Amid tensions along the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinese-general-zhao-zongqi-man-behind-violent-ladakh-clashes-removed-351303">Line of Actual Control</a>(LAC), China has reportedly deployed tanks in front of Indian posts opposite Rezang La, Rechin La and Mukhosri locations.

Watch:

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Reports say at least 30 to 35 tanks have been deployed by the PLA at the LAC.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/india-china-standoff-how-indias-t-90-bhishma-battle-tank-is-outflanking-chinas-pla-at-lac-328483">Also Read:&nbsp;How India's T-90 Bhishma battle tank is outflanking China's PLA at LAC</a>

The heights were captured by the Indian army on August 29 and 30 last year. The Chinese tanks are currently positioned against Indian positions, reports say.

The&nbsp;tanks are reportedly lightweight and have been made using modern technology. The Indian Army has also deployed tanks at the hills of Rezang La, Rechin La and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-microwave-oven-weapon-now-china-peddles-fake-news-on-indian-troops-in-ladakh-343968">Mukhosri</a>.

Tensions between India and China has been at fever pitch ever since the forces of the two countries clashed at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/india-china-standoff-satellite-image-of-winter-at-galwan-valley-emerges-350823">Galwan Valley</a> in June-15-16 last year leading to the death of 20 Indian soldiers, although the Chinese Army had suffered casualties as well, however, the Chinese foreign ministry has refused to divulge its casualty list.

After the Galwan clash, Chinese and Indian military commanders had held several rounds of talks to deescalate tensions and ensure troops from both countries pull back, however, China has continued its troop presence along the LAC.

India's ministry of external affairs (MEA) had said that India-China commander-level talks had led to "stability on the ground" and that more efforts would be made to restore peace even as tens of thousands of troops have been deployed by both sides in the Ladakh region and the Chinese-held Tibetan plateau.

However, several rounds of talks have failed to significantly ease tensions along the LAC. 
&nbsp;

Amid tensions along the Line of Actual Control(LAC), China has reportedly deployed tanks in front of Indian posts opposite Rezang La, Rechin La and Mukhosri locations.

Amid tensions along the Line of Actual Control(LAC), China has reportedly deployed tanks in front of Indian posts opposite Rezang La, Rechin La and Mukhosri locations. Watch: Reports say at least 30 to 35 tanks have been deployed by the PLA at the LAC. Also Read: How India's T-90 Bhishma battle tank is outflanking China's PLA at LAC The heights were captured by the Indian army on August 29 and 30 last year. The Chinese tanks are currently positioned against Indian positions, reports say. The tanks are reportedly lightweight and have been made using modern technology. The Indian Army has also deployed tanks at the hills of Rezang La, Rechin La and Mukhosri. Tensions between India and China has been at fever pitch ever since the forces of the two countries clashed at Galwan Valley in June-15-16 last year leading to the death of 20 Indian soldiers, although the Chinese Army had suffered casualties as well, however, the Chinese foreign ministry has refused to divulge its casualty list. After the Galwan clash, Chinese and Indian military commanders had held several rounds of talks to deescalate tensions and ensure troops from both countries pull back, however, China has continued its troop presence along the LAC. India's ministry of external affairs (MEA) had said that India-China commander-level talks had led to "stability on the ground" and that more efforts would be made to restore peace even as tens of thousands of troops have been deployed by both sides in the Ladakh region and the Chinese-held Tibetan plateau. However, several rounds of talks have failed to significantly ease tensions along the LAC.

India-China standoff: China deploys tanks along LAC opposite Indian posts

A South Korean-flagged tanker headed to the United Arab Emirates(UAE) entered Iranian waters and was&nbsp;seized, reports said.

Fars news agency said it had seized the ship over over "environmental hazards".

"A Korean ship was seized in Persian Gulf waters by the Revolutionary Guard's navy and transferred to our country's ports," the news agency said.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards seized the South Korean-flagged tanker in the Gulf, Fars news agency informed.

"This tanker had a South Korea flag and was seized over oil pollution and environmental hazards," it added.

Iran had earlier seized a British-flagged tanker in the Gulf in 2019 after the UK detained an Iranian tanker off Gibraltar.

Last year, five Iranian tankers had entered carrying fuel for gasoline-starved Venezuela even as the US government warned against the move. The tanker passed through Trinidad and Tobago and entered Venezuela.

The shipment caused a diplomatic stir between the Trump administration and the Iranian government as it the said US it would consider measures against Iran's tanker as Iran said it would retaliate.

A South Korean-flagged tanker headed to the United Arab Emirates(UAE) entered Iranian waters and was seized, reports said. Fars news agency said it had seized the ship over over "environmental hazards".

A South Korean-flagged tanker headed to the United Arab Emirates(UAE) entered Iranian waters and was seized, reports said. Fars news agency said it had seized the ship over over "environmental hazards". "A Korean ship was seized in Persian Gulf waters by the Revolutionary Guard's navy and transferred to our country's ports," the news agency said. Iran's Revolutionary Guards seized the South Korean-flagged tanker in the Gulf, Fars news agency informed. "This tanker had a South Korea flag and was seized over oil pollution and environmental hazards," it added. Iran had earlier seized a British-flagged tanker in the Gulf in 2019 after the UK detained an Iranian tanker off Gibraltar. Last year, five Iranian tankers had entered carrying fuel for gasoline-starved Venezuela even as the US government warned against the move. The tanker passed through Trinidad and Tobago and entered Venezuela. The shipment caused a diplomatic stir between the Trump administration and the Iranian government as it the said US it would consider measures against Iran's tanker as Iran said it would retaliate.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards seize South Korean-flagged tanker over 'environmental hazards'

South Korean government said today that some of its towns were facing "crisis of&nbsp;extinction" as the country recorded more deaths than<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-relaxes-two-child-limit-policy-over-concerns-of-aging-population-and-decline-in-birth-rate-338773"> births</a> in 2020 for the first time pointing to a looming demographic disaster.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/technically-perfect-japan-to-fund-ai-matchmaker-to-increase-birth-rate-348313">Also Read:&nbsp;Technically perfect: Japan to fund AI matchmaker to increase birth rate</a>

According to South Korea's interior ministry&nbsp;“the number of newborn babies failed to make up for the number of deaths”.

"In regions with poor economic, medical and educational infrastructure, the crisis of the extinction of such towns is escalating," it added.

The interior ministry informed the country's population had reached 51,829,023 in 2020 which was down 20,838 from 2019. South Korea has the lowest <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xinjiang-govt-confirms-birth-rate-drop-but-denies-forced-sterilisation-of-women-329108">fertility</a> rate in the world which reached a low of 0.84 last year.

The annual death of South Korea had alarmingly exceeded deaths for the first time from 275,815 to 307,764.

The government informed that the birth rate was down 10.65 per cent year-on-year. The country recorded 275,815<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-childbirth-rate-hits-lowest-level-since-records-began-in-1899-270445"> births </a>in 2020 with the death rate going up to 307,764 - an increase of 3.1 per cent.

The population crisis has taken place despite the government spending $166 billion since 2006 to boost birth rates. The government projected that the birth rate in South Korea between 2020-25 is expected to be 297,000 even as birth rate came up short by over 20,000.

The South Korean government had earlier released data which showed that women who believe they need to marry their numbers&nbsp;fell&nbsp;to 44 per cent in 2018 from 62 per cent in 2008.

South Korean government said today that some of its towns were facing "crisis of extinction" as the country recorded more deaths than births in 2020 for the first time pointing to a looming demographic disaster.

South Korean government said today that some of its towns were facing "crisis of extinction" as the country recorded more deaths than births in 2020 for the first time pointing to a looming demographic disaster. Also Read: Technically perfect: Japan to fund AI matchmaker to increase birth rate According to South Korea's interior ministry “the number of newborn babies failed to make up for the number of deaths”. "In regions with poor economic, medical and educational infrastructure, the crisis of the extinction of such towns is escalating," it added. The interior ministry informed the country's population had reached 51,829,023 in 2020 which was down 20,838 from 2019. South Korea has the lowest fertility rate in the world which reached a low of 0.84 last year. The annual death of South Korea had alarmingly exceeded deaths for the first time from 275,815 to 307,764. The government informed that the birth rate was down 10.65 per cent year-on-year. The country recorded 275,815 births in 2020 with the death rate going up to 307,764 - an increase of 3.1 per cent. The population crisis has taken place despite the government spending $166 billion since 2006 to boost birth rates. The government projected that the birth rate in South Korea between 2020-25 is expected to be 297,000 even as birth rate came up short by over 20,000. The South Korean government had earlier released data which showed that women who believe they need to marry their numbers fell to 44 per cent in 2018 from 62 per cent in 2008.

'Crisis of extinction': South Korea's population falls for first time in 2020

Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu wants to expand his circle and Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan wants to join which is the simplest way to sum up the possibility of Pakistan normalising ties with Israel.

For the Israeli PM, the year couldn't have ended on a better note. Netanyahu's government has formalised ties with four Arab countries - the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and Morrocco including Bhutan.

Direct flights now connect Israel with Arab countries. It will open the door to another country. &nbsp;For Netanyahu, it means another feather on his hat. No matter how bad that feather may be.

Israel doesn't have to change its policies vis-a-vis Palestine. So, Netanyahu gets to eat the cake and have it too. Apparently, Imran Khan is under pressure or so he said on live television.&nbsp;

Imran Khan also claims to be the true leader of the Muslim world, he will lose that card and Pakistan will also lose Iran's support. Unlike Riyadh, Tehran had backed Imran Khan's Kashmir drama but Pakistan has a history of being ungrateful.

It now wants to lean on Saudi Arabia again, by doing so Imran Khan stands to lose the support of Turkey. Not just support, Turkey's vote in the FATF.

Gulf countries are looking to diversify their wealth with the region trying to cope with a new oil order. They are looking at long-term allies like India and looking for investment opportunities - not-liabilities like Pakistan.

In the last few months, Imran Khan has already lost support at home and abroad. He has sold his country to the Chinese, now he is gambling with Pakistan's morality. The public won't spare him neither will hardline Islamists a lot of whom already despise Imran Khan.

The Pakistani prime minister had previously said he thought it was pointless that Arab countries were signing deals with Israel, if he signs one himself the captain will score his homerun of blunders. Imran Khan will lose support at home, allies abroad, not to mention his face.

For long, Pakistan has tried to falsely equate the Palestinian cause to what it claims struggle in Kashmir. Israel sells weapons and technology but Pakistan does not have the money to buy anything.

For Imran Khan, it isn't so much about formalising ties with Israel as it is about rebuilding ties with West Asia - a region that Pakistan has fallen out with and has snubbed Pakistan's military general.

West Asia sees India as a strategic partner, Pakistan wants to make up to them. They plan to set up embassies, chalk out bilateral trade and cooperation.

It would ensure better days for Israel's tourism sector and ample avenues to rebuild an economy hammered by the Wuhan virus and normalising ties with Pakistan wouldn't hurt.

Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu wants to expand his circle and Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan wants to join which is the simplest way to sum up the possibility of Pakistan normalising ties with Israel.

Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu wants to expand his circle and Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan wants to join which is the simplest way to sum up the possibility of Pakistan normalising ties with Israel. For the Israeli PM, the year couldn't have ended on a better note. Netanyahu's government has formalised ties with four Arab countries - the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and Morrocco including Bhutan. Direct flights now connect Israel with Arab countries. It will open the door to another country. For Netanyahu, it means another feather on his hat. No matter how bad that feather may be. Israel doesn't have to change its policies vis-a-vis Palestine. So, Netanyahu gets to eat the cake and have it too. Apparently, Imran Khan is under pressure or so he said on live television. Imran Khan also claims to be the true leader of the Muslim world, he will lose that card and Pakistan will also lose Iran's support. Unlike Riyadh, Tehran had backed Imran Khan's Kashmir drama but Pakistan has a history of being ungrateful. It now wants to lean on Saudi Arabia again, by doing so Imran Khan stands to lose the support of Turkey. Not just support, Turkey's vote in the FATF. Gulf countries are looking to diversify their wealth with the region trying to cope with a new oil order. They are looking at long-term allies like India and looking for investment opportunities - not-liabilities like Pakistan. In the last few months, Imran Khan has already lost support at home and abroad. He has sold his country to the Chinese, now he is gambling with Pakistan's morality. The public won't spare him neither will hardline Islamists a lot of whom already despise Imran Khan. The Pakistani prime minister had previously said he thought it was pointless that Arab countries were signing deals with Israel, if he signs one himself the captain will score his homerun of blunders. Imran Khan will lose support at home, allies abroad, not to mention his face. For long, Pakistan has tried to falsely equate the Palestinian cause to what it claims struggle in Kashmir. Israel sells weapons and technology but Pakistan does not have the money to buy anything. For Imran Khan, it isn't so much about formalising ties with Israel as it is about rebuilding ties with West Asia - a region that Pakistan has fallen out with and has snubbed Pakistan's military general. West Asia sees India as a strategic partner, Pakistan wants to make up to them. They plan to set up embassies, chalk out bilateral trade and cooperation. It would ensure better days for Israel's tourism sector and ample avenues to rebuild an economy hammered by the Wuhan virus and normalising ties with Pakistan wouldn't hurt.

Imran's dilemma: Formalising ties with Israel

Pakistan is part of the club of 28 countries that do not recognise Israel with even its passports not valid for travel to Israel.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/is-pakistan-set-to-normalise-ties-with-israel-353460">Also Read:&nbsp;Is Pakistan set to normalise ties with Israel?</a>

Pakistan and Israel have been on opposite sides in most wars but that doesn't mean they don't engage. In fact, Pakistan and Israel have a long history of engagement.

Pakistan citizens can't travel to Israel since their passports will be invalid there. Pakistan and Israel do not have diplomatic relationship and missions.

Pakistan and Israel have had a long and tricky relationship. It began in 1947 soon after the partition as Mohammad Ali Jinnah received a telegram. It was from David Ben Gurion - the man who became the first prime minister of Israel.

The telegram was an overture. Israel wanted to establish diplomatic ties with Pakistan but it wasn't granted. In 1952, Pakistan's then foreign minister Muhammad Zafarullah Khan took a hard line against Israel and supported Palestine, the hostilities only grew from there.

Pakistan tried to supply military assistance to Palestine and the Arabs against Israel. The Pakistan Air Force sent its pilots and jets to fight against Israel in two wars - the six-day war in 1967 and the Yom Kippur war in 1973.

After that battle, Pakistan and the PLO signed an agreement. PLO officers were offered training at Pakistani military institutions despite their hostilities Pakistan and Israel have cooperated on the intelligence front.

In the early 1980s, Pakistan President Zia-ul-Haq told the ISI to establish contact with the Mossad, a move that would trigger a conflict in Afghanistan.

Pakistan and Israel became partners in Operation Cyclone - the American program to arm and finance anti-Soviet militants in Afghanistan. The ISI from Pakistan, UK's MI6, Israel's Mossad and the CIA ran the operation for a decade. Israel supplied Soviet-made weaponry to the militants in Afghanistan.

Pakistan played the role of the intermediary as the ISI gave weapons, funds and financial support to the militants despite the close cooperation for Afghanistan the bilateral relationship has remained riddled with hostilities.

The death of Daniel Pearl has added to the mistrust. The American-Israeli journalist was killed by Pakistani terrorists allegedly with the backing of the ISI. According to a report from the Time magazine, the terrorists believed that Pearl was an Israeli Mossad agent who was operating in Pakistan.

In 2003, celebrated French intellectual Bernard-Henri Levy had suggested that Pearl was close to uncovering the ties between ISI chiefs and the al-Qaeda.

Almost a week back, a Pakistani court had ordered the release of Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh who is accused of murdering Daniel Pearl.

Israel-Pakistan relationship is complicated and that's what makes the prospect of normalising ties controversial in Islamabad while Imran Khan has constantly denied reports of overtures to Israel to avoid any backlash, it is one decision that's well beyond his pay grade.

Pakistan is part of the club of 28 countries that do not recognise Israel with even its passports not valid for travel to Israel. Also Read: Is Pakistan set to normalise ties with Israel?

Pakistan is part of the club of 28 countries that do not recognise Israel with even its passports not valid for travel to Israel. Also Read: Is Pakistan set to normalise ties with Israel? Pakistan and Israel have been on opposite sides in most wars but that doesn't mean they don't engage. In fact, Pakistan and Israel have a long history of engagement. Pakistan citizens can't travel to Israel since their passports will be invalid there. Pakistan and Israel do not have diplomatic relationship and missions. Pakistan and Israel have had a long and tricky relationship. It began in 1947 soon after the partition as Mohammad Ali Jinnah received a telegram. It was from David Ben Gurion - the man who became the first prime minister of Israel. The telegram was an overture. Israel wanted to establish diplomatic ties with Pakistan but it wasn't granted. In 1952, Pakistan's then foreign minister Muhammad Zafarullah Khan took a hard line against Israel and supported Palestine, the hostilities only grew from there. Pakistan tried to supply military assistance to Palestine and the Arabs against Israel. The Pakistan Air Force sent its pilots and jets to fight against Israel in two wars - the six-day war in 1967 and the Yom Kippur war in 1973. After that battle, Pakistan and the PLO signed an agreement. PLO officers were offered training at Pakistani military institutions despite their hostilities Pakistan and Israel have cooperated on the intelligence front. In the early 1980s, Pakistan President Zia-ul-Haq told the ISI to establish contact with the Mossad, a move that would trigger a conflict in Afghanistan. Pakistan and Israel became partners in Operation Cyclone - the American program to arm and finance anti-Soviet militants in Afghanistan. The ISI from Pakistan, UK's MI6, Israel's Mossad and the CIA ran the operation for a decade. Israel supplied Soviet-made weaponry to the militants in Afghanistan. Pakistan played the role of the intermediary as the ISI gave weapons, funds and financial support to the militants despite the close cooperation for Afghanistan the bilateral relationship has remained riddled with hostilities. The death of Daniel Pearl has added to the mistrust. The American-Israeli journalist was killed by Pakistani terrorists allegedly with the backing of the ISI. According to a report from the Time magazine, the terrorists believed that Pearl was an Israeli Mossad agent who was operating in Pakistan. In 2003, celebrated French intellectual Bernard-Henri Levy had suggested that Pearl was close to uncovering the ties between ISI chiefs and the al-Qaeda. Almost a week back, a Pakistani court had ordered the release of Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh who is accused of murdering Daniel Pearl. Israel-Pakistan relationship is complicated and that's what makes the prospect of normalising ties controversial in Islamabad while Imran Khan has constantly denied reports of overtures to Israel to avoid any backlash, it is one decision that's well beyond his pay grade.

How Pakistan's President Zia collaborated with Israel's Mossad to defeat Soviet forces in Afghanistan

In the last two months, five countries have normalised relations with Israel - the UAE, Bahrain, Sudan, Morocco and Bhutan.

Now, there is intense speculation whether Pakistan will be next with journalists to pundits weighing in. However, Israel and Pakistan haven't said anything but there have been feelers.

The idea has high profile backers as members of the Pakistani military establishment support it. Some religious leaders also like the prospect of a partnership, however, Islamabad may not have the stomach to go ahead with it.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan had issued a statement in November claiming that Pakistan was under pressure from the United States to befriend Israel.

However, when asked had any Arab country made a similar demand, PM Imran Khan said: "there are things we cannot say. We have good relations with them."

Although the good-relations bit is debatable, Imran Khan's words triggered intense speculation as the Pakistani media began debating the subject. Some of them said it's time for a change.

Experts from Pakistan ended up on Israeli channels advocating better ties between Pakistan and Israel and within a week the Pakistan government was forced to issue another denial.

The Pakistan foreign ministry "categorically rejected" what it called baseless speculation and since then, Pakistan has made every effort to distance itself from the idea.

In fact, the story got so big that even the Pakistani army had to issue a statement. They supported the Pakistan government's stand, however, the reports have not died down as religious leaders have added fuel to the fire.

Maulana Muhammad Khan Sherani a prominent religious figure who was a part of the Jamiat ulema-e-Islam and had served as a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan earlier this month asked about the issue of Israel.

Sherani backed the idea of normalising ties.

"This is an international issue. I support the recognition of Israel. Educated Muslims need to understand that the Quran and history prove to us that the land of Israel belongs only to the Jews. King David built the house of God in Jerusalem for the Israelis and not for the Palestinians,” Sherani said.

More religious leaders have joined the chorus even as Maulana Jamal Qadri was reminded of his visit to Israel.

Qadri claimed he was sent by Nawaz Sharif "to hold talks with officials in Tel Aviv".

“The people of the then foreign ministry wanted to know whether Pakistan could develop relations with Israel or not,” Qadri said.

“I told the prime minister twice that Pakistan’s parliament should be consulted or a national dialogue be held to take a decision in this regard,” he added.

According to Qadri, Nawaz Sharif was quite keen on formalising ties with Israel.

In 2018, an Israeli jet had landed in Islamabad as reports said it was an Israeli delegation visiting Pakistan. Islamabad, however, denied the story for a week, but one year later Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi supported friendship with Israel.

“We wish all the best for Israel. We have many friends in the region and we would like you to join them," Qureshi told an Israeli news outlet while talking about the American efforts to improve the political situation in the region.

In the end, Qureshi admitted Pakistan was interested in advancing ties with Israel. In the past, Pervez Musharraf had called for better ties with Israel&nbsp;

In 2005, Musharraf had even taken a bold step by publicly shaking hands with the then Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon in Istanbul.

Clearly, there is desire, what Pakistan lacks is the courage to take the plunge.

In the last two months, five countries have normalised relations with Israel - the UAE, Bahrain, Sudan, Morocco and Bhutan. Now, there is intense speculation whether Pakistan will be next with journalists to pundits weighing in.

In the last two months, five countries have normalised relations with Israel - the UAE, Bahrain, Sudan, Morocco and Bhutan. Now, there is intense speculation whether Pakistan will be next with journalists to pundits weighing in. However, Israel and Pakistan haven't said anything but there have been feelers. The idea has high profile backers as members of the Pakistani military establishment support it. Some religious leaders also like the prospect of a partnership, however, Islamabad may not have the stomach to go ahead with it. Pakistan PM Imran Khan had issued a statement in November claiming that Pakistan was under pressure from the United States to befriend Israel. However, when asked had any Arab country made a similar demand, PM Imran Khan said: "there are things we cannot say. We have good relations with them." Although the good-relations bit is debatable, Imran Khan's words triggered intense speculation as the Pakistani media began debating the subject. Some of them said it's time for a change. Experts from Pakistan ended up on Israeli channels advocating better ties between Pakistan and Israel and within a week the Pakistan government was forced to issue another denial. The Pakistan foreign ministry "categorically rejected" what it called baseless speculation and since then, Pakistan has made every effort to distance itself from the idea. In fact, the story got so big that even the Pakistani army had to issue a statement. They supported the Pakistan government's stand, however, the reports have not died down as religious leaders have added fuel to the fire. Maulana Muhammad Khan Sherani a prominent religious figure who was a part of the Jamiat ulema-e-Islam and had served as a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan earlier this month asked about the issue of Israel. Sherani backed the idea of normalising ties. "This is an international issue. I support the recognition of Israel. Educated Muslims need to understand that the Quran and history prove to us that the land of Israel belongs only to the Jews. King David built the house of God in Jerusalem for the Israelis and not for the Palestinians,” Sherani said. More religious leaders have joined the chorus even as Maulana Jamal Qadri was reminded of his visit to Israel. Qadri claimed he was sent by Nawaz Sharif "to hold talks with officials in Tel Aviv". “The people of the then foreign ministry wanted to know whether Pakistan could develop relations with Israel or not,” Qadri said. “I told the prime minister twice that Pakistan’s parliament should be consulted or a national dialogue be held to take a decision in this regard,” he added. According to Qadri, Nawaz Sharif was quite keen on formalising ties with Israel. In 2018, an Israeli jet had landed in Islamabad as reports said it was an Israeli delegation visiting Pakistan. Islamabad, however, denied the story for a week, but one year later Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi supported friendship with Israel. “We wish all the best for Israel. We have many friends in the region and we would like you to join them," Qureshi told an Israeli news outlet while talking about the American efforts to improve the political situation in the region. In the end, Qureshi admitted Pakistan was interested in advancing ties with Israel. In the past, Pervez Musharraf had called for better ties with Israel In 2005, Musharraf had even taken a bold step by publicly shaking hands with the then Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon in Istanbul. Clearly, there is desire, what Pakistan lacks is the courage to take the plunge.

Is Pakistan set to normalise ties with Israel?

India's Subject Expert Committee (SEC) in Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) met on Wednesday to consider coronavirus vaccines for emergency use authorisation (EUA) requested by Pfizer-BioNTech, Bharat Biotech and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-sec-to-decide-on-approving-serum-institute-of-indias-covishield-vaccine-for-emergency-use-authorisation-353405">Serum Institute of India(SII)</a>.

The government said Pfizer-BioNTech requested more time as the SEC analysed additional data and&nbsp;information presented by SII &amp; Bharat Biotech.

The SEC said it was persuing additional data&nbsp;and will meet again on January 1, 2021.

The UK had earlier in the day approved the&nbsp;Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. SII CEO Adar Poonawalla said: "This is great and encouraging news. We will wait for the final approval from Indian regulators."

The SII has entered into a collaboration with the University of Oxford and AstraZeneca to manufacture the vaccine. The Pune-based company has already stocked nearly 50 million dosages of the vaccine and aims to produce up to 100 million dosages per month by March, 2021.

India has the second-largest cases<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-virus-strain-detected-in-two-people-in-uttar-pradeshs-meerut-noida-353422"> coronavirus </a>cases in the world with over 10.2 million cases and over 148, 439 deaths.

Amid the rising number of cases, Tamil Nadu today reported 945 new coronavirus cases with 17 deaths in the last 24 hours with the total death toll rising to 12,109 and the number of active cases rising to 8,615.

In Karnataka, there were 973 new coronavirus cases including 7 deaths in the past 24 hours with the number of active cases rising to 11,610. The total number of COVID-19 cases stands at 9,18,544 in the state.

Maharashtra which is one of the hardest-hit states with the virus recorded &nbsp;3,537 new coronavirus cases and 70 fatalities on Wednesday with the total death toll rising to 49,463 and the number of cases rising to 19,28,603.

India's Subject Expert Committee (SEC) in Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) met on Wednesday to consider coronavirus vaccines for emergency use authorisation (EUA) requested by Pfizer-BioNTech, Bharat Biotech and Serum Institute of India(SII).

India's Subject Expert Committee (SEC) in Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) met on Wednesday to consider coronavirus vaccines for emergency use authorisation (EUA) requested by Pfizer-BioNTech, Bharat Biotech and Serum Institute of India(SII). The government said Pfizer-BioNTech requested more time as the SEC analysed additional data and information presented by SII & Bharat Biotech. The SEC said it was persuing additional data and will meet again on January 1, 2021. The UK had earlier in the day approved the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. SII CEO Adar Poonawalla said: "This is great and encouraging news. We will wait for the final approval from Indian regulators." The SII has entered into a collaboration with the University of Oxford and AstraZeneca to manufacture the vaccine. The Pune-based company has already stocked nearly 50 million dosages of the vaccine and aims to produce up to 100 million dosages per month by March, 2021. India has the second-largest cases coronavirus cases in the world with over 10.2 million cases and over 148, 439 deaths. Amid the rising number of cases, Tamil Nadu today reported 945 new coronavirus cases with 17 deaths in the last 24 hours with the total death toll rising to 12,109 and the number of active cases rising to 8,615. In Karnataka, there were 973 new coronavirus cases including 7 deaths in the past 24 hours with the number of active cases rising to 11,610. The total number of COVID-19 cases stands at 9,18,544 in the state. Maharashtra which is one of the hardest-hit states with the virus recorded 3,537 new coronavirus cases and 70 fatalities on Wednesday with the total death toll rising to 49,463 and the number of cases rising to 19,28,603.

Pfizer-BioNTech requests more time, India's SEC to meet on January 1 to authorise SII, Bharat Biotech vaccines

UK health secretary Matt Hancock said today that most of the country will now enter tier 3 and 4 lockdown amid the rising number of the new strain of coronavirus cases.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/united-kingdom-approves-oxford-astrazeneca-vaccine-353363/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The guidelines under tier 4 include "stay-at-home" order and the closure of "non-essential" services. The tier 4 measures will now be put in place in remaining part of UK's south-east region including in Midlands, north-east and south-west England.

The minister said tier 3 restrictions will be extended in north Yorkshire and Liverpool. Most of England will now be placed under tier 4 restrictions from midnight tonight, Hancock informed.

The tier 4 measures will also be implemented in Leicester City, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, Derby and Derbyshire, Birmingham and Black Country including Coventry and Solihull.

The tier 4 restrictions will also be put in place in Warwickshire, Lancashire, Cumbria, Gloucestershire, Bournemouth, Isle of Wight and Tees Valley&nbsp;

"There were over 53,000 coronavirus cases registered yesterday and unfortunately most of it was the new variant," Hancock said while emphasising that there was "threat to life" and pressure on England's health services.

However, the minister said more people can now get vaccinated as AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine will now be available from Monday with 535 million doses available.

A report on Tuesday had said that 24 million people which is nearly 43 per cent of the population in England is already under strict "stay-at-home" lockdown.

The UK is one of the worst-hit countries in Europe with over 2.3 million virus cases and over 71, 670 fatalities.

UK health secretary Matt Hancock said today that most of the country will now enter tier 3 and 4 lockdown amid the rising number of the new strain of coronavirus cases.

UK health secretary Matt Hancock said today that most of the country will now enter tier 3 and 4 lockdown amid the rising number of the new strain of coronavirus cases. Watch: The guidelines under tier 4 include "stay-at-home" order and the closure of "non-essential" services. The tier 4 measures will now be put in place in remaining part of UK's south-east region including in Midlands, north-east and south-west England. The minister said tier 3 restrictions will be extended in north Yorkshire and Liverpool. Most of England will now be placed under tier 4 restrictions from midnight tonight, Hancock informed. The tier 4 measures will also be implemented in Leicester City, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, Derby and Derbyshire, Birmingham and Black Country including Coventry and Solihull. The tier 4 restrictions will also be put in place in Warwickshire, Lancashire, Cumbria, Gloucestershire, Bournemouth, Isle of Wight and Tees Valley "There were over 53,000 coronavirus cases registered yesterday and unfortunately most of it was the new variant," Hancock said while emphasising that there was "threat to life" and pressure on England's health services. However, the minister said more people can now get vaccinated as AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine will now be available from Monday with 535 million doses available. A report on Tuesday had said that 24 million people which is nearly 43 per cent of the population in England is already under strict "stay-at-home" lockdown. The UK is one of the worst-hit countries in Europe with over 2.3 million virus cases and over 71, 670 fatalities.

Most of England enters tier 3 & tier 4 lockdown amid surging coronavirus strain

The Indian government on Wednesday approved the export of&nbsp;indigenously built&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/defence-ministry-to-decide-on-armys-rs-10000-crore-akash-missiles-proposal-for-pak-china-border-257288">Akash</a> missile system.&nbsp;The sale of India's missile system was approved by the cabinet chaired by PM Modi.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-to-get-hypersonic-missile-in-the-next-5-years-indigenous-hypersonic-weapons-325985/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The export version of Akash will be different from the system currently deployed with Indian armed forces," defence minister Rajnath Sinh said, adding, "Akash is the country’s important missile with over 96 per cent indigenisation."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Under the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtmaNirbharBharat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AtmaNirbharBharat</a>, India is growing in its capabilities of manufacturing wide variety of Defence platforms &amp; missiles. 
 
The Cabinet chaired by PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji today approved the export of Akash Missile System and a Committee for faster Approvals has been created.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1344194870122967040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/foreign-nations-have-shown-interest-in-akash-missile-drdo-138241">Akash</a> is a surface-to-air missile system with a range of 25 kms. &nbsp;

"This decision by the Cabinet would help the country to improve its defence products and make them globally competitive," India's defence minister said.

"So far, Indian defence exports included parts/components etc. The export of big platforms was minimal," Rajnath Singh added.

India's defence minister said the government intends to focus on exporting high-value defence platform to meet the target of $5 billion defence export.

Rajnath Singh added that the sale of these weapons will also help to improve strategic relations with friendly foreign countries.

"After its induction in the Services, interest was shown in Akash missile by many friendly countries during International Exhibitions/Defence Expo/Aero India. The Cabinet approval will facilitate Indian manufactures to participate in RFI/RFP issued by various countries,” the defence ministry said in a statement.

The Indian government on Wednesday approved the export of indigenously built Akash missile system. The sale of India's missile system was approved by the cabinet chaired by PM Modi.

The Indian government on Wednesday approved the export of indigenously built Akash missile system. The sale of India's missile system was approved by the cabinet chaired by PM Modi. Watch: "The export version of Akash will be different from the system currently deployed with Indian armed forces," defence minister Rajnath Sinh said, adding, "Akash is the country’s important missile with over 96 per cent indigenisation." Under the #AtmaNirbharBharat, India is growing in its capabilities of manufacturing wide variety of Defence platforms & missiles. The Cabinet chaired by PM @narendramodi ji today approved the export of Akash Missile System and a Committee for faster Approvals has been created. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) December 30, 2020 × Akash is a surface-to-air missile system with a range of 25 kms. "This decision by the Cabinet would help the country to improve its defence products and make them globally competitive," India's defence minister said. "So far, Indian defence exports included parts/components etc. The export of big platforms was minimal," Rajnath Singh added. India's defence minister said the government intends to focus on exporting high-value defence platform to meet the target of $5 billion defence export. Rajnath Singh added that the sale of these weapons will also help to improve strategic relations with friendly foreign countries. "After its induction in the Services, interest was shown in Akash missile by many friendly countries during International Exhibitions/Defence Expo/Aero India. The Cabinet approval will facilitate Indian manufactures to participate in RFI/RFP issued by various countries,” the defence ministry said in a statement.

India to export indigenously built Akash missile system

After twenty people who returned to India from the United Kingdom tested positive for the new UK coronavirus <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/2-year-old-in-uttar-pradesh-tests-positive-for-new-coronavirus-strain-353274">strain,</a> the traces of new strain was found in two people in Uttar Pradesh's Meerut and Gautam Buddh Nagar(Noida).

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-the-mutant-wuhan-virus-could-be-more-dangerous-353236/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Authorities have sent the samples of all those who they had contacted to the labs for testing.

Uttar Pradesh officials said that 2,500 samples have been sent to the labs of all those who had come in contact with those returning from the UK.

The UK government had informed a fortnight ago that the new strain was "70 per cent" more transferable and had originated from South Africa. &nbsp;

The new strain has been detected in several countries including in Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Japan, Australia, &nbsp;Sweden, France, Canada, Lebanon and Singapore.

Six people had tested positive for the new virus strain on Tuesday in India and were shifted to single room isolation at various health care facilities in the states.

"Comprehensive contact tracing has been initiated for co-travellers, family contacts and others. Genome sequencing on other specimens is going on," the health ministry said.

"The situation is under careful watch and regular advice is being provided to the states for enhanced surveillance, containment, testing and dispatch of samples to INSACOG labs," the ministry added.

According to India's health ministry, 33,000 passengers have disembarked at various Indian airports from the UK between November 25 to December 23 midnight.

India on Wednesday extended the flight ban to the UK to January 7 after announcing initially that it would be in force till December 31. The UK is one of the 23 countries with whom India shares an "air bubble".

After twenty people who returned to India from the United Kingdom tested positive for the new UK coronavirus strain, the traces of new strain was found in two people in Uttar Pradesh's Meerut and Gautam Buddh Nagar(Noida).

After twenty people who returned to India from the United Kingdom tested positive for the new UK coronavirus strain, the traces of new strain was found in two people in Uttar Pradesh's Meerut and Gautam Buddh Nagar(Noida). Watch: Authorities have sent the samples of all those who they had contacted to the labs for testing. Uttar Pradesh officials said that 2,500 samples have been sent to the labs of all those who had come in contact with those returning from the UK. The UK government had informed a fortnight ago that the new strain was "70 per cent" more transferable and had originated from South Africa. The new strain has been detected in several countries including in Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Japan, Australia, Sweden, France, Canada, Lebanon and Singapore. Six people had tested positive for the new virus strain on Tuesday in India and were shifted to single room isolation at various health care facilities in the states. "Comprehensive contact tracing has been initiated for co-travellers, family contacts and others. Genome sequencing on other specimens is going on," the health ministry said. "The situation is under careful watch and regular advice is being provided to the states for enhanced surveillance, containment, testing and dispatch of samples to INSACOG labs," the ministry added. According to India's health ministry, 33,000 passengers have disembarked at various Indian airports from the UK between November 25 to December 23 midnight. India on Wednesday extended the flight ban to the UK to January 7 after announcing initially that it would be in force till December 31. The UK is one of the 23 countries with whom India shares an "air bubble".

UK virus strain detected in two people in Uttar Pradesh's Meerut, Noida

India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation's Subject Expert Committee(SEC) is set to hold a meeting today to decide on approving the Covishield vaccine developed by Serum Institute of India (SII) and AstraZeneca-Oxford University.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/20-cases-of-uk-strain-found-in-india-as-the-country-steps-up-testing-353386/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The SEC will decide on whether to allow Covishield vaccine emergency use authorisation to combat COVID-19.

The SII had earlier submitted additional data to the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI).

Pfizer-BioNTech, Bharat Biotech and Serum Institute of India had earlier applied to the DCGI for the emergency use vaccine. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
SII chief Adar Poonawalla had earlier claimed that his company has already produced 40 million doses of the Oxford vaccine and was aiming to ramp up production to at least 100 million doses a month by March.

"We have 40-50 million doses of Covishield stockpiled. Once we get regulatory approvals in a few days, it'll be down to the government to decide how much they can take and how fast," Poonawalla said.&nbsp;

"All data on Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID19 vaccine submitted in India and UK. There are no concerns, regulators are closely reviewing documents and data," the SII chief executive added.

Poonawala said that although there could be a shortage of vaccine in the first half of the year, there could be an easing off later in 2021 around August September as other vaccine makers will be able to supply it.

India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation's Subject Expert Committee(SEC) is set to hold a meeting today to decide on approving the Covishield vaccine developed by Serum Institute of India (SII) and AstraZeneca-Oxford University.

India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation's Subject Expert Committee(SEC) is set to hold a meeting today to decide on approving the Covishield vaccine developed by Serum Institute of India (SII) and AstraZeneca-Oxford University. Watch: The SEC will decide on whether to allow Covishield vaccine emergency use authorisation to combat COVID-19. The SII had earlier submitted additional data to the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI). Pfizer-BioNTech, Bharat Biotech and Serum Institute of India had earlier applied to the DCGI for the emergency use vaccine. SII chief Adar Poonawalla had earlier claimed that his company has already produced 40 million doses of the Oxford vaccine and was aiming to ramp up production to at least 100 million doses a month by March. "We have 40-50 million doses of Covishield stockpiled. Once we get regulatory approvals in a few days, it'll be down to the government to decide how much they can take and how fast," Poonawalla said. "All data on Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID19 vaccine submitted in India and UK. There are no concerns, regulators are closely reviewing documents and data," the SII chief executive added. Poonawala said that although there could be a shortage of vaccine in the first half of the year, there could be an easing off later in 2021 around August September as other vaccine makers will be able to supply it.

India's SEC to decide on approving Serum Institute of India's Covishield vaccine for emergency use authorisation

Blasts rocked Yemen's Aden airport on Wednesday as a plane arrived carrying members of the new unity government.

Reports said there were at least two blasts with five people killed in the explosion. Several people were reportedly injured in the blasts as mortar shells landed on the airport's hall.

There was gunfire and loud blasts as the plane arrived at Aden airport.

Yemen had witnessed the formation of&nbsp;a new government with the separatists under the power-sharing cabinet on December 18.

The new government was earlier sworn in Saudi Arabia. The 24-member cabinet was sworn in by Yemen President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi. The new government-backed by Saudi Arabia is fighting against the Iran-aligned Houthi movement that controls the north.

Yemen has been in a protracted civil war for the last five years leading to deaths of thousands of people which has triggered a huge humanitarian crisis with several people being displaced.

Blasts rocked Yemen's Aden airport on Wednesday as a plane arrived carrying members of the new unity government. Reports said there were at least two blasts with five people killed in the explosion.

Blasts rocked Yemen's Aden airport on Wednesday as a plane arrived carrying members of the new unity government. Reports said there were at least two blasts with five people killed in the explosion. Several people were reportedly injured in the blasts as mortar shells landed on the airport's hall. There was gunfire and loud blasts as the plane arrived at Aden airport. Yemen had witnessed the formation of a new government with the separatists under the power-sharing cabinet on December 18. The new government was earlier sworn in Saudi Arabia. The 24-member cabinet was sworn in by Yemen President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi. The new government-backed by Saudi Arabia is fighting against the Iran-aligned Houthi movement that controls the north. Yemen has been in a protracted civil war for the last five years leading to deaths of thousands of people which has triggered a huge humanitarian crisis with several people being displaced.

Blasts at Aden airport in Yemen as unity government arrives; 5 dead

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