a>

If Covid-like symptoms are detected in the flyers from high-risk nations then those travellers will be kept in isolation at the medical facilities designated for clinical management.

The passengers were also directed by the government to inform the local surveillance health team in case they develop any symptoms like body ache, cough, cold, fever, loss of taste and smell, headache, breathing difficulty and diarrhoea when they are in home quarantine.

Karnataka Health Minister K Sudhakar, last week, stated that around 12 international passengers were found Covid positive in December at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru.

The officials had collected samples of all positive cases and sent them for genome sequencing so that the variants can be identified and tracked, the minister stated.

WATCH | WION Dispatch: India takes precautionary measures after Covid cases rise in China

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Masks have already been made compulsory at colleges, schools, restaurants, malls, movie theatres and pubs by the government of Karnataka.&nbsp;

Earlier, the health minister had stated that people should not panic and follow precautions as a safety measure. The guidelines were introduced by the state government after the sudden increase in cases of Covid in several countries, especially China which is facing a massive spike in cases due to Omicron's subvariant BF.7.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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The government of India's southern state of Karnataka on Saturday announced that home quarantine has been made mandatory for people who travelling from Japan, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Thailand and South Korea, nations witnessing a sharp rise in Covid cases.

The government of India's southern state of Karnataka on Saturday announced that home quarantine has been made mandatory for people who travelling from Japan, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Thailand and South Korea, nations witnessing a sharp rise in Covid cases. Earlier, the Union government in India had stated that those travelling from these countries must submit their negative RT-PCR test reports before they exit from the airport. On Saturday, the Karnataka state health department issued revised guidelines stating, “Asymptomatic passengers shall leave the airport and self-monitor their health for Covid symptoms and comply to Covid appropriate behaviour (CAB) like wearing of face masks, social distancing, practice respiratory and hand hygiene, etc. and strictly remain under home quarantine for next seven days.” ALSO READ| Amid Covid scare, Indian commerce ministry asked to monitor pharma exports to China If Covid-like symptoms are detected in the flyers from high-risk nations then those travellers will be kept in isolation at the medical facilities designated for clinical management. The passengers were also directed by the government to inform the local surveillance health team in case they develop any symptoms like body ache, cough, cold, fever, loss of taste and smell, headache, breathing difficulty and diarrhoea when they are in home quarantine. Karnataka Health Minister K Sudhakar, last week, stated that around 12 international passengers were found Covid positive in December at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru. The officials had collected samples of all positive cases and sent them for genome sequencing so that the variants can be identified and tracked, the minister stated. WATCH | WION Dispatch: India takes precautionary measures after Covid cases rise in China Masks have already been made compulsory at colleges, schools, restaurants, malls, movie theatres and pubs by the government of Karnataka. Earlier, the health minister had stated that people should not panic and follow precautions as a safety measure. The guidelines were introduced by the state government after the sudden increase in cases of Covid in several countries, especially China which is facing a massive spike in cases due to Omicron's subvariant BF.7. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Karnataka makes home quarantine mandatory for those travelling from high-risk nations

The Constitutional Court in Peru ordered that the wall, which separates Lima’s rich neighbourhood from the poor, should be demolished, calling it "discriminatory”.&nbsp;In 2018, a citizen had filed a case for removing the 10-kilometre wall, which has a height of two metres and is covered with barbed wire on the top. The wall was nicknamed the "Wall of Shame."&nbsp; &nbsp;

In the 1980s, the wall’s first section was erected with the excuse that it is meant to protect La Molina’s affluent neighborhood from the Shining Path guerrilla group, which is identified as a terrorist group in Peru.

ALSO READ| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/peru-finance-minister-launches-16-billion-economic-reactivation-plan-547800">Peru: Finance minister launches $1.6 billion economic reactivation plan</a>

In the 2000s, after the group was defeated, the authorities further extended the wall under the pretext of preventing illegal land occupation.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Peru witnessed major migration to the capital from Andean areas which resulted in massive settlement on&nbsp;the hills on Lima’s outskirts. Thousands of people ran away from violence unleashed by Shining Path, while others came in search for work.&nbsp;

"We have made a unanimous decision, that the wall that separates La Molina and Villa Maria del Triunfo (an impoverished neighborhood) has to be torn down," said Judge Gustavo Gutierrez on Thursday, while speaking to RPP radio.&nbsp;

WATCH| Peru declares nationwide state of emergency amid protests

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"It's a discriminatory wall... It can't be that we divide Peruvians by social classes. That is unacceptable, it is no longer happening anywhere in the world," the judge added. A deadline of 180 days has been set by the court for the demolition of the wall.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

The Constitutional Court in Peru ordered that the wall, which separates Lima’s rich neighbourhood from the poor, should be demolished, calling it "discriminatory”.

The Constitutional Court in Peru ordered that the wall, which separates Lima’s rich neighbourhood from the poor, should be demolished, calling it "discriminatory”. In 2018, a citizen had filed a case for removing the 10-kilometre wall, which has a height of two metres and is covered with barbed wire on the top. The wall was nicknamed the "Wall of Shame." In the 1980s, the wall’s first section was erected with the excuse that it is meant to protect La Molina’s affluent neighborhood from the Shining Path guerrilla group, which is identified as a terrorist group in Peru. ALSO READ| Peru: Finance minister launches $1.6 billion economic reactivation plan In the 2000s, after the group was defeated, the authorities further extended the wall under the pretext of preventing illegal land occupation. In the 1980s and 1990s, Peru witnessed major migration to the capital from Andean areas which resulted in massive settlement on the hills on Lima’s outskirts. Thousands of people ran away from violence unleashed by Shining Path, while others came in search for work. "We have made a unanimous decision, that the wall that separates La Molina and Villa Maria del Triunfo (an impoverished neighborhood) has to be torn down," said Judge Gustavo Gutierrez on Thursday, while speaking to RPP radio. WATCH| Peru declares nationwide state of emergency amid protests "It's a discriminatory wall... It can't be that we divide Peruvians by social classes. That is unacceptable, it is no longer happening anywhere in the world," the judge added. A deadline of 180 days has been set by the court for the demolition of the wall. (With inputs from agencies)

Peru’s 'Wall of Shame' to be demolished, after court rules it discriminatory

In his New Year's address, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday said that "moral, historical rightness" is on the side of Russia amid international condemnation pouring against his government for escalating the Ukraine war.&nbsp;"Today we are fighting for this, protecting our people in our own historical territories, in the new constituent entities of the Russian Federation," Putin said in his address telecast&nbsp;on Russian state TV while speaking about the regions of Ukraine that Russia claims to have captured.&nbsp;

He added that his country would never capitulate to the attempts made by the West of using Ukraine as a medium for destroying Russia. He called the war with Ukraine a fight for protecting its "motherland" and winning its people's "true independence".

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-at-least-one-dead-as-multiple-blasts-rock-kyiv-548357">Russia-Ukraine war: At least one dead as multiple blasts rock Kyiv</a>

In the nine-minute address, Putin said that the West has been lying and provoking Moscow for initiating a "special military operation" in Ukraine.

"For years, Western elites hypocritically assured us of their peaceful intentions," he stated in his speech recorded in front of Russian service personnel at Russia's southern military district's headquarters.

"In fact, in every possible way they were encouraging neo-Nazis who conducted open terrorism against civilians in the Donbas," said Putin.

"The West lied about peace. It was preparing for aggression ... and now they are cynically using Ukraine and its people to weaken and split Russia,” he added.

WATCH |&nbsp;Russia-China Ties: Russia's Putin invites China's Xi Jinping for a state visit?

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"We have never allowed this, and will never allow anybody to do this to us," Putin said.

The claims made by Moscow over the conflict's start have been rejected by Kyiv and the West, who claim that a baseless war has been initiated by Putin to seize Ukraine's territory and remove Ukrainian President&nbsp;Volodymyr Zelensky.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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In his New Year's address, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday said that "moral, historical rightness" is on the side of Russia amid international condemnation pouring against his government for escalating the Ukraine war.

In his New Year's address, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday said that "moral, historical rightness" is on the side of Russia amid international condemnation pouring against his government for escalating the Ukraine war. "Today we are fighting for this, protecting our people in our own historical territories, in the new constituent entities of the Russian Federation," Putin said in his address telecast on Russian state TV while speaking about the regions of Ukraine that Russia claims to have captured. He added that his country would never capitulate to the attempts made by the West of using Ukraine as a medium for destroying Russia. He called the war with Ukraine a fight for protecting its "motherland" and winning its people's "true independence". ALSO READ| Russia-Ukraine war: At least one dead as multiple blasts rock Kyiv In the nine-minute address, Putin said that the West has been lying and provoking Moscow for initiating a "special military operation" in Ukraine. "For years, Western elites hypocritically assured us of their peaceful intentions," he stated in his speech recorded in front of Russian service personnel at Russia's southern military district's headquarters. "In fact, in every possible way they were encouraging neo-Nazis who conducted open terrorism against civilians in the Donbas," said Putin. "The West lied about peace. It was preparing for aggression ... and now they are cynically using Ukraine and its people to weaken and split Russia,” he added. WATCH | Russia-China Ties: Russia's Putin invites China's Xi Jinping for a state visit? "We have never allowed this, and will never allow anybody to do this to us," Putin said. The claims made by Moscow over the conflict's start have been rejected by Kyiv and the West, who claim that a baseless war has been initiated by Putin to seize Ukraine's territory and remove Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin claims 'moral, historical rightness' on Russia's side amid escalating war with Ukraine

The authorities at a Mexican airport discovered four human skulls inside a package which was to be couriered to the United States, said local authorities on Friday.&nbsp;As per the statement released by the National Guard, the authorities discovered the four skulls wrapped in aluminium foil and plastic inside a box made of cardboard at central Mexico's Queretaro Intercontinental Airport.

The National Guard stated that the package was shipped from the western coastal state of Michoacan, which is the country's one of most violent regions, and was supposed to reach at an address in Manning, South Carolina.&nbsp;

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/russian-researchers-attempt-to-re-awaken-ancient-viruses-that-killed-giant-woolly-mammoths-547227">Russian researchers attempt to 're-awaken' ancient viruses that killed giant woolly mammoths</a>

The National Guard added that their officers were called by the airport authorities in the city of Queretaro after strange shapes were seen in the X-ray machine when the cardboard box was scanned through it.&nbsp;

The National Guard refused to reveal any details about the identity or age of the skulls or any possible motive behind shipping the human skulls.&nbsp;

They stated that the package, regardless of how the sender got the skulls or whether they were being shipped for any medical studies, will violate the laws of Mexico regarding how the corpses should be handled.

WATCH | Bolivia's Day of the Skulls brings out the living and the dead

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bolivias-day-of-the-skulls-brings-out-the-living-and-the-dead-341975/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The person or organisation sending the human remains need to get a competent health authority's special permit which was not obtained in this case, the National Guard said.&nbsp;

Michoacan is among the most violent states in Mexico and Viagras drug cartel has long dominated the city of Apatzingan.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The authorities at a Mexican airport discovered four human skulls inside a package which was to be couriered to the United States, said local authorities on Friday.

The authorities at a Mexican airport discovered four human skulls inside a package which was to be couriered to the United States, said local authorities on Friday. As per the statement released by the National Guard, the authorities discovered the four skulls wrapped in aluminium foil and plastic inside a box made of cardboard at central Mexico's Queretaro Intercontinental Airport. The National Guard stated that the package was shipped from the western coastal state of Michoacan, which is the country's one of most violent regions, and was supposed to reach at an address in Manning, South Carolina. ALSO READ| Russian researchers attempt to 're-awaken' ancient viruses that killed giant woolly mammoths The National Guard added that their officers were called by the airport authorities in the city of Queretaro after strange shapes were seen in the X-ray machine when the cardboard box was scanned through it. The National Guard refused to reveal any details about the identity or age of the skulls or any possible motive behind shipping the human skulls. They stated that the package, regardless of how the sender got the skulls or whether they were being shipped for any medical studies, will violate the laws of Mexico regarding how the corpses should be handled. WATCH | Bolivia's Day of the Skulls brings out the living and the dead The person or organisation sending the human remains need to get a competent health authority's special permit which was not obtained in this case, the National Guard said. Michoacan is among the most violent states in Mexico and Viagras drug cartel has long dominated the city of Apatzingan. (With inputs from agencies)

Four human skulls found inside package bound for US at Mexican airport

A female-only application “Giggle for Girls” was sued by an Australian transgender woman who alleged that it discriminated against her by not allowing her to use the platform.&nbsp;Roxanne Tickle filed a lawsuit on December 22 in a federal court in which she claimed that she was barred unlawfully from using the application in September 2021 after the firm's CEO Sally “Sall” Grover along with the firm claimed that she was a man.

In her plea, the activist has sought the platform's complete access, written apology and damages. She stated that her access was revoked even after the artificial intelligence had approved her selfie in February 2021, hence providing her full access to the platform.&nbsp;

In the documents submitted in the court, the woman said that she tried to contact Grover or Giggle but in vain.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-passes-transgender-rights-bill-allowing-people-above-16-to-change-gender-on-id-545634">Spain passes transgender rights bill, allowing people above 16 to change gender on ID</a>

“I believe that I am being discriminated against by being provided with extremely limited functionality of a smartphone app by the app provider compared to that of other users because I am a transgender woman,” Tickle stated in the complaint registered in the Australian Human Rights Commission in December 2021.

“The app provider appears not to recognise transgender women as female. I am legally permitted to identify as female,” she added.&nbsp;

On March 3, 2022, responding to the complaint, lawyers of Giggle at the Feminist Legal Clinic said that the transgender woman was “considered male” on the basis of her appearance in the selfie and hence, the firm had revoked her access.

“(Tickle’s) gender identity was not known to (Grover) or other Giggle personnel at the time of removal and did not inform the decision to preclude (Tickle) from the app,” stated the lawyers.

Grover, in a&nbsp;tweet posted on March 22, called Tickle a “trans identified male”.

WATCH| WION Dispatch: Transgender tycoon buys Miss Universe contest

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“In January 2022, I received an Australian Human Rights Commission complaint against both Giggle &amp; me personally, from a trans identified male who wants to use a social networking app for females &amp; for me to be re-educated on sex &amp; gender,” she stated.&nbsp;

Grover posted an open letter on Twitter in which she stated that she created the platform for girls after she suffered abuse and was told that she required “strong female support network”.&nbsp;

She added that she allowed transgender women originally on the application but later changed the policy after “Kill TERF” groups sent her death threats on the app.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

A female-only application “Giggle for Girls” was sued by an Australian transgender woman who alleged that it discriminated against her by not allowing her to use the platform.

A female-only application “Giggle for Girls” was sued by an Australian transgender woman who alleged that it discriminated against her by not allowing her to use the platform. Roxanne Tickle filed a lawsuit on December 22 in a federal court in which she claimed that she was barred unlawfully from using the application in September 2021 after the firm's CEO Sally “Sall” Grover along with the firm claimed that she was a man. In her plea, the activist has sought the platform's complete access, written apology and damages. She stated that her access was revoked even after the artificial intelligence had approved her selfie in February 2021, hence providing her full access to the platform. In the documents submitted in the court, the woman said that she tried to contact Grover or Giggle but in vain. ALSO READ | Spain passes transgender rights bill, allowing people above 16 to change gender on ID “I believe that I am being discriminated against by being provided with extremely limited functionality of a smartphone app by the app provider compared to that of other users because I am a transgender woman,” Tickle stated in the complaint registered in the Australian Human Rights Commission in December 2021. “The app provider appears not to recognise transgender women as female. I am legally permitted to identify as female,” she added. On March 3, 2022, responding to the complaint, lawyers of Giggle at the Feminist Legal Clinic said that the transgender woman was “considered male” on the basis of her appearance in the selfie and hence, the firm had revoked her access. “(Tickle’s) gender identity was not known to (Grover) or other Giggle personnel at the time of removal and did not inform the decision to preclude (Tickle) from the app,” stated the lawyers. Grover, in a tweet posted on March 22, called Tickle a “trans identified male”. WATCH| WION Dispatch: Transgender tycoon buys Miss Universe contest “In January 2022, I received an Australian Human Rights Commission complaint against both Giggle & me personally, from a trans identified male who wants to use a social networking app for females & for me to be re-educated on sex & gender,” she stated. Grover posted an open letter on Twitter in which she stated that she created the platform for girls after she suffered abuse and was told that she required “strong female support network”. She added that she allowed transgender women originally on the application but later changed the policy after “Kill TERF” groups sent her death threats on the app. (With inputs from agencies)

Australia: Transgender woman files lawsuit against female-only app for discrimination

The Supreme Court in Iran accepted the appeal of a protester against his death sentence after he was held guilty for allegedly destroying public property during anti-government protests, sending his case for another review, said the judiciary on Saturday.&nbsp;The police had arrested Noor Mohammadzadeh, aged 25, on October 4 and two months later, he was sentenced to death after being charged with “waging war against God”. He had allegedly set a garbage bin on fire and attempted to break a highway guardrail in Tehran.

The accusations were rejected by him, as he claimed that the authorities had forced him to confess to the&nbsp;crime. Protesting against his trial, he sat on a hunger strike two weeks ago.&nbsp;

ALSO READ| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/as-irans-anti-hijab-protests-cross-the-100-days-mark-lets-take-a-look-at-some-of-the-key-moments-546653">As Iran's anti-hijab protests cross the 100 days mark, let's take a look at some of the key moments</a>

Two protesters have been already executed by Iran after they were held for demonstrations that swept the nation against the death of Kurdish Iranian woman Mahsa Amini in police custody in September after she was detained by the morality police for failing to follow the Islamic dress code for women.&nbsp;

Amnesty International has stated that the authorities in Iran have announced the death penalty for at least 26 other protesters.

“The Supreme Court has accepted the appeal of Sahand Noor Mohammadzadeh, one of the accused in the recent riots. His case has been sent to the same branch of the Revolutionary Court for review,” announced the judiciary’s Mizan news agency on Twitter.

WATCH| Iran: Mahsa Amini protests rage on, government cornered in range of issues

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Last week, rapper Saman Seydi Yasin's death sentence appeal was accepted by the Supreme Court, however, the same sentence was confirmed for another protester Mohammad Qobadloo.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Supreme Court in Iran accepted the appeal of a protester against his death sentence after he was held guilty for allegedly destroying public property during anti-government protests, sending his case for another review, said the judiciary on Saturday.

The Supreme Court in Iran accepted the appeal of a protester against his death sentence after he was held guilty for allegedly destroying public property during anti-government protests, sending his case for another review, said the judiciary on Saturday. The police had arrested Noor Mohammadzadeh, aged 25, on October 4 and two months later, he was sentenced to death after being charged with “waging war against God”. He had allegedly set a garbage bin on fire and attempted to break a highway guardrail in Tehran. The accusations were rejected by him, as he claimed that the authorities had forced him to confess to the crime. Protesting against his trial, he sat on a hunger strike two weeks ago. ALSO READ| As Iran's anti-hijab protests cross the 100 days mark, let's take a look at some of the key moments Two protesters have been already executed by Iran after they were held for demonstrations that swept the nation against the death of Kurdish Iranian woman Mahsa Amini in police custody in September after she was detained by the morality police for failing to follow the Islamic dress code for women. Amnesty International has stated that the authorities in Iran have announced the death penalty for at least 26 other protesters. “The Supreme Court has accepted the appeal of Sahand Noor Mohammadzadeh, one of the accused in the recent riots. His case has been sent to the same branch of the Revolutionary Court for review,” announced the judiciary’s Mizan news agency on Twitter. WATCH| Iran: Mahsa Amini protests rage on, government cornered in range of issues Last week, rapper Saman Seydi Yasin's death sentence appeal was accepted by the Supreme Court, however, the same sentence was confirmed for another protester Mohammad Qobadloo. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran court takes a u-turn after protester goes on hunger strike against death sentence

On New Year's Eve, many people in China uploaded reflection posts on social media talking about their battle with Covid-19 and criticising the zero-Covid policy imposed by the government for around three years.&nbsp;This month, China removed centralised quarantine for those infected with the virus, mass testing, and lockdowns, which were earlier very strictly imposed to eliminate all possibilities of outbreaks of Covid-19.

The sudden removal of curbs after so long has led to the massive spread of coronavirus in China, hitting the country's economic progress, and raising international concern&nbsp;among various countries which took the drastic step of imposing restrictions on travellers from China.&nbsp;

Thousands of citizens on Saturday slammed the sudden disappearance of a viral video on China's Twitter-like Weibo which was created by local outlet Netease News collating Chinese people's real-life stories in 2022.&nbsp;

ALSO READ| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijing-slams-covid-curbs-on-chinese-travellers-as-discriminatory-547901">Beijing slams Covid curbs on Chinese travellers as 'discriminatory'</a>

Many stories in the video narrated the difficulties faced by the citizens due to the strict implementation of the zero-COVID policy. One hashtag related to the video received 4 million hits on Weibo before it was wiped out of all platforms by Saturday noon.&nbsp;

New hashtags were then created by social media users to ensure that comments kept pouring in. "What a perverse world, you can only sing the praises of the fake but you cannot show real life," wrote one user, as he added a screenshot of no results displayed when the hashtags are searched.

The removal of hashtags and the video was believed to be an act of censorship by many citizens, which further reflected that the government in China still perceives the narrative around how it handled coronavirus as a politically sensitive issue.

Many people on Weibo stated how the new rise in infections has left them with no celebratory mood on New Year's Eve.

"This virus should just go and die, can not believe this year I can not even find a healthy friend that can go out with me and celebrate the passage into the New Year,” said one user of Weibo in eastern Shandong province.

WATCH | WHO calls up China to step up Covid response, urges to share more Covid data too

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Other citizens hoped that the new year would bring back the pre-pandemic life in China. "I lived and worked under COVID throughout 2022... I hope 2023 is when everything can go back to what it was before 2020," one user from Jiangsu stated.

Even as the health authorities claimed that the zero-Covid policy was removed due to the "weakening" of the Omicron variant, the country was reopened just a few days after it witnessed the biggest protest ever since Chinese President Xi Jinping came to power in 2012.

(With inputs from agencies)

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On New Year's Eve, many people in China uploaded reflection posts on social media talking about their battle with Covid-19 and criticising the zero-Covid policy imposed by the government for around three years.

On New Year's Eve, many people in China uploaded reflection posts on social media talking about their battle with Covid-19 and criticising the zero-Covid policy imposed by the government for around three years. This month, China removed centralised quarantine for those infected with the virus, mass testing, and lockdowns, which were earlier very strictly imposed to eliminate all possibilities of outbreaks of Covid-19. The sudden removal of curbs after so long has led to the massive spread of coronavirus in China, hitting the country's economic progress, and raising international concern among various countries which took the drastic step of imposing restrictions on travellers from China. Thousands of citizens on Saturday slammed the sudden disappearance of a viral video on China's Twitter-like Weibo which was created by local outlet Netease News collating Chinese people's real-life stories in 2022. ALSO READ| Beijing slams Covid curbs on Chinese travellers as 'discriminatory' Many stories in the video narrated the difficulties faced by the citizens due to the strict implementation of the zero-COVID policy. One hashtag related to the video received 4 million hits on Weibo before it was wiped out of all platforms by Saturday noon. New hashtags were then created by social media users to ensure that comments kept pouring in. "What a perverse world, you can only sing the praises of the fake but you cannot show real life," wrote one user, as he added a screenshot of no results displayed when the hashtags are searched. The removal of hashtags and the video was believed to be an act of censorship by many citizens, which further reflected that the government in China still perceives the narrative around how it handled coronavirus as a politically sensitive issue. Many people on Weibo stated how the new rise in infections has left them with no celebratory mood on New Year's Eve. "This virus should just go and die, can not believe this year I can not even find a healthy friend that can go out with me and celebrate the passage into the New Year,” said one user of Weibo in eastern Shandong province. WATCH | WHO calls up China to step up Covid response, urges to share more Covid data too Other citizens hoped that the new year would bring back the pre-pandemic life in China. "I lived and worked under COVID throughout 2022... I hope 2023 is when everything can go back to what it was before 2020," one user from Jiangsu stated. Even as the health authorities claimed that the zero-Covid policy was removed due to the "weakening" of the Omicron variant, the country was reopened just a few days after it witnessed the biggest protest ever since Chinese President Xi Jinping came to power in 2012. (With inputs from agencies)

China censors online posts reflecting people’s battle with Covid-19, government policy

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, in his New Year's message on Saturday, said that Russia's victory over Ukraine was "inevitable" as he praised the heroism of soldiers fighting for Russia.&nbsp;

The defence chief said that situation on the frontlines is still “difficult” and criticised the West along with Ukraine for making efforts to contain Russia.

"Dear comrades-in-arms, friends. In the outgoing year, we all faced serious trials that changed the usual course of time, we meet it in a difficult military-political situation, when those who are trying to erase our glorious history and great achievements, they demolish monuments to the victors of fascism and put war criminals on a pedestal, cancel and desecrate everything Russian,” he said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-carries-out-biggest-aerial-assault-in-ukraine-since-february-kyiv-says-repelled-overnight-drone-strike-548007">Russia carries out biggest aerial assault in Ukraine since Feb; Kyiv says it repelled overnight drone strike</a>

"The outgoing year will forever enter the military chronicle of the fatherland, filled with your immortal deeds, selfless courage and heroism in the fight against neo-nazism and terrorism. We meet the New Year in a difficult military-political situation," the defence chief added.&nbsp;

"At a time when there are those who are trying to erase our glorious history and great achievements, demolish monuments to the victors over fascism, put war criminals on a pedestal, cancel and desecrate everything Russian,” Shoigu said.&nbsp;

He praised Russian troops' "immortal actions, selfless courage and heroism" in fighting against what he termed as "neo-Nazism and terrorism."

WATCH| Russia-Ukraine War: Home over safety; story of two farmers who refused to leave home

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"In the coming year, I want to wish everyone good health, fortitude, reliable and devoted comrades and, of course, clear skies. Our victory, like the New Year, is inevitable,” he said.

Ukraine and its Western allies have rejected the assertion of Russia that it is waging a war against "Nazis" in Ukraine, calling it a baseless excuse by President Vladimir Putin for annexing the territory.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, in his New Year's message on Saturday, said that Russia's victory over Ukraine was "inevitable" as he praised the heroism of soldiers fighting for Russia.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, in his New Year's message on Saturday, said that Russia's victory over Ukraine was "inevitable" as he praised the heroism of soldiers fighting for Russia. The defence chief said that situation on the frontlines is still “difficult” and criticised the West along with Ukraine for making efforts to contain Russia. "Dear comrades-in-arms, friends. In the outgoing year, we all faced serious trials that changed the usual course of time, we meet it in a difficult military-political situation, when those who are trying to erase our glorious history and great achievements, they demolish monuments to the victors of fascism and put war criminals on a pedestal, cancel and desecrate everything Russian,” he said. ALSO READ| Russia carries out biggest aerial assault in Ukraine since Feb; Kyiv says it repelled overnight drone strike "The outgoing year will forever enter the military chronicle of the fatherland, filled with your immortal deeds, selfless courage and heroism in the fight against neo-nazism and terrorism. We meet the New Year in a difficult military-political situation," the defence chief added. "At a time when there are those who are trying to erase our glorious history and great achievements, demolish monuments to the victors over fascism, put war criminals on a pedestal, cancel and desecrate everything Russian,” Shoigu said. He praised Russian troops' "immortal actions, selfless courage and heroism" in fighting against what he termed as "neo-Nazism and terrorism." WATCH| Russia-Ukraine War: Home over safety; story of two farmers who refused to leave home "In the coming year, I want to wish everyone good health, fortitude, reliable and devoted comrades and, of course, clear skies. Our victory, like the New Year, is inevitable,” he said. Ukraine and its Western allies have rejected the assertion of Russia that it is waging a war against "Nazis" in Ukraine, calling it a baseless excuse by President Vladimir Putin for annexing the territory. (With inputs from agencies)

In his New Year message, Russia's defence chief says 'victory is inevitable'

The military in South Korea announced that a solid-fueled rocket was test-fired on Friday after its undeclared launch created a brief scare among the public who believed it to be a suspected UFO appearance or a missile launch by North Korea.

In a statement, the defence ministry stated that the launch of the rocket was part of the country’s efforts to increase space-based surveillance capability and enhance its defence posture.

The military stated that the general public was not notified about the rocket’s launch in advance because it included sensitive security issues related to the military.

ALSO READ| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-plans-better-preparedness-after-north-koreas-drone-incursion-547642">South Korea plans to upgrade preparedness after unchecked North Korea’s drone incursion</a>

On Friday evening, people saw a white and red-hued tendril of vapour behind a bright white light in the sky of South Korea. The internet sites and social media of South Korea were filled with messages from people who spotted an object or a coloured vapour or any kind of mysterious light in the sky.

A few of them also posted videos and photos. On Twitter user wrote, “What is this? Is this a UFO? I’m scared.”&nbsp;Another user stated that perhaps it was a missile launch by North Korea and worried that a war is going to start, while someone else said that a signal is being sent back by a North Korean spy operating in South Korea back to the North.

Some even suspected that the appearance of light was a supernatural phenomenon. As per the local media, South Korean police and emergency officers received reports of many citizens who had witnessed a suspicious object flying in the sky and mysterious light.&nbsp; &nbsp;

WATCH | Gravitas: South Korea retaliates after Kim's 'air invasion'

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The rocket launch in South Korea took place four days after the North was accused by the South of flying five drones near the country’s border for the first time in five years. The government officials said that the solid-fueled rocket will be used to put the first spy satellite of the nation into orbit.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The military in South Korea announced that a solid-fueled rocket was test-fired on Friday after its undeclared launch created a brief scare among the public who believed it to be a suspected UFO appearance or a missile launch by North Korea.

The military in South Korea announced that a solid-fueled rocket was test-fired on Friday after its undeclared launch created a brief scare among the public who believed it to be a suspected UFO appearance or a missile launch by North Korea. In a statement, the defence ministry stated that the launch of the rocket was part of the country’s efforts to increase space-based surveillance capability and enhance its defence posture. The military stated that the general public was not notified about the rocket’s launch in advance because it included sensitive security issues related to the military. ALSO READ| South Korea plans to upgrade preparedness after unchecked North Korea’s drone incursion On Friday evening, people saw a white and red-hued tendril of vapour behind a bright white light in the sky of South Korea. The internet sites and social media of South Korea were filled with messages from people who spotted an object or a coloured vapour or any kind of mysterious light in the sky. A few of them also posted videos and photos. On Twitter user wrote, “What is this? Is this a UFO? I’m scared.” Another user stated that perhaps it was a missile launch by North Korea and worried that a war is going to start, while someone else said that a signal is being sent back by a North Korean spy operating in South Korea back to the North. Some even suspected that the appearance of light was a supernatural phenomenon. As per the local media, South Korean police and emergency officers received reports of many citizens who had witnessed a suspicious object flying in the sky and mysterious light. WATCH | Gravitas: South Korea retaliates after Kim's 'air invasion' The rocket launch in South Korea took place four days after the North was accused by the South of flying five drones near the country’s border for the first time in five years. The government officials said that the solid-fueled rocket will be used to put the first spy satellite of the nation into orbit. (With inputs from agencies)

Unannounced rocket launch leaves people puzzled in South Korea, triggers UFO scare

Chinese President Xi Jinping's trusted aide Qin Gang has been appointed as the new foreign minister, reported state radio on Friday.&nbsp;56-year-old Qin, who is currently China's ambassador to the United States, will take the place of Wang Yi, who has been the country's foreign minister in the past decade.

Wang Yi, aged 69, got promoted in the Chinese Communist Party's politburo in October and will be playing a bigger role in the country's foreign policy.

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijing-slams-covid-curbs-on-chinese-travellers-as-discriminatory-547901">Beijing slams Covid curbs on Chinese travellers as 'discriminatory'</a>

Qin, who has been a rising star in China's foreign ministry, has held various positions in the past which include the position of the spokesperson of the ministry and positions in the Chinese embassy in Britain.

He served as chief protocol officer Xi between 2014 and 2018.

After his appointment as the foreign minister, Qin will come back to Beijing from Washington after serving as China's 11th ambassador to the United States for 17 months.

This week, an essay was published in the National Interest, an American bi-monthly magazine, in which Qin talked about the position of China on foreign policy and said that the relations between the US and China were not a zero-sum game.

WATCH| Gravitas: China sends infected flights to Milan, half of the passengers test positive

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Qin's appointment comes in the wake of countries imposing mandatory testing for people coming from China. Reacting to the imposition of test requirements in various countries, Chinese state media had earlier said that such steps were "discriminatory".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Chinese President Xi Jinping's trusted aide Qin Gang has been appointed as the new foreign minister, reported state radio on Friday. 56-year-old Qin, who is currently China's ambassador to the United States, will take the place of Wang Yi, who has been the country's foreign minister in the past decade.

Chinese President Xi Jinping's trusted aide Qin Gang has been appointed as the new foreign minister, reported state radio on Friday. 56-year-old Qin, who is currently China's ambassador to the United States, will take the place of Wang Yi, who has been the country's foreign minister in the past decade. Wang Yi, aged 69, got promoted in the Chinese Communist Party's politburo in October and will be playing a bigger role in the country's foreign policy. ALSO READ| Beijing slams Covid curbs on Chinese travellers as 'discriminatory' Qin, who has been a rising star in China's foreign ministry, has held various positions in the past which include the position of the spokesperson of the ministry and positions in the Chinese embassy in Britain. He served as chief protocol officer Xi between 2014 and 2018. After his appointment as the foreign minister, Qin will come back to Beijing from Washington after serving as China's 11th ambassador to the United States for 17 months. This week, an essay was published in the National Interest, an American bi-monthly magazine, in which Qin talked about the position of China on foreign policy and said that the relations between the US and China were not a zero-sum game. WATCH| Gravitas: China sends infected flights to Milan, half of the passengers test positive Qin's appointment comes in the wake of countries imposing mandatory testing for people coming from China. Reacting to the imposition of test requirements in various countries, Chinese state media had earlier said that such steps were "discriminatory". (With inputs from agencies)

Xi Jinping appoints his trusted aide Qin Gang as China's new foreign minister

At least 30 children have lost their lives to bacterial infection Strep A since September 19, new figures stated.&nbsp;In the weekly update on Strep A, the UKHSA said that in the last four months, there have been scarlet fever's 3,836 notifications, while 122 people of all age groups have lost their lives due to the illness in the same time period.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) stated that almost 25 people, under the age of 18, have lost their lives to the invasive Strep A, also known as iGAS, in England from September 19 to December 25.

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/strep-a-medics-fear-nhs-will-grapple-with-the-disease-as-seventh-child-died-of-infection-540093">Strep A: Medics fear NHS will grapple with the disease as seventh child dies of infection</a>

The UKHSA also recorded the death of three children in Belfast and Wales from iGAS, bringing the total number of deaths to 30.&nbsp;Strep A is a bacterial infection which usually affects the throat and the skin.

The UKHSA stated that the data reflects an “out-of-season increase” in cases of Strep A and scarlet fever infections in one typical year.

Speaking about the latest figures for Strep A infections, UKHSA incident director Dr Obaghe Edeghere said: “We are continuing to see a rise in scarlet fever and ‘strep throat’ and this is understandably concerning for parents."

WATCH | A new infection called Strep-A is spreading in the UK

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“However I would stress that the condition can be easily treated with antibiotics and it is very rare that a child will go on to become more seriously ill," he added.

“Over the winter, there are lots of illnesses circulating that can make children unwell and so it is important to avoid contact with other people if you are feeling unwell, wash your hands regularly and thoroughly and catch coughs and sneezes in a tissue. I would also urge all those eligible for free winter vaccines to take advantage of these," the doctor stated.

(With inputs from agencies)

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At least 30 children have lost their lives to bacterial infection Strep A since September 19, new figures stated. In the weekly update on Strep A, the UKHSA said that in the last four months, there have been scarlet fever's 3,836 notifications, while 122 people of all age groups have lost their lives due to the illness in the same time period.

At least 30 children have lost their lives to bacterial infection Strep A since September 19, new figures stated. In the weekly update on Strep A, the UKHSA said that in the last four months, there have been scarlet fever's 3,836 notifications, while 122 people of all age groups have lost their lives due to the illness in the same time period. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) stated that almost 25 people, under the age of 18, have lost their lives to the invasive Strep A, also known as iGAS, in England from September 19 to December 25. ALSO READ| Strep A: Medics fear NHS will grapple with the disease as seventh child dies of infection The UKHSA also recorded the death of three children in Belfast and Wales from iGAS, bringing the total number of deaths to 30. Strep A is a bacterial infection which usually affects the throat and the skin. The UKHSA stated that the data reflects an “out-of-season increase” in cases of Strep A and scarlet fever infections in one typical year. Speaking about the latest figures for Strep A infections, UKHSA incident director Dr Obaghe Edeghere said: “We are continuing to see a rise in scarlet fever and ‘strep throat’ and this is understandably concerning for parents." WATCH | A new infection called Strep-A is spreading in the UK “However I would stress that the condition can be easily treated with antibiotics and it is very rare that a child will go on to become more seriously ill," he added. “Over the winter, there are lots of illnesses circulating that can make children unwell and so it is important to avoid contact with other people if you are feeling unwell, wash your hands regularly and thoroughly and catch coughs and sneezes in a tissue. I would also urge all those eligible for free winter vaccines to take advantage of these," the doctor stated. (With inputs from agencies)

Strep A infection has killed around 30 children in the UK since mid-September: UKHSA

In a historic move, New York opened its first legal recreational marijuana dispensary in Manhattan's heart on Thursday. 
 
Around 100 citizens queued outside the dispensary in East Village, New York City, which is being managed by the non-profit Housing Works, an organisation that works for AIDS patients and homeless people. 
 
Speaking about the opening of a marijuana dispensary, Governor Kathy Hochul said, "The first legal adult-use cannabis sales mark a historic milestone in New York's cannabis industry." 
 
In her statement, Hochul said that she expects the city to serve "as a national model for the safe, equitable and inclusive industry we are now building." 
 
Ex-felons granted first licenses 
 
The government authorities granted 36 groups or individuals, including Housing Works, for the first time license for a legal marijuana shop on November 21.

ALSO READ| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-winter-storm-death-toll-rises-to-61-as-bad-weather-drags-on-547858">US winter storm death toll rises to 61 as bad weather drags on</a>

New York City aims at granting the first 150 licenses to traders who were earlier convicted of selling or possessing cannabis. 
 
The city's goal is to mend decades of the disproportionate and unfair impact of the prohibition of marijuana, which has left a negative impact on African American and Hispanic communities. 
 
The governor said that whatever tax will be collected from the marijuana dispensaries will "be invested in communities across the state to support public schools, addiction services, mental health services, housing and other community-based programmes." 
 
Addressing the reporters, New York state senator Liz Krueger said that the opening of legal marijuana dispensaries will help "those most impacted by the failed cannabis criminalisation policies of the past." 
 
A real monetary gain 
 
Hard-line Mayor Eric Adams, who was once a police officer, agreed that the dispensary has economic benefits, stating that the "legal cannabis market could be a real boon to New York's economic recovery... through increased tax revenues".

WATCH| World Business Watch: Hershey sued over heavy metals in chocolate; lawsuit filed in New York

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In the shop's festive atmosphere, founder of Housing Works Charles King said that he was "eager to reinvest the profits to provide essential services to tens of thousands of New Yorkers who need it". 
 
Manhattan borough president Mark Levine attended the shop's opening and purchased cannabis products, which included jelly beans. 
 
It has been more than a year since consuming cannabis has been made legal for adults over the age of 21 in New York. As per City Hall's estimation, $1.3 billion should be earned in sales by 2023 and around 19,000 to 24,000 new jobs should be created in the next three years.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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In a historic move, New York opened its first legal recreational marijuana dispensary in Manhattan's heart on Thursday. Around 100 citizens queued outside the dispensary in East Village, New York City, which is being managed by the non-profit Housing Works, an organisation that works for AIDS patients and homeless people.

In a historic move, New York opened its first legal recreational marijuana dispensary in Manhattan's heart on Thursday. Around 100 citizens queued outside the dispensary in East Village, New York City, which is being managed by the non-profit Housing Works, an organisation that works for AIDS patients and homeless people. Speaking about the opening of a marijuana dispensary, Governor Kathy Hochul said, "The first legal adult-use cannabis sales mark a historic milestone in New York's cannabis industry." In her statement, Hochul said that she expects the city to serve "as a national model for the safe, equitable and inclusive industry we are now building." Ex-felons granted first licenses The government authorities granted 36 groups or individuals, including Housing Works, for the first time license for a legal marijuana shop on November 21. ALSO READ| US winter storm death toll rises to 61 as bad weather drags on New York City aims at granting the first 150 licenses to traders who were earlier convicted of selling or possessing cannabis. The city's goal is to mend decades of the disproportionate and unfair impact of the prohibition of marijuana, which has left a negative impact on African American and Hispanic communities. The governor said that whatever tax will be collected from the marijuana dispensaries will "be invested in communities across the state to support public schools, addiction services, mental health services, housing and other community-based programmes." Addressing the reporters, New York state senator Liz Krueger said that the opening of legal marijuana dispensaries will help "those most impacted by the failed cannabis criminalisation policies of the past." A real monetary gain Hard-line Mayor Eric Adams, who was once a police officer, agreed that the dispensary has economic benefits, stating that the "legal cannabis market could be a real boon to New York's economic recovery... through increased tax revenues". WATCH| World Business Watch: Hershey sued over heavy metals in chocolate; lawsuit filed in New York In the shop's festive atmosphere, founder of Housing Works Charles King said that he was "eager to reinvest the profits to provide essential services to tens of thousands of New Yorkers who need it". Manhattan borough president Mark Levine attended the shop's opening and purchased cannabis products, which included jelly beans. It has been more than a year since consuming cannabis has been made legal for adults over the age of 21 in New York. As per City Hall's estimation, $1.3 billion should be earned in sales by 2023 and around 19,000 to 24,000 new jobs should be created in the next three years. (With inputs from agencies)

In a first, New York opens its legal recreational marijuana shop

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