Two more persons who recently returned to Delhi from the UK, where a super-spreader strain of the coronavirus has been reported, were found to be COVID-19 positive during a door-to-door contact-tracing and testing exercise, officials said on Saturday.

With this, the number of people testing positive for the disease after returning from the UK has gone up to 21 in the national capital. All of them returned from the UK after November 25.

The two persons, residents of the city, had returned from the United Kingdom (UK) between November 25 and December 21 and had tested negative in the RTPCR test conducted at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport, a senior Delhi government officer said.

"Both later tested positive during the door-to-door contact-tracing drive and have been admitted to the separate ward set up at the LNJP hospital. Now, genome-testing will be conducted on them to ascertain whether they have been infected with the mutated strain in the UK or the one prevalent locally," he added.

Eleven of the 21 persons had tested positive at the airport, whereas the remaining 10 cases were detected during the ongoing contact-tracing and testing exercise being conducted by district-level teams, officials said.

The genome test reports of the latest cases are expected to be available by Monday, they said.

Two more persons who recently returned to Delhi from the UK, where a super-spreader strain of the coronavirus has been reported, were found to be COVID-19 positive during a door-to-door contact-tracing and testing exercise, officials said on Saturday.

Two more persons who recently returned to Delhi from the UK, where a super-spreader strain of the coronavirus has been reported, were found to be COVID-19 positive during a door-to-door contact-tracing and testing exercise, officials said on Saturday. With this, the number of people testing positive for the disease after returning from the UK has gone up to 21 in the national capital. All of them returned from the UK after November 25. The two persons, residents of the city, had returned from the United Kingdom (UK) between November 25 and December 21 and had tested negative in the RTPCR test conducted at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport, a senior Delhi government officer said. "Both later tested positive during the door-to-door contact-tracing drive and have been admitted to the separate ward set up at the LNJP hospital. Now, genome-testing will be conducted on them to ascertain whether they have been infected with the mutated strain in the UK or the one prevalent locally," he added. Eleven of the 21 persons had tested positive at the airport, whereas the remaining 10 cases were detected during the ongoing contact-tracing and testing exercise being conducted by district-level teams, officials said. The genome test reports of the latest cases are expected to be available by Monday, they said.

Two more UK passengers test COVID-19 positive in Delhi

As European nations begin preparations to vaccinate citizens against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-confirms-new-virus-strain-as-vaccines-begin-arriving-in-european-nations-352576">coronavirus&nbsp;</a>on Sunday, Hungary took the lead on Saturday ahead of the EU's December 27 date.

Watch:

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Hungary had received its shipment of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine on Saturday morning and it almost immediately began inoculating health workers with the first vaccinations carried out at Budapest's main coronavirus centre, the Del-Pest Central hospital.

Reports said at least three health workers had received the first dose of the vaccine on Saturday morning. Hungary has reported 315,362 coronavirus cases with 8,951 fatalities.

Hungary administered the first vaccine shot to doctor Adrienne Kertesz at the Del-Pest Central hospital. The country is set to get vaccine consignments in the coming weeks with mass rollout due to take place in the first half of 2021.

The country has been hard with the virus in the winter with 8,900 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-bans-entry-of-foreigners-after-detecting-new-virus-strain-352620">coronavirus</a>-related deaths recorded by Saturday.

European nations with a total population of over 450 million will officially begin the vaccination campaign on Sunday, December 27 as announced by the EU as France, Germany, Italy and other nations begin their campaign to win against the virus.

"We'll get our freedom back, we'll be able to embrace again," Italian foreign minister Luigi Di Maio said as he urged citizens to get the vaccine shot.

Most European nations are under partial lockdown amid Christmas and Boxing day even as Britain announced last week that it had detected a new coronavirus strain which had originated from South Africa.

The virus has led to the death of over 1.75 million people and infected over 80 million worldwide with the US being the worst-hit nation with the virus with over 330,340 deaths and over 18.7 million infected cases.

As European nations begin preparations to vaccinate citizens against coronavirus on Sunday, Hungary took the lead on Saturday ahead of the EU's December 27 date.

As European nations begin preparations to vaccinate citizens against coronavirus on Sunday, Hungary took the lead on Saturday ahead of the EU's December 27 date. Watch: Hungary had received its shipment of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine on Saturday morning and it almost immediately began inoculating health workers with the first vaccinations carried out at Budapest's main coronavirus centre, the Del-Pest Central hospital. Reports said at least three health workers had received the first dose of the vaccine on Saturday morning. Hungary has reported 315,362 coronavirus cases with 8,951 fatalities. Hungary administered the first vaccine shot to doctor Adrienne Kertesz at the Del-Pest Central hospital. The country is set to get vaccine consignments in the coming weeks with mass rollout due to take place in the first half of 2021. The country has been hard with the virus in the winter with 8,900 coronavirus-related deaths recorded by Saturday. European nations with a total population of over 450 million will officially begin the vaccination campaign on Sunday, December 27 as announced by the EU as France, Germany, Italy and other nations begin their campaign to win against the virus. "We'll get our freedom back, we'll be able to embrace again," Italian foreign minister Luigi Di Maio said as he urged citizens to get the vaccine shot. Most European nations are under partial lockdown amid Christmas and Boxing day even as Britain announced last week that it had detected a new coronavirus strain which had originated from South Africa. The virus has led to the death of over 1.75 million people and infected over 80 million worldwide with the US being the worst-hit nation with the virus with over 330,340 deaths and over 18.7 million infected cases.

Hungary begins coronavirus vaccine rollout early as Europe prepares final battle against virus

China's National People's Congress Standing Committee on Saturday lowered the age of criminal responsibility to 12 years old for "abominable" crimes such as murder.

The committee reached its decision after a third review. The new rule will come into effect from March 1.

The China Daily said the new will apply to children aged between 12 and 14 for crimes that cause injury leading to death or severe disabilities by extremely cruel means.

Children in China aged 14 to 16 can be held criminally liable if they intentionally commit serious violent crimes such as murder and rape. However, for most other offences, the age of criminal liability is 16.

The country also amended a criminal law to increase imprisonment terms for securities and futures market crimes which will come into effect from March 1.&nbsp;

The crimes include fraudulent securities issuances and information disclosure fraud with the imprisonment for fraudulent securities issuances raised from five to 15 years.

China's National People's Congress Standing Committee on Saturday lowered the age of criminal responsibility to 12 years old for "abominable" crimes such as murder.

China's National People's Congress Standing Committee on Saturday lowered the age of criminal responsibility to 12 years old for "abominable" crimes such as murder. The committee reached its decision after a third review. The new rule will come into effect from March 1. The China Daily said the new will apply to children aged between 12 and 14 for crimes that cause injury leading to death or severe disabilities by extremely cruel means. Children in China aged 14 to 16 can be held criminally liable if they intentionally commit serious violent crimes such as murder and rape. However, for most other offences, the age of criminal liability is 16. The country also amended a criminal law to increase imprisonment terms for securities and futures market crimes which will come into effect from March 1. The crimes include fraudulent securities issuances and information disclosure fraud with the imprisonment for fraudulent securities issuances raised from five to 15 years.

Now, China lowers age of criminal responsibility to 12 years for 'abominable' crimes

As Russia administers the Sputnik V <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-confirms-new-virus-strain-as-vaccines-begin-arriving-in-european-nations-352576">vaccine </a>to its citizens on a mass scale, the number of COVID-19 cases in the country crossed 3 million on Saturday.

Watch:

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According to authorities, the country now has 3,021,964 cases with 54,226 fatalities with 29,258 new infections and 567 deaths reported in the last 24 hours.

The country also recorded the highest number of cases in capital Moscow which was earlier the epicentre of the virus, however, authorities had denied there would be a lockdown.&nbsp;

President Putin had earlier said: "If we follow the rules and demands of health regulators, then we do not need any lockdowns."

Putin had asserted that&nbsp;Russia had handled the crisis better than other nations declaring, "of course, no healthcare system in the world was ready for what we faced, Russia system turned out to be more effective" than others."&nbsp;

As the number of cases has surged in the capital, authorities in Moscow launched a mass vaccination drive starting with high-risk groups including teachers, health and transport workers.

However, the pace of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-approves-sputnik-v-covid-19-vaccine-for-people-over-60-352530">vaccination</a> has been slow amid a surging number of cases. This week Russia recorded a record jump in COVID-19 cases with 493 new virus deaths and 29,350 cases.

Moscow and Saint Petersburg have been the hardest hit due to the virus recording 7,797 and 3,752 new cases as the country battles a second wave. The large number of cases has worried health workers with hospital beds as the country struggles to contain the virus.

Authorities in Saint Petersburg have said less than 4 per cent of hospital beds are available in the city.

As Russia administers the Sputnik V vaccine to its citizens on a mass scale, the number of COVID-19 cases in the country crossed 3 million on Saturday. Watch: According to authorities, the country now has 3,021,964 cases with 54,226 fatalities with 29,258 new infections and 567 deaths reported in the last 24 hours.

As Russia administers the Sputnik V vaccine to its citizens on a mass scale, the number of COVID-19 cases in the country crossed 3 million on Saturday. Watch: According to authorities, the country now has 3,021,964 cases with 54,226 fatalities with 29,258 new infections and 567 deaths reported in the last 24 hours. The country also recorded the highest number of cases in capital Moscow which was earlier the epicentre of the virus, however, authorities had denied there would be a lockdown. President Putin had earlier said: "If we follow the rules and demands of health regulators, then we do not need any lockdowns." Putin had asserted that Russia had handled the crisis better than other nations declaring, "of course, no healthcare system in the world was ready for what we faced, Russia system turned out to be more effective" than others." As the number of cases has surged in the capital, authorities in Moscow launched a mass vaccination drive starting with high-risk groups including teachers, health and transport workers. However, the pace of vaccination has been slow amid a surging number of cases. This week Russia recorded a record jump in COVID-19 cases with 493 new virus deaths and 29,350 cases. Moscow and Saint Petersburg have been the hardest hit due to the virus recording 7,797 and 3,752 new cases as the country battles a second wave. The large number of cases has worried health workers with hospital beds as the country struggles to contain the virus. Authorities in Saint Petersburg have said less than 4 per cent of hospital beds are available in the city.

Russia tops 3 million coronavirus cases amid Sputnik V vaccination drive

Yearender 2020: Joe Biden triumphs over Trump, road ahead will not be easy in 2021

Spain reported the first cases of new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-who-probe-china-hails-its-success-curbing-coronavirus-352526">virus </a>strain which emerged from Britain even as the country received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

Watch:

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The regional government informed that all four cases of new coronavirus variant were detected in Madrid.&nbsp;

The British government had annouced&nbsp;last week that the new strain was "70 per cent more transferable" than the current virus and had originated from South Africa.&nbsp;

All four cases discovered in Madrid were carried over from Britain, the regional government stated. On Friday, Germany had declared that one of its citizens had carried the new coronavirus strain into Frankfurt airport. The infected woman was immediately sent to quarantine in the city.

Meanwhile, EU countries began receiving the Pfizer-BioNTech <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-vaccine-will-be-available-to-35000-health-workers-in-gurugram-352423">COVID-19</a> vaccine. Paris received its first tranche of the vaccine as it was delivered to the hospital with jabs set to be administered to an elderly home on Sunday.

European Union(EU) had announced earlier that vaccination across the continent will begin from December 27, after Christmas and Boxing Day celebrations which have mainly been subdued with several countries under partial lockdown with strict stay-at-home measures in place.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-crown-prince-mohammed-bin-salman-gets-coronavirus-vaccine-352517">vaccine</a> sent to France is set to be delivered to an elderly care hospital in Sevran, outside Paris and old-age care home in Dijon, eastern France.

France had reported the new strain of the virus on Friday. The country has been hit hard with the virus reporting over 62,000 coronavirus fatalities.

The vaccines began arriving in Italy as well which was the hardest hit nation with the virus in the March-June even as Italian authorities detected the new strain in a patient in Rome.&nbsp;

WHO reported that the new strain was detected in Denmark and the Netherlands. 
&nbsp;

Spain reported the first cases of new virus strain which emerged from Britain even as the country received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Watch: The regional government informed that all four cases of new coronavirus variant were detected in Madrid.

Spain reported the first cases of new virus strain which emerged from Britain even as the country received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Watch: The regional government informed that all four cases of new coronavirus variant were detected in Madrid. The British government had annouced last week that the new strain was "70 per cent more transferable" than the current virus and had originated from South Africa. All four cases discovered in Madrid were carried over from Britain, the regional government stated. On Friday, Germany had declared that one of its citizens had carried the new coronavirus strain into Frankfurt airport. The infected woman was immediately sent to quarantine in the city. Meanwhile, EU countries began receiving the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Paris received its first tranche of the vaccine as it was delivered to the hospital with jabs set to be administered to an elderly home on Sunday. European Union(EU) had announced earlier that vaccination across the continent will begin from December 27, after Christmas and Boxing Day celebrations which have mainly been subdued with several countries under partial lockdown with strict stay-at-home measures in place. The vaccine sent to France is set to be delivered to an elderly care hospital in Sevran, outside Paris and old-age care home in Dijon, eastern France. France had reported the new strain of the virus on Friday. The country has been hit hard with the virus reporting over 62,000 coronavirus fatalities. The vaccines began arriving in Italy as well which was the hardest hit nation with the virus in the March-June even as Italian authorities detected the new strain in a patient in Rome. WHO reported that the new strain was detected in Denmark and the Netherlands.

Spain confirms new virus strain as vaccines begin arriving in European nations

Myanmar on Saturday formally commissioned an Indian ship into its Navy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-a-first-india-to-deliver-submarine-to-myanmar-navy-335553">Also Read:&nbsp;In a first, India to deliver submarine to Myanmar navy</a>

India had delivered INS Sindhuvir to Myanmar in October. The Myanmar Navy named the Indian ship UMS Minye Theinkhathu after its national hero.&nbsp;

It is the first submarine in the Myanmar Navy's arsenal. The former Soviet-era submarine was in operation in the Indian Navy since 1988.

India's move comes amid growing Chinese influence along the Indian Ocean as it seeks to diversify its allies to take on the Dragon.

UMS Minye Theinkhathu can operate at a depth of up to 300 meters. &nbsp;India and Myanmar share a long 725-kilometre maritime boundary along the Bay of Bengal.&nbsp;

Myanmar has been seeking to modernise its defence forces as India seeks to "build capacities and self-reliance" among its neighbours with an eye on China.

China had earlier provided submarines to Bangladesh, Thailand and its chief ally Pakistan. India's gift to Myanmar will provide it with a vital link to ensure military and diplomatic ties with the regime with the Indian Navy providing technical support to the country.

The Indian Ocean region is responsible for over 80 per cent of world trade and is a vital gateway for the country's interest. Myanmar has been engaged in an ongoing maritime border dispute with Thailand.&nbsp;

Thailand had earlier sought to procure three Yuan-class submarines from China, however, the government's plan was disrupted due to the coronavirus pandemic this year. Reports say Thailand is now eying buying the submarines from China in 2023.

Myanmar on Saturday formally commissioned an Indian ship into its Navy. Also Read: In a first, India to deliver submarine to Myanmar navy India had delivered INS Sindhuvir to Myanmar in October.

Myanmar on Saturday formally commissioned an Indian ship into its Navy. Also Read: In a first, India to deliver submarine to Myanmar navy India had delivered INS Sindhuvir to Myanmar in October. The Myanmar Navy named the Indian ship UMS Minye Theinkhathu after its national hero. It is the first submarine in the Myanmar Navy's arsenal. The former Soviet-era submarine was in operation in the Indian Navy since 1988. India's move comes amid growing Chinese influence along the Indian Ocean as it seeks to diversify its allies to take on the Dragon. UMS Minye Theinkhathu can operate at a depth of up to 300 meters. India and Myanmar share a long 725-kilometre maritime boundary along the Bay of Bengal. Myanmar has been seeking to modernise its defence forces as India seeks to "build capacities and self-reliance" among its neighbours with an eye on China. China had earlier provided submarines to Bangladesh, Thailand and its chief ally Pakistan. India's gift to Myanmar will provide it with a vital link to ensure military and diplomatic ties with the regime with the Indian Navy providing technical support to the country. The Indian Ocean region is responsible for over 80 per cent of world trade and is a vital gateway for the country's interest. Myanmar has been engaged in an ongoing maritime border dispute with Thailand. Thailand had earlier sought to procure three Yuan-class submarines from China, however, the government's plan was disrupted due to the coronavirus pandemic this year. Reports say Thailand is now eying buying the submarines from China in 2023.

Myanmar Navy inducts Indian submarine INS Sindhuvir

Pakistan's record with money is exceptional. It's the global headquarters of terror financing. It has been on the FATF grey list for more than two years and should be on the blacklist but like most international institutions and mechanisms this too is turning out to be a bit of a farce.

The Financial Action Task Force(FATF), the global terror financing watchdog has proved to be toothless in the last two years. Pakistan has failed every assessment spectacularly yet it evades the blacklist and continues to operate terror factories.

In June 2018, Pakistan was put on the grey list for terror financing. It was given two years to clean up its act and 27 action points to deliver. The deadline passed this year. In October 2020, a review was conducted and Pakistan failed. It had not fulfilled six key obligations.

Pakistan was set to be blacklisted but it did not happen. It was saved again and given another extension, now it has time till February 2021. Pakistan is far from demolishing its terror factories. It is demolishing the credibility of the FATF which is the global watchdog on terror financing but has proved toothless against a terror state.

In order to get off the grey list, Pakistan must block funding to UN-designated terror groups like the Taliban, al-Qaida, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad. However, Pakistan hasn't done it.

Since June 2018, it has got three extensions including a four-month grace period. Pakistan has mastered the art by pulling wool over the eyes of the watchdog. One month before the FATF meeting, Pakistan froze 964 properties of terror groups like the Jaish-e-Mohammad and the Jamaat-ud-Dawa.

In February, Hafiz Saeed was sentenced to more than five years in jail. In August, three of his associates were jailed by a court in Lahore. It happened just before the FATF meeting in October but the trials and the crackdown was just an eyewash.

Now, the sentences against Hafiz Saeed and his allies are under appeal. The terror activities of Jaish-e-Mohammad continues. Recently, intelligence sources told WION that the group has resumed its terror camps in Balakot. A video recently surfaced from one of the camps where anti-India slogans were raised.

Two weeks ago, Pakistan managed to secure a concession for Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi who is reportedly operations head of Lashkar-e-Taiba and one of the minds behind the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

Reports say Islamabad has been permitted to pay Lakhvi 1.5 lakh Pakistani rupees every month. Pakistan's next review is now barely two months away and once again Islamabad has begun constructing another smokescreen.

This week, Hafiz Saeed was sentenced to 15 years in jail in another case but, his network of terrorists still remains intact.

Pakistan's record with money is exceptional. It's the global headquarters of terror financing. It has been on the FATF grey list for more than two years and should be on the blacklist but like most international institutions and mechanisms this too is turning out to be a bit of a farce.

Pakistan's record with money is exceptional. It's the global headquarters of terror financing. It has been on the FATF grey list for more than two years and should be on the blacklist but like most international institutions and mechanisms this too is turning out to be a bit of a farce. The Financial Action Task Force(FATF), the global terror financing watchdog has proved to be toothless in the last two years. Pakistan has failed every assessment spectacularly yet it evades the blacklist and continues to operate terror factories. In June 2018, Pakistan was put on the grey list for terror financing. It was given two years to clean up its act and 27 action points to deliver. The deadline passed this year. In October 2020, a review was conducted and Pakistan failed. It had not fulfilled six key obligations. Pakistan was set to be blacklisted but it did not happen. It was saved again and given another extension, now it has time till February 2021. Pakistan is far from demolishing its terror factories. It is demolishing the credibility of the FATF which is the global watchdog on terror financing but has proved toothless against a terror state. In order to get off the grey list, Pakistan must block funding to UN-designated terror groups like the Taliban, al-Qaida, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad. However, Pakistan hasn't done it. Since June 2018, it has got three extensions including a four-month grace period. Pakistan has mastered the art by pulling wool over the eyes of the watchdog. One month before the FATF meeting, Pakistan froze 964 properties of terror groups like the Jaish-e-Mohammad and the Jamaat-ud-Dawa. In February, Hafiz Saeed was sentenced to more than five years in jail. In August, three of his associates were jailed by a court in Lahore. It happened just before the FATF meeting in October but the trials and the crackdown was just an eyewash. Now, the sentences against Hafiz Saeed and his allies are under appeal. The terror activities of Jaish-e-Mohammad continues. Recently, intelligence sources told WION that the group has resumed its terror camps in Balakot. A video recently surfaced from one of the camps where anti-India slogans were raised. Two weeks ago, Pakistan managed to secure a concession for Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi who is reportedly operations head of Lashkar-e-Taiba and one of the minds behind the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Reports say Islamabad has been permitted to pay Lakhvi 1.5 lakh Pakistani rupees every month. Pakistan's next review is now barely two months away and once again Islamabad has begun constructing another smokescreen. This week, Hafiz Saeed was sentenced to 15 years in jail in another case but, his network of terrorists still remains intact.

Pakistan openly flouts FATF terror guidelines

Pakistan has a reputation as the state sponsor of terror.&nbsp;The country now has a new feather in its cap - it leads the pack of countries washing dirty money in Britain.&nbsp;Pakistan has been funnelling terror funds into the UK, according to Britain's investigation.

A report released by the UK treasury department called the "national risk assessment of money laundering and terror financing - 2020".

It report illustrates how the United Kingdom has become a hub for Pakistan's dirty money and how criminals and terrorists exploit the loopholes in the British financial system.

In page 35, there is a section on Pakistan. It describes how the UK's close economic links with Pakistan is hurting the country.

The report says the economic links is enabling the transfer of illicit funds in disguise - that's code for black money.

The British report said Pakistan criminals are using the routes to buy high-value assets like real estate, precious gems and jewellery to launder money.

The report says these are proceeds from corruption and drug trafficking as criminals siphon dirty money into the UK then they buy assets like jewels and property turning the illicit cash into legitimate assets.

Pakistanis are however&nbsp;not the only ones. The report names other countries and regions like China, Hong Kong, and the UAE.

The report shows how the UK's financial system is flawed as it helps those with black money.

The biggest problem is how cash is transferred. In the UK, money remittance and foreign exchange shops on the streets especially in areas with a higher number of immigrants.

Immigrants use these shops to send money home but, some shops reportedly also facilitate drug trade and violent crime.

Background checks for fund transfers is non-existent, according to one claim these shops "rarely ask for proof of address and source of funds".

It is not just small shops even the big banks in the UK have been accused of enabling money laundering. Reuters reported that banks like HSBC, Barclays and Standard Chartered are under scrutiny.

They allegedly transferred more than $2 trillion worth of suspect funds in nearly two decades. The information came out when a cache of documents was leaked which makes the United Kingdom a hub for dirty cash and the money trail leads to criminals, gangs, drug traffickers and terrorists.

Britain has opened its banks and financial institutions to countries like Pakistan, however, most countries don't do business with Pakistan or give it loans. Foreign investors also keep their distance, even China wants guarantees from Pakistan for new loans.

Pakistan has a reputation as the state sponsor of terror. The country now has a new feather in its cap - it leads the pack of countries washing dirty money in Britain.

Pakistan has a reputation as the state sponsor of terror. The country now has a new feather in its cap - it leads the pack of countries washing dirty money in Britain. Pakistan has been funnelling terror funds into the UK, according to Britain's investigation. A report released by the UK treasury department called the "national risk assessment of money laundering and terror financing - 2020". It report illustrates how the United Kingdom has become a hub for Pakistan's dirty money and how criminals and terrorists exploit the loopholes in the British financial system. In page 35, there is a section on Pakistan. It describes how the UK's close economic links with Pakistan is hurting the country. The report says the economic links is enabling the transfer of illicit funds in disguise - that's code for black money. The British report said Pakistan criminals are using the routes to buy high-value assets like real estate, precious gems and jewellery to launder money. The report says these are proceeds from corruption and drug trafficking as criminals siphon dirty money into the UK then they buy assets like jewels and property turning the illicit cash into legitimate assets. Pakistanis are however not the only ones. The report names other countries and regions like China, Hong Kong, and the UAE. The report shows how the UK's financial system is flawed as it helps those with black money. The biggest problem is how cash is transferred. In the UK, money remittance and foreign exchange shops on the streets especially in areas with a higher number of immigrants. Immigrants use these shops to send money home but, some shops reportedly also facilitate drug trade and violent crime. Background checks for fund transfers is non-existent, according to one claim these shops "rarely ask for proof of address and source of funds". It is not just small shops even the big banks in the UK have been accused of enabling money laundering. Reuters reported that banks like HSBC, Barclays and Standard Chartered are under scrutiny. They allegedly transferred more than $2 trillion worth of suspect funds in nearly two decades. The information came out when a cache of documents was leaked which makes the United Kingdom a hub for dirty cash and the money trail leads to criminals, gangs, drug traffickers and terrorists. Britain has opened its banks and financial institutions to countries like Pakistan, however, most countries don't do business with Pakistan or give it loans. Foreign investors also keep their distance, even China wants guarantees from Pakistan for new loans.

Terror code: How UK has become hub for Pakistan's dirty money

Europe celebrates subdued Christmas amid coronavirus

As European nations clamped down its borders with England over the new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-sit-at-family-tables-missing-a-familiar-face-who-chief-tedros-shares-christmas-message-352326">coronavirus</a> variant, Germany identified the first case of the new strain.

Watch:

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Baden-Wuerttemberg state's health ministry said: "It is the first known case in Germany."

Reports said the carrier was a woman who arrived at Germany's Frankfurt airport on December 20 from London. She was immediately taken to a quarantine centre after she tested positive for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-us-infectious-disease-expert-fauci-lie-or-move-goalposts-on-virus-vaccine-352331">virus</a>.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-true-south-africa-denies-new-variant-is-deadlier-than-uks-strain-352306">Also Read:&nbsp;'Not true': South Africa denies new variant is deadlier than UK's strain</a>

"Today the virus variant B.1.1.7 was detected there," the state health ministry said. Germany has banned flights from the United Kingdom after PM Johnson last Saturday had declared that the new virus variant was "70 per cent" more transferable.

Germany's health minister had said last week that the new virus strain&nbsp;"has no impact on the vaccines" and was "effective" against the new variant.

The country has also banned all flight arrivals from South Africa until January 6 after the UK declared the new virus variant had emerged from the African country. Several countries including Norway, Denmark and China have banned flights from the UK.

Canada has also suspended flights from the UK until early January.

Germany had announced Germany a partial lockdown last week after a surge in cases and has cancelled its famous Christmas markets. The country recorded 30,000 new infections last week despite the lockdown in force as it continues to battle the pandemic.

The worst-hit coronavirus cases in the country at the moment are in Germany's eastern region in Bautzen and Goerlitz districts in Saxony where coronavirus rates currently stand at 600 per 100,000 people.

As European nations clamped down its borders with England over the new coronavirus variant, Germany identified the first case of the new strain. Watch: Baden-Wuerttemberg state's health ministry said: "It is the first known case in Germany.

As European nations clamped down its borders with England over the new coronavirus variant, Germany identified the first case of the new strain. Watch: Baden-Wuerttemberg state's health ministry said: "It is the first known case in Germany." Reports said the carrier was a woman who arrived at Germany's Frankfurt airport on December 20 from London. She was immediately taken to a quarantine centre after she tested positive for the virus. Also Read: 'Not true': South Africa denies new variant is deadlier than UK's strain "Today the virus variant B.1.1.7 was detected there," the state health ministry said. Germany has banned flights from the United Kingdom after PM Johnson last Saturday had declared that the new virus variant was "70 per cent" more transferable. Germany's health minister had said last week that the new virus strain "has no impact on the vaccines" and was "effective" against the new variant. The country has also banned all flight arrivals from South Africa until January 6 after the UK declared the new virus variant had emerged from the African country. Several countries including Norway, Denmark and China have banned flights from the UK. Canada has also suspended flights from the UK until early January. Germany had announced Germany a partial lockdown last week after a surge in cases and has cancelled its famous Christmas markets. The country recorded 30,000 new infections last week despite the lockdown in force as it continues to battle the pandemic. The worst-hit coronavirus cases in the country at the moment are in Germany's eastern region in Bautzen and Goerlitz districts in Saxony where coronavirus rates currently stand at 600 per 100,000 people.

Germany reports first case of new virus strain as woman arrives at Frankfurt airport from London

Chinese jets entered <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-launches-new-coast-guard-ships-to-bolster-defences-as-tensions-rise-with-china-349075">Taiwan's </a>air space on Christmas Day, the nation's defence ministry said on Friday.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taiwan-deploys-8-fighter-aircrafts-6-warships-after-passage-of-chinese-warship-351336/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Two PLA aircraft - Y-8 ASW and Y-8 reconnaissance entered Taiwan’s southwest ADIZ on December 25," Taiwan's defence ministry said.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Two PLA aircraft (Y-8 ASW and Y-8 RECCE) entered <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Taiwan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Taiwan</a>’s southwest ADIZ on Dec. 25. Please check our official website for more information: <a href="https://t.co/y4g8rjNykf">https://t.co/y4g8rjNykf</a> <a href="https://t.co/PYOTtjPQy4">pic.twitter.com/PYOTtjPQy4</a>
— 國防部 Ministry of National Defense, R.O.C. 🇹🇼 (@MoNDefense) <a href="https://twitter.com/MoNDefense/status/1342413106501193729?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Taiwan issued radio warnings and deployed its air defence missile systems to monitor the activity of the Chinese jets.

Chinese jets have been making repeated incursions into Taiwan's air space in the past three months. &nbsp;President Tsai Ing-wen had earlier warned that the Taiwan Air Force has been scrambling fighter jets at more than double the rate of last year.

China views Taiwan has a reneged province and has vowed to unite it with the mainland, a move resisted by the county including the US which is Taiwan's biggest ally.

Last week, Taiwan had deployed its Air Force as a Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong sailed through the Taiwan Strait.

According to Taiwan's military, the country's fighter jets have taken to the skies &nbsp;4,100 times till October in response to China's incursions making about 22 sorties a day on average which is 129 per cent more than last year.

The rate of dispatch of Naval ships has also gone up manifold to resist Chinese ships at sea with Taiwan sending its vessels 7,500 times compared to 6,000 last year.

"Faced with Chinese communists' sabre-rattling and intimidations... we should demonstrate our belief not to yield an inch of our territory and sovereignty," President Tsai had said as he sought to push back China's military might.

A Taiwan military report said that China's military actions posed "grave challenges" to its national defence and security. 
&nbsp;

Chinese jets entered Taiwan's air space on Christmas Day, the nation's defence ministry said on Friday. Watch: "Two PLA aircraft - Y-8 ASW and Y-8 reconnaissance entered Taiwan’s southwest ADIZ on December 25," Taiwan's defence ministry said.

Chinese jets entered Taiwan's air space on Christmas Day, the nation's defence ministry said on Friday. Watch: "Two PLA aircraft - Y-8 ASW and Y-8 reconnaissance entered Taiwan’s southwest ADIZ on December 25," Taiwan's defence ministry said. Two PLA aircraft (Y-8 ASW and Y-8 RECCE) entered #Taiwan’s southwest ADIZ on Dec. 25. Please check our official website for more information: https://t.co/y4g8rjNykf pic.twitter.com/PYOTtjPQy4 — 國防部 Ministry of National Defense, R.O.C. 🇹🇼 (@MoNDefense) December 25, 2020 × Taiwan issued radio warnings and deployed its air defence missile systems to monitor the activity of the Chinese jets. Chinese jets have been making repeated incursions into Taiwan's air space in the past three months. President Tsai Ing-wen had earlier warned that the Taiwan Air Force has been scrambling fighter jets at more than double the rate of last year. China views Taiwan has a reneged province and has vowed to unite it with the mainland, a move resisted by the county including the US which is Taiwan's biggest ally. Last week, Taiwan had deployed its Air Force as a Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong sailed through the Taiwan Strait. According to Taiwan's military, the country's fighter jets have taken to the skies 4,100 times till October in response to China's incursions making about 22 sorties a day on average which is 129 per cent more than last year. The rate of dispatch of Naval ships has also gone up manifold to resist Chinese ships at sea with Taiwan sending its vessels 7,500 times compared to 6,000 last year. "Faced with Chinese communists' sabre-rattling and intimidations... we should demonstrate our belief not to yield an inch of our territory and sovereignty," President Tsai had said as he sought to push back China's military might. A Taiwan military report said that China's military actions posed "grave challenges" to its national defence and security.

Two Chinese aircraft enter Taiwan’s air space on Christmas Day

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